About Dawn

Dawn began teaching these classes while pregnant with her first child 29 years ago. With a Masters in Social Work and a great love of babies and toddlers, Dawn has been instrumental in helping many families with their parenting concerns. Dawn was chosen a 2006 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education for her teaching and devotion to work with all families.

Dawn Margolin says her play classes help teach parents and children how to deal with conflict. Many have never been parents before; they read the books, but here they may have some of their very first opportunities to practice what they have studied. The parents often learn as much as the children-how not to overreact to minor skirmishes, or how to encourage sharing with plenty of positive reinforcement.

Lisa Hopper, a parent at Kindergym says: "Dealing with my parenting concerns has more manageable because I meet other families with the same issues at Kindergym and Toddler. Dawn makes all her families feel welcome and provides the loving support and attentive help we need." - From: The Oakland Tribune, Features Section