We provide free childcare for the regular Saturday parenting programming. Our childcare workers are trained in trauma-informed care and model the empathetic relationship building and limit setting that sets Echo apart from other parenting approaches. Through fun activities and modeling, the childcare curriculum teaches an age-appropriate version of the information adults are learning in class.

We are happy to be able to provide child care for your children. We want to offer you the opportunity to be in class without taking care of your child at the same time.

What to Expect

Unfortunately we are not able to provide childcare for children who are not able to walk on their own but you are welcome to bring them to class with you. We suggest you bring a blanket for the floor. We also have a mat with appropriate toys set up at the side of the classroom. We suggest that you sit by your child on the floor. Some children adapt easily to childcare. Others may need more time before they feel comfortable or simply may not be able to handle it at all, especially if there has been a recent trauma or separation. If your child is having a hard time, you are free to come and stay with him/her in our childcare room or have them join you in class.

We offer a simple book for you to take home and read during the week to your child. It explains that mama/papa are going to parenting class that you (child) will stay with the ladies in childcare. Mama/papa will be back after the class. The more you can prepare your child at home for the childcare experience, the more comfortable your child will feel.

During childcare, the children will have the opportunity to play with many different things. We provide puzzles, blocks, dolls, dress-up clothes as well as table activities such as painting, drawing and playdough. We have aprons for the children, but we suggest your child wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

We will offer your child a snack – fruit and water. If you child has special dietary needs, please bring their food and drink and make sure to let the teachers know.

We use the bathrooms on the first floor. Children will be taken to the toilet by one of the teachers. We do not change diapers, but we will let you know when your child needs to be changed.

While childcare is included in the fees of parenting class, your additional donations are appreciated.