The Toddler/Infant and Me Classes are designed to help parents and children learn fun activities that nurture children's development and the parent/child bond. In these stimulating classes, singing, fabric play, music making, parachute games and bubbles take over. Children practice new social skills in these fun, exciting classes. Infant Classes are for children ages 0-12 months and Toddler Classes are for children ages 1-3 years. The Parent Support Groups are designed to help parents learn crucial information about their child's development and express the wide range of emotions that arise when parenting in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. Connecting with others and building confidence as a parent are both basic factors in developing strong families. Practical advise included! Childcare is provided during these groups.

Barbara Olinger, "A Place For Parents" Director, has her Masters in Social Work and over 25 years experience working with children and families in both therapeutic and educational environments. She has been a head teacher at a cooperative day care/pre-school for eight years and has facilitated Toddler/Infant and Me Classes at the YWCA Santa Monica / Westside for the past 15 years. She has led numerous workshops on parenting. Her parenting/teaching style incorporates a non-judgmental validation of the child's world. Ms. Olinger leads both the Toddler/Infant and Me classes as well as the Parent Support groups for parents of 0-6 year old children. Her knowledge, experience and her ability to develop relationships with both parent and child bridges the gap between the two groups, making this a unique program.

"If we understand our children's developmental stages and needs, it becomes easier to set limits in a non-judgmental way and to offer loving guidance to help self-esteem blossom. If we can do this within a supportive community, parenting can become the most wondrous adventure imaginable."

Call Barbara Olinger (310)452-3881 for more information and schedule of classes.