RE: Are classes worth it for clingy toddler?
I agree with Karen about the environment needing to be right. If the place is too crowded or if the kids are too rowdy, it may not set you up for success, KWIM? So regardless of who offers the class, I would try to find one that you think will most interest her and takes place in a setting that is not too crowded.
When younger, my DD was pretty clingy and slow to warm up to new situations. This is very normal and lots of lots of kids are this way. But I found that by continuing to go to large group classes, she became more and more comfortable and eventually was ready to dive right in.
And FYI, I am also a very shy person. It is something that I have worked VERY hard in my adult life to overcome. I was also very very afraid that my DD would somehow inherit that from me, so I have done a lot of reading about this. All the stuff I have seen says that the best way to work with a shy or reserved child is to gently encourage them, but not push, and to provide lots and lots of opportunities for successful social interaction. At almost 3, my DD now never met a stranger and eagerly runs into new classes and new situations.
HTH,
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)