Nursery University- Whoa, I just saw this review. My wife and I have just started looking for preschools- literally today was our firsts interview- and this is scary in a way. I mean i knew that there was a lot of competition around schools, but this just seems like it is not about the child in any way, this is all about the parents and their career advancement.

Hollywood Bowl is having SummerSounds 2009 : Music and Art for Kids (ages 3 through 9). This year’s theme is to explore ethnic Los Angeles – its musicians, the neighborhood they reflect and the world music that informs them.

There are 3 different programs running for 6 weeks: Brazil on the Westside, Mexico in East Los Angeles, India Little India in Artesia. There are Music performances and Art workshops each session.

Admission is $7 for Music Performance and $5 for Art Workshop. Group discounts are availab.e for froups of 20 or more.

For more information visit Hollywoodbowl website.

On Saturday, April 25th Pottery Barn Kids at the Grove is having a class called “Creating Shared Spaces for Children,” where attendees will learn great design tips that will help one balance each child’s need for space and individuality. Attendees also receive a 10% discount on products featured in the class.

Space is limited so contact your local store to RSVP.

Pottery Barn Kids at The Grove is located at

189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 323-549-9344

Shakout.org will be holding the mother of all earthquake drills.

Here’s their spiel: At 10 a.m. on November 13, join millions of people throughout Southern California in the ShakeOut Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history! Please register today.

So now, to speak of our precious children- how and what do we do to make them safe… well, here’s some advice I found

Infants and Toddlers

For infants and toddlers, special emphasis should be placed on making their environment as safe as possible. Cribs should be placed away from windows and tall, unsecured bookcases and shelves that could slide or topple. A minimum of a 72-hour supply of extra water, formula, bottles, food, juices, clothing, disposable diapers, baby wipes and prescribed medications should be stored where it is most likely to be accessible after an earthquake. Also keep an extra diaper bag with these items in your car. Store strollers, wagons, blankets and cribs with appropriate wheels to evacuate infants, if necessary. Install bumper pads in cribs or bassinettes to protect babies during the shaking. Install latches on all cupboards (not just those young children can reach) so that nothing can fall on your baby during a quake.
Preschool and School-age Children
By age three or so, children can understand what an earthquake is and how to get ready for one. Take the time to explain what causes earthquakes in terms they’ll understand. Include your children in family discussions and planning for earthquake safety. Conduct drills and review safety procedures every six months. Show children the safest places to be in each room when an earthquake hits. Also show them all possible exits from each room. Use sturdy tables to teach children to Duck, Cover & Hold.

Teach children what to do wherever they are during an earthquake (at school, in a tall building, outdoors). Make sure children’s emergency cards at school are up-to-date.

Although children should not turn off any utility valves, it’s important that they know what gas smells like. Advise children to tell an adult if they smell gas after an earthquake.

If you need more information read through Office of Emergency Services website.

If you live in Santa Monica there’s specific info for you.

The Santa Monica Playhouse puts on plays and has an educational program for kids where kids can write their own plays, act in plays and have loads of fun doing it. If your child is looking to express themselves or has a knack for acting you should take a look at what they have to offer. I’ve included some information about their 4-6 year old program but they have much much more.

Perform an original play
Work with a professional Repertory Company
Acting, Singing, Dancing, Make-up and more
Workshops available for a wide range of ages and experience levels
Early Stages Create-a-Play

A workshop for 4 to 6 year olds focusing on the joys of creativity, self-expression and imagination, studying with company members and performance with the members of the Summer, Fall or Spring Theatre Workshop.

Parent lecture series at the Aero Theather sponsered by Pump Station is going to have Dr. Harvey Karp as the lecturer on Oct. 18th. I really enjoyed his book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” and wrote a book report for my super cute and busy sexy hubby . If you are interested, tickets can be purchased at Fandango.

As my due date gets closer I am already worried about how I am going to afford my baby sprout during her college years. If she is like me, my husband and most of our degree collecting friends, she will go to college, grad school and then some…

So to be able to give her the options to get her collection of degrees, I am thinking I need to start putting money away as soon as she gets her social security number and be able to open an account under her name. So here are some ways I found that can help you save for your child’s education expenses.

1. Coverdell Education Savings Account – One can invest for any level of a child’s education, not just college). Contributions aren’t tax-deductible but your earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals are free from federal income taxes when used for qualified education expenses. (similar to ROTH IRA).

• Pro: Has minimal affect on financial aid eligibility. One can use the money in any kind of investment – stocks, bond, mutual funds, CDs.
• Con: One can only invest up to $2000/year and the amount you can contribute declines based on you and your spouse’s modified adjusted gross income. Your child must be under age 18 to receive a contribution in her name, and the money you put in the account must be used before she turns 30.

more detailed information on Coverdell Education Savings Account.

2. 529 College savings plans – Investment accounts that allow you to set aside money for your child’s education and let it grow tax-free.

• Pro: Any family can contribute to a 529 account regardless of income, and the money you put in your 529 account is considered a gift, so you can enjoy gift tax exemption up to $12,000 as of 2008. Minimum affect on need based financial aid eligibility.
• Con: Investment options are limited to what’s offered by your chosen state for the plan. You can only use the money for college education.

more information on 529 College savings plans or 529 College savings plans.

3. Custodial account – A savings account in your child’s name that you control until your child reaches legal adulthood (18 to 21, depending on where you live).

• Pro: Easy to set up and has few restrictions.
• Con: Taxed annually, you lose control of the money as soon as the child reach her legal adulthood. Beneficiary cannot be changed.

4. There are also other mechanisms like trusts that you can set up for your child. I’ll write more on that later.

At World Speak you and your kids can learn Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew, Italian, Russian, Farsi, Armenian, German, Korean, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu.

Pricing For Group Classes:

• $160/8 classes for 45 min class
• $240/8 classes for 1:20 hour class
• $280 /8 classes for 1:40 hour class

Semi private classes for 2 children – $200/hour for 45 minutes

Private Lessons – $360/8 classes for 45 minutes or $400/8 classes for 1 hour.

Family Private classes – Private lesson price and 2nd person is free.

They also have Montessori Bilingual Preschool for 2-5 year old in Century City/Westwood. (to schedule an interview and tour call 310-441-5222)

At gymboree newborn babies to kids up to 5 years of age can socialize in a safe and stimulating environment. Their activities range from play and learn, to school skills, music, art, sports, and family music.

There are several classes available for each of the age groups so check out the schedule around your area.

At Westside pavillion, the fees are

45 min class – $74/month

60 min class-$84/month

120 min class – $168/month

Membership fee – $35

$10 discount per month off any 2nd concurrent class or sibling enrollment.

$10 discount per month after 6 month continous enrollment.

I’ve been told that studying music develops a child’s brain. I’m conflicted on that opinion. Some of my best friends are musicians many of the are extremely smart and witty, others- not so much. Ah maybe we’ll just play that off to the unusually high amount of drugs the “not so muchers” did. Anyway, this place looks pretty neat, and their prices aren’t too bad. An 8 week course will cost you $225 which is like what $28 per session. They cover Piano, Guitar, Violin, drums and percussion. Their classes are designed to get your child some experience with a variety of instruments before they choose an emphasis. They also provide single instrument classes. If i was going to get my child lessons i would start with piano. My reasoning- it will give them a grasp of pitch. Also- if you have a piano at home- keep it tuned for your kid otherwise you’ll screw up their pitch for years to come.

Check out Music Stars & Masters

They are on the second floor next to Nordstrom

(310) 470-1400