café au Play Programs
Below are descriptions of our programs that we offer to our families. Almost all of our events and classes are donation based. Our goal is to make all programs free to families, and with your donation to Café au Play we can make this possible.
Baby Group
Hosted by Abbie Downing, who is a certified lactation consultant and birth doula offering the group once a week. These free groups allow connection and support with postpartum caregivers.
In addition, Abbie hosts informal talks with families about postpartum life, feeding, and sleeping tips.
Occurs weekly on Thursdays from
10am-1pm (no charge)
Music with mandy
Hosted by Mandy Gardner, Deacon at Christ the King Church, who offers classes focused on introducing
music to babies and toddlers. These classes offer time
for young kiddos to sing, dance, and play musical instruments. It is the only free music class for toddlers
in Durango.
Offered 1-2x a month on Mondays & Wednesdays at 11:30am (no charge)
Toddler Speech/
Language sessions
Hosted by Kerry Tichi, who is a retired pediatric speech/language pathologist. She teaches techniques for parents to integrate speech practices at home. She also brings educational materials for parents to read and provides a calm and comforting environment for children to learn and practice their language skills.
Offered 2-3x times a month on Wednesdays 10am-12pm (no charge).
Story time for babies & Toddlers
Hosted by Dani Zafar who is the director of Café au Play and was previously an elementary teacher. It focuses on early childhood education and teaches the parents the importance of reading to their baby. Story Time includes reading, singing, practicing the alphabet and more. We hosted pop up sessions at Folsom Park two times in the summer which had over 15 families each.
Offered 2-3 times a month on Mondays at 10:30am
Montessori at home classes
Hosted by Tristan Kladzyk, who is a 15-year veteran Montessori teacher, certified for babies and toddlers. It's a hands-on parent and child class which is not offered anywhere else in La Plata County for ages 0-4. The class includes exploration of toys, songs and games, making a snack using tools, and discussing Montessori techniques.
Offered 2 time a month and costs $10 to attend. Sign up required.
pop up events
We have also hold fun pop-up events on our campus and around Durango to include families into Café au Play. These events included: Baby and Me Yoga, Nature Walks with Ashley from Heartfelt Earth Walks (off campus), Toddler Olympics Event, Days at Lake Nighthorse (off campus), Playtime at the Park (off campus), Bubble Parties, and Café au Play’s annual Halloween Party.