“Love the class and wish it could go on forever!”
– Sydney in Silver Lake
Joanna, Mom of S. (2.5 years), Pasadena
Job Position
Miss Betsy’s Forest Playgroups are a highlight of our week. Warm, relaxed, funny, creative, adventuresome, magical, musical times under shimmering trees. I love that the children are all ages; my daughter gets to look curiously and admiringly on the older ones. My daughter, *just* learning to speak at 20 months, stunned me at home with her spontaneous repetition of the songs we learned in playgroup. They’re now our family classics…Move over “Twinkle Twinkle,” we’re doing “Flit and Fly!” Miss Betsy’s Friday playgroups have gifted my daughter with so many magical mornings. She has blossomed in the gentle, playful, silly, musical, folksy circle times, learned from and shared with other little (and big) ones, and explored her senses and artmaking via the messy and charming crafts that now decorate our house. Recommend A+!
Miss Betsy’s Forest Playgroups are a highlight of our week. Warm, relaxed, funny, creative, adventuresome, magical, musical times under shimmering trees. I love that the children are all ages; my daughter gets to look curiously and admiringly on the older ones. My daughter, *just* learning to speak at 20 months, stunned me at home with her spontaneous repetition of the songs we learned in playgroup. They’re now our family classics…Move over “Twinkle Twinkle,” we’re doing “Flit and Fly!” Miss Betsy’s Friday playgroups have gifted my daughter with so many magical mornings. She has blossomed in the gentle, playful, silly, musical, folksy circle times, learned from and shared with other little (and big) ones, and explored her senses and artmaking via the messy and charming crafts that now decorate our house. Recommend A+!
Catherine, Mom of A. (3 years), Glendale
Job Position
Forest Playgroup with Miss Betsy provides everything my 3 year old and I are looking for in “preschool”. Spending our morning outside with other families who value family rhythms and rituals, story-telling, connection and collaboration, song singing, community for parents and littles, and art making is truly the highlight of our week. We began attending when my little one was just shy of 2 years old, and watching her blossom in the beautifully crafted container this class provides is something I deeply cherish.
Monica, Mom of I. (6 years), Glendale
Job Position
We are doing so well! I am so grateful for the consultations and the role you have played!! I have made changes to our schedule and routines that have made a significant impact on our happiness. I will continue this path. It is so good to know you are around if I need you, and I thank God for you.
Ania, Mom of F. (6 years), Westwood
Job Position
I really appreciated your gentle approach, Betsy, and was moved by your openness and curiosity towards the kids. Thank you! We very much enjoyed the class at Valley Waldorf City School.
Anna Lena, Mom of M. (3 years), Palma de Mallorca
Job Position
We passed by this class as travelers and were looking for a not so usual playgroup for our 3 year old, and I found this lovely outdoor playgroup led by Miss Betsy. Every time we attended she walked the kids through her beautiful crafted program with such a calm and warm attitude that left us stunned. Our kid loved it and we‘ll keep this experience in our hearts forever.
Jessica, Mom of S. (1 year), Los Angeles
Job Position
Waldorf to me is so much more than an educational philosophy for my children, it’s a lifestyle that I try to incorporate wholeheartedly. I love that my children can be children the way that nature intended. Miss Betsy’s Peach-Blossom session offers a simple and gentle approach that sparks curiosity and wonder in an outdoor class environment. My one year old son really thrives in this type setting, both socially and developmentally. It is just the right type of learning stimulation that he craves so experience continues to prove to me that my children are in the right place. I am so thankful for this.
Thank you Miss Betsy!Clyde, Mom of A. (3 years), Arcadia
Job Position
We started join forest playgroup when my son was 18 months. He’s now three years old, and we both love it a lot. He loves to do singing and circling together, playing with sticks. I love the stories and songs Miss Betsy brings. Very lively and vivid, like you can really see the fairy spreading the magic! I always feel very relax and heal during the class, definitely a great parent and me class, just come with your picnic mat and favorite snack, it’s not just for kids but parents as well.
Nicole, Mom of O. (5.5 years), San Fernando Valley
Job Position
Mountaintop was magical. Grounding and nourishing! I’m so glad we could be apart of it.
Sepideh, Mom of B. (3.5 years), Highland Park
Job Position
Miss Betsy has been our “teacher,” mentor, and space holder since B. has been 15 months old. As a family who is attempting to do the deschooling approach, and as a family where we both “work,” it’s been a blessing to have Miss Betsy in our lives. I’ve learned so much from her, and her approach is so supportive and soft for both parents and children. Please consider this deeper dive, Parenting in Practice: A 9-Month Journey, she’s offering in 2023. Especially if you are trying to parent differently and break those intergenerational cycles.
Ashley, Family of M. (>2), Los Angeles
Job Position
M. really enjoys these Playgroup days under the trees making new friends and all kinds of new connections with the world & life. I’m really enjoying watching him grown in this way, it’s full of fun & wonder. Miss Betsy is a talented & nurturing guide for…everyone. Betsy’s sensitivity to development & play is brilliant, and I can see the depth of experience in her approach. Thank you again, for everything, we are having an amazing experience in Playgroup with Miss Betsy & friends.
Rosie, Mom of L. (2 years) and U. (3 Months), Mt. Washington
Job Position
The first two years can feel like a lot to navigate from providing the right amount of age-appropriate stimulation to meeting like-minded parents. But with Miss Betsy’s support we really felt like we were steering our family ship in the right direction. We learnt so many wonderful songs which we sing with our daughter on a daily basis to different craft activities for special occasions. It was more than just a “class” for L. to attend, Miss Betsy taught me so many lessons to make me a more confident Mom. We attended both a private PlaygroupLA class at a friend’s house that would meet on a weekly basis and her Forest Playgroup. We love her classes, getting our hands messy and having fun with other families – many of whom we are remaining in touch with! I couldn’t recommend Miss Betsy higher; she has a unique and special way with children that we can all learn from.
Marya, Mom of W. (13 months), Alhambra
Job Position
I started taking my baby to Betsy’s sing-a-long class when he was 8 months old. The songs are really fun and creative. Plus Betsy has a voice the babies love! It reminds be of how all the birds perk up to listen to snow white. Aww! It’s a very easy-going playgroup and Betsy is so caring & knowledgable. I highly recommend her classes.
Sari, Mom of M. (2 years), Hollywood
Job Position
My 2.5 year old loved the Waterplay class this summer! The way that Miss Betsy allows for discovery is really a wonderful method. It’s so great to be in an environment where the play is not directed for the kids, but that they can really take their time with each thing and even problem solve (i.e. filling up the pool with the hose, watching the water spill over the side, etc.). We loved the “magic water beads” and now play with them at home, too. Playgroup Los Angeles is a special pocket of child-centered exploration and discovery with well thought out projects and play ideas to get them started. We are so happy to have discovered it!
Kate, Mom of L. (3 years), South Pasadena
Job Position
I have enjoyed every moment of Miss Betsy’s Forest Playgroup. It is a moment in our week where my daughter and I get to connect with nature, slow down, and enjoy the thoughtful songs and crafts that Miss Betsy puts together. There is just enough structure to keep the kids engaged, while still allowing them freedom to explore and play. Miss Betsy has a wealth of knowledge on child development, and she sees and appreciates each child for who they are. The other moms in our group have become a small community, and I have enjoyed getting to know them as much as my daughter has enjoyed the company of the other kids. It has become an important part of the week for both of us.
Savannah, Mom of W. (3.25 years) and M. (1.5 years), Pasadena
Job Position
I have been attending Miss Betsy’s classes twice a week for over 6 months now. Her gentle, calming energy, voice and programming help guide our mornings or afternoons in a crucial way. My children are 1.5 and 3.25 years old. The songs are loved by the whole family, the invitations to create art or sensory experiences shape our entire season. And lastly, the friendships that are forged organically between mamas and children create a sense of community so desperately needed these days. Simply put, Miss Betsy creates a magical experience amongst the trees, forcing us all to appreciate a slower, simpler, natural experience.
Rebecca, Mom of H. (13 months), Silverlake
Job Position
My 13 month old loved PlaygroupLA Forest Playgroupl! It was a great way to socialize and get outdoors while still staying safe. The ativities encouraged him to be very mindful and intentional. Because of this, he can home from class each week with a new skill, either from a forest school project or from observing other children. We already signed up for the class next season and we can’t wait!
Erica B., Mom of H. (5 years), Monrovia
Job Position
Moving to Los Angeles from the east coast in 2020, during the pandemic while schools were online and playgrounds were closed, left little opportunity for my 5 year old to socialize and grow with other children. As an extroverted, social butterfly at heart, but also an only child, I yearned to find something for her to have the opportunity to develop friendships and feel connected to our new home. After extensive research and looking for anything that was open, safe and outdoors for her age, I had posted in a FB group my plea an by amazing luck, someone recommended PlaygroupLA and Miss Betsy’s classes. I immediately signed her up not knowing exactly what to expect. From the first class where we sang, played and crafted, I could see how happy she was being there, and how easy it was to be with Miss Betsy and the other families. We are now into our 3rd session with Miss Betsy and my daughter (and I) have found an amazing, supportive, nurturing and creative community through PlaygroupLA. Although true, I joke that my daughter asks everyday, “how many more days until playgroup”. If it was up to her, we’d go everyday.
Lauren, Mom of R. (15 months), Hollywood
Job Position
Betsy’s classes are one of a kind! We started to going to Sing Together! when my son was 4 months old and have continued ever since, also participating in Baby Animals and Me! Both classes are so much fun! We have met many new friends while learning and growing together. Other classes we have tried around the city feel frantic and rushed. Betsy’s classes are soothing for both parents and children, with time to explore and ask questions. The garden at Betsy’s house is truly a sanctuary.
Lauren, Mom of N. (1.5 years) South Pasadena
Job Position
Thank you so much for having us be a part of Playgroup. It’s been such a positive and welcome space for us, especially during these unusual times.
We love your slow and methodical approach. Before enrolling in your class, we tried a few other things, all of which tended to be too dogmatic, or overstimulating, or dangerously conventional.
We didn’t know this type of a learning environment was possible and available to us. You have set the bar very high for parent-child classes!
Lisa, Mom of R. (2.5 years), Los Angeles
Job Position
Watching my toddler learn to tie-dye, share paintbrushes, play musical instruments and sing songs (including a favorite he continues to request) was such a joy. Miss Betsy has a wonderfully calming presence and is always dropping welcome nuggets of childcaring wisdom too, I think I learned just as much as my son!
Rona, Mom of S. (10 months), Duarte
Job Position
Seeing my baby grinning ginormously from ear to ear during a sensory-based craft made this class worth it to me. I love the songs we sing during class too–so much so, I sing them to my son at home which he likes. Thank you, Miss Betsy, for everything you do!
Samantha, Mom of M. and J. (2 years), Cheshire, UK
Job Position
I have loved bringing the boys to your Playgroup. It’s great to see them in such a relaxed environment to learn (and sweep!).
Frederique, Mom of E. (4) and E. (2), Sherman Oaks
Job Position
What a great class as always this morning! I know the kids always have the best time at ‘Betsy’s house’ (E. asks every morning if we are going!) but I also find myself calmer and more focused after spending time in your garden! I am saying it all the time, if anybody needs a great address, this is our favorite class ever!
Teresa, Mom of B. (2.5 years), Hollywood
Job Position
In a quaint little magical garden in Beachwood Canyon lies a very special class that B. and I attend twice a week. We chose Miss Betsy’s class because it fits our parenting philosophy. It’s such an organic class that places an emphasis on the creativity of the child and allows for free space to build the child’s imagination, curiosity and individual self. For those of you who don’t live in LA I recommend taking Betsy’s lead and encouraging a lot of free play with your children. Intervene and direct less and just sit and observe more. It’s a delight to see them create their own environments without you leading them or giving them suggestions of what to do. Its one of my favorite life experiences, purely sitting in observance of B. and his ways, I grow a deeper understanding of his little being and its also just the sweetest and most heart warming thing watching them play uninhibited and uninterrupted.
Visit: We Heart Playgroup LA for the full article about Playgroup LA as well as a one-on-one personal interview here: Folks We Love with Betsy Edelberg
Allison, Mom of H (1.5 years), West Hollywood
Job Position
I highly recommend Playgroup Los Angeles, Waldorf-inspired parent and child classes in the Beachwood area. My one year-old and I just completed our first class, and we both learned so much from Betsy. We plan to go back!
Renee, Mom of A (7 years) and I (2 years), Hollywood Hills
Job Position
We love the playgroup !
It’s welcoming and feels very communal. I love the structure of starting and ending with songs. Betsy is a mindful teacher/host, she is very present with the children and the parents and offers her skills in a loving way.
Clementine, Mom of E. 1 year, Glassell Park
Job Position
We love the playgroup !
I would totally pay Betsy just to hang out and answer questions while E. crawled around with other babies. I might even look forward to it more than him. Where else can you go that’s mellow and relaxing and outside in the shade and feel supported and get information? Oh and sing! I leave feeling like a better parent every week. Seriously.
Steph, Mom of sassy O (2.5 years) Laurel Canyon
Job Position
I have taken three consecutive sessions of Betsy’s Playgroup. In my heart, she, her family and her home has become an extension of my own family! We look forward to our weekly meeting every day until it class has arrived. My daughter speaks about the class with such enthusiasm and joyfully sings the songs learned from class daily. I know she is taking home much more from playgroup than an art project or seedling planted! We took both Craft with Me and Garden With Me. The atmosphere at Betsy’s is as nurturing for the adults as it is for the children. Not only has my daughter been enriched from these classes, I have been as well. I feel incredible support from Betsy – Mother to Mother. And I know she thinks about us and our children off the clock. If she sees us struggling or the child in anyway (child frustration, not wanting to get dirty, issues with sharing, whatever you can think of) she takes time to think about how what might possibly be implemented to help get through to that child WITH OUT crossing any boundaries. I am very grateful to have this hour each week and so is my daughter – often times even longer as Betsy never rushes us to leave her space. I cannot say enough great things about her as a Mother, human being, educator and about the positive, nurturing experience she provides for all of us as a whole. The classes move at the child’s pace, the activities are age appropriate and the environment is a very safe one (excellent being outdoors). Now join!
Elizabeth, Mom of E. (6 years) and F. (3) Highland Park
Job Position
I’ve just signed up for another Autumn and Me! class with my sweet friend Betsy. E. has taken classes with her since she was 3 months old and this is the third year we’ve taken her autumn and me class. last year was so fun, we made mobiles out of leaves, painted pumpkins (which she still remembers and talks about), and made little acorn people amongst other sensory activities and stories.
Read more about Betsy and Playgroup LA on Elizabeth’s site: the littlest
Megan V., Mom of L (17 months), Hancock Park
Job Position
I’ve taken 2 classes with Betsy and have really enjoyed them both! My son was about a year for the first class (mud and me) and 14 months for the second class (bake bread with me). We met some great moms, it’s a nice contained space for the kids and the best part is you can let your children explore through sensory play and leave the mess at Betsy’s! I love the activities she chooses but just don’t want all that mess around our house. It’s nice he gets to explore and play in a safe environment and then I get to take him home and not bring the mess with me. Betsy is very sweet and knowledgeable about development. Even though the classes are all ages, it’s nice to be able to talk with moms with older babies to see what’s coming and help moms with younger babies with any struggles they may be having. We are actually signing up for our third class now (baby animals and me) so maybe we’ll see some of you there!
Teri, Mom of L (4y), Eagle Rock
Job Position
Taking Betsy’s Baby Animals and Me class was such a transformative experience for my daughter. She was able to connect with the animals (particularly the baby wolf!), which truly helped her to develop confidence and empathy. And Betsy is a magical teacher, endlessly inquisitive, patient and kind.
Sari, Mom of J (3 years) and T (7 months), Silverlake
Job Position
What strikes me most about Betsy’s classes is not how sweet, and creative, and deeply soulful they are — and they are all of these things and more. What strikes me most about Betsy’s classes is how kind, wise, and warm Betsy is. Baby animals, baking bread, singing songs are just the start: watching Betsy interact with children is a lesson in itself — in patience, gentleness, and delight.
Sydney, Mom of R (18 mos), Silverlake
Job Position
R. speaks about her baking at “Bessie” all the time. It has inspired her to “help” me any time I cook. To be able to bake with R. and watch her experience doing so in a group has been truly rewarding!! Love the class and wish it could go on forever!
Ana, mom of J (18mos), Pasadena
Job Position
My daughter and I have been attending classes with Betsy since last year. She offers classes unlike any other in the Los Angeles area. Through messy play, baking bread, and developmental music classes, I feel as though my daughter has had such rich, diverse experiences in such a short time. Basically, Betsy does all the research (spanning neuroscience to feeding the soul) on what babies and toddlers need and all I have to do is attend one of her highly creative and magical classes. Best of all, my daughter and I share wonderful, bonding experiences that will nurture her growth and development. We look forward to participating in more of Betsy’s classes for years to come.
Suzette, Mom of I (3y), Hollywood
Job Position
I first heard about Betsy’s children’s classes through some Moms from the Moms club of Hollywood. They kept talking about how great these wonderful classes were being offered from a woman’s house in the Hollywood Hills. I finally got my act together to go check it out and have been going ever since. Betsy graciously opens up her home and creates one of a kind Mommy and Me experience. My son and I started taking her classes when he was 2 years old, now 3 years. Many other Mommy and Me classes I found to be too much of a sensory over load for him. I love that her classes are in a home setting and are Waldorf based. She really hones in on each child’s needs and personality and with her gentle and intuitive way is able to assist and manage each child within the group. I highly recommend Betsy’s one of a kind classes!!
Melissa, Mom of S. (2 years) and H. (2 months), Hollywood
Job Position
Betsy’s wonderful Playgroup Los Angeles was a great experience for my son S. and me. Not only did we get to bond together while doing fun activities, I really enjoyed meeting the other parents as well. Betsy’s play ideas are so original–ranging from creating a “car wash” to wash your kid’s push car, to petting wolves and owls! The baby animals class really shaped my son’s affection toward smaller animals and babies in general–I honestly feel his sweet affection for his baby brother was helped by her class!
Rachel, Mom of C. (3 years), Silverlake
Job Position
We’ve now taken two sessions with Betsy and have loved our time sitting under the gnarled tree in her yard. It was wonderful to meet the critters from Baby Animals class that we’d be unlikely to see elsewhere on the streets of Los Angeles and a super opportunity for learning. My daughter loves Betsy and still sings the special songs she learned during class.
Jennifer, Mom of M. (5 years) and B. (2 years), Glendale
Job Position
I have taken both my kids to Betsy’s classes. She creates such a warm and inviting environment. I love the combination of activities from songs and books to art projects and play time. We just finished the gardening class and loved it! Betsy is very in tune with the children and helps them to share and cooperate in a lovely gentle way. I would highly recommend any of Betsy’s classes!
Fiona, Mom of R (3 years) and D (1 1/2 years), West Hollywood
Job Position
We have been “going to Betsy’s House” since last fall when DD was two years and a couple months and DS was about 5 months old. We began with the ‘Bake with me’ class. My daughter loved it, I loved being there with Betsy and the other mums, and I loved the fact that I could bring my baby to class with us and that the class was of all ages. All the children would gather around the cute little table, roll up their sleeves and take part in every step of the process. Then as the wonderfully delicious breads and pastries would bake, we would sit together for a story and songs as the warm aroma filled the little house. There’s something magical about making, baking, creating alongside your little ones.
Throughout the class Betsy guides us and gracefully answers questions. We read so much and meet so many ‘experts’ and chat to other mums but its one thing to a read a book about it another another to know and remember what to do when the occasion arises. Betsey is always aware of everything that goes on and is ready to offer her invaluable guidance every step of the way. We learned to slow down and take a step back and let our children be who they are. We learned how to share, the real way to share. We learned how to deal with conflict! We learned that its not the product, be it a challah loaf made by tiny hands, a birds nest mobile, a keepsake box… what ever it may be, its not the product but the process!
Betsy is a mother of two herself and is abundant with opinions, beliefs, experiences and ideas she feels strongly about but she will never try to get you to do it her way or tell you that you are doing it wrong with regards to parenting. We are all so eager to hear what she has to say, we respect the advice she offers and we naturally try to follow her guidance. I have learned so much from Betsy. Ive read about most of it already but i only learned it by being in her class, with both of my children present, with the other famillies present and with Betsy’s guidance. My DD has learned so much and has blossomed through Betsy’s playgroup.
We signed up for Bake Bread with Me, Craft with Me, Singing For Small Ears, Garden with Me and Waterplay. All of these classes other than baking, took place outdoors in the cute little garden of Betsy’s little house in the hills. With the Hollywood sign as the backdrop, the green grass beneath our feet and the giant age old trees for shade this little garden became our garden haven. Not just to us but all the other families too. We cant wait to get back to each class. We’ve all become like a family. We now have our music class family on Wednesdays and our “Gardening Club” family on Fridays. We’ve all become such good friends. Its so refreshing to be amongst like-minded parents.
DD and DS feel so free and comfortable playing in the garden with other kids and going on little adventures to see what they can find. Oh and the songs you’ll learn, you’ll be singing them 24/7, you and your kids! DD has learned every single song, Marie In The Garden, Mommy Loves You and Good Morning, we sing these at every class. Betsy brings so much to her class and we love it ALL!
Hallie, Mom of O (2 years) and A (newborn), Hollywood
Job Position
Miss Betsy has created a simple, interesting, and wholesome environment that engenders gentle, safe discovery and authentic connection in the children. I so enjoy bringing my toddler to her classes and watching him explore and observe her yard with the other children. Miss Betsy has clear and purposeful rules and boundaries, but they are few, so my toddler doesn’t have any trouble remembering them during his play. It’s the perfect combination of structure and freedom. Also, as a first-time mom, I consider Miss Betsy a trusted advocate and mentor when it comes to parenting. I’ve asked her many questions over the last year and a half, and I am always interested, comforted, and inspired by her thoughtful answers. I’ll be signing up for the next class. Come join our lovely community and meet the very special Miss Betsy!
Kim, Mom of Z. (2 years), Pasadena
Job Position
I loved trying new crafts with my toddler that were seasonally themed. This brought back memories of the things I got to do as a child! It was really rewarding to also see my daughter grow and learn during the course of the session. By the last class, she was singing the songs and asking me if we get to see Ms. Betsy today. Truly loved by us both!
Joanna, Nana of F (2 years), Woodland Hills
Job Position
Thank you for last Saturday…F & I had such a great time. YOU are such a wonderful teacher! He can’t wait to return (nor can I) Seeing him that happy and free – to be his authentic, nearly three year-old self in your safe, loving, Waldorf space… again!
Lucinda, Mom of C. (4 years) & L. (1 year), Sierra Madre
Job Position
We loved the class! It is the type of class I have been looking for, for four years now.