Parent/Caregiver-Child Classes
Guiding Growth’s parent/caregiver-child classes are a nurturing environment designed to foster the child's natural curiosity and development while providing you with valuable insights into early childhood education.
A carefully designed space filled with developmentally appropriate materials that engage the baby or toddler’s senses, encourage exploration, and provide opportunities for language exposure and learning.
Enhanced child development
Exposure to developmentally appropriate activities can support the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Increased caregiver knowledge
Learn about child development, Montessori principles, and practical parenting strategies.
Community building
Connect with other parents and caregivers in a supportive environment.
"Our family is grateful for the Guiding Growth program, which provides a nurturing, supportive community for families and caregivers of infants. Jessica and Laura have prepared a beautiful environment that meets the changing developmental needs of the infants. What a joy this year has been to observe the infants grow, interact, and reach milestones at their own pace. They learn so much by observing and enjoying time with one another.” ~ Mary Santelman
Bi-Weekly on Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:30 am
January: 3, 17, 31
February: 21, 28
March: 14, 28
229 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis 55413
(hosted at Heartwood Montessori School)
Full-session and individual-class registration options.
Contact us at 612-405-0534 or at guidinggrowthmn@gmail.com
Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 am
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 11,18, 25
229 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis 55413
(hosted at Heartwood Montessori School)
Full session and individual class registration options.
Contact us at 612-405-0534 or at guidinggrowthmn@gmail.com
Winter 2026
Class Series 1 & 2:
Birth through Toddler
(0-36 months)
Join us in discovering the wonders of early childhood and the incredible developments during this short but important time. Our birth to walking series focuses on supporting the child in exploring and adapting to their environment. Topics include gross and fine motor development, language development, sensory exploration, fostering independence in the home, and anything else that is of interest to the group.
Spaces are limited, and pre-registration is suggested.
Saturday Classes
Winter 2026
Class Series 1:
Birth to Walking
(0-14 months)
Series 1, our birth-through-walking series, focuses on supporting the pre-walking child as they explore and adapt to their environment. Topics include gross and fine motor development, language development, sensory exploration, fostering independence at home, and anything else of interest to the group.
Bi-Weekly on Saturdays 8:00 am - 9:30 am
January: 3, 17, 31
February: 21, 28
March: 14, 28
229 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis 55413
(hosted at Heartwood Montessori School)
Full-session and individual-class registration options.
Contact us at 612-405-0534 or at guidinggrowthmn@gmail.com
Class Series 2:
Toddler
(14-36 months)
Our only session of classes for parents/caregivers and their toddlers, designed to build community and help you feel supported and confident. You will gain a concrete understanding of the Montessori approach by experiencing it in practice! We will initiate topics that include key principles and activities in a Montessori environment for toddlers (children 14-36 months), the art of observation, and the concept of exploration. We will also discuss how to incorporate Montessori practices and philosophy in the home, gross and fine motor development, language development, and how to foster independence and involve your child in caring for their home environment as they grow.
Spaces are limited, and preregistration is suggested.
Saturday Pop Ups
Guiding Growth: Nurturing the Absorbent Mind with the Outdoor Environment
Guiding Growth empowers parents and caregivers to explore new environments that support their child's natural development. Our philosophy is rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori's principles, particularly the profound importance of the outdoor environment for children aged birth to three. We believe a child's early years are a period of immense neurological development, where the "absorbent mind" instinctively soaks up information from their surroundings. This is a critical time for fostering a love of learning and a deep connection to the world.
The Pop-Up Series: Sensory Exploration for Little Ones
Our pop-up series is a unique and engaging experience designed to bridge the gap between Montessorian philosophy and practical, everyday activities the family can do. These sessions provide a curated, natural setting encouraging free exploration and discovery. The series highlights the importance of creating diverse sensory experiences, touching different textures like bark and leaves, listening to the sounds of nature, and observing the changing colors of the seasons. We guide families in understanding how these simple interactions build crucial cognitive and motor skills.
Through our series, we aim to help you:
Observe and follow your child's lead: Learn to recognize their interests and allow them to explore independently and at their own pace.
Explore new environments: Discover how to use common public spaces to stimulate curiosity and independence.
Embrace the outdoors: Understand the benefits of fresh air and natural light for physical and mental well-being.
Foster a community: Connect with other parents and caregivers with similar philosophies.
Join us in our mission to guide growth, one sensory experience at a time.
Our Saturday Pop-Ups are finished for 2025.
Stay tuned for future events.