Baby Signs program begins next week

Sign, Say and Play classes are being offered for the first time in Maricopa starting next week. The classes are part of the nationally known Baby Signs Program which teaches children ages six months to three years how to use simple gestures for communicating with parents and caregivers.

The classes, sponsored by the Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department will start Monday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 13, with two class sessions each evening at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Each class will meet for 45 minutes once each week for six weeks at a location to be announced. The maximum enrollment per class is 10 parents and their children.

Taught by certified Baby Signs instructor and Rancho El Dorado resident, Stephanie Calabretti, the classes help promote the child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Additionally, the program reduces child and parent frustration and builds trust.

Instructor Stephanie Calabretti with daughter, Gabriella, and BeeBo, the signing bear.

Based on 20 years of research by Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn, the Baby Signs program uses sign language and repetition to give hearing babies a method of communicating before they can talk.

Calabretti explained, ” I have been fortunate enough to see the benefits of using sign language with my 19-month-old daughter Gabriella. My daughter can sign over 80 words, including “please”, “finished”, “more” and “love”. My husband and I are able to meet her needs without the frustration and the tantrums. It is great!”

According to Calabretti, each class will focus on the topic of the day, which will include mealtime, bedtime, bath time, my pets, the park and getting dressed. Concept items relating to these topics will also be available to touch and see. BeeBo, the Baby Signs teddy bear puppet, will lead the signing fun and imaginative play.

“The Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department is looking forward to the addition of this new and unique program,” noted PRL Director Martin McDonald.

For further information on the classes, contact Calabretti by email or at (480) 861-1432. Contact PRL Director McDonald at (520) 568-9098 ext. 204 to register for the Sign, Say and Play classes.