Families may enroll in an existing session at any time (no need to wait until a new session begins).
If a class you’re interested in is full please fill out the enrollment form in order to be added to the waitlist.
Sliding scale pricing
$200-400 per 8-week session
You can read more about the sliding scale here.
Shorter sessions are prorated accordingly.
Photo by Igordoon Primus on Unsplash
““A respectful beginning is an investment in the future of the relationship between your child and you, your child and others, and in your child’s exploration of the world.”
-Magda Gerber, Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE®) Founder
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Class Rhythm
The rhythm of certified RIE® Parent-Infant Guidance™ classes focuses largely on observation and modeling the use of selective intervention in interactions between children.
In each class we will ensure there is time for:
“Warming in” time - adults can check in about the week, children can transition into being in the space
Quiet observation - we’ll start with a shorter observation and gradually lengthen it as we become more comfortable with the practice
Discussion about what we observed
Parents/carers are welcome to bring questions / topics of discussion to the group
Snack time (beginning around 12 months)
“Easing out” / saying goodbye / cleaning up
The class will follow an emergent curriculum model that will thoughtfully scaffold the unfolding growth of both children and their parents/carers. The physical environment will be tailored to support the interests and developmental tasks of the children while our inquiry and guided discussions will be responsive to the needs of parents/carers.
In the beginning, when the infants are young and not very mobile, parents/carers will place their children on the rug and sit close by; I will have minimal direct contact with the infants. Parents/carers are encouraged to act as they would if they were at home--observing the infant and attuning to their needs such as diapering or feeding. As infants develop and become more mobile, the circle widens and the children are able to initiate separation if and when they are comfortable, developing trust, security and confidence. Parents/carers are encouraged to sit in one place in the room, providing children with a secure base from which to explore. The more cautious children who may prefer to stick closer to their parent/carer are still participating in the group through observation and will venture out at their own pace.
My role in mobile infant and toddler classes (where children begin physically interacting with one another) is to demonstrate the Educaring approach during these interactions, ensuring that contact is enjoyable for both/all children and that everyone stays safe. Eventually, as the children approach one year of age, snack time will be introduced, providing an opportunity to model age-appropriate discipline through consistent expectations and limits.
The classes continuously enroll in 8 week sessions so children and families are able to develop and nurture lasting connections with one another over time.
Environment set up for Parent-Infant class (young infants) at Wild Lilac Child Development Community, Summer 2021.
To learn more about the Educaring® approach:
RIE Basic Principles by Magda Gerber in Dear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect
RIE Parenting Basics (9 Ways to Put Respect into Action) by Janet Lansbury
Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring, for Parents and Professionals by Ruth Anne Hammond