ESL Noncredit
Lifelong Learning
Noncredit Business Life Skills
Parent Education
Growing Together. Learning Together. Stronger Families.
Parenting is a journey filled with love, discovery, challenges, and countless opportunities to grow. And you don't have to navigate it alone!
At Glendale Community College, we believe that when parents and caregivers feel supported, children and families thrive.
Our tuition-free Parent Education classes offer a welcoming space to learn, share experiences, ask questions, and connect with other families. Whether you're preparing to welcome a new baby, raising a toddler, navigating the school years, or supporting a child with unique needs, we're here to help you every step of the way.
Explore Our Parent Education Classes
Understanding Child Development
Every child grows and learns in their own way! Discover how children develop, explore age-appropriate activities, and gain practical insights to support their learning, confidence, and independence.
Positive Parenting & Family Connections
Build stronger relationships through communication, encouragement, and positive guidance. Explore everyday strategies that nurture trust, cooperation, and meaningful family connections.
Learning Through Play
Play is how children discover the world! Explore creative, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, imagination, social development, and a lifelong love of learning.
Supporting Every Child's Unique Needs
Every child deserves to feel understood, valued, and included. Discover supportive approaches, helpful resources, and practical strategies for nurturing children with diverse abilities and developmental needs.
Parenting in a Changing World
From technology and social media to everyday family challenges, parenting continues to evolve. Explore timely topics, exchange ideas, and gain confidence in navigating today's world with your children.
Connecting with Other Families
Share experiences, celebrate milestones, and build friendships with other parents and caregivers. Sometimes the greatest encouragement comes from knowing you're not alone!
More Than Classes. A Community of Families!
We know there is no single roadmap to parenting. Every family is different, every child is unique, and every stage brings new discoveries.
Our classes provide opportunities to learn from experienced instructors, share ideas with other families, and discover approaches that work for you.
Whether you're a first-time parent, an experienced caregiver, or somewhere in between, you belong here!
Stronger Connections. Brighter Futures.
When we learn together, we grow together. And when families feel supported, wonderful things happen!
Explore our classes, connect with other families, and discover the joy of growing together.
View Free Classes | Steps to Becoming a Student
| Life Skills Bldg. 1500 N. Verdugo Rd. Glendale, CA 91208 Cerritos Elementary School 120 E. Cerritos Avenue Glendale, CA 91205 |
Thomas Jefferson Elementary Brand Park |
Pacific Park Maple Park |
Parent Education, Administrative Assistant
Marina Malekstepanians
mmalekstepanians@glendale.edu
(818) 240-1000, Ext.5052 & 5670
Growing Together Since 1952!
For more than 70 years, Glendale Community College's Parent Education Program has been bringing families together to learn, grow, and build lasting connections.
What began in 1952 with just two classes has grown into a cherished community program serving hundreds of families throughout Glendale and the surrounding communities.
Our tuition-free classes provide a welcoming, nurturing environment where parents and caregivers learn alongside their young children. Through play, hands-on activities, observation, and meaningful conversations, children develop social skills, confidence, and a love of learning while adults gain valuable insights into child development and positive parenting.
It's a special opportunity to learn with your child, connect with other families, and celebrate the little moments that make a big difference!
Learning, Playing, and Growing Together
Our parent-child classes are designed for families with children from birth through age six, offering opportunities to:
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Learn through play: Encourage curiosity, creativity, and early childhood development through engaging, age-appropriate activities
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Build meaningful connections: Strengthen parent-child relationships while meeting other families and forming lasting friendships
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Grow with confidence: Explore child development, positive guidance, communication, and everyday parenting strategies
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Prepare for new experiences: Help children become comfortable with group activities, classroom routines, and social interactions
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Share and learn from one another: Exchange ideas, ask questions, and discover new perspectives in a supportive community
Every child develops at their own pace, and every family brings unique experiences and strengths. Our experienced parent educators are here to guide, encourage, and support you along the way.
A Tradition of Family Involvement
The Glendale College Parent Education Association (GCPEA) has been an important part of our program's history since its early years.
Created to strengthen communication and connections among families, the Association brings parents and caregivers together through educational activities, community events, and volunteer opportunities.
Through the generosity and involvement of families and community supporters, the Association has also helped enrich the classroom experience by contributing learning materials, equipment, and other resources that benefit children and families.
Supporting Our Classrooms and Community
While Parent Education classes are tuition-free, creating engaging learning environments requires materials, supplies, and ongoing care.
Glendale Community College provides instructional staffing, facilities, and essential program support. Contributions raised through the Parent Education Association help supplement these resources by supporting classroom materials, educational activities, and improvements to learning spaces.
From art supplies and children's books to toys, musical instruments, and outdoor play equipment, these contributions help create memorable learning experiences for today's families and those who will join us in the future.
Together, we're continuing a tradition of learning, connection, and community that has touched generations of Glendale families.
Be Part of Our Story!
Whether you're joining us for the first time or continuing a family tradition, we look forward to welcoming you and your child.
Come learn, play, and grow with us!