Learn about the amazing benefits of play and how to implement play therapy principles at home with your children. These consultation sessions include topics such as: setting up a place space, the use of open-ended toys and materials, and using facilitative responses. Each session is cumulative and will include weekly practice homework. Although these sessions are for parents of both typically and atypically developing children, please note that it is not designed to treat any specific condition or disorder. The goal is to help strengthen the parent-child relationship and to create homes where child-led free play is valued.

Jefra Rees is a full-time educator at Pono. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, as well as a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, both from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked as an early intervention specialist and as a child life assistant, supporting the psychosocial needs of hospitalized children and their families. She is a strong advocate for respectful caregiving, child-led free play, spending time outside and in nature, and supporting the social-emotional development of children.

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 8:00 to 9:00 pm

Dates: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3 (Seven classes)

Ages: Adults/Caregivers of children ages 2-9

Fee: $1 minimum donation to Pono’s Teacher Relief Fund. Click here to donate more.