Parent-Child Guidance Classes

These are RIE® inspired parent-child classes. The goal of these classes is to bring children and parents together so that parents (or other caregivers) can learn about their child’s unfolding development, see the RIE Educaring® approach in practice and build community with other families who are interested in a similar approach. 

Observing your child develop and interact with other children of a similar age of development supports parents/caregivers in observing, understanding and supporting their young child. These classes provide an opportunity to explore respectful parenting practices through observation and discussion in a relaxed and safe environment.

As parents and caregivers, we often want to approach caring for our children in ways that are different from what we grew up with or from the parenting norms but it can be intimidating when we’re with other parents and caregivers because we don’t always know how other families are approaching things or what they’re comfortable with. 

These classes help to create a safe space to come together to take the pressure off of parents and caregivers so they can observe the RIE approaches in action. They are encouraged to observe and appreciate what their child and the other children are doing while a facilitator demonstrates the RIE Educaring® approach.

Note: I currently have a young baby so my attention is necessarily split during classes. Therefore I am offering classes all classes at a discounted rate. I am also not able to facilitate the classes for older children to the extent that I normally would so those classes are being offered on a donation basis. 

Currently I am offering these classes that utilize the RIE inspired approach:

Young Babies

Day/Time: Wednesdays 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: TBD
Cost: $40/month
About: These classes are for babies who are pre-mobile. I will be fully facilitating these classes but since I have a young baby as well, there will be times that I have to take care of her needs (diaper changes, feedings, etc.) therefore classes are being offered at a discounted rate (normal rate is $150/month). 

*** Please note, these classes will be recorded and shared with my RIE mentor as I am currently studying in the RIE Practicum. In addition to being recorded, we will have the guidance of my mentor, Eileen O’Sullivan, in applying the RIE approach. 

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Open/Drop-In

Day/Time: Mondays 10am-12pm
Location: Thaddeus “Ted” Lechowicz Woods, 5901 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
About: These classes are for parents and children of all ages (0-8 years old). There will be dedicated time for observation during these classes. While the classes are not currently fully facilitated by me as I have a young baby, I will be holding the space for observation, discussion, and a dedicated snack time. 

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Open/Drop-In

Day/Time: 1st Sunday of the Month 10am-12pm
Location: Thaddeus “Ted” Lechowicz Woods, 5901 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
About: These classes are for parents and children of all ages (0-8 years old). There will be dedicated time for observation during these classes. While the classes are not currently fully facilitated by me as I have a young baby, I will be holding the space for observation, discussion, and a dedicated snack time. 

Register Now

* If you have additional questions or would like to set up a time to talk to learn more, email me at hello@collectingrainwater.com.

Families may enroll at any time (you do not need to wait for a new session to begin). If a class is full, you may join the waitlist.