Community

St. Matthew’s Parent-Infant/Toddler Program

Parent-Infant/Toddler Program

 

Registration for 2025-2026 classes now available!

The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program is an auxiliary offering of the Parish of St. Matthew, serving families from the parish, school, and greater community with children from birth through age three.

In a welcoming and supportive environment, parents join their children in age-based classes designed to foster learning, play, and socialization. Parents also have the opportunity to connect with one another and engage in meaningful conversations on topics such as sleep and routines, feeding, postpartum struggles, developmental milestones, toilet readiness, emotional growth, and parenting strategies.

These early experiences help children build confidence and a strong sense of security in a classroom setting, gently preparing them for Little Falcons at St. Matthew’s and/or Preschool, while offering a meaningful network of support for parents.

wood blocks for play

 

Classes for infants and toddlers meet weekly throughout the school year, with both morning and late afternoon options available to accommodate different schedules. Classes are currently held at St. Matthew’s West Los Angeles location.

To register for the 2025–2026 program beginning in September, please click below—and be sure to select the class that matches your child’s age. Thank you!

Register Now   Frequently Asked Questions   Current Classes

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program

Q: Who can sign up?

A: All are welcome! Each group has limited space—typically a minimum of six children and a maximum of ten. Registration is first-come, first-served. Families may join as late as January 2026, space permitting. Enrollment closes for the year at that point.

child playing with wood blocksQ: Who can attend?

A: To foster a consistent and supportive class community, only parents (one or both) may attend with their enrolled child. This allows for strong connections among parents and ensures an environment of open communication and confidentiality.

Q: When do classes meet?

A: Each class meets once a week. Our program spans the full school year—from September through June—giving parents, children, and teachers the opportunity to build lasting relationships.

Q: Where will classes take place for the 2025–2026 year?

A: All classes will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish School’s temporary Early Childhood campus, located at: 2000 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025.

Q: How are the classes organized?

A: Classes are grouped by the child’s birthdate to best support their developmental stage. When registering, you’ll enter your child’s birthdate, and the appropriate group(s) for their age will appear.

Q: What do the classes entail?

A: Activities are thoughtfully designed to match each age group:

Infant Classes:
Held on the floor while infants are pre-mobile, with parents seated in a circle to encourage connection and conversation. Age-appropriate toys are available for gentle play. As infants grow, the space expands to support movement and more advanced toys. Parents are welcome to feed their babies (nursing or bottle). Each session ends with songs and music.

Toddler Classes:
Designed for active engagement, these sessions include free play with age-appropriate toys, outdoor time on the playground, and hands-on sensory art. A shared lunchtime (food brought from home) introduces a gentle structure. Like infant classes, each session concludes with songs and music.

Q: What are the program’s goals for parents?

A: The program offers a meaningful weekly experience that helps parents build confidence and connection. Parents will:

Q: What are the goals for infants and toddlers?

A: The program creates a nurturing environment where children can:

parent with toddlersQ: How do I sign up for a class?

A: Click the “Register Now” link on the website and follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Q: What is the cost to participate?

A: For the 2025–2026 school year:

Payment & Refund Policy
Payment in full is required at the time of registration to reserve your spot.

Refunds:

Q: Is there a discount for twins?

A: Yes! Families enrolling twins in the same class receive a 40% discount on one of the registrations.

Use the following discount codes when registering:

For assistance, contact Gwen Grigsby at ggrigsby@stmatthews.com or (310) 573-0721.

Q: What if the class I want is full?

A: If your preferred class is full, please join the waitlist through the registration form. We’ll contact you directly if a spot becomes available.

Q: Is drop-off available for toddlers?

A: No. This program is designed for parents and children to participate together. For a drop-off option for children age two and older (by August 1, 2025), we recommend St. Matthew’s Parish School’s Little Falcons Program.

Q: What if my assigned class time conflicts with my child’s nap?

A: That’s completely normal! Infants’ sleep patterns shift often. During transitions, we encourage families to attend as much of class as possible. Even partial attendance is beneficial for both parent and child.

Q: Does participation guarantee admission to St. Matthew’s Parish School?

A: No, this program is an auxiliary offering of the church and is separate from the school’s admission process.

Q: What if I have more questions?

A: We’re happy to help! Please contact:

Gwen Grigsby
Director, Parent-Infant/Toddler Program
ggrigsby@stmatthews.com
(310) 573-0721

Meet Our Program Director

Gwen GrigsbyGwen Grigsby is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in supporting adults and couples through anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. She is also a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and founder of her own sleep coaching business, where she advises parents of infants and toddlers on all things sleep.

Gwen holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Psychology from Southern Methodist University. As a longtime member of the St. Matthew’s community, she brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to the Parent-Infant/Toddler Program, as its director, as well as a teacher working alongside a team of caring and experienced fellow teachers.

2025-2026 Class Schedule

Morning Classes:

Afternoon Classes:

 

Register Now