Parkway Offers Summer Early Childhood Classes

The  in Ballwin is hosting summer classes for kids from 6 months to 5-years-old. The classes offer an opportunity for parents and children to play together in a structured learning environment.

“Most of the classes are parent and child interactive,” Parent-Child Interaction Program Coordinator Julie Bomanz said. “So a parent, grandparent or nanny, someone who loves the child, will be in the classes, too.”

The classes focus on sensory experiences and gross motor skills as well as fun. Many of the activities will take place outside, Bomanz said.

“What’s special about the classes is that we have an outdoor component that’s not just free play,” she said. “We have a lot of water play, so if kids want to bring their swimsuits that’s just fine.”

The month-long summer camp classes run from June 6 to July 1. Each week has a different theme, such as “Under the Sea” or “Big Backyard.” Classes are offered throughout the week, so families can pick the one that best fits their schedule.

“Most people will sign up for one or two times a week,” Bomanz said. “The classes are so open-ended that they will never be the same, but the theme will be the same for that week.”

Bomanz said the emphasis on parent-child interaction sets the courses apart.

“We know that the parent and the family are the child’s first and best teacher,” she said. “It makes perfect sense when you’re giving your child a learning opportunity to be right next to them, to guide them, and they’ll follow your lead.” Bomanz said that being in the class with the child allows parents to reinforce learning at home.

There’s also separate programs offered for 3- to 5-year-olds. These programs focus on helping children learn to make friends and nurturing self-esteem. Parents also attend these programs, but spend time in parents-only sessions where they can learn more about how to help their kids with these topics, too.

“It allows them to get to know other parents whose kids are about the same age,” Bomanz said. That networking can prove to be valuable, because other parents might have a different knowledge base, she said.

There’s also a course that allows parents to drop their children off if that’s a better option for them.

The Early Childhood Center usually offers these summer classes, but last year the building was closed for construction. Bomanz said they were excited to get the classes up and running again.

Classes are taught by teachers who have been certified in early childhood education. For families within the Parkway School District, the cost is $40 a class. Nonresidents pay $50. The cost for the 3- to 5-year-old courses is $160 for a resident and $200 for nonresidents. There are deals available for families with more than one child attending the camps.

To register, download the online registration form and mail it and a check to the Early Childhood Center, 14605 Clayton Rd., Ballwin. Be sure to call 314-415-6954 in advance to check if the course is full. Registration is open until the classes begin on June 6, but Bomanz said it’s preferred that families register by June 1.

To see a class schedule, check the Early Childhood Center’s website.