Questions about Registration, Fees, and Class Logistics

How do I register?
You can register online. >> Or call (206)789-0883 to register by phone. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 10 – 2:30.

Which class should I choose for my childbirth education series?
All of our instructors are highly qualified and nonbiased. Choosing a class generally comes down to time and day of the week, whether you want instruction in Breastfeeding and Newborn Care, and location.

We offer 7-weeknight, 4- Saturday, and 2- Saturday series.

• The weeknight classes and 4-Saturday series cover breastfeeding and newborn care.
• The 2-Saturday series covers labor and birth only.

If you live in north Seattle or Snohomish county, consider classes at:

• Group Health Northgate
• Northwest Hospital
• Stevens Hospital
(Note: registration for classes at Stevens is done by Stevens. (425) 640-4066).

For Seattle, consider our:

• Eastlake location
• Group Health Central (Capitol Hill) location.

If you live in south Seattle or Pierce county, consider classes at:

• Group Health Burien
• Group Health Bellevue.

On the eastside, our Group Health Bellevue classes are closest.

For West Seattle, consider classes at:

• Group Health Burien
• Eastlake
• Group Health Central (Capitol Hill).

For Kitsap county we offer classes on Bainbridge Island.

These are only suggestions – you may register for any class at any location regardless of where you live or plan to give birth. Maps and directions can be found on our website's Class Locations section. >>

How much do classes cost?
Price varies, depending on class format. See our online registration system >> for specifics. Current prices are: $25 - 45 dollars for classes with only a single session, $125 for a two-week series, $180 for a four-Saturday or seven-weeknight series, $260 for our 8 week series taught by Penny Simkin. These prices are comparable to hospitals and independent providers in the community.

 

Note: On your credit card statement, fees for Great Starts classes will appear as a charge from "Parent Trust".

Who does the fee cover?
Great Starts class fees cover two students*. You can bring your partner, husband, friend, sister, doula... whoever will be supporting you with birth or parenting, or you are also certainly welcome to attend on your own. (*CPR class fees cover only one student, due to the high cost of required materials.)

Sometimes in a multi-week series, your partner may not be able to attend every week. If so, you are welcome to bring another support person on those weeks so you always have a companion. If you are taking a class after your birth, you may bring your baby; however, we will ask that you take baby out of the room if s/he is distracting the rest of the class. The only exception is CPR classes. CPR is a hands-on learning experience, and if you have a baby with you, you will not be able to get enough practice, and we will not be able to offer you a certification card.

Are there scholarships? Do you accept medical coupons?
Scholarships are available for all classes. Call (206)789-0883 for details. We can accept medical coupons for the Childbirth & Parenting Preparation Series and Labor & Birth.

Do you offer a discount for military families?
A 5% discount is available for any class or series for the immediate family member(s) of an individual in active military duty. Please call (206)789-0883 when registering to ask for the discount.

Are gift certificates available?
Yes. If you're looking for a great baby shower gift, consider a Great Starts gift certificate! It can be applied toward any of our programs. For more information on gift certificates, email us.

If my schedule changes, can I transfer to a different class session?
If you need to transfer, call us at (206)789-0883. There will be a $10 transfer fee.

If I need to cancel a class, can I get a refund?
For single session classes: if you notify us more than 7 days before class, we will refund your payment minus a $10 cancellation fee; if you notify us less than 7 days before class, we will refund your payment minus a $15 cancellation fee. For multi-session classes: If you notify us more than 7 days in advance, we will refund your payment minus a $20 cancellation fee. If it is less than 7 days in advance, or you have already attended some sessions of the class, your refund will be pro-rated. Call us at (206)789-0883 for details.

I need to miss one session of the class. Can I make that class up in another series?
Yes, call our registrars, and we’ll help you work out a plan.

Where are classes held? Where can I find a map to class?
Childbirth and parenting preparation series are offered in Seattle (Eastlake, Capitol Hill, and Northgate neighborhoods), Edmonds, Bellevue, Burien, and Bainbridge Island. Locations are listed in the online registration system >>  Maps and directions can be found on our website's Class Locations section. >> CPR and Babysafe classes are all held at Children’s administrative building at 70th and Sand Pt Way.

What should I bring to class?
For all classes, you may want to bring a water bottle and note taking materials. If you are attending a childbirth preparation class, we will be doing some exercises on the floor, so you will be more comfortable if you bring two pillows, and a mat or blanket to put on the floor.

When should I plan to take my classes?
If you’re signing up for childbirth preparation classes, pick one that ends 2 – 5 weeks before your due date. This will (usually) ensure that you can make it to all the classes before your baby comes, and also ensure that all the information is still fresh in your mind for labor. If there is a series that otherwise works in your schedule, but you’re worried that the last two classes (breastfeeding and newborn care) are too close to your due date, you could schedule those classes in a separate series that meets earlier. Call our registrars to discuss your options.

Most of our classes are designed to be taken before baby is born, but baby safety classes, Vaccinations, and Happiest Baby on the Block classes can be taken after the birth as well.