Babble Buddies - Fall 2026

About this event

Class Dates:

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 – 10:45 AM

Class Overview:

Babies begin communicating long before their first words — through sounds, facial expressions, gestures, and connection. This class is designed to take the pressure off by helping you understand what early communication really looks like and how everyday moments already support your baby’s learning.

This class is designed for all parents with babies in the first year of life — whether this is your first baby or you’re navigating this stage again.

During this workshop, we’ll explore how communication develops across the first year of life and how parents can support this development in simple, meaningful ways. We’ll focus on building strong social-emotional connections, encouraging early sounds, supporting joint attention, and introducing gestures and early sign language as natural parts of everyday interaction.

Rather than adding more to your plate, this class highlights how communication can be supported during routines you’re already doing — like feeding, play, diapering, and quiet moments together. Our goal is to help parents feel more confident, reassured, and connected to their baby.

Led by pediatric speech-language pathologist, Olivia Hallagan, MS, CCC-SLP , this class brings both clinical expertise and practical guidance to help families better understand and support their baby’s early communication development.

A Supportive, Practical Approach:

This class is intentionally warm, practical, and judgment-free. There is no “right” way to parent and no expectation that you change who you are or add extra work to your day.

Every baby communicates differently and develops at their own pace. This class focuses on helping you notice and respond to your baby’s unique cues, building connection and confidence rather than comparison or pressure.

All caregivers are welcome, questions are encouraged, and the environment is designed to feel supportive, inclusive, and relaxed.

Class Format:

Interactive workshop with guided instruction, real-life examples, and time for questions and discussion.

Topics include:

• What early communication looks like before first words

• Understanding sounds, gestures, facial expressions, and turn-taking

• Supporting joint attention and social connection

• Introducing gestures and early sign language

• Encouraging early sounds and interaction

• Using everyday routines to support communication development

• Recognizing what is typical across the first year

Classes are held in a small group setting to allow for discussion and individualized guidance.

Each registration covers the parent(s) and their baby.

What Participants Will Gain:

Participants will learn:

• What communication development looks like in the first year of life

• How to recognize and respond to their baby’s cues in meaningful ways

• Simple, practical strategies to support language development during daily routines

• How gestures, sounds, and connection build the foundation for later speech

• A greater sense of confidence, reassurance, and connection with their baby

Who This Class Is For:

This class is a great fit for:

• Parents with babies 0–12 months old

• First-time parents looking to better understand early development

• Parents of multiple children who want to feel more confident supporting early communication

• Families looking for realistic, connection-based strategies they can use every day

Recommended Timing:

This class is appropriate anytime during your baby’s first year. Families are welcome to attend whenever they are looking for guidance, reassurance, or new ways to support connection and communication.

What Families Receive:

Participants receive:

• An interactive class led by a pediatric speech-language pathologist

• Evidence-based education on early communication development

• Practical strategies to support communication during everyday routines

• A supportive, judgment-free space for learning and connection

• A take-home resource guide with key strategies and ideas

What To Bring:

• Yourself and your baby

• Anything your baby may need during the class (feeding supplies, diaper bag, etc.)

• Comfortable clothing

• Water and a light snack if desired

All other materials will be provided.

Cost + Cancellation Policy:

Cost:

$40 per parent/baby pair (+ credit card processing fee)

Each registration includes the parent(s) and baby. A support person is also welcome to attend if a parent is unable to join.

Cancellation Policy: