inclusive playgroups: how to make it work!
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Inclusive Playgroups: How to Make it Work!. Patricia Eitemiller , M.Ed. Deatrice Williams, M.Phil. Erin Croyle, Advocate, Parent Infant & Toddler Connection of Alexandria Presented at the Creating Connections to Shining Stars Conference July 17 th , 2012 Virginia Beach, VA. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Patricia Eitemiller, M.Ed. Deatrice Williams, M.Phil.
Erin Croyle, Advocate, ParentInfant & Toddler Connection of Alexandria
Presented at the Creating Connections to Shining Stars ConferenceJuly 17 th , 2012
Virginia Beach, VA
Inclusive Playgroups: How to Make it Work!
Who we are?Why playgroups?Why should you stay?
Introduction & Background
“I am thankful for the playgroup. It has been a big support for me. I have met so many nice moms and children that I
would not have met otherwise.”
“They learned the basics of operating in a group setting, taking direction from the leader and waiting ones
turn.”
“Playgroup has enriched my daughter’s socialization skills and is a wonderful place for her to meet friends
in her age group that she sees on a consistent basis.”
Who is the target audience?What are playgroups?When are playgroups held?Where do they take place?Why?
The Who, What, When, Where & Why of Our Playgroups
“Being able to stand back and watch others lead them helped me see what I needed to do to
encourage their skills to improve and see what other techniques of guidance works with them.”
Incorporates Natural EnvironmentsChild find activitiesSupporting parent facilitated groups by
consultation
How Playgroups Compliment EI
“I moved from Alexandria to DC when my second child was one year old so he didn’t attend group for very long. One year after the move he started exhibiting
special needs. I suspect the leader of the group would have helped me realize that … and avoid a lot
of pain and suffering.”
90 minute sessions include: Circle Time Art/Craft and Free Play Snack Time Closing Activity
Structure of Playgroup
“They learned the basics of operating in a group setting, taking direction from the
leader and waiting one’s turn.”
“The socialization with other children in a variety of ages helps to teach my children
how to interact with older/younger children.”
“It is a great opportunity for my daughter to socialize with other
children and learn English, since my husband and I are both non-native
speakers.”
Promotes Parent/Child interactionsIntroduces New Activities (that can be done at
home)Social InteractionsInclusion of All ChildrenPreschool PreparationChild Find
Positive Aspects of Playgroups
“I’ve bragged on this program many times to others. I loved that it was open to all
Alexandria children and was not income or eligibility-based.”
Allows parents to interact with their children in an educational and natural environment
Involves parents in their child’s learningShows parents what types of interactions are
important for childrenProvides parents with networking
opportunities outside of playgroup
Parent/Child Interactions
“Playgroup offers us an activity/outing that both my children and I can participate in.
My son enjoys playing with the other children and I get to socialize/share
parenting ideas with other parents and the leader.”
Bringing Playgroup HomeSing Songs Simple Arts and Craft Activities/IdeasPhysical Activities/Games
“The playgroup gave me a lot of ideas of how to spend quality time at home [with
my child].”
Allows for social play between peers.Provides parents with a chance to connect
with other parents in their community.Parent to parent support. Caregivers will
share information about schools, doctors, community activities, and more.
Social Interactions
“Socially my children blossomed.”
“Because I have twins, it is great to have them socialize with other
children so they can get used to interacting with kids other than
siblings.”
Playgroup is for ALL children birth to age four. Children receiving Early Intervention services are
encouraged to attend playgroups and many do. Allows us to observe children, promote interactions, and
educate parents/caregivers. Playgroup provides peer models for children receiving
services. Therapists working with children receiving Early Intervention
services can attend and provide further strategies to parents/caregivers.
Exposes parents and caregivers of typically developing children to children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Reassures parents of children with delays that their children will be accepted and embraced by the community.
Inclusion
“I never thought of it as a place for parents to bring their infants and toddlers with special needs but now I see that. Consider ‘advertising’ it so that parents
who aren’t sure if their child is ok can go to group to learn more and get some advice.”
Playgroup follows a routine, which helps children learn to participate. Examples include:Transitioning between activities.Learning to listen to adults other than their
parents/caregivers.Participating in group activities.Mealtime/Snack time routines.Possible alternative to preschool.
Preschool Preparation
“I feel it provided the ideal step for Peter to go from PIE to preschool, especially since
he attended with a babysitter.”
A community playgroup is a great way to “find” children who may need Early Intervention services.
Parents become comfortable asking the leader about their child and his or her needs.
Parents can talk with other parents involved in EI about the program, services and outcomes.
Child Find
“The playgroup staff makes sure that parents know the next logical developmental steps for
your child.”
“I often looked to the leader for insight on development and where to go for help.”
Main benefits:For the adult participantsFor the childrenFor the community
As a result of the study:Increased collaboration Sharing of resourcesDevelopment of a curriculum
Research says…
Who- EI Staff or Volunteers and Kids!What- Toys and Creativity!Where- A Central Location! Why- because they are FUN!
What YOU need to start a playgroup
“Keep this program going. I wish we had something like it in our new
community. We miss it terribly. My 3 year old still talked about it and we
haven’t been there in almost a year.”
Start up costs could include:Two small tables and 20 kid size chairs: $2,000One-two large boxes of age appropriate/
educational toys: $1500Arts/Craft Supplies (i.e. paints, construction
paper, glue sticks, crayons, etc.): $500Providing a great opportunity for the children of
your community: PRICELESS!
Paying for Playgroup
“Our teacher was wonderful in telling us what to expect at which age and what to watch for when raising more
than one child.”
“Socially, they were ready to interact with other children. They also lost
their fear of other adults and weren’t so attached to just MOM.”
Reinforces techniquesSocializationIntroduction to songs and gamesPushes boundariesImportance of PreschoolAdvocates around every cornerSense of community SupportInclusion
A Parent’s Perspective
Please feel free to contact us via e-mail if you have any questions or would like any suggestions on starting your own playgroup.
[email protected]@alexandriava.gov
[email protected] you!!
Questions/Feedback???