“Family Time has impacted our family in such an amazing and rewarding way! We are so grateful for this unforgettable class that has changed the way we connect with others. My daughter and I have made such special and close bonds with other kids/moms simply because of this class, and for that I will be forever thankful! It has opened our world to new friendships, new adventures, new crafts, new ways of learning, sharing, communicating, and growing. My child has opened up so much and blossomed out of her shell because of this class. Everyone (staff and families) is so welcoming and friendly, we always feel a part of the family when we are in the room. We look forward to it every month, and it truly brings us so much joy and excitement.” - CFC Parent and Family Time Participant
What began as a small circle of children and caregivers gathered around a playmat at the Katy Geisert Civic Center Library in Torrance has grown into a citywide collaboration that nurtures curiosity and connection among young learners. A cornerstone program of Connections for Children’s (CFC) Family Engagement department, Family Time reflects our commitment to creating spaces where families can grow, learn, and thrive together.
Last October, CFC expanded its Family Time early learning and play group to the city of Torrance, building on the success of the original program in Santa Monica. Nearly a year later, the group has blossomed into a vibrant community of more than 70 children, parents, caregivers, and early learning professionals who come together on the second and fourth Friday of each month to play, explore, and learn.
CFC’s Family Time program is a free, trauma-informed learning environment open to all families with children ages 0 to 5. In Los Angeles County, infant care alone costs nearly $19,000 per year for each child, a cost that places meaningful early learning experiences out of reach for most low and middle-income families.
“Family Time is part of the many services that CFC offers to strengthen family capacity and confidence, helping ensure that young children grow in safe and supportive environments so they can enter school ready to learn,” said CFC Family Engagement Manager, Angelina Nguyen. “It is one of the ways we help children reach their full potential through equitable access to high-quality early care and education.”
Families are invited to join CFC every second and fourth Friday of the month for Family Time at the Katy Geisert Civic Center Library in Torrance, held in the first-floor meeting room. Family Time also continues at the Santa Monica Public Library (Pico Branch) on the first and third Friday of the month in the Thelma Terry Building. Each session offers a welcoming space for play, discovery, and community connection.
For more information about partnership opportunities or to Sponsor a Family Time session, please contact Ari Wood, External Relations and Fund Development Supervisor, at ariw@cfc-ca.org or (310) 452-3325, Ext. 271.
