The Child and Family Research and Training Institute Offers the Following Programs:

  • Mornings in the Meadow - Ages 15 months - 2.5 yrs with parent

    The Parent/Toddler Program is designed to give parents and their little ones the invaluable gift of uninterrupted time together:

    A Falling-in-Love Time Over and Over Again

    The Meadow Room invites Moms and Dads to follow the lead of their child in playful and fun-filled activities ( playhouse, storybooks, puzzles). The Hearth Room offers parents and children different experiences known as the "messy" arts ( play dough, water play, paints). The Parents' Time is during the children's supervised outside play.

    Parents meet in the Hearth for coffee and a discussion lead by a qualified staff member. Heart wisdom and daily practical questions merge naturally. This weekly circle of support and friendship quickly becomes a favorite time for parents! Music Time ends the morning session. Parents and children gather in the Meadow for movement, songs and goodbye hugs.

    Sessions: September thru May

    15 Months Entry Age............Tuesdays ...........9:00 ­- 11:00 am
    2 Years Old Entry Age..........Wednesdays......9:00 ­- 11:00 am
    18 Months Entry Age............Thursdays ..........9:00 ­- 11:00 am
    2 Years Old Entry Age..........Fridays ...............9:00 ­- 11:00 am

    Fees: $1300 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)
  • Afternoon in the Meadow - Ages 3 - 4 yrs with parent

    Parents and their three and four year olds are welcomed to return to the Meadow and the Hearth. Once again they will experience the invaluable gift of uninterrupted time together. The curriculum is Montessori based and introduces our "PlayWays to God Program."

    When the children go out for play and snack, the parents gather for half an hour to share and learn more about nurturing spirituality in the home. The session ends with a Blessing Circle in the Meadow.

    Sessions: September thru May


    3 Years Old.........Tuesday Afternoons...............1:00 ­- 2:30pm
    4 Years Old ........Wednesday Afternoons ........1:00 ­- 2:30 pm


    Fees: $1,000 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    *It is a wonderful program where children are celebrated, moms encouraged and we¹re all reminded to slow down and smell the roses.
  • Summer in the Meadow - Ages 3 - 6 yrs

    Children ages three to six years old are given precious time to experience the beauty and mystery of the earth. These natural lovers of nature are invited to take nature walks, create pond and ocean environments and come to know the various creatures that inhabit our planet. Music, art, cooking and stories enhance their experience. Each week concludes with a Blessing Celebration Ritual. The children are divided into two groups. They may sign up for one week or for all five weeks. Each week has a different theme.

    Sessions
    3 thru 6 Years Old:

    Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
    Time: 9:00 am -­ 12:00 pm
    Dates: June 22 – 24 • June 29, 30, July 1 • July 6 –8 • July 13 – 15
    July 20 – 22

    3 Year Olds – Meadow & Hearth Rooms
    4 Year Olds – Trinity Preschool Room
    5-6 Year Olds – Angus Hall

    Fees: $120 per Week
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    "My daughter is out looking for colors that God has painted in our yard."
  • Dad Friendly Programs - Ages 15 months - 10 yrs with Dad

    We offer a variety of sessions for Dads and their kids to give Dads the opportunity to spend one on one time with their children. This is also a great opportunity for Dads to meet other Dads.

    Daddy and Me Play Dates

    Playdates with Toddlers

    9:30 am
    -- 11:00 am

    October 2 • November 6 • January 8 • February 5 • March 5 • April 2

    Play Dates with 3 - 4 year olds
    9:30 am -- 11:00 am
    November 13 • January 15 • April 16

    Dads and Kids (ages 4yrs to 8yrs)
    Spooky Stories......................Friday, October 29.........6:30 – 8:00 pm
    Sports Activity .....................TBA in January
    Gifts for Mom.........................Friday, May 6.................6:30 – 8:00 pm

    If you would like to be on the mailing list for these upcoming events as they emerge, call us at 328-2262 or e-mail us at: info@cfamily.org

  • Faith-Full Families - Oldest Child at Least 3 years plus all the Family

    Oldest Child at least 3 Years plus all the Family. Families meet once a month to share a meal, play, create, and join together in an evening blessing. Each group is comprised of eight to nine families. The families share a potluck meal and the staff welcomes them with a monthly centerpiece that reflects the spirit of the seasons.

    Following the evening meal, families gather for songs and activities.
    Heart banks, watercolors, clay and parades all contribute to the oneness
    of a family playing together. The evening highlight is experienced at
    the Evening Blessing. Here the focus is upon family ritual that relates
    to the youngest as well as the oldest of the family.

    Sessions: October thru April
    1st Sunday Group.........Child & Family Institute........4:30 ­ 6:30 pm
    2nd Sunday Group .......Child & Family Institute........4:30 ­ 6:30 pm

    Fee: $300 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    "Our Children would come every week if we could!"
  • Evenings at the Hearth - Preteen Ages 10 - 13 yrs with Parents

    Preteens and their parents come together once a month to build their
    communication skills and forge a deeper understanding of their family
    values. Through reflection and sharing, all involved renew their commitment
    to maintain a strong family bond. The evening highlight is
    experienced when all share in the closing ritual.

    Families may attend for three consecutive years.

    Sessions: October thru May

    Year 1: 2nd Monday of the Month...............................6:45 – 8:45 pm
    Year 2: 1st Monday of the Month ................................6:45 – 8:45 pm

    Fees: $260 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    "At Evenings at the Hearth I realized my children have taught me more than I¹ve taught them."
  • Mother & Child Teas - Ages 5 - 11 yrs

    Once a month, mother and child spend a precious time together. The magic begins with a specially selected story. Moms and children create a craft based on the story's message, and individual tea trays are presented to moms and children together. Tea time concludes with a group heart blessing.

    Sessions: October thru April
    Location: Jenny’s Tea Room at CFI

    1st Mondays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    2nd Mondays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    3rd Mondays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    1st Tuesdays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    2nd Tuesdays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    3rd Tuesdays Mother/Son 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    1st Wednesdays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    2nd Wednesdays Mother/Son 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    3rd Wednesdays Mother/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    1st Thursdays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm
    2nd Thursdays Mother/Son/Daughter 4:00 pm -- 5:15 pm

    Fee: $290 per Family per Session
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    " Mom, this is my most favoritest day."
  • Spiritual Health Club - Heart Voices - Adult Program


    Twice a month Moms come together to form a “Circle of Wisdom”. The intention of each gathering is to find and listen to one's heart voice. The opportunity to listen to the heart's wisdom acts as the guiding principle for nurturing family life. Join other Moms searching for ways to keep harmony and balance in their lives.

    Group 1.........................Alternating Tuesdays............9:30 – 11:30 am
    Oct. 5 & 19 • Nov. 2 & 16 • Dec. 9 Star Retreat • Jan. 4 & 18
    Feb. 1 & 15 • Mar. 1 & 15 • Apr. 5 & 19 • May 3 & 17

    Group 2.........................Alternating Wednesdays.........9:30 – 11:30 am
    Oct. 6 & 20 • Nov. 3 & 17 • Dec. 9 Star Retreat • Jan.5 & 19
    Feb. 2 & 16 • Mar. 2 & 16 • Apr. 6 & 20 • May 4 & 18

    Group 3 .........................Alternating Fridays ................9:30 – 11:30 am
    Oct. 1 & 15 • Nov. 5 & 19 • Dec. 9 Star Retreat • Jan. 7 & 21
    Feb. 4 &18 • Mar. 4 & 18 • Apr. 1 &15 • May

    If interested, please contact the office for information.
    Location: Child & Family Institute

    Fee: $410 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

    "I felt so alone until I came here."
  • Spiritual Health Club - Spiritual Rap - Adult Program

    This program discusses books on women's spiritual journeys. Various
    faith traditions offer an expansive understanding of how God touches
    the lives of people. A wonderful closing ritual blesses each participant's
    own spiritual journey.

    Location:  Chapel at CFI

    Group 1...................................Mondays......................9:30 – 11:00 am
    Oct. 4 & 18 • Nov. 1 & 15 • Dec. 9 Star Retreat • Jan. 10* & 24*
    Feb. 7 & 28* • Mar. 7 & 21 • Apr. 4 & 18
    * changed due to holidays

    Group 2..................................Thursdays ....................12:00 – 1:30 pm
    Oct. 7 & 21 • Nov. 4 & 18 • Dec. 9 Star Retreat • Jan. 6 & 20
    Feb. 3 & 17 • Mar. 3 & 17 • Apr. 7 & 21

    Fee: $410 per Year
    (Payment schedules can be arranged and scholarships are available.)

  • Reflection Time

    Step out of the business of your daily life and come to our new chapel.
    Take a mini R&R ( rest and reflection). Walk the labyrinth or just enjoy the quiet. We also offer Mornings of Reflection lead by MaryRuth Quinn.

    Check our website for exact days and times or call 650-328-2262
    to be put on our mailing list.
  • Faith-Full Families Training Seminar

    The Child and Family Institute offers Leadership Training Seminars designed
    for churches and other organizations who would like to offer Faith-Full
    Families to their communities. Everything community or church leaders will
    need to start and lead their own program is presented in the Institute's
    Leadership Training Seminars.

    First Night     Part One     6:00 pm -- 8:30 pm
    Participation in a Faith-Full Families Evening

    Second Day     Part Two     9:30 am -- 12:00 pm
    Materials for developing and leading a full year's program are presented,
    including themes, activities and blessings. Instructors work one-on-one with
    participants to help them adapt materials for use in their local area.

    To arrange a seminar in your area, call us at: 650-328-2262

    Fee:
    $200 per Parish