The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is now offering music and dance classes for children with disabilities. The six-week session, which begins February 6, allow children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome to explore music, movement and creativity in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Organizers say the program can help students improve balance, coordination and confidence. Classes at the Costa Mesa arts hub are aimed at students aged four to 12. Parents of children outside that age range, who believe their kids could benefit from such a program, are encouraged to contact the center. The series is $120 per six-week session. Financial-need based scholarships are available.
Costa Mesa | www.scfta.org/classes
Pretend City’s Trader Joes Exhibit
Kids won’t have to pretend to love the new exhibit at Pretend City – it’s sure to be a genuine hit. The children’s museum unveiled its new grocery store in January, and it’s a mini version of Trader Joe’s. Complete with branded product props, store bells, and staff wearing Trader Joe’s signature Hawaiian shirts, the exhibit will strike a familiar chord with little shoppers.
“It’s just fabulous that the kids get to play in an exhibit that resembles a real place from our community,” says Sandra Bolton, Pretend City’s executive director. “They’ve been to Trader Joe’s with mom and dad several times and now they get to grocery shop themselves and take pretend play to the next level in a place they are familiar with.”
Pretend City boasts 17 interactive exhibits, including a bank, café, gas station and doctor’s office.
Irvine | www.pretendcity.com
Little Fishies Swim School
A program aimed at helping special needs children learn to swim is branching out to new waters. Little Fishies Swim School, which first established itself with programs in San Clemente, has opened its first “aquatic freedom office” in Lake Forest.
“It’s an indoor, magical office with a 77-inch Jacuzzi,” says Jodi Powell. “It is an amazing place for those with sensory processing disorder, as I can control temperature, lights and sound.”
Powell has been offering swim lessons in San Clemente since 2008, and continues to teach there three times per week. This year, she’ll participate in San Clemente’s first spring and summer camps through the city’s Special Fishies program. Spring camp runs from April 3 to 6.
Lake Forest | www.littlefishiesswimschool.com
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