Nurturing Families and Community

We believe that every family needs support and a strong sense of community. Connecting with others and building confidence as a parent helps develop strong families. We also strongly support the bond between parent and child and are partnering with Emotionalintelligence.org and Helpguide.org to promote, teach and nurture mother/father-child attachment theory and behavior. To learn more about our partnership with  Helpguide.org, and to find out how to receive a copy of their newly released DVD, "Creating Secure Infant Attachment: Helping Your Baby Get the Best Possible Start in Life," click HERE.

Our list of classes and support groups are listed below. Since some of our classes have waiting lists, please note that submitting this form does not guarantee that there will be space in the class you have selected.

But first, A Place for Parents is delighted to announce the launch of the YWCA Family Cooperative Preschool, which will open in Fall 2011! To visit the Preschool's new website, click HERE. To make a tuition payment click HERE. The Goal of the YWCA Family Cooperative Preschool is to provide a non-judgmental learning environment for children while creating a supportive and cooperative community for teachers, parents and children.  Objectives of the Cooperative are to establish a partnership between the YWCA and the Venice Parents Daycare and Preschool that supports a cooperative model of learning and development, extend the learning environment through collaboration with other YWCA programs, and promote the YWCA’s Cycle of Life model of program delivery by expanding A Place for Parents offerings to serve parents of preschool-aged children.

• To download an application for the Family Cooperative Preschool, click HERE.
• To sponsor the Family Cooperative Preschool, click HERE for more information and to download a sponsorship form. To make your donation right away, click HERE.

Play SlideShow

Hayden

Cathy and Sam

Kayla

Francisco

Ava

Nischal and Jordan

Nicholas

Catherine and Grace

Infant & Me (2-12 mos.)

$18 per class, payable in two month blocks

• Mondays, 11:00 am - 12:00 noon
  

  This is a group for parents and infants ages 2-12 months. The group includes activities such as singing, finger rhymes, parachute, and bubbles as well as discussing parenting issues. It is a great place to meet other parents, have fun and get support! Please call Barbara Olinger at 310-452-3881 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Twins & Me

$26 per class, payable in two month blocks

• Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Toddler & Me (1 - 3 years)

$18 per class, payable in 2 month blocks for one designated day each week.

• Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:15 - 10:15 am
• Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12 noon
• Mondays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Transitional Toddler (12-20 mos.)

$18 per class, payable in two month blocks

• Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Parent Support Classes

$27 per class payable in two months blocks for one designated day each week.

• Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, childcare provided (3 - 6 yrs.)

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 while parenting in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. Parents learn how to set limits within a non-judgmental, non-punitive framework while connecting with other parents. For parents will older children, these support classes will help you to stay connected with your child as he/she travels through important transitional years.

Cottage Activity Time

$28 per class

• Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 am
• Monday through Thursday, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Cottage Activity Time is a two-hour drop-off program for children ages 2 to 3 1/2 years old that supports the separation process between parent and child. Children are guided through play where social and conflict resolution skills are emphasized. A wide range of activities are offered and organic snacks are served. Children do not have to be toilet trained.

Mandarin Story Time (3 years and older)

• Tuesdays, 10:45 - 11:30 am
• Thursdays, 2:15 - 3:00 pm

Fun-filled immersion class starting in October!

To register or for more information e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"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."

For more information, contact Barbara Olinger, MSW, Director of Family Development, at (310) 452-3881, x104 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Coming Soon!

Barbara Olinger's new booklet "The Art of Connection Parenting" will be available for sale starting September! PLease contact Barbara at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if interested in buying a copy.