Frequently Asked Questions
Learning Program of St. Louis Classes
What ages enroll in Learning Program classes?
Our Learning Program classes focus on the early thru elementary school years. We start as young as 18 months with our Toddler Time class and we go through 5th grade with our Level 3 class. However, we also have Maren Prep classes for middle school, high school and beyond. If you have a question about where your son/daughter should be placed, feel free to contact us and we can discuss the various options available to you.
How are the Learning Program classes structured?
Parents bring their child each month. The Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 children will go into a classroom staffed by several Early Childhood and Elementary Special Education Trained teachers. In addition, a Speech Therapist is in the classroom and we have consult support from an Occupational Therapist as needed. These teachers will work with the children in literacy, math and communication – the approach they use with the children will also be taught to the parents.
For those in Early Childhood, the children will attend a 30-minute open-play session while parents will meet together briefly. Then parents and children will participate in an hour-long learning session concentrating on various pre-literacy, language, early numeracy, and other skills staffed by several Early Childhood trained educators and therapists. Total class time is 1 ½ hrs.
Toddler Time was created for those who just missed the age cut-off for Early Childhood class. This class is a parent-child class where you will learn some pre-literacy skills that you can use to work with your child before joining us next year in the Early Childhood class. This class is limited to 6 families.
What are the parents learning?
For Levels 1, 2 & 3, while the children are in their classroom, parents will be receiving a lecture on literacy topics, math topics and other topics of interest (behavior, etc.). The parents will be taught the “tools” to encourage literacy and math development at home. Each month everyone will receive literacy, math and/or other materials to use at home between sessions. There is also an opportunity to share ideas and problem-solve as needed.
For those in Early Childhood, parents will receive support in the lecture and classroom on specific topics that will be supported in the parent/child classroom session. We will work to offer educational assistance at all early-learning levels including skills for those children that are a bit older. Parents will also receive take home materials each month to use between sessions
What if I don’t know which class to register my child for?
We want to ensure that both you and your child have the best possible learning experience. If you have any questions about which class your child should attend please feel free to contact Julie Williams @ julie@marenfund.org. We can also tap into the expertise of our Director of Children’s Programs and Services for placement advice.
What if a parent can’t attend?
If a parent is not available to attend on a regular basis, another adult family member can attend in their place. However, an adult must accompany all children to each session. For the Early Childhood classes, those attending will be asked to actively participate with their child and it is recommended that the individual who works with the child most often attend.
Can a parent attend without a child?
Yes, you do have the option of attending without your child, if you prefer. Please indicate this preference on your registration form.
What if classes are full?
Unfortunately we are limited based on space and staffing. While we will do our best to accommodate everyone, if we receive more applications than we can handle, we may need to hold a lottery for class spots. We will notify you as to the outcome.
What if my child and I don’t get a slot?
Please do not fear! Our goal is to continue to expand this program to more families and a broader age range. We will do everything possible to accommodate any waiting lists.
Do you offer other programs?
We also offer one-on-one tutoring, typically for those individuals who have been in the program and understand the evidence-based strategies that we use. However, we are happy to help support families in any way possible.