Parent-Infant/Toddler FAQs

All are welcome! There are a limited number of spaces in each group (with a minimum of six children and a maximum of ten), and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Families may join groups as late as January (space permitting), at which point enrollment for the year closes.

In order to create a class community with open communication among participants, we ask that only parents attend with their enrolled child. This helps to maintain consistency and confidentiality.

Each class meets once a week. Our parenting groups are unique in that they run for a full school year, from September through June, allowing parents, children, and teachers to form strong and lasting relationships. Semester-themed classes may be offered on a partial-year basis.

Classes will follow the same format as our other toddler classes, engaging parents and children together in developmental play, and will incorporate creative thematic projects.

Fun with Food: Children will join their parents to create easy-to-follow recipes while learning about healthy and exciting food options!

Messy Art: This class will include sensory-driven play and children will work with their parents to engage in creative art projects using a variety of age-appropriate materials.

While there is an abundance of parent groups in Los Angeles, there is limited in-person emotional and didactic support available during the prenatal period. Our goal is to create connections between group members, and empower them by providing education on the prenatal and postpartum experience. We offer a 12-week psycho-educational support group for pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy.

Topics include navigating healthcare providers, prenatal and postpartum physical and mental health, baby care basics including feeding, bathing, sleeping, and improved communication with your partner during pregnancy and postpartum. Please contact ggrigsby@stmatthews.com if you are interested in this offering.

Infants and toddlers have very different needs at various stages of development. For this reason, groups are organized by the child’s birthdate. When registering for a group, you will enter your child’s birthdate. The available group(s) for his or her age will display.

Sample Infant Schedule: Naturally, toddlers and infants have different needs and capabilities. Because infants are not yet independently mobile, these classes will differ in activity. You can expect to spend quality time on the rug interacting with your child and other parents. Discussion topics will vary from week to week, and as the children get a little older, they may also participate in simple age-appropriate crafts and music time.

Younger Groups

9:00 am: Arrival, Classroom Play & Discussion
9:20 am: Set up Project/Paints
9:45 am: Clean up Project/Paints
9:50 am: Snack
10:05 am: Music
10:20 am: Playground
11:00 am: Dismissal

Older Groups

9:00 am: Arrival, Classroom Play & Discussion
9:30 am: Set up Project/Paints
9:55 am: Clean up Project/Paints
10:00 am: Snack
10:15 am: Music
10:30 am: Playground
11:15 am: Dismissal

To provide the opportunity for you as a parent to enjoy a special weekly time with your child and increase confidence in your parenting abilities through:

• Participating in all aspects of the program

• Interacting with your child on a one-to-one basis, while observing him/her as a part of the group

• Examining your expectations as a parent

• Interacting with the other children in the group both in the classroom setting and on the playground

• Sharpening your knowledge of child development

• Sharing your parenting concerns and ideas in a professionally led discussion group

• Becoming part of a supportive and caring parenting network

To arrange a setting for your child to enjoy a special weekly time with you and to:

• Enjoy stimulating, age-appropriate activities

• Delight in being the object of your focused attention during this special weekly event

• Increase his/her socialization skills

• Gain self-confidence in a trustworthy, consistent group setting

To register, you will complete an online process. Please click here to begin registration.

Upon entering your child’s birth date, a list of available classes for that age group will display.

The 2024-2025 cost to participate in a class is $2,500 for the year for 2-hour classes, and $2,250 for the year for 1.5-hour classes.

• Payment in full is required at the time of registration in order to reserve a space.

• Families will receive a full refund (less a $500 non-refundable deposit) when withdrawing prior to the opening date of the 2024-2025 program year (beginning Sept. 23, 2024). Withdrawals between opening day and October 11, 2024 will receive a 50% refund. Withdrawals after October 11 will not receive a refund.

• Twins enrolling in the same class qualify for a 40% discount off the cost of one of the registrations. Contact Gwen Grigsby at ggrigsby@stmatthews.com for more information.

The Parent-Infant/Toddler program is designed for parents and children to participate together, in a community-driven atmosphere, so a parent is required to attend with every child. For families looking for a drop-off program for children two and older, check out St. Matthew’s Parish School’s Little Falcons Program.

No. The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program is an auxiliary program of the Church, and participation is fully independent of the School’s admission process.

If you have questions regarding the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program, we welcome your call or email!
Gwen Grigsby: Parent/Infant-Toddler Director

Ph: 310-573-0721
Email: ggrigsby@stmatthews.com