Congregation Temple Israel’s Deutsch Early Childhood Center is offering two weekly classes for parents and/or caregivers geared toward engaging infants, toddlers and young children prior to pre-kindergarten age. Classes are open to families in the St. Louis Jewish community, who can join for single sessions or the entire series. Classes include music, snacks, playtime and other activities promoting learning, bonding, physical and cognitive development and social skills. 

The classes are: 

• Baby and Me — The class is geared toward infants and children who aren’t yet walking. Weekly meetings are held on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and are taught by Lisa Cohen. Each class will run for 10 weeks with a short break in between sessions. The class will include guest speakers and discussions on topics that pertain to young children, as well as a mitzvah opportunity where even the youngest classmates can give back to our community and to a cause that matters to each group.

• Parent & Child Class — This ongoing program is for parents and/or caregivers of children who are walking. The class, taught by Jane Weinhaus and Lisa Cohen, meets Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Classes run through May 12. Class also includes playtime at DECC’s outdoor playground (weather permitting) and in the Muscle Room indoor playground.

Registration is not required for either class, but families are asked to sign in at the front office prior to the start of each class meeting.

Temple Israel is located at 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information, contact Leslie Wolf, director of DECC, at [email protected] or 314-432-8076.