The Bellevue College Parent Education program is holding two open house events on Mercer Island on Oct. 16 and 23.

Children don’t come with operating manuals — how, then, are parents to learn the essential skills and concepts they need to raise their children successfully?

For parents of children between 2 and 3 years of age, Mercer Island Toddlers is holding an open house on Oct. 16 and 23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Island Crest Way. It is a program of Bellevue College’s Parent Education Department. Come meet parents, teachers and instructors, and learn about the format and curriculum of one of the college’s parent-cooperative preschools.

BC’s preschools provide active learning experiences for parents and children in the development of creativity, literacy, math, science, physical ability and social skills. The classes each focus on one of several distinct age levels, from infancy through 5 years of age, with curriculum designed specifically for each stage of development.

Parents learn in the pre-school classroom, right along with their children, as well as in small group discussions on discipline, nutrition, safety, family relationships, development milestones and the physical, emotional and social needs of children.

For further information on parent education or to register for BC’s programs, parents may call (425) 564-2365, email cubba.reese@bellevuecollege.edu or wendy.hatheway@bellevuecollege.edu, or go online at /bellevuecollege.edu/parented.