Early Childhood Matters

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Early Childhood Matters Early Childhood Matters focuses on the early years (birth through five), when the most crucial brain development occurs.

Offering workshops for parents and teachers of young children, with the goal of supporting them on the journey to nourish the minds and spirits of tomorrow's world! Our programs support parents and caregivers on the road to more connected and effective parenting, and nurture the development of compassion, creativity, and self-confidence in young children. Through our parenting workshops and facilitated playgroups, we:

• Share knowledge on early childhood development, the root of challenging toddler/preschooler behaviors, and developmentally appropriate expectations for children

• Model evidence-based, tried-and-true strategies that empower parents to effectively respond to challenging child behaviors, while deepening their connection to their children

• Cultivate opportunities for young children and their caregivers to play together, laying the foundation for emerging social skills, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation in a safe, consistent, and supportive environment

• Build community among families, fostering an environment where parents can support one another on their shared journey through the dynamic and challenging years of raising young children

For Parents: Parenting is one of the most challenging, important, and rewarding things you will ever do. The sky’s the limit when it comes to understanding this monumental task - but life as a parent does not always allow for a lot of research! Our parenting workshops draw from the latest research in the field, as well as our own experience as parents and educators, providing opportunities for you to genuinely engage with this information in a supportive environment. For Teachers: Early childhood educators are the most important people on the planet. Entrusted with the job of growing the minds of tomorrow, our workshops are designed to help teachers better understand and implement this important task.

09/28/2026

Join Early Childhood Matters on Thursday (Oct 1) for our Third Time Moms group. Learn about the unique challenges moms of three are up against and strategies to help you with emotional and logistical outnumbering, sibling and partner relationships, self-care, and so much more. Let anyone who you might know that would benefit from this group know that it's happening.

Full info here: https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/new-page-32

09/21/2026

‼️ NEXT WEEKEND ‼️ Calling Westside Families 📣📣

The Public Chat invites you to join us for a fun family playdate, bounce house and refreshments provided 🌟 🎉

🗓️ Sunday, Sept. 27
🕚 11AM - 1PM
📍Mountain Lake Park (10th Ave Meadow)

✏️ RSVP ONLINE ✏️

https://www.thepublic.chat/

Attention new (or soon to be) second and third time mamas -We've got the perfect group for you!For the special support y...
09/21/2026

Attention new (or soon to be) second and third time mamas -We've got the perfect group for you!

For the special support you need past the normal new baby group, Early Childhood Matters has been holding these special groups for almost 15 years.

We cover topics that help support your baby, your relationship, and your older child(ren) during this special, but also stressful time.

Third Time (starts Oct 1): https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/new-page-32

Second Time (starts Oct 24 with more dates throughout 2026/27):
https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/second-time-moms-eight-week-series

Read our reviews to see how much of a difference these communities make, and please let your friends know!

If you've been one our second time moms in the past, then you know how special these groups are! Please help us spread t...
08/30/2026

If you've been one our second time moms in the past, then you know how special these groups are!

Please help us spread the word, and let any new or expecting mama friends know! We have an 8-week Fall group starting this Thursday (Sept 1) as well as more groups scheduled through the first half of 2027.

Please help us spread the word!
https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/second-time-moms-eight-week-series

ECM's popular Junior Nature Explorers for 15-24mo + parent/caregiver starts on Tuesday, September 2, 9-10:30am in GGP (1...
08/30/2026

ECM's popular Junior Nature Explorers for 15-24mo + parent/caregiver starts on Tuesday, September 2, 9-10:30am in GGP (10 weeks).

Each week, children will have the opportunity to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world through hands-on experiences with insects, worms, leaves, mud, sticks, trees, and nature-inspired art. They’ll build strength, balance, coordination, and confidence as they climb, move across uneven surfaces, and engage in positive risk-taking. They'll also practice routines and group expectations, and develop social skills for preschool through meaningful interactions with peers.

Full info here: https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/junior-explorers

🌿 New Camp Week Added! 🌿You asked, we listened! Early Childhood Matters just opened one additional week of our ECM Summe...
07/20/2026

🌿 New Camp Week Added! 🌿

You asked, we listened! Early Childhood Matters just opened one additional week of our ECM Summer Nature Explorers Camp for ages 3–5.

📅 August 3–7
🕘 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Golden Gate Park

Think hikes, bug hunting, fort building, nature art, stories, music, and hours of real outdoor exploration—without overscheduling.

Before and after care also available!

We'll only be running this session if it fills by midweek.

If you've been hoping for a spot, now's the time! Tag a friend who might be interested and grab your spot here: https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/summer-camp

01/29/2026

In this episode, we tackle three of the most common—and exhausting—challenges parents of preschoolers face: not listening, power struggles over everyday routines, and full-blown tantrums when the answer is “no.” Drawing from decades of professional experience and many personal parenting stories, we explore why these behaviors are not signs of “bad parenting,” but normal developmental phases—especially for strong-willed, spirited children.

Through real-life examples like refusing to put on shoes, throwing snack wrappers on the floor, and melting down over yogurt before dinner, we break down practical, compassionate strategies that actually work. We discuss why repeating yourself undermines authority, how to set clear limits without punishment, and how calmly following through builds trust, self-esteem, and emotional resilience in young children.

Listen to episode 13 or read the transcript here:
https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/podcast

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San Francisco, CA
94110

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