Classes for babies scheduled at school

YOUNGSTOWN

The Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley, 2008 Lynn Ave., is offering parents the opportunity to help babies with important cognitive development through two classes at the school.

A Baby Talk Sign Language class is open to children 6 months to 21/2 years.

A four-week session begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday with Barbara Ricks, a speech and language pathologist, and Karen Steed, an interpreter and deaf educator, as instructors.

Signing babies are said to experience higher self-esteem, a stronger parent-child bond and an increased interest in books, which is critical for language and literacy skills.

BrainDance for infants from two months to prewalkers, is a six-week session that begins May 18.

Through dance, music, rhythm and rhymes, the child and parent are immersed in a stimulating environment that supports the development of mind and body.

Classes meet once a week, and the cost is $10 per class.

For more information call the school at 330-788-4622 or visit www.montessori-youngstown.com.