2017 Golden Teddy Awards — Family Resources

Winner: PEPS 

A back-to-back Golden Teddy winner, PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) has more than three decades of experience buoying Puget Sound–area parents. Look for neighborhood-based parent groups that seek to foster a sense of community among new moms and dads.

Finalists

Since 1980, Kirkland’s Lake Washington Toddler Group has served parents of children between the ages of 5 months and 4 years. The nonprofit is sponsored by Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech); participating parents become LWTech students and receive college credit.

For families with children ages newborn to 5 years old, South Seattle College Co-Operative Preschools offers preschool classes at five neighborhood locations (each has its own schedule and specialties). The goal: to have parents and children learn together.

This homegrown option puts play first, serving parents of kids ages 5 months to 4 years. Woodinville Toddler Group is also affiliated with Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), and participating parents get LWTech credit. 

“Strength in motherhood” — that’s the anthem of FIT4MOM outfits across the country. How is that goal accomplished? By offering fitness classes that help moms get a little “me” time while making new friends. Also look for their prenatal courses and Stroller Strides.

Returning Golden Teddy finalist Community of Mindful Parenting — Listening Mothers works with parents of babies from newborn through 6 months of age. The eight-week program aims to jumpstart parenting and “help you turn the present moment into a positive moment!”