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Many parents are interested in putting their children in playgroups as a way to help build their child’s socialization skills. Here is a way to start a playgroup in your own neighborhood.
Laying the foundation
Set a date aside for a neighborhood playgroup interest meeting. You could hold the meeting at your home or at a public location. This meeting will give you an opportunity to meet the parents and find out the number and ages of the children in the neighborhood. Knowing this information is the basis for establishing the guidelines below.
Location
As in the interest meeting, playdates can be scheduled to meet within the parent’s home or at a public place such as the park (if the weather permits). If you meet in the parent’s home it could be on a rotation basis. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure that all homes are child proofed and have safety equipment such as first aid kit and smoke detector. Make sure that the yards are not filled with debris or dangerous equipment such as lawn mower, tools, nails, paint, etc.
Timing
The playdates can be on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly meeting basis. The times should be convenient to the other parents and in accordance with the children’s naps and/or feeding schedule. The playgroup should meet no longer than two hours. Depending on the age groups, the playgroup can meet during the school year only, summer only or all year long.
Group Size
Group size will depend on the age groups. Small infants and preschoolers will not play well in very large numbers. You may want to limit the size to about six children for this age group. You may need to consider parents with more than one child when it comes to group size. If parents agree, you could combine age groups. This should be considered carefully though. Babies and five to seven year olds may not be a great combination. An ideal playgroup should consist of no more than eight children. If you are meeting in each other’s homes you must consider if you can accommodate the playgroup size you decide on.
Rules
Sit down with the other parents to decide on rules for the playgroup. Rules on siblings, sick children, inappropriate behavior, cancellation, and inclement weather should be established. You should decide on whether snacks will be served for the children and/or the adults. If so, for the children each parent should be provided with allergy information on each child and what types of food should be served ( i.e. fruits and vegetables only or sugary candies and cakes). Rules can be reviewed for amendment on a periodic basis.
Liability
If you are going to meet at each others homes you must consider adding liability home insurance. No matter how much you child proof your home, accidents can and will happen. If you don’t have the insurance, make a policy within the playgroup rules concerning liability. Each member should consider this carefully.
Group Activities
You don’t have to always allow the kids to play among themselves. You could incorporate crafts, games, and music at the playdates. Poll through the parents to see who is talented in one of these areas and have them present it to the children. If no one is creative enough, go to your local library and check out a book on the topic. Go on field trips to the local museums or special children’s events.
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