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
BEYOND THE BUMP
6 Thursdays, October 6-November 10, 6:30–7:30 PM
IN PERSON at the EDCJCC
$152 for the six-week session; EDCJCC Member Rate $122
Facilitated by Catherine Coogan, Ph.D.
Pregnant for the first time? Looking to create a community with other expecting moms to exchange ideas and find support? This group will meet weekly in person at the EDCJCC for six weeks to provide a safe and facilitated space for moms-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. We will explore several topics, including: concerns about childbirth and parenting; balancing family with work outside the home; navigating new relationships with your partner, parents, and in-laws; and recognizing post (and pre)-partum depression and anxiety. The group will be kept small so that connections can be fostered and maintained easily.
Lasting eight days, the holiday of Sukkot has many themes and is a chance to reflect on the seasons, the nature of home, the bounty of the harvest time, and much more. It is a holiday full of flavors and smells – from the piney scent of the citron fruit to the juiciness of pomegranate seeds. Join other Jews of Color and their families to take in the smells and tastes of this special holiday, to sit in our sukkah, and to consider what “home” might mean when it is temporary. All activities will be kid-friendly, and a light dinner will be served.
Please note this holiday celebration is specifically curated for community members who identify as Jews of Color and for their families. If you do not identify as being part of this community, we invite you to attend a different Sukkot event happening at the EDCJCC instead.
When: Wednesday, October 12, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: The Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center’s parking lot and Sukkah!
Please note: In case of inclement weather this program will be cancelled.
COVID-19 Info: Currently, masks in public spaces at the EDCJCC are optional but we encourage and embrace everyone to do what feels best and most safe for themselves and their families. Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter the building.
Questions? Contact Sonya Weisburd at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
RSVP: This event is free but we kindly request you RSVP to help us ensure we have enough food! Click on the red “Sign me up!” button to proceed to registration.
This event is brought to you in partnership with Khazbar, Mosaic Visions, Washington Hebrew Congregation’s JOC Affinity Group, and Adas Israel Congregation’s Jews of Color Affinity Group.
Join us for coffee, the company of other new parents, and a relaxed conversation about finding the right kind of childcare for your family. Sarah Marks, founder and president of Nannies by Sarah, will discuss the pros and cons of different childcare options and the benefits of hiring a nanny, and will share strategies for hiring a nanny that meets your family’s needs. Bring your questions – we’ll spend a lot of time talking through participants’ specific situations. Babies warmly welcomed!
SECOND THOUGHTS: ADAPTING TO BABY #2
3 Thursdays: October 20, October 27, and November 3
8:00-9:00 PM
$47 for the three-week session
Facilitated by Taylor Lerner, Psy.D
Are you expecting baby #2? Looking to create a community with other second time parents to exchange ideas and find support? This group will meet weekly via Zoom for three weeks to provide a safe space for second time parents-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. We will explore several topics, including: managing your big kid’s (big!) feelings before, during, and after welcoming the new baby; kid-care and self-care with two; navigating new relationships and new roles; and the complicating factors of Covid-19.
The group will be kept small so that connections can be fostered easily, even in a virtual space, and also so that in-person meet-ups can be organized if the group wants.
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.
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.