As a parent, what is my role in class?

Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.

What's expected of my child in class?

 Children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult's idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. 

Children's responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!

What should I do outside of class? 

Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Utilize our home videos, designed with minimal screen time to provide more ritual in the learning process. 

What is the class size?

Classes have up to 10 families each.

What if I miss a class during the semester?

We offer three makeup classes per family during each session. Make-ups must be done in the same session as the classes missed. Please visit our Make Up Scheduler to learn more.

Can I switch to a different class?

Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. 

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Allisongs for Tots may be able to accommodate late registrations if there are classes that have space for additional families and the website will prorate the cost if you join after the sessionhas begun.

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food into classrooms.

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We know that weather in Florida can be unpredictable and emergencies sometime arise. We will do our best to keep classes going, but if we have to cancel/postpone classes, we will send emails as soon as the decision to cancel is made.

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?

We are family friendly! All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class.

Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask!

Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?

Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it's the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others, while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone—siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers—to share in the musical experience together!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts.