Learn Through Play – Parent Participation Program is the same enriching experience families have come to love—just with a fresh new name! The program continues to offer toddlers and young children a playful, hands-on learning environment where parents actively participate in their child’s early growth and development.

While the name has changed, the day-to-day experience remains the same: meaningful connection, joyful exploration and a strong foundation for your child’s learning journey.

For program locations and more information, visit carlsbadca.gov/carlsbadconnect or check the latest Community Services Guide.

Parent-toddler classes

12 – 24 months
In this interactive program, parents attend each class with their child, supporting early social development through play-based learning. Each session includes hands-on activities for toddlers and helpful parent discussion topics to support early childhood development.

Class requirements for parent-toddler classes:

• A parent or guardian must attend and participate with the child each day.
• Families take turns bringing snack and paper supplies.
• Parents are asked to review the Parent-Toddler Handbook before the first class.

For more information, visit carlsbadca.gov/carlsbadconnect or check the latest Community Services Guide.

Learn Through Play – Parent Participation classes

Age 3, ages 3&4 combo, and age 4 classes
In the Learn Through Play – Parent Participation Program, we focus on language development, socialization, problem-solving, and preparing children for school in a supportive, nurturing environment. Daily activities include music and movement, art projects, story time, cooking, sharing, and both indoor and outdoor play. Children will explore the world through teacher-developed thematic units such as sea life, seasons, zoo animals, and plant life. Field trips are also part of the experience to enhance learning.

Class requirements:

• Parents or guardians are required to work two days per month as a teacher's aide and provide snacks on one of those days.
• Monthly parent education meetings are required, where topics in child development and early education are discussed.
• Kruger House parents must participate in two maintenance days per school year. Maintenance days consist of assisting with the cleanliness and organization of the Kruger House facility.
• Parents must read the Learn Through Play Parent Handbook.

Fingerprint requirement for program participants

Enrollment

Sessions align with the Carlsbad Unified School District and are divided into three seasons: Fall, Winter and Spring. The fall session begins in September, the winter session starts in December and the spring session in March to wrap up the program year.

Current participants will have a priority registration period to continue in their current session. Participants will be able to register for the next level of sessions for the following year when that time comes around, typically March.

Payment options

The City of Carlsbad Early Childhood Program has improved the registration process to simplify payments to cover a full session.

There are two payment options:

1. Pay in full at the time of registration
2. Participate in a monthly payment plan*

*If participating in the monthly payment plan, you must pay for the first month by credit card, which will be securely stored in the City of Carlsbad Community Services registration system and will then be automatically charged twice throughout the session. A full refund can be given if you contact the Recreation Supervisor prior to the installment date. 

Scheduling a visit

Please contact Brenda Elg, Program Coordinator, at 442-339-2851 or brenda.elg@carlsbadca.gov to schedule an appointment at least one week before your desired visit date.