Inclusive Playgroups: How to Make it Work!

1. 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 17th, 2012 Virginia Beach, VA

2. Introduction & Background • Who we are? • Why playgroups? • Why should you stay? “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.”

3. “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.” “They learned the basics of operating in a group setting, taking direction from the leader and waiting ones turn.”

4. The Who, What, When, Where & Why of Our Playgroups • Who is the target audience? • What are playgroups? • When are playgroups held? • Where do they take place? • Why? “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.”

5. How Playgroups Compliment EI • Incorporates Natural Environments • Child find activities • Supporting parent facilitated groups by consultation “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.”

6. Structure of Playgroup • 90 minute sessions include: • Circle Time • Art/Craft and Free Play • Snack Time • Closing Activity “They learned the basics of operating in a group setting, taking direction from the leader and waiting one’s turn.”

7. “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.”

8. Positive Aspects of Playgroups • Promotes Parent/Child interactions • Introduces New Activities (that can be done at home) • Social Interactions • Inclusion of All Children • Preschool Preparation • Child Find • “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.”

9. Parent/Child Interactions • Allows parents to interact with their children in an educational and natural environment • Involves parents in their child’s learning • Shows parents what types of interactions are important for children • Provides parents with networking opportunities outside of playgroup • “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.”

10. Bringing Playgroup Home • Sing Songs • Simple Arts and Craft Activities/Ideas • Physical Activities/Games • “The playgroup gave me a lot of ideas of how to spend quality time at home [with my child].”

11. Social Interactions • 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. • “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.”

12. Inclusion • 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. “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.”

13. Preschool Preparation • 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. “I feel it provided the ideal step for Peter to go from PIE to preschool, especially since he attended with a babysitter.”

14. Child Find • 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. • “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.”

15. Research says… • Main benefits: • For the adult participants • For the children • For the community • As a result of the study: • Increased collaboration • Sharing of resources • Development of a curriculum

16. What YOU need to start a playgroup • Who- EI Staff or Volunteers and Kids! • What- Toys and Creativity! • Where- A Central Location! • Why- because they are FUN! • “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.”

17. Paying for Playgroup • Start up costs could include: • Two small tables and 20 kid size chairs: $2,000 • One-two large boxes of age appropriate/ educational toys: $1500 • Arts/Craft Supplies (i.e. paints, construction paper, glue sticks, crayons, etc.): $500 • Providing a great opportunity for the children of your community: PRICELESS!

18. “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.” “Our teacher was wonderful in telling us what to expect at which age and what to watch for when raising more than one child.”

19. A Parent’s Perspective • Reinforces techniques • Socialization • Introduction to songs and games • Pushes boundaries • Importance of Preschool • Advocates around every corner • Sense of community • Support • Inclusion

20. Questions/Feedback??? • Please feel free to contact us via e-mail if you have any questions or would like any suggestions on starting your own playgroup. Patricia.Eitemiller@alexandriava.gov Deatrice.Williams@alexandriava.gov Ecroyle@gmail.com Thank you!!