Hi and welcome from VA.
I made my first quilt for my grandson, and it was a wonderful way to start. All that love pieced into a quilt made it all that more beautiful! Your class should answ. a lot of questions for you and all of the basics suggested here are perfect. You might consider a pattern that has a solid block large enough to either applique' or embroider a baby design in the center. You could easily carry little pieces and/or embroidery thread with you, and do the sewing-together at home. A special book I found is "Sweet Dreams Baby Moon" by Elly Sienkiewicz. I started it, found the applique' pretty difficult for a beginner, and culled out the more simple designs to use on my "version." But it was wonderful for ideas and maybe someday I will actually make the quilt in the book! ( :