Class Description

We offer age-segregated classes for parents with children eight months old to two years, nine months (as of 9/1). Classes are two hours long and most are offered in a morning session or afternoon session one day a week. There are two-day classes for two-year olds. In these classes the parent stays only one of the two days with their child, after the first six to eight weeks.

There are 36 classes per school year, not including summer. Included in the 36 classes are:30 day classes

6 required night classes comprised of :

4 with your weekly class,
2 with the entire school.

Enrollment is limited to approximately 18 to 20 parents and their children per class. For more information, please refer to the student enrollment information page.

Day Classes

At each class, the teacher sets out a variety of age-appropriate materials, and children are free to move from one activity to another, indoor or outside, as their curiosity inspires them. The children meet as a group twice during the class, first for snack time and later for music.

At each class, parents serve either as "supervisors" or "observers," alternating each week. Supervising parents are in charge of a specific area or activity and remain at that station. Observing parents observe the children, record the children's activities and then meet with the teacher, as a group, in class for 30-40 minutes to share observations, gain new information, and discuss concerns about their children in particular and parenting in general.

Parent Responsibilities

A positive experience for parents and their children at Little Hands depends upon parent participation. Regular attendance at day classes and required night classes is expected. Your willingness to participate ensures the successful operation and growth of the school.

Evening Classes
There are typically six required night classes - four with your weekly class and two with the entire school. These sessions cover a variety of parenting issues. Parents new to the school are also required to attend an orientation meeting.

Jobs

Each parent completes a preference form for a yearly job to which he or she will be assigned. The work that the parents do contributes to the operation of the school. Most jobs require approximately twenty hours of work during the school year. Examples of jobs include making playdough, repairing fixtures, inputting data, serving as class liaisons, and working on the social committee or fund-raising committee. To see all the jobs available, refer to the job description page.

Maintenance

In addition to the daily cleaning after every class, each family is responsible for helping maintain the school at one three-hour maintenance/class clean up per year. One day every month is assigned to each class for parents to come and thoroughly clean the school to make it a safe and healthy environment for all. A deposit is required at the beginning of the year and is refunded once the maintenance day has been completed.

Extension Classes

Parents are invited to attend, at no extra charge, optional extension classes which focus on the growth and development of young children and related parenting issues. Teachers or guest speakers lead discussions on specific topics, such as sleeping, nutrition, positive discipline, sibling relations, and choosing a preschool.

Additional Benefits

Each family can request one parent teacher conference during the year.
Social activities are planned for families throughout the year. For example, these include the Harvest Festival (Fall), Pancake Breakfast (Winter), and School Picnic (Spring).
Social events for just parents are also planned throughout the year.
Parents can borrow books from our lending library of parenting books.
As a member of the San Mateo Council, Little Hands gives you access to professional counselors and consultants on a wide range of family-related issues, for a reduced fee.
A community of other families with young children to network and connect with.