By Katie Enney
Special to The Outlook
La Cañada Presbyterian Church’s Parent Education program has kicked off its 41st year, continuing a legacy of quality education for parents whose children range from newborns to 18-year-olds. Parent Ed offers 16 weekly classes from September to May, along with the evening Parent Express program that offers monthlong classes for parents who cannot attend during the day.
In preparation for the year, a Welcome Tea for all staff, board and Ministry Support Team members was held this month. This year’s Parent Ed team includes director Anne Bierling, Amanda Baughman, Nanette Brown, Paige Dunbar, Heather Ehrhart, Melanie Frey, Paula Giboney, Jana Khachik, Daniela Kim, Sarah Montes, Darlene Porter, Vicki Rekedal, Katy Riddell, Jan Roberts, Paige Thatcher, Tracy Tobias, Sloan Walsh and Jana Van Dyck.
They’re supported by board and Ministry Support Team volunteers Betty Bredemann, Debbie Barsom, Katie Enney, Stephanie Ferguson, Adriana Leaw, Melanie Frey, MST chair Lynne Graves, Katrina Harbers, Kathy Kovalcik, board chair Maggie Mason, Charlotte Miller, Monica Skeehan, Cathy Steward, Barbara Stratte and Mikki Weightman.
Classes that provide friendship and sustenance include parent-and-child sessions, in which children and adults form lasting friendships and receive valuable education from seasoned educators, and parent-only sessions that talk about the extra challenges that accompany raising elementary, tween and teen children. Parent-and-child classes include Expectant and New Parents, Non-Separating Toddlers, Two-Year Olds, Parenting 3-4s and Family Class.
Parents with school-age children attend parent-only sessions. Classes include Parents of Elementary Kids, Parents of Tweens, Parents of High Schoolers, Parenting Your Exceptional Child, Art of Fatherhood, and the new Grandparenting Class.
Classes meet weekly and attract more than 600 participants from 22 cities. Classes fill up quickly, so prompt registration is advised. Visit lacanadapc.org/parented for class listings, staff bios and registration.
Scholarships and payment plans are available online. Affordable child care is offered during all class times. La Cañada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd.
