Community

St. Matthew’s Parent-Infant/Toddler Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program

Q. Who can join?
A. 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.

Q. Who can attend?
A. 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.

Q. When do classes meet?
A. 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.

Q. Tell me about your theme classes!
A. 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.

Q. Tell me about your Prenatal Support Group at St. Matthew's?
A. While there is an abundance of parent groups in Los Angeles, there is a lack of 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 psychoeducational 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, and sleeping and improved communication with your partner during pregnancy and postpartum. Please contact csheldon@stmatthews.com if you are interested in this offering.

Q. How are the classes organized?
A. 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.

Q. What are the program's goals for parents?
A. 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

Q. What are the goals for infants and toddlers?
A. 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

Q. How do I sign up for a class?
A. To register, you will complete an online process. Go to www.stmatthews.com and click on “Community” to find the Youth and Family Programs. Upon entering your child's birth date, a list of available classes for that age group will display.

Q. What is the cost to participate?
A. 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 Courtney Sheldon for more information.

Q. Is drop-off available for toddlers?
A. 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.

Q. Does participation in the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program guarantee admission to the School?
A. No. The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program is an auxiliary program of the church, and participation is fully independent of the school's admission process.

Q. What if I have more questions?
A. If you have questions regarding the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program, we welcome your call or email!
Courtney Sheldon: Parent/Infant-Toddler Director
Phone: 919-699-1278
Email: csheldon@stmatthews.com

Proposed 2024-2025 Class Schedules

*Age range as of September 1, 2024.

Morning Classes

Afternoon Classes