Parent Education Classes
Supporting Parents
During our time spent in homes with families, we recognize the lack of parent resources and the importance of sharing our information regarding language, play and development. Intentionally selected and specific language, activities, games and toys encourage the development of communication, play and cognition of young children. Our classes discuss our favorite activities and toys, and the reasons why we’ve selected and use these in our sessions. For example, puzzles build cognitive skills, such as attention, focus, and problem solving. Pretend play builds early executive function skills, language, sequencing, creativity, etc. Our classes target age-specific groups to help parents understand age appropriate development, where their child’s skills are on the developmental spectrum, and what to anticipate next.
Virtual Parent Class Updates
We are currently working on recording our classes so you can access them on demand. Please check back soon for updates.
Class Descriptions
Language Milestones
Learn about developmental milestones for language. Classes will help you understand the language skills your child should have and ways to facilitate this language in the home. We recommend choosing the class where your child’s age falls in the middle of the range. This will help you understand the skills your child should already have, the skills that are emerging, and the skills yet to come.
Birth - 18 months
12 months - 30 months
18 months - 36 months
Cognition
Learn about developmental milestones for cognition, or thinking and play skills. These classes will help you understand the cognitive skills your child should have and strategies to facilitate them in the home. We recommend choosing the class where your child’s age falls in the middle of the range. This will help you understand the skills your child should already have, the skills that are emerging, and the skills yet to come.
Birth - 18 months
12 months - 30 months
18 months - 36 months
Literacy
Growing Literacy from Birth
Learn why it’s important to start reading to your child as a baby and how to help your child become a strong reader. We will discuss early literacy milestones and strategies to encourage your child to meet those milestones.
Pre-literacy Skills
Learn the skills your child should have before beginning to read, and how you can work on these skills through fun games and book reading. We will demonstrate strategies and provide advice on choosing books for each age range.
Special Topics
Behavior and Language
Are your children struggling to listen at home? Many behavioral challenges are due to difficulty with communication. Learn how you can change your language in order to encourage communication and decrease behaviors. Therapists demonstrate ready to use strategies to help prevent tantrums and support cooperation.
Toys for Toddler Development
Learn which toys are our favorite and why. We will discuss appropriate toys for different ages, and how they help improve play skills. We will demonstrate how we use toys to target both play and language skills.
Positive Screen Time
Learn the view of a Speech Language Pathologist on electronics and why playing with toys and social partners is vital for a child’s development. We will talk about the pros and cons of screen time and how to establish a healthy balance during childhood.
Integrating Language Learning in Daily Routines
We understand that parents have a busy schedule and it can be difficult to set aside time to target specific skills. Learn how to embed language into daily routines to promote language and cognitive development.
Not sure which class is right for you? We’d love to help you choose the right class!
Email us! contactus@leaptolearning.com
“Children need the freedom and the time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity”
— Kay Redfield Jamison