“The teachers were great! Please come back.”
S.T.E.P.S. Program Participant
STEPS Parenting Classes
Small moments of connection help build a child’s brain for a lifetime
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Learn Simple, Everyday Moments that Help a Child's Brain Grow
S.T.E.P.S. Parenting Classes
Parenting young children is meaningful—and it can also feel confusing, especially when children don’t respond the way we expect. STEPS supports parents and caregivers of children ages 0–5 with practical, brain-based tools that help turn everyday moments into powerful opportunities for healthy brain growth.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, a little guidance grounded in how the brain develops can go a long way.
STEPS is offered at Beech Brook thanks to the generosity of:
Eva L. and Joseph M. Bruening Foundation
What is STEPS?
STEPS is a free parent learning program based on research about early brain development. The program focuses on everyday interactions between caregivers and children that help build strong brain connections.
STEPS stands for:
- S — Security: helping your child feel safe, loved, and understood
- T — Touch: using nurturing, appropriate touch to support connection and regulation
- E — Eyes: strengthening attachment through eye contact and shared attention
- P — Play: building skills through playful back-and-forth interactions
- S — Sound: using voice, rhythm, and language to support communication and learning
Parents and caregivers who attend STEPS classes will learn how to:
- Better understand their child’s behavior and needs
- Build stronger connections with their child
- Support early communication and learning
- Turn everyday routines into brain-building moments
- Feel more confident responding to big feelings and challenges
STEPS focuses on simple ideas that fit into daily life—no special equipment or perfect parenting required.
Ready to Join?
Contact us with any questions or to let us know you're coming!
Contact: Mariam Canady, Family Life Specialist
Email: mcanady@beechbrook.org
Phone: 216.391.4069
🧠 A child’s brain develops faster in the first five years than at any other time in life.
🧠 Responsive caregiving—talking, playing, and comforting—helps build the brain pathways children use for learning and emotional regulation.
STEPS Program Participants
Bring STEPS to Your School or Community
Beech Brook can bring STEPS programming directly to your school, childcare center, or community organization.
Options include:
- A multi-session STEPS group for parents & caregivers
- A one-time ABC's class introducing the basics of STEPS and early brain development
- A 15-minute Brain Bag session with quick tips caregivers can use right away
Contact us to talk about what works best for your families or complete the form below.
STEPS Interest Form
Complete this brief form and someone will get back to you to discuss bringing STEPS to you!
Your support is helping children & families thrive!
It takes many partners who share our vision of a future where every child and family thrives to keep our mission alive.
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