The LAVC Family Resource Center

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! 

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”!

The Family Resource Center is so honored to be hosting Dr. Brazelton this Saturday. Please join us by registering here. There are still a few seats left, but will be filling this week.

For an overview of Dr. Brazelton’s many contributions to families, watch this short video which was made when he received the 2010 Work Life Legacy Award. 

Click here to visit the LAVC Family Resource Center’s Facebook page.  ”Like Us” to stay informed about new programs, services, and upcoming special events for families with children age 0-3 and the early care and education community.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/923447/Workforce-Initiative-Application

For additional information please visit the Family Resource Center in the Child Development & Family Complex, located on the corner of Oxnard Street and Campus Drive or call the FRC Staff at (818) 778-5612.

Our morning Infant & Toddler Play Groups are completely full so we have have added another opportunity for families to come use our center!

The Family Resource Center is now open Fridays from 10:00am to 1:00pm for free “Drop In & Play” for parents and their children ages 0-3. Our toys will be available for you and your child to have fun with.

No RSVP is required! Registration will be onsite and free. All you have to do is come on over, and be ready to play! 

Questions? Contact Nicole Goddard at goddarna@lavc.edu or (818) 778-5612.

The Child Development Department is currently looking for new members to join the Child Development Club for this Spring 2012. Our club will meet this Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 2:30 to 3:30 in the Child Development Department, Conference Room 175.  

*We have already planned many events to get involved in the community, including ”Relay For Life”, “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” and “Walk For Kids.”

If you are interested in participating in the “Relay For Life Walk,” please join our team by logging on to http://main.acsevents.org/goto/LAVCCDCLUB. All family members are welcome to join as well! It is free to join our group, but we plan to work together to fundraise at least $100 per person.

For more information and details about the event, please contact Nicole Goddard in the Family Resource Center, at goddarna@lavc.edu

This Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 10:30am to 12:00pm we are having our “Daddy and Me” Playgroup here in the Family Resource Center. Come join us for a morning of play with your children, newborn to three years old. We will have a variety of fun activities and materials set up for everyone to enjoy including blocks and dramatic play. No RSVP is Required! 

Can’t make it? Be sure to join us next time. Our “Daddy and Me” Playgroups are the 3rd Saturday of every month!

Questions? Contact (818) 778-5612

Our Spring 2012 Play Group (Parenting 20CE) is for young children from birth to age 3. This play group begins on February 7, 2012 and will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 12:00pm.  This group is currently full, so please call the Family Resource Center to be added to the waiting list if you are interested.

The Creative Activities Program is for children ages 2 to 3 and will begin on February 7, 2012! Bring your child for an afternoon of art, music, block building, and dramatic play. This group is ideal for young children who will be transitioning into a preschool classroom in the near future.  The group meets every Tuesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm through May 22, 2012.  Participants are required to register in-person at the Family Resource Center.

*Questions? Contact us at (818) 778-5612.

The staff and faculty at the Family Resource Center and Child Development Department would like to thank all of the community members and students of Los Angeles Valley College for helping us to support the Village Family Services and make their food drive a great success!

With all of your efforts, we were able to provide hundreds of families with delicious meals so they could bond together and enjoy the thanksgiving holiday.

Thank you to all and we hope that you all enjoyed your thanksgiving holiday too!