Find feathered friends and encounter animals up close at petting zoos in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Westmoor Park
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Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
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Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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Hold on tight, because summer festivals and fairs are gearing up for Connecticut families! Photo courtesy of Vernon's Annual Summer Carnival
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce
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Get up close with history and find even more fun things to do in Connecticut for August 2023! Photo courtesy of King Tut in Hartford
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Try to keep your balance at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
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Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
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Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
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As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Young hikes can tackle these short nature walks. Photo courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center
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Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
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Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
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Back to School Concert at Castle Hill Farm will feature a performance by Poppi's Planet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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Top Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Connecticut

Parenting classes can help parents prepare and care for their precious bundles. Photo courtesy of Yale New Haven Health
Parenting classes can help parents prepare and care for their precious bundles. Photo courtesy of Yale New Haven Health
8/14/22 - By Jennifer Coe

Parenting classes provide tremendous benefits for anyone who is expecting. No one ever said parenting was going to be easy! Kids are cute and funny, but they can also be extremely challenging. That's why many Connecticut parents look around for a little help. Some kids also have very unique health and/or neurodiversity issues; it's helpful for parents to connect with other parents and learn to understand these needs better. Happily, help is available. Read on to discover the best parenting classes, pregnancy and birth classes, and parental support for children with special needs. 

For more parenting resources, including everything from hypnobirthing to Lamaze, check out our list of online resources for parents and parents-to-be.

 

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Get insight into your bundle of joy. Photo courtesy of The Hospital of Central Connecticut
Get insight into your bundle of joy. Photo courtesy of The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Pregnancy Classes for Expecting Parents in Connecticut

Yale New Haven Health - Birth and Childcare

New Haven, Greenwich, Bridgeport
Offered at 6 locations as well as virtual, Yale New Haven Health gives parents education opportunities including birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, and infant & child safety. Clients can attend classes in-person or virtually. READ MORE

Childbirth and Parenting Education of Greater New Haven

East Haven, Hamden
Choose between parenting and child-rearing classes including birth, pregnancy, infant safety, breastfeeding, and 4th-trimester support. Instructors meet with clients in a group setting either in-person or online. Grandparents-to-be are included as well. There are two locations for in-person classes (East Haven and Hamden).  READ MORE

Middlesex Health Birth and Parenting Classes

Middletown
Middlesex Health offers classes for parents from conception to birth and beyond. Learn  about breastfeeding, childbirth, baby care, pediatric CPR, and more. Postpartum exercise classes for mom (and baby!) are also offered. READ MORE

The Hospital of Central Connecticut - Birth Classes

New Britain
With many options available, including both in-person and virtual classes, parents-to-be and current parents can get the support they need. Classes include birth, breastfeeding, fatherhood, infant safety, and more.  READ MORE

Connecticut Parenting Education Network

Online
The CTPEN is an organization for professionals who offer support services for families in Connecticut. The website has a searchable map where you can pinpoint Parenting Educators in your area, and find exactly the kind of help you need, when you need it. READ MORE
ASL classes can foster early communication with your baby. Photo courtesy of the American School for the Deaf
ASL classes can foster early communication with your baby. Photo courtesy of the American School for the Deaf

ASL Sign Language Classes for Babies and Kids in Connecticut

American School for the Deaf -ASL Classes

West Hartford
American School for the Deaf in West Hartford has been offering ASL classes to the public for 45 years. Classes can be found for babies to adults! Classes range in cost and length and can be taken virtually or in person.  READ MORE

Northwestern CT Community College ASL Classes

Winsted
NCCC offers a Deaf Studies degree, but this particular ASL course is for the community. This course is 6 weeks long and will cover deaf culture, letters, numbers, fingerspelling, and more. This is a virtual course.  READ MORE
Find the right classes to meet the needs of your special child. Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Parenting Center
Find the right classes to meet the needs of your special child. Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Parenting Center

Parenting Classes for Special Needs Kids

Jewish Family Services

West Hartford
Jewish Family Services Parenting Education Program is specifically for families who are facing divorce. The program assists parents in supporting their children and meeting their emotional needs as the parents separate. It is a 6-hour program. READ MORE

St. Joseph Parenting Center

Danbury, Stamford
St. Joseph Parenting Center offers services for parents and children who have been affected by abuse and/or neglect. The General Parenting course offers assistance with discipline, self-esteem, budget and household management, and nutrition. There is a program where dads participate in a series of classes on topics such as child development, discipline, budgeting, employment, and more. There is also a Women's Support Circle for women who have experienced a crisis. Classes are offered in Danbury and Stamford.  READ MORE

Carolyn's Place

Waterbury
Carolyn's Place serves couples or individuals dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Services include peer counseling and support, childbirth, first-time parents class, labor support, and more.  READ MORE

FAVOR

Wethersfield
FAVOR offers families a variety of services to support them with children that have mental, medical, or behavioral health programs . FAVOR offers a peer mentoring  program, classes on how to be your child's best advocate, understanding and working with data, telling your story, and more. READ MORE

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