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A parenting education and support program offered by the Center for Child and Family Studies, is helping families strengthen their understanding of child development while creating a supportive community for both parents and children. 

follows the children’s initiatives and interests during weekly sessions held in . Open to families beyond the �鶹��ý community and for children approximately 6 months to preschool age, the program provides a space where parents, caregivers and young children can learn, play and grow together. 

At the heart of the program is , the associate director and family coordinator of the Early Childhood Lab School, and creator of Growing Together. With an extensive background in parenting education from Minnesota, her mission is to guide parents toward developing their own parenting philosophies. 

“What is most typical is that adults interact with children based on how we see the world,” Armién Funk said. “So I encourage them to put themselves in their child's shoes and try to see things from that very limited perspective, and to develop strategies based on that rather than on the adult's perspective.”

During weekly 60-minute sessions, children lead the way through free play, while Armién Funk and parents observe how they interact with their environment, peers and adults. These observations inform discussions about child development and help parents tailor their approaches to their child’s individual needs. 

Beyond play-based learning, the program focuses on supporting parents in understanding and responding to children’s behavior through a developmental lens. Armién Funk encourages caregivers to recognize that social skills and self-regulation develop over time, and that guidance works best when it aligns with each child’s readiness. 

Lara Mosswood, parent of 19-month-old Nina Mosswood, learned about the program from a group of people at the �鶹��ý library who were a part of Growing Together. 

“It’s fun in a way because we have a new place to go to,” Mosswood said. “Sierra has helped Nina with socializing with other kids, sharing and language.”

The program also prioritizes community-building among families. Parents are encouraged to be open about their experiences and challenges, supporting one another’s children and sharing strategies that work for them.

“Parenting can be really isolating,” Armién Funk said. “And it’s becoming more isolating just as society is shifting. People are relying on social media, looking for guidance from an expert on Instagram versus someone that you can kind of get to know and can understand the details of your own experience.”

While the program is open to all families, there are associated fees for participation. In the past, a funding grant called Child Care Access Means Parents in School, or CCAMPIS, allowed the program to be free for student parents. That grant has now been dissolved.

“There were tons of mostly student parent families participating when the program was free,” Armién Funk said. “The cost is now prohibitive for some, unfortunately, and I'm always looking for opportunities to provide scholarships.”

In addition to the in-person playgroups, Armién Funk also offers . Past topics have included temperament, setting positive limits and resolving conflicts. These sessions extend the program’s reach, giving parents access to research-based information and practical strategies for everyday parenting challenges, Armién Funk said. 

Through its blend of play, education and community connection, Growing Together offers families a unique opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of child development while strengthening relationships.