Family Guidance Classes are facilitated at the Little Learners Lodge infant facility and conducted year round in 15-week increments with the exception of summer enrollment. Drop in opportunities in July present a great opportunity to check out what guidance classes are all about. Inspired by Magda Gerber’s Educaring® Approach, families with their little ones enjoy a safe space to explore and connect with experienced Montessori, Pikler, and RIE® trained mentor teachers and like-minded parents.  

 

Discover Your Baby’s unique personality in a peaceful, safe play setting, encouraging babies to become attentive, active, and curious explorers. The philosophy incorporated at Little Learners Lodge is all about respect - specifically, responding to infants and children with the same respectfulness we try to use in adult relationships. In this 15-week series, parents are the natural experts, observing and learning from their child, other participants, and an experienced Team of Mentor Master Early Childhood Professionals.

 

This is not a guided play activity class where parents decide how babies move and explore. Instead, it is about reading babies' cues and carefully considering when to intervene in their exploration and, more importantly, when not to.

 

This series begins with a foundational overview of Magda Gerber's work on respectful caregiving. It will then give you the space, time, and guidance to notice what your child can do rather than what they cannot.

• You will learn about and practice balancing your baby's needs and your own and tune in to your unique child and family circumstances.

• You will connect with the joy of observing your child's unfolding developmental process and discuss how to turn your home into a supportive sanctuary without expensive toys or gimmicks.

• Along with facilitated discussion, there will be intentional time for observing the babies and the opportunity for reflection and development in your attunement and reverence for your baby.

 

​​Fee Information

• Registration Fee (one-time charge) $50.00

• Fifteen Week Session $250.00

 

Family Guidance Classes are organized into 15-week sessions. Sessions are continuous, i.e., there are no lapses between one session and the next. There are no make-up classes and no refunds for missed classes. Families should bring all items necessary for their child's care and well-being (diapers, a bottle, water, etc.). The center will provide play materials and a safe place for your child to explore.

By signing up, you agree to the following statement: I understand that during my participation in the Family Guidance Classes, I or my partner will be present each time we bring our infant to class.   Little Learners Lodge (“LLL”)  can not assume responsibility for my child's safety, and I will not hold LLL or its staff responsible for any event.
 

Next Family Guidance Class Schedule, click on the link to register:

• July 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th drop-in (register in advance) - $25 per class or 4 classes for $75

• Fall 15 week session: Orientation August 19th - Classes meet 3:15 pm-4:15 pm (day of the week TBA)

• Spring 2025 15 week session TBA

 

Registration and payment are non-refundable. Class size is limited to eight (8) families per developmental stage. Classes will continue in 15-week sessions throughout the year, and the environment will change to meet the group's maturation. Meet-up times are subject to change depending on the child and facilitator's needs and availability as the group organizes. Attendance in Parent Guidance classes affords priority (after siblings) in enrollment at Little Learners Lodge (subject to availability).