Sessions: 8 Sessions, 45 minutes
Cost: $103 plus a $37 materials fee due the first class
Time: Saturdays 9:30-10:15
Class size: 3min/12max (with caregiver)
Description: Kindermusik International has been the world's leading publisher of music and movement curricula for 0-7 year-olds for almost 30 years. All classes are guided by a child development expert, who uses research-proven curricula that has been proven to boost your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social, musical, and language development. Parent education is a key component of the Kindermusik experience. We know you are your child’s most important teacher, so we provide you with research-based home materials to bring the learning and FUN home. In addition, “Foundation of Learning Statements” are shared in class, through a weekly e-mail, and through a monthly newsletter to help you help you help your child to reach their full potential! All of www.ParentChildU.com classes include: music, movement, active listening, story time, vocal play, instrument time, parachute play, American Sign Language, and more! Cock-a-doodle-MOO explores a farm theme through music, motion, and multi-sensory activities. Baby will enjoy the movement of a “hayride,” and experience vocal play by using farm animal sounds. See class pictures and clips and find out what families are saying at www.ParentChildU.com. A $37 fee will be collected the first day of class for
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Kindermusik Our Time: Away We Go! (1.5 - 3 yrs w/caregiver)
Our Time video clip!
Home Materials include 2 long play CDs, 2 books, a carrying case, a harmonica, and a home activity journal to extend this learning into the home.
Ages: 1 ½-3 with caregiver
Sessions: 10, 45 minutes
Cost: $137 plus a $56 materials fee due the first class
Day/Time: Fridays 10:30-11:15 AND Saturdays 9:30-10:15
Dates: 1/18 – 3/28, skip 3/23 & 1/19-3/29, skip 3/24 for spring break
Class size: 3min/12max (with caregiver)
Description: Away We Go! guides parent and child to explore the exciting world of things that go! Singing, dancing, and developmentally appropriate activities lead this transportation adventure to the discovery of trains, cars, buses, horses, wagons, airplanes and boats. See class pictures and clips and find out what families are saying at www.ParentChildU.com! A $56 materials fee will be collected the first day of class.
Description: Kindermusik International has been the world's leading publisher of music and movement curricula for 0-7 year-olds for almost 30 years. All classes are guided by a child development expert, who uses research-proven curricula that has been proven to boost your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social, musical, and language development. Parent education is a key component of the Kindermusik experience. We know you are your child’s most important teacher, so we provide you with research-based home materials to bring the learning and FUN home. In addition, “Foundation of Learning Statements” are shared in class, through a weekly e-mail, and through a monthly newsletter to help you help you help your child to reach their full potential! All of www.ParentChildU.com classes include: music, movement, active listening, story time, vocal play, instrument time, parachute play, American Sign Language, and more! Wiggles & Giggles features songs, activities and literature books surrounding the ever exciting themes of taking a bath, animal movements, and love for family and friends. See class pictures and clips and find out what families are saying at www.ParentChildU.com! A $54 materials fee will be collected the first day of class.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Kindermusik Family Time: Here, There, Everywhere!
(Birth - 5 yrs w/caregiver)
Family Time video clip!
Home Materials include: one hand and finger puppet; two literature books: Flip-Flap, Sugar Snap and Jingle-Jangle Jambourines; 42-page activity book; Game board; 2 CDs; 2 Jambourine instruments.
Ages: 0-5 with caregiver/s
Sessions: 10
Cost: 0-6 months old FREE with sibling, $135 + 69 materials fee 1st child, 10% discount for 2nd child, 20% discount for 3rd child, etc.
Time: 45 minutes,
Days: Tuesday nights 6:20-7:05 AND Fridays 11:30-12:15 AND Saturdays 10:30-11:15
Dates: Tues 1/15-3/25, skip 3/20 for spring break & F:1/18 – 3/28, skip 3/23 & Sat 1/19-3/29, skip 3/24 for spring break
Class size: 4min/12max (with caregiver/s)
Description: Kindermusik International has been the world's leading publisher of music and movement curricula for 0-7 year-olds for almost 30 years. All classes are guided by a child development expert, who uses research-proven curricula that has been proven to boost your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social, musical, and language development. Parent education is a key component of the Kindermusik experience. We know you are your child’s most important teacher, so we provide you with research-based home materials to bring the learning and FUN home. In addition, “Foundation of Learning Statements” are shared in class, through a weekly e-mail, and through a monthly newsletter to help you help you help your child to reach their full potential! All of PCU’s classes include: music, movement, active listening, story time, vocal play, instrument time, parachute play, American Sign Language, and more! Here, There, and Everywhere is designed to apply musical and development learning in a multi-age, multi-child, family environment. Family Time helps children develop musical skills, as well as the social skills, necessary to share, take turns, and strengthen the family bond among family members. Together we will go on musical adventures to visit a friend, stroll in the park, take a trip to the city, a day at the farm, and spend an afternoon at the aquarium! Children 6 months and younger FREE with registered sibling and 10% discounts for each additional child in the family.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Kindermusik Sign & Sing, A&B (6 mos. - 2 yrs w/caregiver)
KI Sign & Sing created by Signing Smart video clip!
Home Materials include: 2 Family Activity Guides, 2 Diaper-bag dictionary flashcard sets: Ffirst Signs Flashcards & Animal Signs Flashcards, and a parent's DVD with 60 signs and a children’s DVD The Treasure Chest: Signs, Songs, and Rhymes with 90 signs.
Ages: 6 mos. – 3 yrs.
Sessions: 10 classes
Dates: 1/16-3/26 skip 3/21 for spring break
Cost: $147 plus $68 for home materials
Class size: 3min/12max (with caregiver)
Day/Time: Wednesdays 11:30-12:15
Description: Through songs, toys, and loving playtime between you and your child, Sign & Sing created by Signing Smart™ teaches you more than 130 signs your child can use to communicate with you before the can talk or for fun! Using research-proven methods shown to speed language development in hearing children, you'll see how sign language can ease frustration and enhance long-term learning abilities for your child (NIH found a 12 point IQ increase)! Already accustomed to finger-plays and rhyme-songs—such as "The Bear Went Over the Mountain"—you'll easily substitute American Sign Language (ASL) signs in familiar songs, improving your child's language skills, fine motor skills, and strengthen fingers for zipping zippers and using scissors.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Kindermusik: Sign & Sing, A (6 mos. - 2 yrs.)
Signing Smart Treasure Chest 2 video clip!
Home Materials: Family Activity Guide, First Signs Flashcards and a DVD showing 60 signs.
Ages: 6 mos.–2 yrs.
Cost: $99, which includes a $37 for Home Materials: Family Activity Guide, First Signs Flashcards and a DVD showing 60 signs.
Time: Tentatively 6:20 - 7:05 p.m.
Days: Thursdays 1/10 - 2/07/08
Location: Parenting Playgroups, Inc. 6161 Fuller Court, Alexandria, VA 22310
Description: Using Signing Smart research-proven methods shown to speed language development in hearing children, you'll see how ASL can ease frustration and enhance long-term learning abilities for your child. Already accustomed to finger-plays and rhyme-songs you'll easily substitute ASL signs in familiar songs, improving your child's language and fine motor skills.
Register: At www.ParentChildU.com Registration page. Pay via PayPal via your PayPal account or credit card or call (571) 643-1002 to arrange other payment options.
Signing Smart™: Beginner Play Class (6 mos. - 2 yrs w/caregiver)
Signing Smart Treasure Chest 2 video clip!
Home Materials include: Signing Smart for Early Communication: Beginner Handbook, Signing Smart Video Glossary with 135 signs, and The Treasure Chest: Vol. 1: children’s video with over 30 signs. A $46 materials fee is due to the instructor the first day of class. Repeat students Home Materials fee $16.00.
Ages: 6 months – 2 yrs.
Sessions: 10 week class, 45 min
Cost: $157 + 46 materials fee
Day/Time: Wednesdays 9:30-10:15
Dates: 1/16-3/26, skip 3/21 for spring break
Class size: 3min/12max (with caregiver/s)
Description: Through songs, toys, and loving playtime between you and your child, Sign & Sing created by Signing Smart™ teaches you more than 130 signs your child can use to communicate with you before the can talk or for fun! Using research-proven methods shown to speed language development in hearing children, you'll see how sign language can ease frustration and enhance long-term learning abilities for your child (NIH found a 12 point IQ increase)! Already accustomed to finger-plays and rhyme-songs—such as "The Bear Went Over the Mountain"—you'll easily substitute American Sign Language (ASL) signs in familiar songs, improving your child's language skills, fine motor skills, and strengthen fingers for zipping zippers and using scissors.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Signing Smart™: Intermediate Play Class (12 mos. - Under 3 yrs w/caregiver)
Signing Smart Treasure Chest 2 video clip!
Home Materials include: Signing Smart Intermediate Handbook and The Treasure Chest 2: Signs, Songs and Rhymes children’s DVD and CD with over 90 signs. Repeat students Home Materials fee $16.00.
Ages: 12 months – under 3 yrs
Sessions: 10 week class, 45 min
Cost: $135 + $37 materials fee due the first class session
Day/Time: Wednesdays 10:30-11:15
Class size: 3min/12max (with caregiver/s)
Description: Through engaging and developmentally-stimulating activities, you will learn how to use 130 ASL signs and Signing Smart Strategies to: decrease temper tantrums, facilitate your child's comprehension of abstract ideas and stimulate your child's memory skills. Songs, rhymes, parachute play and center time help foster emotional understanding, encourage symbolic play, enhance overall vocabulary and sentence use (signed and spoken), and advance your child's pre-literacy abilities through strategic sign use while reading, rhyming, and storytelling. No prior signing experience or class required.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Parent Classes, Winter 2008
The National Effective Parenting Initiative (NEPI), The Happiest Baby on the Block, The Happiest Toddler on the Block, Signing Smart™ Parent Workshop, Signing Smart™ Child Care Provider & Infant/Toddler Teacher Workshop, Playground Diplomacy Parent Workshop, Peer Pressure Parent Workshop, Positive Discipline, Guiding Good Choices & More!
Please note, all of our parent-tot classes also include fun parent education.
Parenting Book Club: Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason
Ages: Adults only please (Babies of nursing moms of 6 months & under are welcome as long as mom does not mind missing parts of the lecture if baby fusses :))
Cost: FREE
Location: Shirlington Library
Tentative Dates: still pending
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. (The library closed at 9pm)
Registration Required: Please register online at www.ParentChildU.com - Registration page or call (571) 643-1002
Facilitator: Tracey Kretzer, MS, Parent Educator & Parent Child U Founder & Executive Director
Description: Please come discuss a perspective on parenting that is different from the traditional parenting book or class. Come see why traditional parenting "models bullying behavior." Come learn why praise and punishment are simply "two sides of the same coin, and that coin does not buy very much." Come discuss this book/video with parents and professionals. Share and learn a ton of new tricks.
It is not necessary to have read the book or seen this video to come learn & share!
The Happiest Baby on the Block™ Parent Workshop!
Video Clip from The Happiest Baby on the Block
Home Materials included in the price of the class include: The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD & Super Soother CD.
Ages: Adults
Sessions: 1
Cost: $55 (includes $40 of materials in the price!)
Day/Time: To be determined. Private sessions and moms group sessions available.
Class size: 2min/25max
Description: The Happiest Baby on the Block Class is for all expectant & new parents and grandparents. New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of stress. Learn a step-by-step how approach to help their baby sleep longer and how to soothe even the fussiest colicky baby in minutes…even seconds. Magic? A miracle? No, it’s a reflex!™ Based Dr. Harvey Karp’s approach in his best-selling book and DVD, parents will learn: why the idea that colic is due to gas pains is mostly an old wives tale, why keeping the house quiet may actually be upsetting to many newborns, why most babies get more upset in the evening, why it’s impossible to spoil young babies, an easy way to help infants sleep a few hours more a night, why fathers are often the best calmers in the family.
To Register: Call (571) 643-1002
Viacord Cord Blood Preservation Session
Video Clip: ViaCord Family Success Story Archives
Description: For expectant parents & grandparents. Umbilical cord blood is used in the treatment of over 40 life-threatening diseases. The odds of someone in a family of 4 being diagnosed with one of these diseases is 1 and 27 or 3.7%. Current ongoing research suggests that cord blood may be used to treat heart disease and stroke. If so, the lifetime probability of being diagnosed with a disease treatable with cord blood then becomes 1 in 2! Call to learn about ViaCord's Gift Registry and receive $100 discount coupon.
To Register: Call (703) 228-4747
Signing Smart™ Parent Workshop: Beginner (Adults of 0 - Under 3 yrs)
Signing Smart Treasure Chest 2 video clip!
Home Materials include: award-winning Signing Smart with Babies and Toddlers: A Parent's Strategy and Activity Guide - for parents or caregivers to begin signing with their hearing infant or toddler, as well as for those seeking additional tools or activities. Photos of over 130 ASL signs and more than 70 fun interactive activities for the home or childcare setting. One book included per household.
Ages: Adults only please (Nursing moms of children less than 6 months of age are more than welcome but need to make sure all can hear the presentation). Perfect for expectant parents as well as those with children from 0-2. Cost: $55 includes Home Materials fee (50% discount for accompanying spouse/grandparent). Description: The Beginner Signing Smart Workshop is for expectant parents or parents new to signing with their baby as well as for those who have already gotten started and are looking for support during the early phases. More than just motivating parents to sign, this workshop helps parents develop a plan for successfully signing with research-proven Signing Smart strategies and techniques. You will learn the Signing Smart Start - how many and which signs to use in the early stages - as well as how to build up your signs as time goes on. In addition, you will learn to create interactions in which your infant or toddler most easily learns signs, how to bring signs into your child's world, and how to recognize your child's first signs. Through instructor presentation, interactive activities and discussion, and video examples, you will learn over 35 ASL signs, as well as tools, strategies, and resources that will enable you to experience the success of Signing Smart from the very first day!
Date: 1/12 and available upon request for pre-arranged groups.
Time: 9:30-12:00
Location: Walter Reed Center
Price: Includes the book above & materials together worth $20 in the $55 price. Spouses and grandparents 1/2 price!
To Register: Through Arlington County Recreation or Call (571) 643-1002 for private classes or with questions
Signing Smart™ Childcare Providers & Infant/Toddler Teacher Workshop
Signing Smart Treasure Chest 2 video clip!
Home Materials include: award-winning Signing Smart with Babies and Toddlers: A Parent's Strategy and Activity Guide - for parents or caregivers to begin signing with their hearing infant or toddler, as well as for those seeking additional tools or activities. Photos of over 130 ASL signs and more than 70 fun interactive activities for the home or childcare setting. Also includes 2 Diaper-bag Dictionaries – your choice of 2: First Signs, Animal Signs, Food Signs, or Holiday Signs.
Ages: Adults. Perfect for child care providers, nannies, babysitters, and even grandparents who provide care for children ages 0-2.
1st Teacher Cost: $100 includes the $50 Home Materials fee, 2nd & 3rd Teacher at one center cost: $50 with no materials One materials fee included for every 3rd teacher enrolled in a center.
Description: This Signing Smart Workshop is relevant for childcare providers and teachers of hearing infants and toddlers and is specifically geared towards those who work with multiple children simultaneously. More than just motivating teachers to sign with the babies and toddlers in their care, this workshop helps professionals develop a plan for successfully incorporating signs and research-proven Signing Smart strategies and techniques into their classrooms. By using group-orientated Signing Smart strategies, teachers will enhance spoken language skills, facilitate cognitive and emotional development, and take advantage of this powerful classroom management tool. As a result, teachers will notice a decrease in children's frustration, aggression, and tantrums, and an increase in constructive interactions and positive affect. Through instructor presentation, interactive activities and discussion, and video examples, you will learn simple but successful Signing Smart techniques that make signing a welcome addition to your work with children. You will learn the Signing Smart Start in a group setting, as well as how many and which signs to use as you introduce Signing Smart to your entire class. You will further learn how help children access your signs in the hectic environment of a classroom, how to implement our simple and successful strategies that make signing a breeze, as well as how to recognize what signs look like on children's hands.
Date: 52nd Annual VAECE Conference & available upon request for pre-arranged groups.
Time: Time to be determined.
Location: Hyatt Regency Reston, Reston, VA & available at your location upon request.
To Register: VAECE Conference call (888) 22-VAECE or www.VAECE.org or to arrange your own session for your child care agency call (571) 643-1002.
Positive Discipline Parent (or Child Care Provider) Workshop
What do we really want for our children? Do we want our children to become happy, responsible, independent, successful, etc. adults? Do our parenting methods match our goals or do we want children to simply do what they are told? If so, what kind of adult will such a child ultimately become? There are dozens of ways you can help your child learn to become a responsible adult. Perhaps the most powerful method is through modeling. However, it is tough being a parent! Tons of parents in a goal not to be permissive try talking to their child only to become frustrated and ultimately resort to power methods: yelling, grabbing, saying "Because I said so" and more. This teaches children the person that is bigger, stronger, and/or has the most power gets their way. Is that really what we want to teach our children? "More traditional parenting styles model bullying behavior" (Alfie Kohn, March 2007). Come learn positive discipline methods heralded by the best in the field. Come learn the research behind such approaches. Be the parent you always knew you could be through positive discipline. Be confident knowing you are helping your child become the adult you know they can be!
Date & Location: To be determined by individuals & groups for the winter term. Please continue to check back.
To Register: Call (571) 643-1002
Peer Pressure Parent (or Teacher) Workshop
Peer pressure is usually considered a 'bad' thing. Peer pressure can be positive too! Come learn both the negative and the positive ways peer pressure can be used to help children thwart bullying and help the team!
Date & Location: To be determined by individuals & groups for the winter term. Please continue to check back.
To Register: Call (571) 643-1002
Playground Diplomacy™ Parent (or Teacher) Workshop!
Ages: Adults only
Sessions: 1
Cost: $25 per person
Day/Time: To Be Determined
Min/Max: 2min/40max
Description: Come learn research-proven methods of helping your child learn child to child “Playground Diplomacy.” Learn parent to parent tips too. Empathy, problem-solving, bully-busting, tattling vs. reporting, and anger management will be explored. Voluntary role plays and a mock family meeting will be demonstrated. Come learn and have FUN! See parent-tot Playground Diplomacy class for more information or learn more at www.ParentChildU.com.
To Register: Call (571) 643-1002
Parenting Book Club: The Happiest Toddler on the Block: The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old
Ages: Adults
Cost: Free
Location: To be determined.
Dates: Available upon request.
Time: To be determined
Registration Required: (571) 643-1002
The National Effective Parenting Initiative (NEPI) Information Session
Ages: Adults
Sessions: 1
Cost: FREE for local presentations
Day/Time: 7:30-8:30 Future private sessions and moms group sessions are also available.
Class size: 5min/50max (Individual sessions based on availability)
Location: Private and group sessions are available.
Next Session Date: Upon request.
Description: www.EffectiveParentingUSA.org
To Register: Call (571) 643-1002
Parent Child U
Demos, Birthday Parties, Events & More
Fall 2007
Birthday Party Entertainment!
Birthday Party Flyer
Parent Child U: Kindermusik Birthday Package*:
Cost: $175 - an incredible deal in the DC area & includes a ton of things including:
Description: A fun 30-40 minute Kindermusik and/or Sign & Sing music and story time circle led by a licensed PCU educator
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8 gift bags
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A gift for the birthday boy/girl
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Theme, songs & gift bags planned with Parent Child University ahead of time so you won't have to worry!
Shiny Dinah Train Party (Other themes available)
Birthday Boy/Girl Gift includes:
- 1 Shiny Dinah Big Book
- 1 Shiny Dinah CD
- 1 pair of Shiny Dinah chime eggs
- Parent Child U T-shirt
8 Gift Bags include:
- 8 Shiny Dinah small books
- 8 beach balls or CDs
- 8 Bubbles
- 8 Coupon for a FREE Parent Child University class
- Additional instruments or items available at cost & upon request
- Additional or Sibling gift bags available at cost
* All items subject to availability
To Discuss Available Dates in Northern VA or possibly DC or MD for an additional time/gas charge: Call (571) 643-1002
Babies R Us Demonstrations
Babies R Us holds a Baby Fest from 11-2 the 2nd Saturday of every month. We try to attend each quarter. Please check our website for dates.
Registration: Not necessary but helpful. Form at www.ParentChildU.com - Registration page.
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