Dan Watt is a cinematographer based here in Los Angeles. Through his company, DancinDan Productions, he has produced shorts and feature films that specialize in unique, original and inspiring entertainment, and it’s his latest work that caught our eye.

Dan recently produced “Everybody Dance,” a documentary that dives into the transformative world of art as it empowers and emboldens children with neurological differences and disabilities. It follows five children as they experience the thrill of movement and belonging, in preparing for their dance recital. See the trailer for it here and the entire film is currently free on Amazon Prime Video.

Given that July is Disabilities Pride Month and the film shows the importance of inclusion, we watched it and tracked down Dan to learn more.

Dan said the gist of the film is how the children share in their struggles and triumphs as they, along with their families and dance teacher, discover the rhythm of inclusivity and acceptance. By dancing, the children shake off isolation and the narrative of not being “good enough.” The arts are a great equalizer, he says, allowing every child to discover the freedom of true self-expression, thus making the film an inspiring journey of self-discovery, dedication, achievement and dance.

L.A. Parent: Tell us about your background and how you got into filmmaking.

Dan: I started out studying dance and doing theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. My goal was to be a dancer on the Carol Burnett Show. It never entered my mind that she’d end the show before I was old enough to move to Los Angeles.

When I moved to L.A., my career took me on the path of stage performing and I was in the dance company On Your Toes through The Music Center in downtown. I was also lucky to have studied ballet with Jodi Wintz, who was a former member of the Joffrey Ballet, and they wanted to mount bigger productions including “Romeo & Juliet,” “Taming of the Shrew” and “Petrushka.” So, when they needed extra background dancers, I was lucky to be able to perform with them many times.  

Even with these amazing opportunities, I found myself more interested in, as they say, “the other side of the table.” I wanted to start choreographing and was asked to do “Oklahoma” in Palos Verdes. From there, I continued with choreographing but felt I wanted to produce the musicals, too, so I did. After doing that for 10 years, I thought, “Do I want to just repeat what I’ve done these past years, or do I want to move on?”  

I decided to test the waters in film and television and, with my second interview, I was hired at Columbia Pictures in their film development department.  The first film I worked on from beginning to end was “House Bunny” with Anna Faris. After 5 years at Columbia Pictures, I was offered the opportunity to work at SYCO, Simon Cowell’s Company.  He wanted to create a scripted and film department. The band One Direction was becoming popular and had not been to the US yet, so we started filming them, recording their first album and, bam, they blew up which turned into my first film with him titled, “One Direction – This Is Us.”  The director of this documentary was the late, great Morgan Spurlock and we became friends. 

After 5 years with Simon, I decided I wanted to tell true stories that had a purpose and that I felt needed to be told, so I asked Morgan for advice because he was my mentor and guiding light. I also had an amazing producer named Shannon Riggs who also deserves credit for helping me with the nuts and bolts of producing and directing my first independent film.

L.A. Parent: Had you worked in the neurodiverse community before” Everybody Dance?”

Dan: When I was the Dance & Theatre Department Head at the South Bay Conservatory, I also taught dance classes. One year I had a mom bring her two daughters to take my Jazz 1 class.  She said that the girls had autism and would probably learn at a slower pace. I said no problem. I didn’t change anything about my lesson plan and just taught my class, and I didn’t single out any child. If one needed help, I would try to accommodate. I gave it no more thought until I had the idea for my documentary, “How do the arts help kids in everyday life?” That was my idea, and I remembered Fran and her daughters who I taught 17 years ago. That became my film “Everybody Dance.”

L.A. Parent: How did you discover this community and what was it like working on this film?

Dan: Once I decided on my narrowing my initial idea down to dance instead of all the arts, I spent endless hours looking for a school that offered a traditional dance class for kids with disabilities, a place that offered technique, styles and was a full class. I finally found the perfect studio in Ballet For All Kids — ironic that the name of the studio sums up what I wanted my film to be about.

L.A. Parent: “Everybody Dance” has been well received in our community. The owner of Dance 1 studio in Redondo Beach now offers similar classes at their studio. The film scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and got 5 out of 5 stars and a blue ribbon by Common Sense Media, which rates films with the goal of finding the best of family entertainment. For good measure, Kelly Clarkson found the film so well done that she dedicated a segment of her show to you and the documentary. All this must bring you pride and show how well you’ve connected with and represented the neurodiverse community?

Dan: These are things I didn’t even think about, I just wanted to make a film that hopefully would educate, offer insight and maybe change the perspective of how people think about kids with disabilities. Making sure that these kids and parents told their stories in their words was my main objective. The response has been humbling, and for my documentary to inspire other studios and studio owners to offer like-minded classes is more that I could have hoped for. I still can’t believe my film was selected for Best Direction by the Chita Rivera Awards and I won an Emmy in 2024 for Best Documentary because Michelle Merker at PBS SoCal saw it at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and got my film on the air. Awards are nice as a confirmation of my work as a filmmaker but what is most meaningful to me are the emails, DMs and comments left by kids and parents in the disability community. This comment that was posted on Amazon Prime Video touched my heart and let me know that I did my best in presenting these stories: 

“As a disabled artist watching a documentary film made by non-disabled filmmakers, I was pleased with platform provided for disabled individuals — especially children — to have the spotlight. The arts are for everybody and, given the right supports and access, everybody can thrive in an arts based environment. Thank you for making this film. 

–Elle B.

L.A. Parent: What do you want viewers to feel when they watch “Everybody Dance?”

Dan: Focus on the similarities. All these kids came together with one main goal: to dance. Everyone focused on accomplishing this. Learn the steps and choreography. We all come upon obstacles in our lives that we have to work our way through. Some may experience the world in different ways, and if we embrace this it actually can help us see the wonders of dancing to our own rhythm yet still dance together.

The post Dance for All Abilities: Behind the Scenes of Documentary Film ‘Everybody Dance’ appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Sohyun Kim’s calling to make a difference for families in Los Angeles who have children who learn different came early – and gave her a clear path forward.

Kim was a high school teacher for several years at Taft High School in Woodland Hills and then started working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2013. As a bilingual and bicultural educator and clinician, she worked with Korean families to provide culturally-sensitive support. She has also been teaching at Cal State LA and at CSUN since 2020, including undergraduate and graduate-level ABA courses.

Today it is Dr. Sohyun Kim – having received her Ph.D. in Special Education from UCLA – who heads up SK Behavior & Learning, a team of dedicated professionals with expertise in ABA and consultation, and their focus is on providing personalized and effective support to individuals and families by using family-centered approaches in culturally-responsive ways.

We met Dr. Kim through the Special Needs Resource Fair we did in conjunction with The Help Group earlier this year and were impressed, so we asked her to share her journey – and passion for helping – with our community.

L.A. Parent: When did you feel a pull to help children who learn differently?

Dr. Kim: Honestly, answering this question brings me full circle. My very first job after college was at The Help Group, working as an instructional aide in an art classroom filled with students on the autism spectrum. There was one student I’ll never forget – he didn’t use words to communicate, but the stories he told through his artwork were extraordinary. Watching him express complex thoughts and emotions through color and movement opened my eyes. I began to understand that learning and communication don’t look the same for everyone, and that’s OK. It’s a difference we’re meant to honor.

That early experience planted a seed of dedication in me, a desire to meet each child where they are, with awe, empathy and curiosity. Over the next decade, I became a teacher, a board-certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), earned my Ph.D. in Special Education from UCLA and eventually founded SK Behavior and Learning. But it all started in that art room.

L.A. Parent: How did you build your business?

Dr. Kim: While pursuing my Ph.D. at UCLA, I was conducting a research project about the experiences of Korean American parents raising children with autism. My goal was to amplify the voices of culturally and linguistically diverse parents, a demographic that is significantly underrepresented in research. 

I was deeply immersed in the academic side of things – reading and conducting research, analyzing data and writing – but I kept feeling this urgency: These aren’t just data points. These are real families, with real struggles, trying to find their way in a system that doesn’t always speak their language – literally and culturally.

I wanted to take everything I was learning and actually do something with it, so I started SK Behavior and Learning with a simple mission: To offer ABA services that felt deeply respectful of who they are – linguistically, culturally, emotionally. It was a small team at first, with like-minded people who shared the same mission. We started with a handful of families, but we kept growing through word of mouth because families felt that they were respected and supported. 

L.A. Parent: What sets your company apart from others?

Dr. Kim: I think what makes us different is how much time we spend getting to know each family – really getting to know them. Not just the child’s goals or the paperwork, but what the family cares about, how they see their child, what they hope for. We don’t come in assuming we know what’s best. We ask a lot of questions. We listen.

Most of the families we work with speak more than one language or live between cultures, just like I did growing up. That’s part of why we’re so intentional about being respectful and curious. We talk a lot in our team about cultural humility – not pretending to be experts in someone else’s culture, but being open and willing to learn.

At the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to teach skills. It’s to build trust. To help families feel safe, seen and supported. When that happens, the learning comes because the connection is there first.

L.A. Parent: How did your upbringing in a bilingual and bicultural home shape your work?

Dr. Kim: Growing up in a bilingual, bicultural home shaped how I see the world. I was constantly navigating between two cultures – translating not just language, but expectations, norms and emotions. I watched my parents try so hard to advocate for me in school, even when the system didn’t make space for them. Their love and resilience stayed with me.

That experience fuels my empathy and my accepting of differences as the beauty of human diversity. I know firsthand how it feels to be misunderstood or overlooked simply because of cultural or linguistic mismatch. That’s why I’m so passionate about providing care that is culturally sensitive and rooted in respect for other cultures while being proud of my own. I want our families to know: You don’t have to change who you are to receive support. You don’t have to explain your entire culture. We’re here to listen, learn and walk with you.

L.A. Parent: What services does your team offer?

Dr. Kim: We offer a range of services tailored to where each child, and each family, is on their journey. That includes:

• Early Intervention: We target developmentally appropriate skills such as communication, joint attention, play and daily routines.

• ABA Program: We target meaningful goals within the domains of communication, social/leisure skills, imitation, daily living skills and motor skills and behavioral readiness through evidence-based strategies.

• Parent Training: We use family centered principles to provide culturally responsive parent training. We empower the parents so that they can confidently use positive behavioral strategies as a part of their daily routine.

• Adaptive Skills Training: We help your child with various daily living skills to foster independence at home and in the community.

• IEP support: We help families understand their rights and communicate with schools.

We offer services in multiple languages and we’re always ready to learn more about what makes each family unique.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many families, each with their own hopes, worries and beautiful strengths. I carry their stories with me every day. They remind me why I do this work, and why it matters to meet each child and caregiver with both clinical expertise and human compassion.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do promise to listen, to ask questions and to honor what makes each family unique. Because I truly believe that when we center care around empathy, cultural humility and connection, we can help children not just grow but thrive.

The post The Secret to Success for SK Behavior & Learning appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Kids and teens across the country can now play golf for just $5 or less per round, thanks to a new partnership between Bank of America and Youth on Course. Through the Golf with Us initiative, youth ages 6-18 are eligible for a free one-year Youth on Course membership.

What is the Golf with Us program?

The Golf with Us program, launched in partnership aims to break down financial barriers to golf by providing free annual memberships for young players. The membership offers access to thousands of courses in 97 markets nationwide and a host of learning opportunities. The deadline to enroll is May 24, and program membership includes a registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system, along with continued development and learning opportunities.

“Through Golf with Us, BofA is showing young people what is possible in golf, and in life, when they work hard to achieve their goals,” said Raul Anaya, president of Bank of America Los Angeles. “By offering opportunities for Los Angeles kids to play golf here in our backyard, we are empowering youth and young adults through the transformational power of sports.”

David Tyrie, president of Marketing, Digital & Specialized Consumer Client Solutions at Bank of America, said: “By working with Youth on Course to help make golf more accessible, we’re helping grow the sport while also making a positive impact in our communities.”

Golf clinics and learning opportunities

Through Golf with Us, Bank of America will also bring unique instructional opportunities to youth in select markets throughout the spring, summer and fall by hosting a series of free clinics featuring professional golfers, athletes and celebrities with a passion for golf.

“Golf has the power to shape young lives in incredible ways — not just through the sport itself, but through the friendships, confidence and opportunities it creates,” said Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck. “Through this partnership with Bank of America, we’re making it possible for more kids across the country to step onto the course and discover what’s possible. This partnership is about more than just golf; it’s about opening doors and changing futures.”

Strength in partnership

Youth on Course and BofA recently announced a multiyear, strategic partnership to expand golf access across the country for young players who are challenged to find an affordable place to play. As part of the agreement, Bank of America is helping fund widespread expansion of municipal course locations participating in the program. To date, more than 2,000 courses are Youth on Course partners nationwide.

The bank will promote Golf with Us through a series of commercials beginning during the Masters Tournament. Bank of America serves as Champion Partner of the Masters Tournament and has partnered with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since 2019, hosting annual golf clinics for youth in the Augusta, Ga. area. In 2025, Bank of America became the presenting partner of the More Than Golf Invitational for female amateur golfers in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation founded by golfing legend Annika Sorenstam. In addition, the bank has partnered since 2002 with the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships.

Beyond its growing golf partnership portfolio, Bank of America also partners with iconic brands in sports that share a vision for excellence and achievement to deepen client relationships, inspire and showcase teammates, create lasting economic impact in communities and drive growth, globally and locally, through the power of sport. To learn more, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/sports.

The post Free Golf Memberships for Kids: Bank of America & Youth on Course appeared first on L.A. Parent.

If you’re anything like my family, “Last Minute” could be your family’s surname. I don’t say that to shame us. No — we are an overworked, overscheduled bunch who should be handed trophies for keeping as many balls as we do juggling in air. But if you’ve let signing your kids up for summer camp slip from your orbit this year, don’t fret.  

Here is a roundup of some flexible summer camps in and around L.A. County. These camps provide flexible scheduling options and diverse activities to suit families looking for freedom in how — and when — you use the camp services.

1. Got Game Camp

Website: gotgamecamp.com

Locations: Multiple sites across Mid-City L.A., West L.A. and San Fernando Valley.

Dates: June 12-Aug. 22 (varies by location); 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with extended care from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly registration available. Campers can customize daily schedules based on interests.

Activities: Sports, art/science projects, water play, games and field trips for ages 6 and up.

2. Aventuras Forest School

Website: aventurasforestschool.org/summer-camp

Location: Griffith Park area.

Dates: Weekly options from June 16-Aug. 15; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Flexible options: Enrollment occurs on a rolling basis until full.

Activities: Spanish immersion through nature-based play and exploration in Fern Dell’s forest environment.

3. UCLA Recreation Summer Camps

Website: recreation.ucla.edu/summercamps

Location: UCLA Campus and Marina Aquatic Center in Marina del Rey.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22. Most camps run between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (varies by program). Extended care is available.

Flexible options: Registration closes Wednesdays at noon before the following session begins. Example: If camp starts July 10th, registration closes Wednesday, July 5 at 12 p.m. 

Activities: Specialized programs by interest (e.g., arts, nature, counselors in training or water sports at Marina Aquatic Center). 

4. Fitness by the Sea Beach Camp

Website: fitnessbythesea.com

Location: Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades

Dates: June 11-Aug. 22; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended care options

Flexible options: Options to sign up by the week. Parents can change their child’s schedule as needed throughout the summer

Activities: Campers are free to choose their own activities, which includes more than 50 different water sports, team and individual sports and creative activities.

5. Pali Adventures

Website: paliadventures.com

Location: Running Springs.

Dates: One-week sessions run from June 8-Aug. 16.

Flexible options: For this overnight camp, campers choose a morning specialty and design their own activities for the rest of the day to create a personalized camp experience.

Activities: Includes traditional camp activities alongside specialties such as filmmaking, a rock music program, motor sports, culinary arts and flying trapeze.

6. Aloha Beach Camp

Website: alohabeachcamp.com

Location: Zuma Beach, Paradise Cove, Channel Islands Harbor and other beach sites.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22.

Flexible options: Day-by-day enrollment is available. There is also a “name your own price” option for families.

Activities: Surfing, sandcastles, bug hunts, beach hikes and more.

7. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps at UCLA

Website: lavnercampsandprograms.com

Location: UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, Crossroads School.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22; 9 a.m.-3p.m., with extended care options from 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly enrollment with the ability to switch weeks or cancel if needed, with an option to receive a credit for a later camp. Campers can build a customized schedule by selecting different STEM courses each week.

Activities: Robotics, game design, coding, engineering and more.

8. Steve & Kate’s Camp

Website: steveandkatescamp.com

Location: Five locations across L.A. County

Dates: June-August (camp dates vary); 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Flexible options: These camps provide flexible options for families who prefer day-by-day enrollment without requiring long-term commitments. Families can purchase day passes to use whenever and wherever convenient. No advance commitment is required. Campers can even leave and come back the same day.

Activities: Self-directed learning experiences including arts, sports and creative projects.

9. Anderson Adventure Camp H20

Website: rosebowlquatics.org/camp

Location: Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena.

Dates: June 9-Aug. 8; 8 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended care options from 3-6 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly registrations. Some weeks are still open.

Activities: Swimming lessons, arcade games, arts and crafts, parachute play, flag football and more.

The post Flexible Los Angeles Summer Camps for Busy Families  appeared first on L.A. Parent.

We have the pleasure of meeting some outstanding people in our community, people who make it their mission to help others. Those are the traits that make teachers so special – the commitment to help others – and at L.A. Parent we have the good fortune to meet people every day who dedicate their time, and much of their life, to their passion.

Robin Olive is one of those people. Nine years ago, through a serendipitous string of events, she founded Straight Up Abilities, which is a nonprofit that provides professional performing arts training — dance, music and acting — and social-skill growth to students of all abilities. Robin started the program in Los Angeles, but it has since expanded to Orange County, Nevada, Indiana and beyond, and we asked her to share her story.

L.A. Parent: What is your background and what led you to this work?

Robin: I have loved dancing for as long as I can remember. I began training in ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop at 3 years old and always dreamed of working in the entertainment industry. In 2002, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue that dream. In 2008, I came across an ad in Backstage West magazine from Bethune Theatre Dance, looking for instructors to teach dance to students with disabilities. I thought it would be a rewarding experience, but I had no idea it would change my life. Zina Bethune introduced me to a world that had been largely overlooked where talented, passionate individuals were often misunderstood or underestimated. I saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Over time, I realized that our students weren’t just gaining skills but changing the world’s perception of inclusion.

L.A. Parent: Who do you teach and what services do you offer?

Robin: We teach students of all abilities, ages 5 and up. Our programs include in-person group dance classes throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, private music production and DJ lessons in Downtown Los Angeles, and virtual dance, acting and music lessons via Zoom, Monday through Friday. We also offer an extensive summer zoom camp in June and July, providing a dynamic online learning experience for students of all abilities.

Additionally, we are proud to partner with the Rollettes Experience for a special SUPA Workshop on July 10 at the LAX Sheraton Hotel, creating another exciting opportunity for our students to grow and showcase their talents.

L.A. Parent: Where do your classes take place?

Robin: We offer in-person dance classes in Santa Monica, Venice, Woodland Hills, North Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach and Anaheim. We also have an all-star dance team that meets weekly in Studio City. Auditions for the 2025 season will take place in August.

L.A. Parent: How many students do you serve?

Robin: When we launched in 2016, we started with just 35 students. Today, we teach over 500 students weekly.

L.A. Parent: How did you build your team of teachers and board members?

Robin: The most important qualities I look for in a teammate are an open heart and an open mind. Patience is key to being a great teacher. I have been incredibly lucky to find some of the best educators and mentors, and we’re always looking for more like-minded individuals to join our mission.

L.A. Parent: What makes Straight Up Abilities different from other programs?

Robin: Our classes are designed for everyone. We create inclusive environments where students can build confidence and social skills, learn new performing arts techniques or train for a

professional dance, music or acting career. Rather than focusing on limitations, we lean into our students’ strengths and let them shine on their terms.

L.A. Parent: In March you took your all-star dancers to London and Paris. How was the trip?

Robin: This trip was a dream come true. In 2019, The Music Center invited us to a private dance camp with instructors from The Royal Ballet while they were in residency in Los Angeles. It was an unforgettable experience, and we built a lasting friendship with their team. This past February, we traveled to London with 19 all-star dancers, six SUPA teachers and 28 family members. We spent a day at the Royal Opera House where we had a private workshop, a backstage tour and met principal dancers Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae. The highlight was performing in The Paul Hamlyn Hall for over 400 audience members, which ended in a standing ovation and many tears of joy. (See this video.) From there, we traveled to Paris, where we had another incredible experience: A workshop and performance at Disneyland Paris.

These experiences are life-changing, not just for our dancers and their families, but for the global communities that witness their talent. Inclusion in the arts benefits everyone.

L.A. Parent: What is the most gratifying part of your job?

Robin: There are so many rewarding moments. Watching a student walk into their first class feeling unsure and then witnessing their confidence grow over time is incredibly moving. Seeing families celebrate their children’s accomplishments, knowing they are part of something bigger, keeps me going. The most meaningful part is seeing how inclusion transforms our students and the world around them. When you give someone the space to shine, you show the world what’s possible.

If you are interested in dance, or have a child who is, and want to see if Straight Up Abilities is the right program for you, contact Robin at straightupabilities@gmail.com or 213-559-7178.

The post Straight Up Abilities: Building confidence and inclusion through performing arts training for all appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Q & A with Venice-based Judith Orloff MD, author of ‘The Highly Sensitive Rabbit’, a children’s book coming out in October.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in psychiatry and highly sensitive kids and adults in particular?

I was a highly sensitive only child who was raised by two physician-parents. I have twenty-five physicians in my family. So, I grew up in a linear and scientific family. As a child, I was very sensitive, intuitive and easily overwhelmed. For instance, I couldn’t go to shopping malls or crowded places without getting anxious or exhausted. I didn’t realize that as a highly sensitive child I was an emotional sponge for stress, especially in crowds. My ordinarily loving mother responded, “Dear, you don’t have a thick enough skin. You’re too sensitive!” So I grew up believing there was something wrong with me. 

I was attracted to Psychiatry to help legitimize the experiences of highly sensitive children and adults. I went to medical school at USC and completed my psychiatric residency at UCLA. 

In my upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit“ I want to help children and their parents release shame about being highly sensitive and embrace their gifts.  The book is also dedicated to the highly sensitive child within us grownups who deserves to be honored too.

What are some of the characteristics of a highly sensitive child? 

Highly sensitive children are precious beings but are frequently misunderstood. They often feel things deeply and are compassionate and good listeners. They tend to be overstimulated by crowds, noise, and stress and need a lot of alone time. They can feel different than other kids and express that they don’t fit in. They may be emotional sponges who take on your stress and other people’s stress and may act out when you’re angry or stressed. They might have one best friend rather than a large group of friends.

What are some of the challenges that these kids face in school, at home, with peers?

Similar to Aurora, the main character in “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,” at school or at home sensitive kids often get made fun of, or are called “cry babies” or they are bullied.  These children can feel different than other kids because they are overstimulated by noise, loud talking, and prefer a quiet walk in the forest to the chaos of loud video games or violent action films.  

How can parents better support their sensitive children? 

Some tips for nurturing highly sensitive children include encouraging your child’s sensitivities and intuition. Make it clear that not everyone is accepting of these gifts and identify people who might be safe. Listen closely to what your child feels and respect their feelings. Emphasize that sensitivity is something to be proud of. 

Also learn to support them in calming down if they get overstimulated. Allow them to have alone time to decompress. Help your child turn down the dial on stress. 

What unique qualities do sensitive kids have that caregivers and educators should be aware of?

They may care deeply about other people, animals., trees, flowers and the natural world They have strong emotions and may cry more than other kids or feel very sad if a child or animal is suffering. They want to help others and are extremely empathic. But their emotions may overwhelm them and they might have a hard time containing their feelings. Highly sensitive kids must learn to breathe out stress when they are upset and gain self-mastery in calming themselves. Teach them to be aware of when they are absorbing other people’s stress and how to meditate or practice slow breathing to center themselves. Encourage the child to take alone time to be quiet and creative. Parents and caregivers can be emotional stabilizers. One mother told me, “When I’m anxious my sensitive son feels it which destabilizes him and triggers tantrums.” When I’m centered it makes him feel more secure.”

How can parents and teachers better support these qualities?

See your child’s sensitivity as something that Is right with them—there is nothing wrong. However, you may need to nurture them in very specific ways and encourage their perceptions and sensitivities rather than reinforce that being sensitive is something to be ashamed of or that it is a sign of weakness.

What do you wish everyone knew about sensitive kids?

Sensitive kids are a blessing to everyone who meets them. They must learn from the very beginning how wonderful their sensitivities are, but being highly sensitive may require a child to develop some skills to deal with the common challenges. For instance, learning to decompress and calm down when they’re under stress. I hope “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit” helps you and your child experience an added respect for your sensitivities. Be your child’s champion. Teach them to love and accept themselves always.  

Judith Orloff MD is a New York Times bestselling author of the upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,” which tells the story of Aurora, a sensitive, caring cottontail in the Sonoran desert, who learns to accept her gifts as a highly sensitive bunny. More information about Dr. Orloff’s L.A. events and book available for pre-order now at www.drjudithorloff.com. Join Dr. Orloff for her live in-person talk and book signing on Oct. 18 at Vroman’s Bookstore.

The post Q&A With The Author of ‘The Highly Sensitive Rabbit’ appeared first on L.A. Parent.

In an exciting development for Los Angeles families, The Reading Foundation (TRF), a renowned leader in literacy education, has opened its new U.S. headquarters in Westwood. Now booking assessments, TRF brings its proven, one-to-one, evidence-based reading programs to learners of all ages.

Addressing Literacy Challenges in Los Angeles
In the 2023-24 school year, only 43.1% of Los Angeles Unified School District students met state proficiency targets in reading, according to LA School Report. Contributing factors such as increased screen time, lack of reading enjoyment and lingering post-COVID learning gaps continue to hinder students’ literacy skills.

The Reading Foundation’s personalized programs offer a solution. Whether a student has dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or simply needs more effective reading instruction, TRF provides individualized, one-to-one support designed to meet each learner’s unique challenges and goals.

Founded by Dr. Steve Truch, a distinguished learning specialist with extensive experience as a schoolteacher and psychologist, TRF employs research-backed, results-driven programs to systematically develop reading, comprehension and language skills.

The Reading Foundation’s signature program, Discover Reading, has been recognized for its exceptional outcomes in Dr. David Kilpatrick’s book, Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties.

Programs Offered at the Los Angeles Clinic
The Reading Foundation offers a suite of programs tailored to strengthen key literacy and learning skills:

• Discover Reading©: Systematically teaches reading and spelling with tailored levels for beginners (Kindergarten), basic learners (1st–6th grade) and advanced students (7th grade through adults).
• Discover Meaning©: Enhances reading and listening comprehension using a dual-coding approach, integrating verbal and nonverbal processing.
• Discover Language©: Develops oral language skills, including vocabulary, grammar and figurative language.
• Discover Math©: Builds a strong foundation in math through hands-on learning and visualization techniques.
• Discover Writing©: Guides students in crafting clear and structured sentences, paragraphs and essays using dual-coding strategies.

The Importance of Reading Assessments
Early and accurate reading assessments are vital for identifying literacy levels and tailoring effective support. These assessments help:

• Identify students who need additional support.
• Inform personalized instructional planning.
• Monitor individual progress.

To help your child reach their full learning potential, schedule an assessment with The Reading Foundation’sLos Angeles clinic. With both in-person and virtual options available, TRF offers flexibility to accommodate your family’s needs.

Contact Information:

•  Address: 10940 Wilshire Blvd, 23rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024
•  Phone: 1-800-605-9272
•  Email: la@readingfoundation.com
•  Website: www.ReadingFoundation.com

Transforming Lives: Testimonials from FamiliesThe impact of TRF’s programs is evident in the stories of satisfied families:

Dr. Sarah Hall & Dr. Chris Hall (Parents and Physicians):
“As parents and physicians, we highly recommend The Reading Foundation for any child needing extra support in school. TRF helped our child meet classroom expectations and built a solid foundation in literacy and comprehension that has been invaluable!”

Silvi & Kirby Dechant (Parents of Rocco):
“After completing TRF programs — primarily Discover Reading — Rocco made incredible progress. He now reads fluently, with improved spelling and math skills. His confidence has soared, and he achieved the equivalent of four years’ progress in reading in just two!”

These testimonials highlight the transformative impact of TRF’s personalized programs on students’ academic performance and self-confidence.

Invest in Your Child’s Future. By addressing Los Angeles’ literacy challenges, The Reading Foundation is empowering students and fostering a community of confident, capable readers.Book your assessment today! Visit: www.ReadingFoundation.com or call 1-800-605-9272.

The post Struggling with Reading? The Reading Foundation Offers Personalized Support in LA appeared first on L.A. Parent.

It may be widely known for being a place that houses books for anyone interested in reading, but visitors and members of the L.A. County Library and Los Angeles Public Library systems know that L.A.’s libraries are about far more than books.

From job readiness to story time with pups, library activities encapsulate fun, community, mental health, family assistance and, of course, library services. And you can access these opportunities in person and online. A great place to learn more about the L.A. County Library is through its YouTube channel. We love keeping tabs on the L.A. Public Library through its exciting and quirky Instagram account.

For more information about what’s happening within the county system, visit the events section of its website. Below are some of the programs offered at the L.A. County libraries below. Check the L.A. Public Library’s events page and services and programs section for services, events and programs that are just as robust.

Work Ready is a series of workshops for those looking either to enter into the workforce, are looking to make a change in their careers or simply want to remain current on changing workforce needs. There are different courses, including a chance to update your resume, be exposed to new ways of working or learn what employers are looking for when hiring. The length of the sessions range between 75 to 90 minutes. Most of these classes are virtual and happen weekly.

Meditation – Few would argue that we are living in stressful times. Accordingly, there is an area within the library system dedicated to meditation. Here, you can learn various techniques that can help you to reduce your stress levels. These meditation sessions are an hour long and are broken and into two sections. The meetings, led by instructor Doug Frankel, are not recorded.

Get to Know Libby  – If you know that you’d like to spend more time using the library, knowing how to use it is crucial. That’s why this program operates virtually monthly. Get schooled on how to check out an audiobook or ebook.

Smarty Pants Storytime  – Want to help your young ones love to learn and get ready for school? Well, check your local branch to sign up for Smarty Pants Storytime, where kids ages 2-5 can start building strong learning habits. Young kids become familiar with routine and are exposed to books, singing songs, movement and rhyme, readying them for school. It is all done only with the help of a parent, guardian or caregiver. Classes are held in person on Friday mornings. The time may vary depending on the branch, but sessions run for 30 minutes. Register online.

Baby-Toddler Storytime – Similar to the above-mentioned program, this one operates with a similar agenda of helping the little ones acclimate to a bigger world. The library designed the program for babies to toddlers ages 0-2 to help them build up their cognitive and motor skills through pre-literacy programs and singing songs, rhymes and movement. And just like Smarty Pants Storytime, these babies and toddlers can only participate if they’re accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver. The time is also a 30-minute course held on Friday mornings. Please check your branch for the exact time as they may vary from branch to branch. Register online.

New Parents Engagement –  If you’re new to the system and want to learn more about it, you can have your questions answered through this program, including how to do research on a particular topic for a class assignment for the young scholar in your life, how to get a library card or how to use the various services the library provides. These sessions last 30 minutes and are held virtually.

Heart and Hand – This is a lecture series that covers various topics. Some are focused on children; others may be something fun, such as discussing a book or author geared toward adults only. Topic themes are often associated with the national month themes, such as Women’s History Month. The talks run for an hour and happen virtually once a month.

Author Talk –  If you love reading and want to hear from your favorite author, this series may be the right one for you. Held on Tuesdays for one hour, the time varies just like the author in conversation. These virtual conversations are available after registration. Check ahead of time to find out who the next author is and when the talk will take place.

Trailblazers in Conversation – If you need honest advice or want to learn from someone you admire, check out this series of people who have broken down the roads you’ve only begun to travel. The conversations happen once every few months and last an hour. The next one is in March.

There are several other programs for kids, including a book club, reading with the dogs for children and art classes… just to name a few. These events are in person, with an estimated run of an hour for most events. Please check the site and the event calendar for more information and don’t forget to register beforehand.

For anyone who may need assistance pursuing education on any level, the library also offers help in that area. Find out more here.  

On the library’s YouTube, you can find videos that cover everything from events to other essential information that only the library can provide.

The post L.A. Libraries: Much More to Offer Besides Books appeared first on L.A. Parent.

In response to community needs, L.A. County Parks is transforming Loma Alta Park into a vital support center for Altadena residents affected by the Eaton fire.

Opening on May 10, the park will offer essential services for children, seniors and families, becoming a symbol of resilience and recovery. This revitalized space will not only serve those who have returned to Altadena, but also provide a connection point for residents seeking to maintain ties with their cherished community

First Altadena park to reopen

Loma Alta, the first Altadena park to reopen after the Eaton fire, will provide the following community services:  

• Space for a satellite Altadena Senior Center, which was burned in the Eaton fire. 
• Space for after-school (child-care center) serving 100 youth ages 5 to 12 years old after 34 childhood education licensed facilities were destroyed in the Eaton fire.  
• Create 25 teen jobs (for ages 14 to 25).
• Re-open Our SPOT Teen Center.
• Space for a satellite Altadena Library branch.
• A new Altadena Chats neighborhood meet-up and conversation site with Adirondack chairs to serve as a mini “town square.”
• Provide trauma recovery programming for children, seniors and families.
• Provide space for displaced community programming (Altadena Rotary summer concerts).

L.A. County Parks officials will meet with various community-based organizations in Altadena to expand programs at Loma Alta Park needed by residents. County officials envision the park serving as a hopeful sign of Altadena rising — to bring neighborhood residents together, to assist the community with critical services needed to help it heal and rebuild its future.

The goal for April volunteer Saturdays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is to galvanize volunteers from across Los Angeles County to help green, re-plant trees and create beautiful murals with local artists at Loma Alta Park. Rather than one Earth Day, April will be “Earth Month” for Altadena and Loma Alta Park. Registration is required at bit.ly/3QIsyxK.

The Eaton fire damaged only a small portion of Loma Alta Park. Prior to the volunteer days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will remove debris (playground equipment, damaged plants/trees, a maintenance shed, and the Altadena Community Garden), followed by a certified contractor who will thoroughly clean the park.

The post Altadena’s Loma Alta Park Reopening as Community Support Hub after Eaton fire appeared first on L.A. Parent.

As we roll into April, which is Autism Awareness Month, there are numerous reasons to celebrate. Look at how far society has come in the care and treatment for those who learn differently. Look at how many caregivers serve neurodiverse individuals in the greater Los Angeles area. And look at how many more quality service providers, from schools to social-skill development programs to job training, there are today than only a few years ago.

If you check out our Calendar, you’ll find a number of different events throughout the month, but we at L.A. Parent want to call two to your attention – and both are happening on April 27.

The day starts with The Help Group’s 12^th Annual Special Needs Resource Fair, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Help Group’s Autism Center, 13164 Burbank Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. L.A. Parent is proud to be a partner in this event, which is free to attend and features entertainment, children’s activities, food and upwards of 60 exhibitors – all of whom specialize in connecting with your child and helping them grow. It’s a chance to meet other families from our community in your boat, and to have meaningful conversations with service providers from these industries:

• Schools & Camps
• Residential Programs
• Social Skills Programs
• Recreational & Creative
• Arts Programs
• Medical & Therapeutic Services
• Educational Supports
• Behavior Intervention Services
• Financial & Estate Planning
• Consumer Advocacy Services
• Transitional Programs
• Vocational Programs
• Parent Support Groups
• Respite Services
• Equine Therapy & Much More!

Again, the event is free to attend, but kindly register so we have an idea of how many people to expect. RSVP here. And on the day of the event, please stop by the L.A. Parent booth and say hello to our team.

Later that afternoon, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services will celebrate the neurodivergent community with its “The Neurodiversity of Kindness” variety show on its campus in the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The campus is located at 3200 Motor Ave.

The program, in its second year, is the brainchild of Harri O’Kelley, whose three children participated in Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol Jewish education program with Rabbi Jackie Redner, Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Vista House of Lovingkindness – Beit Chesed, at Vista Del Mar.  When Harri approached Rabbi Jackie with the idea, they took it to Vista’s CEO and President, Lena Wilson, who supported it. The program includes dance, singing, film, art and storytelling.

“I think it’s a community-builder,” says Harri. “I hope families will come and see and be inspired – see what’s available if you have a son or daughter on the (Autism) spectrum that there are a lot of resources available.”

The program weaves in other organizations in the neurodiverse community too, including Straight Up Abilities, Spectrum Laboratory, Exceptional Minds and Autism in Entertainment. Rabbi Jackie points out that there are times during the program dedicated to silence, an important aspect for all people with sensory issues.

Last year’s program featured neurodiverse performers, and this year’s talent figures to reach new heights. Here’s the Kindness II Trailer.

The event is free to attend, but please RSVP to ensure your spot. RSVP by April 24 to Loren Schwartz at LorenSchwartz@vistadelmar.org. Direct other questions about Vista House of Lovingkindness or this event to Rabbi Jackie Redner at JackieRedner@vistadelmar.org or 310-836-1223, x209. You can also get more info and RSVP at https://www.vistadelmar.org/

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