Learning Link program aims to prepare kids for school

The Laguna Beach Unified School District is taking reservations for a new program starting next month designed to prepare children for kindergarten.

Learning Link is an interactive center for parents and children ages 2 to 5 that will include daily activities, such as art and language-development projects, to encourage healthy growth. The program will offer referrals to community resources and health and wellness screenings at no cost.

The Learning Link improves early childhood development by stimulating children’s minds while encouraging parent and child dialogue and interaction, according to a news release.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn about their child’s social, emotional and developmental life before they enter grade school,” Early Learning Specialist Sandee Bandettini said in a statement.

A variety of specialists in psychology, speech pathology and special education will offer tips for supportive parenting, and provide opportunities to build stronger social relationships.

Children will be screened to identify any developmental delays and referrals will be made to appropriate agencies for further evaluation and intervention. Organizers will hold monthly parent education forums on health, safety, nutrition, kindergarten readiness, language development and child development.

Learning link will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. on the following days: Jan. 4, 11 and 25; Feb. 1, 8, 22 and 29; March 7, 14 and 21; April 11, 18 and 25; and May 2, 9, 16 and 23. The group will meet in Room 90 of the office building at 811 Manzanita Drive, next to the Laguna Beach Community Pool.

To register, parents must complete a form on the district’s website at lbusd.org. For more information, contact Bandettini at sbandettini@lbusd.org.