Parenting Center
The Parenting Center provides families with the support, guidance, and enrichment needed to raise young children in the city. LGBTQ and straight, couples and single parents, Jewish and non-Jewish, biological and adoptive, people of all colors and abilities — all families are warmly welcomed.
Classes and programs are designed to meet the developmental and social needs of infants and toddlers (newborns through age 4), to create meaningful bonding experiences for caregivers, to provide Jewish family engagement opportunities, and to provide practical skills and solutions, advice, and community-building opportunities for parents and parents-to-be.
We offer a wide variety of Sunday and weekday classes for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers, Jewish family engagement programs, and workshops for parents, parents-to-be, and folks who want to be parents.
Upcoming Workshops
Start the Memorial Day Weekend celebrations early with a JFamily picnic at Marion Park! Meet other local families while your children play in the playground, then enjoy dinner together. Pizza will be provided for families that register in advance, or you can bring your own meals. Please bring your own water and picnic blankets.
This program is brought to you by the Edlavitch DCJCC and funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The United Jewish Endowment Fund.
In this class we will:
- Review common third trimester issues and what to expect at your 36-week visit
- Learn about the signs of labor, when to call your obstetrician, and what should be on your hospital bag packing list
- Discuss each stage of labor and what can help alleviate and relax the mom, including options for pain management and potential interventions during the labor process
- See what the hospital process will look like and what to expect from your healthcare team
- Discuss the “typical” childbirth scenario as well as how to prepare for the unexpected, including inductions, assisted vaginal births and c-sections.
- Learn from experienced labor doulas as they demonstrate specialized comfort techniques to help with labor pain
- Learn and practice tips, tricks and techniques for Prenatal Wellness: Pelvic Floor Health, Ergonomics & Exercises from a physical therapist
At Nested we know the importance of optimizing the physical and mental health of both parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. With coping strategies, empowerment, education on diet & exercise and community resources, parents will leave feeling prepared for the doctor’s office, the delivery room and the trip back home.
We recommend taking this class on the earlier side of your pregnancy (24-39 weeks).
REGISTER HERE
Note: 1 registration ticket allows for up to 2 people (1 ticket = 2 people) to attend the class and access the course resources.
We’re back! Join us for Tot Shabbat in the EDCJCC Parking Lot. This lively 30-minute Shabbat song session is geared toward children under five years old and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Together we will sing, dance, and say the Shabbat blessings together over candles, wine and challah.
Enjoy celebrating Shabbat and making new friends.
This program is brought to you by the Edlavitch DCJCC and funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The United Jewish Endowment Fund.
WHY IS MY CHILD IN CHARGE
Thursday, June 30, 8:00 PM
Led by Claire Lerner
This workshop, based on Claire’s 2021 book, Why Is My Child In Charge?, will explore the common mindsets that prevent parents from responding to their children in the most loving and effective way during challenging moments, including tantrums, power struggles, and bedtime battles. Awareness of these mindsets—the lens through which parents filter and respond to their children’s behaviors—will empower you to make critical mindshifts to see your child’s behavior more objectively, to respond with sensitivity, and to develop strategies that translate into adaptable and happy kids, and calm, connected, and in-control parents.
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.