Happy Helpers is a wonderful enrichment class for curious preschoolers who love to create and explore and in it, they'll gain real-life skills they'll use for years to come. In this class series, preschoolers become real kitchen helpers with meaningful responsibilities. Each week, our Happy Helpers will mix, stir, spread, scoop, pour, measure, and safely chop while preparing seasonal, nourishing recipes they can't wait to share with their families.

Every class at Happy Place is designed to build confidence, independence, and important early learning skills. As children follow step-by-step directions, they'll practice listening, sequencing, counting, measuring, problem-solving, and fine motor skills all through hands-on play that feels like fun. Along the way, they'll strengthen social skills by taking turns, working alongside friends, asking for help, and celebrating one another's successes in the classroom.

One of the best takeaways from this program - and one we often hear about from parents - is the exposure to new foods! Your child will explore fresh ingredients and we hope to instill the courage to try something unfamiliar. Whether your child is an adventurous eater or much more hesitant (or even food averse), our no-pressure approach helps build positive relationships with food and confidence in the kitchen.

Happy Helpers is a drop-off class for ages 3-6. Parents are welcome to stay in the building and peek in to class through our viewing window.

2026-2027 Happy Helpers Schedule

Each class meets for 60 minutes. Participants attend the same class each week on time. If you need to miss a class, you're welcome to make it up during another Happy Helpers session, as space allows.

Happy Helpers is offered:

• Wednesdays: 9:30–10:30 a.m. or

• Wednesdays: 1:00–2:00 p.m.

We follow a school year calendar and meet the following dates for the 2026-2027 School Year.

• Fall 2026: 10-week class series runs from the week of September 13 through week of November 29, 2026. Please note that Happy Place will be closed for two scheduled breaks during the semester, and no classes will be held during the week of October 25 or the week of November 29.

• Winter 2027: 10-week class series runs from the week of January 10 through week of March 14, 2027.

• Spring 2027: 8-week class series runs from the week of March 28 through week of May 16, 2027.

Participants are encouraged to enroll in the full series to experience the greatest growth and skill development, though drop-in registration is also available. Families are welcome to register for one, two, or all three series, and there is no requirement to complete an earlier session before joining a later one.

What Your Child Will Learn:

• Foundational cooking skills like mixing, measuring, spreading, safe chopping, and following simple routines.

• Early math, fine motor coordination, sensory exploration, language development, and teamwork.

• MANY students gain the skill of courage - to try new foods. While this may not sound like a skill, this is a particularly impactful outcome of the Happy Helpers Program. 

• A small community of friends learning together

Sample Class Format

• Aprons on & wash hands

• Go over kitchen rules (we do this every week!)

• Make our first recipe

• Make our second recipe while the first recipe is baking 

• Last 5 minutes: Parents are welcome to join us in the classroom to share what we made, what skills we practiced, and what tools we used.

All are welcome!

Happy Helpers is open to students of all abilities and we are a provider through the Children’s Long Term Support (CLTS) Waiver Program. Please reach out to us at hello@happyplacecookingspace to learn how to apply your CLTS benefit to the Happy Helpers program.