“Child-and-Me” Course Descriptions

• Babies Love Music: Expectant Parents and Parents with Babies through 14 Months (PARN 147)

  (PARN 147) This course will begin in the 2026 Fall Semester, August – December.

  NEW! Music nurtures early development, emotional connection, and nervous system regulation in infants and caregivers. In this class, parents and caregivers will discover ways to create music that calms, engages, and promotes babies’ learning while fostering brain growth and bonding. 
• Developmental Movement (PARN 260, PARN 262)

  Parents are introduced to the latest information about their child’s development and parenting skills, through lectures, discussion, observation, and hands-on learning. Learn appropriate activities and developmental stages for your child(ren) that prepare them for preschool and/or kindergarten.

  • PARN 260 Developmental Movement – Ages 1-2
  • PARN 262 Developmental Movement – Ages 3-4.5

  Visit the Developmental Movement page for more information on the classes.
• Joyful Parenting (PARN 101, PARN 200)

  Enjoy self-esteem-building activities with your child through songs and music, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.  Parents will learn techniques for school readiness and activities to do at home while your child will learn about socialization, sharing, and following directions. A snack time allows for the instructor to share lecture/discussion topics with parenting tips.

  • PARN 101 Joyful Parenting: Creative Art/Music – Ages 1.5 – 2.5
  • PARN 200 Joyful Parenting: Art, Music, & Movement – Ages 2.5-5
• Nature Nurtures: How the Outdoors Shapes Childhood (PARN 160)

  Families explore nature through hands-on activities, nature walks, wildlife observation, and creative projects. The course fosters curiosity, observation skills, and lasting connections with nature, while offering flexible asynchronous access to lectures and resources.

  • PARN 160 Nature Nurtures: How the Outdoors Shapes Childhood Ages 4- 6
• Raising Thoughtful Children (PARN 237, PARN 238)

  Explore interesting topics to support your child’s social-emotional development and build awareness of self, family, community, and the world. Children and adults will experience developmentally appropriate activities together to foster a growth mindset and thoughtfulness towards oneself and others.

  • PARN 237 Raising Thoughtful Children Ages 1.5 – 2.5 years
  • PARN 238 Raising Thoughtful Children Ages 2.5 – 5 years

Check out our searchable current class schedule to see which “Child-and-Me” classes are available each semester or summer term.

Frequently Asked Questions: Child-and-Me Hybrid Courses 

• What does it mean that Child-and-Me parenting courses are hybrid?

  In a hybrid class, you learn both online and in person.

  For NOCE’s Child-and-Me parenting courses, this means you do part of the class online each week with videos, readings, or activities, and the rest in person with your child and teacher. The online part lets you learn at your own speed and think about new parenting ideas without distractions. Then, during the in-person class, you can practice what you learned, watch how the teacher interacts with children, and get help that fits your child’s needs.

  This hybrid model helps parents learn the most by mixing flexible online learning with hands-on experiences that improve real-life parenting skills.
• Why are “Child-and-Me” parenting classes offered in a hybrid format?

  The hybrid model combines the best of online and in-person learning.

  Online, students can learn at their own speed, focusing on parenting and caregiving strategies without classroom distractions. In person, students get to practice these strategies with their children while the teacher gives guidance and feedback. This approach helps students learn in a way that suits them, makes course material easy to access, and links what they learn online to what they do at home and in class with their kids.
• Are children (of the enrolled adult student) expected to engage in the online portion of hybrid Child-and-Me classes?

  The online learning content is mainly for adults.

  Sometimes, teachers might share videos or activities that kids can watch or join in, but these are not required for the course. Usually, kids are expected to join only during the in-person classes.
• Will I need to log into Canvas to be eligible for a passing grade in the class?

  Yes. Students in hybrid classes need to log into Canvas, which is NOCE’s learning system, every week and take part in school activities regularly to pass the class.

  The online activities help with what they learn in the weekly in-person classes.
• How much time online is expected of the enrolled adults each week?

  Students should plan to spend about two hours a week on online learning activities.

  This time is flexible, so you can do it whenever you want. The online materials teach important parenting and caregiving tips. Students are encouraged to use and think about these strategies while spending time with their children each week of the course.
• When does the remote, online portion of hybrid Child-and-Me classes take place?

  In asynchronous hybrid classes, students can log into Canvas whenever they want to do their online learning activities.

  In child-and-me parenting courses, parents and kids can learn fun and interesting things at their own pace without having to attend online meetings at a set time.
• How do I access the online portion of hybrid Child-and-Me courses?

  Canvas, NOCE’s online learning management system, can be accessed in several ways, including from the NOCE website or by downloading the Canvas Student app from an app store on a smart phone.

  Click here to view the video showing you how: YouTube Logging Into Canvas
• I need help to get started using Canvas. What can I do?

  NOCE offers several sources of support and assistance to help students succeed in hybrid courses. 

  • NOCE’s Career Skills and Resource Lab at NOCE Anaheim, has helpful videos on their webpage to help you get started, and in-person assistance.  Click here to navigate to the videos available via the Career Skills and Resource Lab webpage. (Note: The videos are found under the “What is Canvas?” tab in the middle of the webpage.)
  • NOCE Student Tech Support webpage is also a great resource. It includes information on many topics, including how to request to borrow a NOCE laptop or Chromebook (supplies limited; available while supplies last), and other getting-started assistance. Visit: www.noce.edu/tech-support for details.
• I don’t have a laptop or PC to access the online portion of my hybrid Parenting course. Can NOCE help?

  Although students can use a smartphone to access Canvas, another option is to request to borrow a laptop or Chromebook from Student Technology Support Services.

  Parenting Program students are NOT required to fill out the online application. Similarly, Parenting Program students are NOT required to complete an educational plan to be eligible to borrow a laptop. Instead, simply email the Student Tech Support team to inquire about availability and show evidence of enrollment in an online or hybrid Parenting course. If a laptop is available, you will be provided a reservation time/date to pick up a laptop or Chromebook.
• How can I access WiFi while I’m on campus in-person at NOCE centers?

  Free WiFi is available at all three NOCE Centers using EduRoam. Learn more: WiFi Access – North Orange Continuing Education

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Upcoming Events:

Check back soon to view upcoming events.

Past Events

2026 Building Trauma-Informed Communities Conference

The 7th Annual Building Trauma-Informed Communities (BTIC) Conference was held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Brea Community Center. Nearly 100 community members participated in the keynote address and break-out sessions hosted by NOCE Parenting Program faculty and other service providers, including the Riverside Unified School District, Orange County Healthcare Agency, Soulful Transformation, and NOCE’s Counseling Department.

For Agencies and Guest Speakers

• Want to partner on an upcoming event?

  The Parenting Program regularly collaborates with community partners and agencies to provide low-cost or no-cost learning opportunities for parents and other adult community members at various sites.

  If you are interested in having the Parenting Program partner with you on your organization’s existing event, let us know. Contact us by email: parenting@noce.edu

  The Parenting Program may be able to provide guest speakers, assist in planning and/or promoting your event, or in limited cases, may be able to sponsor events that are complementary to NOCE Parenting Program’s mission.
• Guest Speakers

  Whether you are interested in being a presenter or guest speaker at an NOCE Parenting Program event or you would like to request the Parenting Program to provide a guest speaker, contact us: parenting@noce.edu

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Parenting isn’t easy, but registering for a NOCE parenting class is! Take tuition-free parenting classes in several formats: in-person, online, and hybrid.

New Students

• General Information for New Students

  “Child-and-Me” courses are courses taken by an adult student who plans to bring their child to also participate in learning activities. The adult is the enrolled Parenting Program student. Both the adult and the child benefit from participating. Some of the Child-and-Me courses offered by NOCE include:

  • Developmental Movement
  • Joyful Parenting
  • Nature Nurtures: How the Outdoors Shapes Childhood
  • Raising Thoughtful Children

  All other NOCE Parenting Program classes are for adults only. Examples of adults-only classes are Parenting the Love and Logic Way^® and Child Wellness classes, such as Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences. 
• What is the difference between an online class, a hybrid class, and an in-person class?
  • Online classes are held virtually, online. All Parenting Program classes thar are online classes do NOT have any specific meeting time online. Enrolled students log into their class weekly to complete learning activities, quizzes, etc., at times that are convenient to them.
  • Hybrid classes include weekly in-person class meetings and weekly online learning activities. The online portion of the class is asynchronous, so that students can engage in learning activities when their schedule permits each week.
  • In-person classes are the traditional style of learning which is done 100% in-person. In-person classes for the Parenting Program are held in a variety of locations, including local K-12 schools and/or at NOCE Centers.
• Things to Know About “Child-and-Me” Classes Before You Register
  1. The registered student in the class is the adult. The adult attendee can be a parent, grandparent, stepparent, foster parent, child’s caregiver, or other adult guardian.
  2. Students can enroll in multiple sections of the same Child-and-Me course topic within the semester. For example, an adult can register in two CRNs (two sections) of Joyful Parenting, during the Spring Semester, if/while space is available in both courses.
  3. Children cannot be dropped off nor left alone on campus at any time, including in class, without the enrolled adult present. The registered student (adult) must accompany their child to class meetings.
  4. Up to two children can attend class with each registered adult.
  5. The same adult is expected to attend each class meeting. If more than one adult from a household or family would like to attend class, each adult will need to be registered as a student in the class in order to attend. 
  6. Consistent attendance is vital to allow adult students to experience everything the instructor has planned for students in the course. Frequent attendance also helps NOCE maintain the ability to offer tuition-free classes, since student attendance is the basis by which NOCE receives funding. 
  7. Please refer to the course syllabus provided for each class by the instructor for specific attendance policies for child-and-me class(es).

Steps to Apply and Register:

• Step 1: Apply to become an NOCE student

  APPLY TO NOCE at www.noce.edu/apply

  Part 1: Complete the NOCE Interest Form

  • Complete your contact information
  • Click submit

   

  Part 2: Create an OpenCCC Account

  After you complete the steps to create an OpenCCC account, will receive a welcome email from the California Community College website with your account information and a code. Note: This code is NOT your NOCE student ID.

  Do you need a step-by-step guide? Visit How to Create an OpenCCC Account – Application Part 1

   

  Part 3: Complete the Noncredit College Application

  Complete the online form* with your information or visit an NOCE Campus or Center to complete the application in person. Hours of operation, addresses of the NOCE Campus and Centers, and other important information for new and returning students is included on the NOCE Admission and Records webpage.

  • If you have questions or need assistance, please contact StarHelp at (714) 808-4679 
  • Do you need a step-by-step guide? Visit How to Apply to NOCE – Application Part 2

  Note: Do not fill out the Noncredit College Application form if you have previously taken classes with North Orange Continuing Education, Cypress College, or Fullerton College. You already have a Student ID. If you have forgotten your Student ID number, click here to learn how to retrieve it.
• Step 2: Register for Classes

  Refer to the NOCE Class Schedule for class details, including the course registration number(s) (CRN) of each class for which you plan to register. 

  Parenting courses can be found in the searchable online schedule or within Webstar 9 under this subject code:  PARN

  • Once you have your Student ID, you can self-register for your course(s) in MyGateway or in person at an NOCE Campus or Center Admissions and Records Office.
    • Note:  To set your MyGateway password, click on the “Forgot password” button to set it.  You will need your student ID to complete the password selection process.
  • To access myGateway, visit https://mg.nocccd.edu and use your Student ID and password to log in.
  • Once you have logged in, register for your classes using Webstar 9, by typing in “Register” in the search bar in MyGateway. You must have your course(s) Course Registration Numbers (CRN) to register.
    
    • Read through this webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to register: noce.edu/register
    • If a class is fully enrolled, a waitlist is available. Visit noce.edu/waitlist for instructions on how to add yourself to a waitlist.

  For registration support, visit a NOCE Campus or Center Admissions and Records Office in person, call (714) 808-4679, or e-mail starhelp@noce.edu.

  • Note: Parenting classes held at community locations, such as an elementary school, are often able to accept in-person registration in class during the first week if space permits.  However, self-registration online before the class begins is preferred and helps ensure the class isn’t cancelled due to low enrollment.
• I registered for an online course. Now what do I do?

  If you’ve registered for an online course(s), your Parenting Program instructor will email you regarding your course the day before or on the first day the class is scheduled to begin. (Please make sure you’ve given us the e-mail that you want us to use to contact you.) The instructor will give you simple instructions about how to get started online. All online courses are accessed using a learning management system called Canvas.

  • Canvas is the online learning management system for all of NOCE’s online courses. To learn how to log into Canvas, visit this webpage: Admissions and Records FAQs
  • For technical assistance in learning how to use Canvas, review the resources available from the NOCE Career Skills and Resource Lab and the Student Technology Resource Lab on the Admissions and Records FAQs – Technical Questions webpage.
• I registered for an In-Person or Hybrid Parenting Program course. Now what do I do?

  If you’ve registered for an in-person course or a hybrid courses, mark your calendar and be sure to attend your class during the first week it begins. Contact your instructor to request an excused absence if you cannot attend during the first week. It is the instructor’s discretion to decide whether to grant your request. Communicating with the instructor may prevent an enrolled student from being dropped from the class, due to non-communicatoin and non-participation.

  Students are expected to attend a majority of class meetings, and at least 70%, to be eligible to earn a passing grade. While in-person and hybrid Parenting Program classes offer “open enrollment,” students who begin the class after it is 30% over are not eligible for a passing grade, but may work toward earning a satisfactory progress (SP) grade.
• I’m on a waitlist. What happens next?

  AFTER you’ve added yourself to a waitlist: 

  • Please do NOT go in person to classes for which you are waitlisted. 
  • DO carefully monitor your email frequently during the first two weeks of class.
    • If a spot in the class becomes available, an email is sent automatically to notify you.
    • Action is required within 24 hours from the time the email notice is sent, including weekends and holidays.
    • Students who don’t respond by logging into the registration system to enroll within the 24-hour timeframe are automatically dropped from the waitlist; the next student on the waitlist is then notified, and so on.

Returning Students

• Welcome back! Follow these steps to register:

  Refer to the NOCE Class Schedule online .pef or searchable schedule for class details. Make note of the course registration number (CRN) of each class for which you plan to register. 

  Parenting courses can be found in the searchable online schedule or Banner 9 under this subject code: PARN

  • Once you have your Student ID, you can self-register for your course(s) in MyGateway using Banner 9 or in person at an NOCE Campus or Center Admissions and Records Office.
    • Note:  To set your MyGateway password, click on the “Forgot password” button to set it.  You will need your student ID to complete the password selection process.
  • To access myGateway, visit https://mg.nocccd.edu and use your Student ID and password to log in.
  • Once you have logged in, register for your classes using Banner 9 in MyGateway by typing in “register” in the search bar. You must have your course(s) Course Registration Numbers (CRN) to register.
    
    • To learn how to use Banner 9 to register, go to noce.edu/register.

  For registration support, visit a NOCE Campus or Center Admissions and Records Office in person, call (714) 808-4679, or e-mail starhelp@noce.edu.

Need Help?

• Help with Registration
• Help with Technical Support
• Help with Parenting Program

The post Parenting Program Registration appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Build friendships while staying healthy and active.

Classes are still open to sign up. Register today! The free courses are for people age 50+ and others who have an interest in the following topics:

Health and Wellness – HLTH 200 (CRN 41657)

1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 6 – August 1, 2023

This exercise and wellness class promotes physical and mental well-being in a supportive environment. Includes low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises, and relaxation techniques. Lectures and discussions on healthy habits, improving sleep, and managing stress. Fourth floor, room 402A.

Music Arts – MUSC 200 (CRN 41660)

9:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 – August 3, 2023

Learn about music from different time periods. Hear music from around the world. Engage in discussions about music and build your sense of community with other students. Students will participate in sing-alongs and other rhythmic activities. Features live guitar music. Fourth floor, room 402A.

Creative Arts – CRAE 100 (CRN 41653)

1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. on Thursdays, June 8 – August 3, 2023

Find new expressive ways to tell your stories and explore the seven elements of art. Learn about artists throughout history who used the mediums the class will explore. Experiment with graphic and sculptural processes using wire, paper, charcoal, clay, paint, and more. Fourth floor, room 402B.

NOCE Anaheim Campus, 1830 W. Romneya Dr., Anaheim
Note: Before attending class, course registration is required

Need Registration Assistance?

StarHelp can help you fill out your NOCE application, register for classes, and access the myGateway student portal. 

• StarHelp phone: 714.808.4679
• StarHelp e-mail: starhelp@noce.edu

The post Older Adult Summer Classes at the Anaheim Campus! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Engage in physical, mental, and nutritional wellness activities designed to enhance the quality and enjoyment of life.

Learn balance and mobility techniques to prevent falls, strengthen your heart through fitness classes, increase brain and memory power in Staying Mentally Sharp, engage in stimulating discussion in Senior Topics, or learn the best food prep and nutrition tips for seniors.  

Body & Mind Course Offerings

Healthy Living →

Want to learn how to maintain a safe and healthy life? You will want to enroll in Help Yourself to Health for Older Adults, where health-related topics will be discussed, and safe beneficial exercises intended to promote general health and fitness for older adults will be introduced. Each class will incorporate information, discussion, and exercises. Or enroll in Food Preparation and Good Nutrition for Older Adults to prepare, make, taste, and discuss various foods!

Brain Power →

Train your brain and improve your memory!  Enrolling in Staying Mentally Sharp for Older Adults will provide you with the tools to reach your optimum levels of brainpower through skill-building with memory techniques. Also covered are decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and opportunities for cognitive growth.

Laughter and Drama →

Learn how humor and laughter have a therapeutic value to lift your spirits! The History of Comedy and Humor for Older Adults offers a look at past and present forms of comedy and humor. How does it relate to your life and what makes you laugh? Or turn that comedy into action – join the Beginning Drama for Older Adults class to learn about the world of theater. Students are encouraged to experiment and develop skills through plays and one-act performances.

Health and Wellness Activity →

In Health and Wellness for Older Adults, you’ll learn the benefits of adopting behaviors for healthy and successful aging. Be proactive with diet, managing chronic conditions, and routine physical activity to live with optimum independence. A modified course is also offered for those with limited mobility.

Register for Classes

Refer to the NOCE Class Schedule for class details.

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Explore personal interests and talents in the arts to enhance wellness, fine motor skills, creativity, and art appreciation.

Learn a new skill and meet new friends as you dive into tuition-free classes in painting, needlecraft, quilting, and more!  Explore one of the Senior Chorus or Tone Chime classes to gain more appreciation of the fine arts with year-round performance opportunities. Ready to get started? Find a class near you!

Creative Arts Course Offerings

Painting and Ceramics →

Beginner? More advanced? All experience levels welcome! Join a Painting for Older Adults class which includes basics in drawing and color mixing or give the more intricate China Painting for Older Adults a try. Instructors cover all the basics in Ceramics; students will learn mold selection, glazing, decorating techniques, and proper firing procedures.

Quilting and Needlework →

NOCE offers a myriad of needle arts courses. From crochet, to knitting, to cross-stitch, and quilting, the Emeritus Program has the right class for you. Learn the history of the craft as well as tool and method selection. A wide variety of items are created by older adult students including decorations for the home and clothing for babies, children, and adults.

Music Performing Groups →

NOCE’s Senior Chorus and Tone Chime Choir introduce students to a broad spectrum of music, including its cultural and historical aspects. Chorus students will gain knowledge of choral mechanics, while Tone Chime students will learn handbell performance skills using chime instruments made by Suzuki. Both groups perform throughout the year in North Orange County, sharing joy through music.

Intergenerational Creative Arts Exchange →

Older adults, along with participants of multiple generations, create artistic legacy keepsakes that reflect the individual histories of older adults, lifetime memories, and personal creative expression. Class projects are designed to encourage connections among generations.

Creative Arts and Music Arts for Older Adults →

NOCE Emeritus partners with community centers, senior centers, and older adult residential facilities to offer creative arts and music arts courses where students can engage in discussion, hands-on activities with a variety of art methods, and musical activities with fellow students!

The post Creative Arts appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

 Make connections and build your storytelling skills with tuition-free communications classes at NOCE. These classes are designed for adults age 50+, but anyone over 18 years of age is welcome to attend.

Learn how to:

• • Write creatively
  • Share your personal history and culture
  • Start and join conversations about events and issues
  • Learn to write and publish your own work for extra income

Classes are free and available at a variety of community locations.

Communications Classes at NOCE

Creative Writing →

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or a beginning writer, this course can help build your storytelling and editing skills. Learn the basics of writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction  — even writing about yourself.

Journey Back into Time →

Explore and share your personal history, culture, and values with other students in group discussions. Get ready to discover shared experiences and memories. Have fun linking the past with the present!

Senior Topics →

In this class, we do storytelling activities about topics that matter to you. Share and compare your life experiences. Learn about international, national, and local events and issues. Expand your mind with current and historical viewpoints.

Ready to get started? Find a class near you!

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