The LAVC Family Resource Center

Register for the Summer Infant & Toddler Playgroups!

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:24:43 -0700

We are now enrolling for our Infant & Toddler 2013 Summer Session for you and your child (newborn to 30 months old)!

The playgroups will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm from June 11th to August 15th.

The enrollment fee is $10 and the summer parking pass is $5.

Pre-registration is required. To register, please follow the instructions provided below:

1) Go to http://lavalley.augusoft.net

2) Click on courses on the left hand side

3) Under the Play column, click on Just for Kids

4) Select Infant & Toddler Playgroups

5) Complete the required registration information

I am interested in the infant & toddler play group. Is it too late to join?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:58:52 -0700

We still have spaces available in the afternoon sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Our morning sessions on Tuesday and Thursday are completely full at this time. Call us at (818) 778-5612 for more information or registration assistance.

IT'S MINE !!!

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:33:00 -0700

We all know that toddlers don’t share…but some of us don’t know they CAN’T share. Sometimes it’s so hard to take a deep breath and just delight in their ability to think the world revolves around them!

But…there is hope on the horizon….they grow up! Here’s a link to an article in the LA Times that will help put it all in perspective.

STORY PIRATES!!!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:50:32 -0700

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! The Story Pirates is a great family show! They have a new show that looks like it’s great for older toddlers and young preschoolers, and fun for adults as well.

The Geffen Playhouse is charming…it’s easy to get to in Westwood …and it’s surrounded by inexpensive family-friendly restaurants.

BAKING COOKIES = ACADEMIC SKILLS

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:51:43 -0800

Staying with our theme of the importance of everyday events for families having fun together…this beautiful image says it all!

We can all share in the absolute pure ecstasy this child is experiencing as she “helps” bake cookies!

For those of you who like to know what your child is learning: you’re building your relationship with each other, developing language skills as you chat together….and as she cracks, measures, pours, spills and blends…she’s learning parts, wholes and how matter changes… I could go on and on about the value and fun of cooking together!

Playgroup for Dads and kids (3 years old and under) this Saturday !!!

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:01:00 -0800

Dads - Come on out and play with your child and meet some other dads! We even promise NOT to make you sing!

Our monthly “Daddy and Me” playgroup will meet this Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 10:30am to 12:00pm, rain or shine!

It is a FREE playgroup located in the Family Resource Center but pre-registration is required!.

Call 818 778-5612 or email <lopezj@lavc.edu> to reserve a space.

ASK THE PROFESSIONAL !!!

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:39:31 -0800

If you are enrolled in Parenting 20CE and bringing your baby to playgroups …read on!!!!

Every Thursday morning (before playgroups) Lisa is available to meet with you privately to answer questions and discuss whatever you want. No questions are too big or too small!!!

In case you don’t know:

Lisa Brauer, M.A., M.F.T., is a psychotherapist and child development specialist with a thriving private practice in Los Angeles. Both in private practice and in agency settings, Lisa offers parent education, play therapy, and case collaboration support. In her work with children, Lisa stresses a team approach and interfaces with a team of early interventionists. Lisa has taught workshops for LAUSD, Jewish Family Service and LAVC with an emphasis on understanding unique developmental patterns of children with special needs. As part of her commitment to young children, Lisa has worked to bring increased awareness and improve the quality of training provided to college students entering special needs work force. Ms. Brauer has been trained in the Touchpoints Approach from the Harvard-based Brazelton Touchpoints Center.

You must make an appointment directly with Lisa via email . You may bring your child with you and she can play while you chat.

lisabrauer2@gmail.com

FREE Afternoon Playgroups!

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:13:37 -0800

Though the morning playgroups filled quickly, afternoon playgroups still have spaces! Bring your child (up to 3 years old) for play and socialization! Meet other parents and have fun!

Playgroups are held Monday and Wednesday 2:30 - 3:30 at the LAVC Family Resource Center.

Call 818 778 5612 for more information.

Museums and Young Children

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:35:00 -0800

I’ve recently gotten a few questions from parents who are wondering when and how to introduce museums into their children’s lives. Clearly this photo shows how inspiring art is for young children!

So - when - whenever YOU feel like going to a museum. Your babe-in-arms/or stroller will like being with you…your toddler may like the big rooms and beautiful grounds to run in…and your preschooler may actually enjoy some of the art. And maybe they’ll remember and like the museum because it had a special rock to climb on… those initial experiences are what make them want to come back - and each visit will build on the previous one.

There’s usually a gift shop with children’s books about the exhibit, and it’s fun to review what you saw…”we just saw this!” There’s always something to talk about - colors, shapes, texture. And there are great open-ended questions to ask…”what does this painting make you think about?”…”how do you think the painter felt?”…..

LACMA is great because there is a large variety of exhibits to choose from (keep visits short) and Skirball has dedicated family days with lots of hands-on activities. I happen to especially love the Getty - partially because of the tram to get there, the gardens, the view…. and also because it’s FREE!

Space Still Available !!!

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:56:29 -0800

Internships with Infants and Toddlers

This class is closed online, BUT there are still spaces available!

1. Send me an email: roosevm@lavc.edu to be added to the list.

2. Come to the first class meeting on tuesday, Feb 5.

This class provides experience working with infants and toddlers in the Family Resource Center and counts for hours towards your CD Permit!

You must attend a seminar class on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. You will choose ONE of the play sessions on the following days:

Mondays 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesdays 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Thursdays 10:00sm - 1:00pm

Laundry, Laundry EVERYWHERE!!!

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:16:01 -0800

To build on a previous post about the importance of everyday opportunities for spending time as a family… folding laundry might even be more fun than loading a dishwasher!

And for those of you who are concerned that your child be prepared for kindergarten: be assured that she is learning language and math skills, among so much else. By chatting with you about colors and shapes and textures, she’ll pick up words. And as she folds and stacks and sorts socks, she’s learning about parts and whole.

But as always, remember you’re building a strong relationship, even if you have to re-do her “work”!

Winter Playgroups Begin Tomorrow!

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:09:47 -0800

Join us every Tuesday and Thursday in January for free Infant & Toddler Playgroups. Sessions are scheduled from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. No registration required! Call (818) 778-5612 for additional information.

Enroll Now For New Infant/Toddler Playgroups

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:12:17 -0800

Winter 2013

We will be continuing our Infant/Toddler Playgroups during the winter intersession. Join us every Tues. & Thurs. from 10:30am-12:00pm in the Family Resource Center from January 8 to January 31, 2013.

No registration required! For more information, call (818) 778-5612.

Spring 2013

New for spring…we are expanding the Infant/Toddler Playgroups to include new days and times!

Enroll now for our FREE Infant and Toddler Playgroups (ages 0-3), also known as Parenting 20CE. Once enrolled, you may choose any 2 of the following days/times to attend playgroups. Only officially enrolled families will be permitted to attend (see below for enrollment information).

Mondays from 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Tuesdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Tuesdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Thursdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm

Please note: The LAVC spring catalog only lists the Tues./Thurs. am options.

Parenting 20CE (Section #8700) is a FREE parenting course with a built-in infant and toddler playgroup component. Playgroups focus on building positive social interactions between children through play and exploration. Parents must be present with their babies. There is also a Child Development Specialist present to discuss different topics with parents including potty training, bed time routines, and more.

To register for this course with your student I.D., click here. Not a student? Click here to apply to the college and get your student I.D. # to begin registering for the Spring 2013 semester. To register, you do not need to be enrolled in college classes.

Questions? Call us after January 7 at (818) 778-5612.

Turn the TV OFF... and Unload the Dishwasher!

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:57:42 -0800

We just wanted to remind everyone that more often than not, it is those small everyday activities that we do together that are so meaningful. We forget that those special family events are great - but mostly, relationships are built, and our families become stronger, by just being together. Dishwashers get loaded, laundry gets done, and we all get to know each other - and maybe even have a few laughs! Definitely a win/win!

Here’s a wonderful article that caught my eye - talks about the importance of “resiliency”.

Christmas and REAL SNOW at the Service Station!!!!

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:14:00 -0800

For more information click here!!! See you there!

The STORY PIRATES Are Coming To Town!!!

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:34:49 -0800

We had no idea WHAT to expect when we went to see our dear friend Isabel son’s performance. It wasn’t even easy to get tickets - they were almost completely sold out. The theatre was packed with families of all ages - from babes in arms to grandparents.

We loved every second of it! The actors are not just actors, they are truly engaged AND engaging performers - clearly on their way to Broadway! They so beautifully included the audience as they acted out the childrens’ stories. Everyone had huge smiles on their faces. Click here to learn more.

Daddy & Me Playgroups Ending Soon!

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:30:00 -0800

Hey Dads,

Our last Daddy & Me Playgroup for the year will be on Saturday, December 15, 2012, from 10:30-12:00. Please join us for a fun filled morning and don’t forget to bring a healthy snack!

Our Daddy and Me Playgroups (ages0-3) requires no registration. All are welcome to join us, including mommies. We hope to see you all there!

Location: The Family Resource Center

Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012

Time: 10:30am-12:00pm

For more information please contact Jeanette Lopez at (818) 778-5549 or email at lopezj@lavc.edu.

Want to Work with Babies?

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:03:06 -0800

Want to know more about careers working with infants and toddlers?

Join us Tuesday, November 27 at 1:00 in the Family Resource Center. We will be hosting a director from Bright Horizons who will talk about lots of options and career paths.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:55:23 -0800

We have to admit that Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday! Maybe because there are no presents to buy; maybe because EVERYONE celebrates it. It just seems like it’s all about getting together, eating great food, and appreciating the great people and things in our lives!

What is it that you are grateful for this year?

WE DID IT!!!

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:21:19 -0800

We just had the most wonderful two days with Dr. Berry Brazelton and Dr. Joshua Sparrow of the Brazelton Touchpoints Institute in Boston!

On Saturday we had over 300 students, parents, teachers and providers who came from all over Los Angeles County to see them. Click here if you weren’t able to join us and want to know about the good work of Touchpoints.

Thank you to all the funders and hard workers who made this happen!