Parents can enjoy time learning alongside their child(ren) through NOCE’s Parenting Program “child-and-me” courses. Courses include learning activities that align with young children’s developmental stages and foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

Two mothers sit cross-legged on the floor with three young children in an early childhood classroom looking with interest in a relaxed manner toward the teacher (not shown).

“Child-and-Me” Course Descriptions

Raising Thoughtful Children

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
  • PARN 238 Raising Thoughtful Children – Ages 2.5 – 5

Joyful Parenting

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

Developmental Movement

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.

Nature Nurtures: How the Outdoors Shapes Childhood

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

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

NOCE Spring Semester begins in January. Registration for all classes, including “Child-and-Me” Parenting Program classes, begins in early December. Due to the popularity of these classes, we advise interested adults to enroll as soon as possible on the first day registration opens.

One to two weeks after classes begin, additional spots in classes sometimes become available.

For more details, visit the Class schedule page.

Headshot Mery Munoz-Rosales
I am a mother of three and I have overcome many barriers to attend the NOCE Joyful Parenting courses, but it is worth it! I treasure the bonds I have developed with other parents and the friends that my children have made. I love not only spending time with my children but also enhancing my skills as a parent! Mery Munoz-Rosales
Parenting Program Student