Parenting Education at WWCC
Your Child has a natural way of learning: Play!
Our parenting education classes are for parents and caregivers to attend with their child. Together, they learn and play together. An experienced WWCC faculty member facilitates classroom activities and instruction. Parents and caregivers benefit from learning parenting techniques and strategies and building a strong community of support with peers.
Your Child has a natural way of learning: Play!
At Walla Walla Community College, we know that a child’s earliest experiences and relationships have long-lasting impact on a child’s development. We strive to share information with parents that will help them form nurturing, warm, responsive relationships with their young children.
Our classes offer a safe, healthy, and child-friendly environment where parents and children can learn together. We provide activities such as reading, dancing, singing and music to enhance language development. A wide variety of play-based learning centers and art materials are available to promote cognitive and creative development. Small children play together in ways that encourage social and emotional growth. Parents have the opportunity to develop supportive relationships with the instructors and other parents to learn skills that build healthy families.
Parents stay with their child during class session.
Fall 2023 Course Offerings
Thursday Toddler Class 9:00am-11:00am for Parents/Caregivers and children 1-3 years old
Friday Toddler Class 9:00am-11:00am for Parents/Caregivers and children 1-3 years old
Instructor: Zoey Smith
Cost: 32.00 for 10-week quarter
Location: Parent Child Center (Building B) WWCC
Email [email protected] for more information or to register
Your child has a natural way of learning: Play!
Exploration and playful learning fill our preschool days. An experienced teacher, with parents assisting, guide our children. As a parent, you will work in the classroom 2-4 times per month on a fixed day of your choosing. Your time in the classroom is a unique opportunity to play and learn side-by-side with your child. Children will play outside every day, sing songs, listen to stories, create art, practice drawing and writing, build with blocks, participate in pretend play, make new friends, hone social skills, and get excited about learning.
A Parent’s Experience
When parents work in the classroom, they develop a better understanding of their own children and other children of the same age. They see what behavior is developmentally appropriate, how temperament affects each child, and how social interactions between children happen.
Research clearly indicates meaningful parent involvement in schools is one of the most powerful predictors of high student achievement and healthy development. During the early years, there is no better way to begin this involvement than by joining a Cooperative Preschool Program.
Of course, parents are the best toy in the classroom, and parents play best when they feel connected and supported. We support parents by offering parenting education discussions and materials facilitated by a WWCC faculty member.
How it Works
At the WWCC Cooperative Preschool, parents play an essential role in the school’s success. Your responsibilities include:
- Periodically helping in the classroom (2-3 times per month depending on class)
- Occasionally providing a snack of fruit or vegetables for the class
- Participating in Parenting Education discussions and running the non-profit Cooperative Preschool
Age requirements
Children ages 3-5 may be enrolled in the WWCC Cooperative Preschool. Your child must reach the minimum age for the class within the month they begin Preschool. Enrollment begins in March for the following school year. Children are not required to be potty trained to attend, but diaper changing requires parental assistance.
Fall 2023 Course Offering
Monday-Wednesday-Friday Cooperative Preschool 8:30am-11:30am
Preschool Teacher: Valerie Neuschwander
Instructor: Jennifer Stone
Cost: 128.00 per month September-June
Class size: 15-16 Children
*100.00 enrollment fee due at time of sign up
Location: Parent Child Center (Building B) WWCC
WWCC Cooperative Preschool follows the WWPS calendar for breaks and closures
Email [email protected] for more information or to register
Your child has a natural way of learning: Play!
Play encourages learning through hands-on exploration and observation at your child’s own pace. This class offers many opportunities for you and your child to play and learn together. Painting, sculpting play-dough, learning songs, and building with blocks are just some of the playful activities available in class.
Of course, parents are the best toy in the classroom, and parents play best when they feel connected and supported. We support parents by offering discussion sessions during each class, led by an experienced educator. Discussion topics vary and connect directly to the joys and challenges facing modern parents.
Parents stay with their child during class session.
Fall 2023 Course Offerings
Tot Spot 9:30am-11:30am for Parents/Caregivers and children 0-5 years old
Instructor: Doretha Frederickson
Cost: 40.00 for 10-week quarter
Location: Walla Walla Center for Children and Families (off-campus)
Email [email protected] for more information or to register
Teachers and Faculty
Doretha Frederickson
Jennifer Stone
Valerie Neuschwander
Zoe Smith
Mission Statement
Washington State Community and Technical College Parenting Education Programs are committed to building stronger and healthier families by increasing knowledge and skills through participation in adult-child learning environments.
Objectives
Parent Education programs provide practical, experiential learning laboratories which have the following objectives:
- To develop realistic age level expectations from knowledge of normal behavior and growth.
- To clarify child rearing values and attitudes and to explore methods of child guidance.
- To learn about the physical needs of family members: nutrition, safety, first aid, childhood illness, exercise, and stress management.
- To experience and understand the role of parent involvement in maintaining high quality learning environments for children.
- To develop skills and proactive teaching young children in the following areas: art, science, concept development, language, music, motor skills, and cooperative play.
- To share support, consultation, and resource information concerning child rearing and family life.
- To learn and discuss contemporary family concerns.
- To develop skills in group organization and leadership.
- To develop and/or increase confidence in managing the demanding role of parents in a changing society.
- To strengthen family communication and relationships.
WWCC Parenting Education programs are in affiliation with the Organization for Parenting Education Programs (OPEP) run by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.