Parent Center

Infant-Toddler Play Group

* an informal gathering of parents and caregivers away from the confinement of home

* a place to laugh, share, commiserate and be foolish over a cup of coffee 011

* an excuse for a morning out with your child(ren)

* a place for little ones to make friends with other children and adults

* a source of information on parenting and family issues

* an opportunity to share your talent, expertise and ideas in helping to make Growing Places a quality resource for our children

* a must for any parent who longs for a change of scenery and conversation with another adult

Changing the World Through Children

Common sense parenting in a world that doesn’t make sense

Our Favorite Children’s Books

Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (The), by Astrid Lindgren
All I See Is Part of Me, by Chara M. Curtis
Bear Feels Scared, by Karma Wilson
Bear Feels Sick, by Karma Wilson
Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson
Bear Stays Up for Christmas, by Karma Wilson
Bear Wants More, by Karma Wilson
Bears New Friend, by Karma Wilson
Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey
Days with Frog and Toad, by Arnold Lobel
Flossie and the Fox, by Patricia McKissack– A hilarious sory of how a little girl outsmarts a clever fox.
Frog and Toad All Year, by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad Are Friends, by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad Together, by Arnold Lobel
Horton Hatches the Egg, by Dr. Seus
It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser
It’s Spring! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser
It’s Winter! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser
It;s Summer! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser
Kissing Hand (The) , by Audrey Penn– This book has helped many a child through separation anxiety.
Lorax (The), by Dr. Seus– A great story for introducing the importance of caring for our planet.
Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey
Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney– As a child Miss Rumphius is challenged to travel to far away places, and make the world more beautiful….
My First Chinese New Year, by Karen Katz
My Little Island, by Frane Lessac
One Smile, by Cindy McKinley
Orlando’s Littlewhile Friends, by Audrey Wood
Roxaboxen, by Barbara Cooney– The evolution of a vacant hillside into a marvelous play land of make believe.
Sam and the Tigers, by Julius Lester– Little Black Sambo retold. Little kids love the fearsome tigers and their demise into a pool of butter. This book is beautifully poetic.
Stone Soup. by Ann McGovern– A wonderful illustration of how a tiny bit can be stretched to plenty by way of sharing.
Swimmy, by Leo Lionni– A tiny fish uses problemsolving to overcome his fear of the world, and helps others to do the same.
The Party, by Barbara Reid– Reluctant participants discover the joys of a huge family gathering. This is one of our “birthday books”.
Thunder Cake, by Patricia Polacco– Grandmother distracts little girl from fear of thunder by involving her in great feats of bravery.
Too Many Pumpkins, by Linda White and Megan Lloyd
When Rain Falls, By Melissa Stewart– Beautifully illustrated book showing us where the wildlife go during a downpour.
Wild About Books, by Irma S. and James H. Black

Recommended Parenting Books

Great Family Movies

Simon Birch
People
Winged Migration
Walking With Dinosaurs
Microcosmos
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
Babe
Harriet the Spy
Swiss Family Robinson
Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
ET The Extra Terrestrial
Fantasia
Milo and Otis
Benji the Hunted
Pay It Forward
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oliver
Hand in Hand
The Red Balloon

Tried and True Helpful Hints

Silly Stories: about kids and the things they do and say

Out and About: Events and Places of Interest

Festivals

Museums

Wildlife Management Areas

Zoos

Gardens

Camp Grounds

Theme Parks

Farms/U Pick Place

Recipes

Kid Friendly Nutrition

Recommended Toys

After School Programs

Art

Cooking

Circus Fun

Resource for Home Schoolers

Parents choose to home school for many reasons. Imparting a particular set of values, allowing their children to learn at their own pace, and providing enrichment activities not available in the public school setting are among them.

But some parents have concerns about home schooling as well. They want their children to spend time with other kids, especially if they have no siblings. They may not feel confident to teach all subject areas, or they can’t imagine spending all day every day with their kids.

A cooperative offers the benefits of home schooling while addressing the concerns some parents may have. A place where their children are encouraged and directed in many different areas through a variety of instructors and media is a great addition to the children’s home schooling experience.

By establishing our home schooling group at Growing Places Creative Learning Center, we become part of the Growing Places community. The Growing Places mission and expectations are like the roots of a tree providing nourishment to all of the branches or programs.

The blossoms on the tree, of course, are our children, families and community.

September approaches quickly, and at this point we seek the commitment of those families wishing to be involved so that we may formulate a tentative plan for the year. Please take a moment to contact us to let us know what your intentions are so that we may proceed accordingly!

As we begin:

Mixed age classes will emphasize science, social studies, language, and the arts within the context of the thematic projects and service activities.

Projects and service based around themes parents and children select.

Parents and community members will take turns teaching, facilitating, and leading activities.

A home schooling resource center is available for parents and families.

Parents can share ideas, stories, joys, sorrows, and concerns.

Flexibility to meet the needs of the families involved.

Social interaction with other children and adults

Shared educational resources: books, materials and equipment

Shared ideas and expertise, discovery and experience

Group rates on field trips

Hours:

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Fee to Growing Places covers

*Use of on-premises library consisting of over 3,000 books (including dozens of teacher and parent resources), and other multi-media materials;

*Assistance with curriculum development (see Previously Offered Classes)

*Basic equipment necessary in the studies of language, art, music, science and social studies;

*A broad range of educational toys and games;

* Children’s garden provides additional opportunity for environmental awareness and
community involvement

* Monthly presentations by child specialists within the community

* Space, utilities, equipment, maintenance, supplies, postage, advertising, insurance, and special events.

(Note: Parents will have input into additional equipment and materials purchased in the creation of a program specific to your needs.)

Re: Fees

Growing Places Creative Learning Center is legally and literally a non-profit organization.

* There are no paid employees.

* Countless hours of service and much in the way of books and materials are given by many parents and community members.

In establishing a fee for using the resources provided by Growing Places, we considered the fee for nursery school, which also meets 6 hours a week.

* The fee is $250 per quarter ($1000 per year) with limited scholarship money available.

* The fee for a second child in the same family enrolled in a program is $200 per quarter ($800/year).

Growing Places

Creative Learning Center

Changing the World Through Children

Seasonal

Communication

Behavior management

Responsibility

Self Care

Play

Family

Nature

The Big Picture