These consultation sessions are for parents who believe in the value of democratic education and would like guidance on how to implement its principles at home. The goal is to help parents collaborate with their children on creating a healthy, loving, and harmonious environment at home.

Dr. Bazna is the founder and director of Pono. Her journey to democratic education took several years of research into the history of various classical and modern systems of learning and education, along with introspection into the purpose of education and process of learning. Prior to starting Pono, she was a professor in teacher education programs at Columbia University’s Teachers College and the City University of New York, where she taught in the areas of learning disabilities, disability studies, and inclusive education.

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:00 pm Eastern Time

Ages: Parents/Guardians of children ages 5-10

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

If you have any questions, please email kay@pono.nyc

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These consultation sessions are for parents who believe in the value of Democratic Education and would like guidance on how to implement its principles at home.  The goal is to help parents collaborate with their children on creating a healthy, loving, and harmonious environment at home. 

Dr. Bazna is the founder and director of Pono. Her journey to democratic education took several years of research into the history of various classical and modern systems of learning and education, along with introspection into the purpose of education and process of learning. Prior to starting Pono, she was a Professor in teacher education programs at Columbia University’s Teachers College and the City University of New York where she taught in the areas of learning disabilities, disability studies, and inclusive education. 

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

Dates: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4 (Seven sessions)

Ages: Parents/Guardians of children ages 5-10

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

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 with children and families in a variety of settings including, hospital child life, early intervention, and substance abuse treatment programs. 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.