What ages are best for Connect & Play Classes?

We are currently offering classes for children ages 18-36 months. We will be adding additional classes for 3 & 4 year-olds this summer. Join our mailing list to be the first to know when these classes are added!

How much does a Connect & Play class cost?

Our Connect & Play classes are $100 per hour-long class, billed monthly (4 classes per month). This is to ensure you get the highest quality instruction and personalized support from child development experts and covers all the materials used in the classes.

What are the qualifications of the experts?

Speech Language Pathologists are not only experts in speech sounds, but also in multiple areas of child development, including language, social interaction, and cognitive problem-solving. They have specialty training in understanding both neurotypical and neurodivergent development and can provide tools and strategies to support all children to learn and grow at their own pace. They can also increase parent confidence in what to expect and how to effectively communicate with their young children.

Currently, all Connect & Play classes are led by Ashlee Welday, MS CCC-SLP. Ashlee is a fully certified, state licensed speech-language pathologist with more than a decade of experience supporting families and young children. You can learn more about Ashlee here.

Is this speech therapy?

Connect & Play classes are non-therapeutic. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis, and you do not need to be concerned about their development to attend. However, our classes are inclusive for all abilities - so all children and families are welcome! Classes are led by a speech-language pathologist who is a specialist in language, social, and cognitive development; They will help you understand your child at different ages and stages and give you specific ideas of how to play and support your child’s growth. If you do have concerns about your child’s development, the therapist can help guide you to find the best supports for your family.

How many classes do I sign up for?

When you register for the weekly playgroup, you will sign up for 4 classes: 3 “caregiver + child” in person classes and 1 virtual “caregivers only” class.

When you sign up for our free trial class, you are registering for one, in-person group class.

Where do the classes meet?

Connect & Play in-person classes meet at the Social Connections Bay Area clinic at 1580 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View.

Please note that currently there are stairs to reach the clinic located on the second floor - it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible at this time.

When do the classes meet?

Currently, all classes are offered on weekdays between 9am-12pm. Please contact us for our current availability.

If no current times are available for you, please complete the registration form and let us know what days and times work best for you. We anticipate expanding our offerings in the near future and will reach out when new times become available.

Can my nanny attend?

Yes! Connect & Play classes are designed for all caregivers of young children to attend. These classes are a great opportunity to ensure your child’s daily caregiver has the knowledge and tools to create a highly enriching, developmentally appropriate learning environment.

What is covered in the caregivers only class?

The caregivers only class is designed to provide individualized recommendations for each family in a group setting. Each session will address developmental stages and what you can expect for your child. Additionally we will discuss specific concerns and provide strategies to help you tailor the things you are learning to your home and community environments.

Please note that caregiver only classes are offered virtually via videocall so that all interested caregivers may attend. The virtual sessions are held at the same time as your in-person classes. We are all parents and understand that your child may be home or present nearby during the call.

Can I cancel my enrollment?

Registered participants are enrolled for 4 sessions each month on a monthly basis. Once classes have begun, you are not able to be refunded for the remaining sessions that month.

Once enrolled, you are automatically enrolled for the following month and will be billed on the first of the month. If you find you do not want to continue in the next month’s classes, you must notify your therapist in writing (via email) or in person at least 7 days before your next billing cycle. Billing occurs on the 1st of each month.

What if my class day falls on a holiday?

If you are scheduled for a class on a federal holiday or date when the Connect & Play group is not open, your monthly rate will be pro-rated accordingly and you will not be charged for that date. If you would like to attend another day that week and space is available, a make-up can be offered at the discretion of the therapist.

More questions?

Feel free to reach out to us through the website or email us at: info@socialconnectionsbayarea.com