This winter and spring, join Edlavitch DCJCC for in-person fun for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (with their grownups)!
The EDCJCC Parenting Center’s Child and Caregiver Classes are designed to meet the developmental and social needs of infants and toddlers — newborns through age 4 — and to provide meaningful and fun bonding experiences for parents and other caregivers. Class options include preschool playgroup, music, yoga, art, ballet, gymnastics, Getting Ready for Preschool, and many more.
Couples and single parents, LGBTQ and straight, Jewish and non-Jewish, people of any color or ability… all families are warmly welcomed.
Registration for Winter and Spring 2023 sessions is now open! The Winter 2023 session runs from January through early March and the Spring 2023 session runs from mid-March through late May. You can register for one or both sessions at the same time, but be aware that the spring classes often fill up early, since many people register for both sessions at the same time.
This post is sponsored by The Edlavitch DCJCC, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
At Bright Horizons®, your child will be safe, well cared for, and supported by professional trained teachers who love what they do. Bright Horizons’ curriculum is age appropriate and custom designed to encourage curious, happy, and confident children at every age and stage.
Through Bright Horizons Smithsonian Discoveries, children will have the opportunity to participate in a series of project challenges: Collections, Music and Sound, Buildings and Construction, Self-Identity, and Patterns. Each project challenge begins with children engaging with artifact images from the Smithsonian®, offering additional learning opportunities as teachers observe and reflect on children’s interests and ideas.
Children see patterns all around them — in their homes, schools, and more — and they start recognizing and associating them with thoughts, feelings, and memories at a very young age. Hands-on exploration gives children the opportunity to design and create their own patterns; it helps them make sense of what they see in their communities and the world around them; and it helps them understand why patterns are important.
Giveaway: For a chance to win a classic set of Magna-Tiles (value $50) — the original 3D magnetic building sets for ages 3+ that engage young minds by fusing together math, science, and creativity — simply leave a comment below naming your child’s favorite toy or game. This giveaway will run through Friday, October 21, 2022, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!
This post and giveaway are sponsored by Bright Horizons, however, I only promote places, programs, and services that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Imagination Stage has been a beloved and trusted theatre for 43 years! Their fall classes provide an ideal setting for nurturing creativity, exploring the arts, and making new friends and great memories. Registration is now open for 6- and 10-week classes as well as one-day workshops in acting, musical theatre, performance, dance, and filmmaking for ages 1-18. They are conveniently located in Bethesda, just minutes from the Metro.
The skilled and fun-loving teaching artists are dedicated to the Imagination Stage mission of empowering all young people to discover their voice and identity through the performing arts. Financial aid is available.
Early Childhood Classes
Check out some of the classes and workshops for children ages 1-5, which focus on providing fun and developmentally-appropriate experiences!
Teen Classes
Middle and high school aged students have a chance to hone their skills and have some fun in Dance, Acting and Musical Theatre, Training and Performance, Filmmaking, or Access classes!
*Imagination Stage provides equitable access to all programming, from added inclusion supports to peer-group access classes in order to provide the most successful experience for each student.
This post is sponsored by Imagination Stage, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings – from worry to excitement – for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,” said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers’ inclusion services team. “Learning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience, and independence. What’s important is the way adults respond to children’s stress. Offering comfort, reassurance, and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.”
As an added bonus, Elliott said many of the most effective ways to help children learn to navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school.
Plan Ahead
The fear of the unknown can be stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations – like going to school and being around other people – and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clinginess or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates.
Build a Consistent Routine
Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they’re ready to face something new.
Create Special Family Moments
As important as routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or special time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency.
For more tips to navigate back-to-school season, visit Kindercare.com.
About KinderCare® Learning Centers
KinderCare Learning Centers is America’s largest, most accredited child care provider, serving more than 160,000 children every day at more than 1,500 centers. For more than 50 years, we’ve been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence for life. At KinderCare, hardworking families are family — regardless of needs, backgrounds, and experiences.
To learn more, visit online at KinderCare.com, on Facebook, or onInstagram. For resources, information, and activity ideas for parents and teachers of young children, see the KinderCare Blog.
KinderCare locations now open in D.C.:
Watergate KinderCare
Ann Bride, Acting Center Director
2530 Virginia Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
833-905-3276
Ages Served: 6 weeks to 5 years
7:30am to 6:3pm, Monday-Friday
Glover Park KinderCare
Dionne Muir-Clark, Center Director
2461 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
833-905-3276
Ages Served: 6 weeks to 5 years
6:30am to 6pm, Monday-Friday
This post is sponsored by KinderCare® Learning Centers, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will be of interest to KFDC readers.
A new Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool location is coming to the DC area this fall. Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro will offer infant to pre-kindergarten programs. Located near the Bethesda Metro station and right off Wisconsin Avenue, the center is convenient to get to, whether you’re working in the office or at home.
Visit the website to learn more and schedule a virtual or in-person visit to see what sets makes Bright Horizons a trusted partner for families!
This post is sponsored by Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool®, however, I only promote programs, places, and services that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
