The Parent-Baby-Course (ElBa) of the GRC
ElBa is a baby course that focuses on parents and children alike. You can find out what’s behind it here at MomaSquad. We tell you what’s behind the ElBa concept, where you can take such a course and why it is good for you and your child’s development.
Where does the ElBa course come from?
“ElBa” stands for “Parent and Baby Course”. The concept was developed by the German Red Cross. The course is intended to benefit parents and baby alike. The ElBa course is mainly about strengthening the existing potential of the babies during the first year of life. All courses are led by professionals. These can be educators, social pedagogues or pediatric nurses. All have acquired an additional qualification with GRC certificate. The focus is on developmental psychology, early childhood education and health promotion.
What happens in the ElBa course?
You want to optimally support your child so that it grows up healthy and happy? That’s how it goes for all parents. Often couples enter completely new territory when they have a child. An ElBa course can relieve you of many worries, because questions can be answered at the meetings and relaxation from everyday family life is part of the program. Seven to eight parents should be given time in the group together with their children for exchange, play stimulation, relaxation from everyday life and support for the new life situation.
In the experience part of the course, play, movement and sensory stimulation are to be offered, which show parents various ways to support their child in child development. Elements of peace and relaxation for parents and children take stress and show you an opportunity to find a little peace in everyday life with your own child. The discussion part for parents rounds off the course by exchanging individual topics.
Why take an ElBa course?
ElBa offers you and your child many positive aspects:
- Your child will be individually supported in its development.
- From an early age, your baby has contact with children of the same age and thus improves his social skills.
- You can switch off from everyday life and take intensive time for yourself and your child.
- Together with your baby, you can absorb many different sensory stimulations, get to know movement games and have a lot of fun.
- You will learn to communicate intensively with your baby and to consciously recognize his needs.
- You have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other parents on all topics and can also receive expert information.
- You strengthen your own parental skills and qualities.
- You get new contacts with other families.
When and where to take an ElBa course?
- Suitable for:Â Babies from the fourth week of life to the first year of life.
- Time:Â A course series usually consists of ten meetings. One lesson lasts 90 minutes.
- Provider:Â The courses are offered nationwide by the German Red Cross (DRK). Ask the local group of your city whether there is also an ElBa course in the program. Some cities also offer ElBa courses. There you could also inform yourself about the offer in terms of baby courses.
- Cost:Â The course fee is between 35 and 50 euros.