Child & Family Studies

Children and Parents sitting onthe floor in class

Child and Family Studies (Childbirth preparation, Newborn Care, Breastfeeding and Parenting classes): BTC offers supportive, non-biased information on birthing, with the goal of presenting labor as a normal body process and offering you the most comprehensive information for a more fulfilling birthing experience. With short or longer childbirth courses, BTC aims to help you make informed, healthy choices as you prepare to have a child. The learning continues after your baby is born with BTC Parenting and Family Connections classes for infants and toddlers, and discussion classes for families of all ages. These classes offer a safe, inviting, relaxed atmosphere where you can meet other parents and caregivers, build relationships and find answers to parenting questions.

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Childbirth Education

  • Preparation for Childbirth & Parenting

    This traditional 8-week course covers the full spectrum of pregnancy, labor and birth, newborn care, postpartum, and parenting for those who want to focus on pregnancy and parenting while building relationships with others. Information about the last trimester of pregnancy, labor and birth, comfort and coping techniques, newborn care and feeding, and the challenges and rewards of parenting will be covered.

    Dates: 4/13/2023-6/1/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: Th

    Times: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

    Cost: $199

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 5/31/2023-7/19/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: W

    Times: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

    Cost: $199

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Pregnancy & Childbirth

    A condensed version of our traditional series, this shorter series focused on healthy pregnancy and birth and is great as a refresher option. Information on pregnancy, labor and birth, and comfort and copies techniques will be covered. There will be limited information on newborns, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period presented, and less time to practice skill in class. A postpartum session (reunion) with parents and babies is included.

    Dates: 4/24/2023-5/22/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: M

    Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 5/30/2023-6/27/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: T

    Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Prep for Childbirth: Weekend Condensed

    This weekend course is designed for the pregnant woman and her support person whose schedule prevents them from taking the eight session course. The weekend format will provide a quick overview of late pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, as well as breathing and relaxation methods to make childbirth easier.

    Dates: 4/15/2023-4/16/2023

    Location: Off Campus

    Days: SaSu

    Times: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM

    Note: This class will meet on Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm at Holiday Inn and Suites (4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham WA, 98226). Course fees are waived for individuals covered by Apple Health.

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 6/10/2023-6/11/2023

    Location: Off Campus

    Days: SaSu

    Times: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM

    Note: This class will meet on Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm at Holiday Inn and Suites (4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham WA, 98226). Course fees are waived for individuals covered by Apple Health.

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Comfort Techniques for Labor and Birth

    This class is designed to provide pregnant women and their partners with more information about pain and coping, including: birthing techniques, labor positions, comfort measures, and options for back labor. Suggestions for partners providing labor support are presented.

    Dates: 4/6/2023

    Location:

    Days: Th

    Times: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

    Cost: $40

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 5/16/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: T

    Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

    Cost: $40

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 6/8/2023

    Location: CC 114

    Days: Th

    Times: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

    Cost: $40

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Breastfeeding Basics and Beyond

    Breastfeeding offers a baby an optimal start in life and provides lifelong health benefits. Breastfeeding is an integral part of the natural continuum of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Accurate information and support are essential for a breastfeeding mother. This course is designed to provide the expectant woman and her support person(s) basic information necessary to initiate and to sustain breastfeeding, for as long as desired. Topics covered will include: breastfeeding resources, role of the support person(s), preparation and getting started, responding to challenges in the early postpartum period and beyond, including mother-baby separation and pumping, and answers to personal questions.

    Dates: 4/15/2023

    Location: Online

    Days: Sa

    Times: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

    Cost: $40

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
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Parenting Education

  • Bringing Baby Home

    This Bringing Baby Home workshop is a research-based and research-tested psychoeducational workshop for couples, brought to us by the Gottman Institute in Seattle. This series is designed to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening their families. Developed by renowned relationship and parenting experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this workshop is perfect for those who are expecting a baby or already parenting an infant or toddler (up to age 3). In this workshop, partners who are expecting a baby or already parenting an infant or toddler will learn how to strengthen their friendship, increase intimacy and affection, work through conflict with greater ease, create positive child interactions, and ensure quality involvement for both parents. Bringing Baby Home Workbook and materials are included.

    Dates: 4/29/2023-4/30/2023

    Location: Off Campus

    Days: SaSu

    Times: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

    Cost: $199

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Baby N Me 1-7 Months

    The early months of parenting are filled with extremes - from sheer joy to incredible sleep deprivation. This class offers a safe, inviting, relaxed atmosphere where you can meet other parents/caregivers, build relationships and find answers to your parenting questions. Adults choose discussion topics such as sleep patterns, infant development, adjusting to parenting, games and songs and starting solids. Babies play in the same room while you gain valuable support and current information on raising a young infant.

    Dates: 4/11/2023-5/30/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: T

    Times: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Baby N Me 8-12 Months

    As your children transition from infancy, the parenting issues you face change. This course provides a safe, inviting, relaxed atmosphere where you can meet other parents, build relationships and find answers to your parenting questions. Adults choose discussion topics such as emerging language, safety, nutrition, and beginning discipline. Babies explore in the same room and make new friends while you gain valuable support and current information on raising an older infant.

    Dates: 4/12/2023-5/31/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: W

    Times: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

    Cost: $149

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Baby N Me - Walk & Talk

    This course is designed for parents of infants and toddlers who are looking to connect with other parents/caregivers while spending time outside with their little one. This class offers a safe, inviting, relaxed atmosphere where you can build relationships, find answers to your parenting questions, and do something good for your hearts and soul-all in one! Adults will choose weekly parenting discussion topics such as sleep patterns, infant/toddler development, nutrition, adjusting to parenting, and behavior changes. Adult discussion will take place at the BTC Family Learning Center's outdoor play area, and will be followed by a 45 minute walk on a combination of trails and neighborhood sidewalks. A bathroom will be available for use when on campus. Please bring your own snacks and toys for your child as needed, and we discourage the use of screens during class time.

    Dates: 4/17/2023-5/8/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: M

    Times: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

    Cost: $99

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 5/15/2023-6/12/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: M

    Times: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

    Cost: $99

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Exploring With Toddlers

    Form lasting relationships with other families while your child learns through play in a fun, safe preschool-like environment. Share questions, concerns, and other ideas with the parenting educator and one another. Toddlers love to cook in our home center, build with blocks, dress up in costumes, and explore activities designed to promote their development and social skills. Circle time activities include songs, stories, movement, and musical instruments. Parents/caregivers choose new discussion topics each quarter such as toddler development, positive behavior guidance, toilet training, and tempertantrums. Yonger siblings are welcome to attend with you and your toddler. Parents attend separate discussion sections while children are cared for. Children can join their parents if desired.

    Dates: 4/10/2023-6/12/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: M

    Times: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

    Note: This class is best suited for 1 year olds. No class on 5/29

    Cost: $199

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 4/11/2023-6/13/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: T

    Times: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

    Note: This class is best suited for 2 and 3 year olds who have not yet started preschool.

    Cost: $199

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Exploring Together: Birth to 5

    Form lasting relationships with other families while your child learns through play in a fun, safe preschool-like environment. Share questions, concerns, and other ideas with the parenting educator and one another. Toddlers love to cook in our home center, build with blocks, dress up in costumes, and explore activities designed to promote their development and social skills. Circle time activities include songs, stories, movement, and musical instruments. Parents/caregivers choose new discussion topics each quarter such as toddler development, positive behavior guidance, toilet training, and tempertantrums. Yonger siblings are welcome to attend with you and your toddler. Parents attend separate discussion sections while children are cared for. Children can join their parents if desired.

    Dates: 4/12/2023-6/14/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: W

    Times: 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

    Cost: $249

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    This class is full

    Join Waitlist for this class


    Dates: 4/13/2023-6/15/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: Th

    Times: 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

    Cost: $249

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 4/14/2023-6/16/2023

    Location: Y 2

    Days: F

    Times: 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

    Cost: $249

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
  • Raising School Age Children

    Being an effective parent/caregiver can be challenging as well as rewarding. This course will provide a practical approach to improving adult/child relations for parents/caregivers of children ages 6-11 years. Learn how to effectively manage your own emotions while coaching your child to become resilient, self-disciplined, and emotionally intelligent. Explore how positive discipline can help create a loving, compassionate, scream-free household. Children and families can experience positive behavior change by taking simple steps covered in this class, leading to a happier and healthier life for both you and your children.

    Dates: 4/11/2023-5/2/2023

    Location: Off Campus

    Days: T

    Times: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM

    Cost: $79

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class

    Dates: 5/9/2023-5/30/2023

    Location: Off Campus

    Days: T

    Times: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM

    Cost: $79

    Scholarships: There are scholarship opportunities for this class to cover 50% (or sometimes more) of the cost. You can request a scholarship when you register.

    Register for this class
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Faculty

Carolynn Slocum
cslocum@btc.edu

Corrie Burke
cburke@btc.edu

Gina Eiford
geiford@btc.edu

Laurie Saling
lsaling@btc.edu

Lisa Follet
lfollet@btc.edu

Michelle Malone
mmalone@btc.edu

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