Patricia Eitemiller, M.Ed., Infant Development Specialist;
Infant & Toddler Connection of Alexandria
Erin Croyle, Early Intervention Support Specialist; The Arc
of Virginia
 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.”
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“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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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“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.”
“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.”
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 Promotes Parent/Child interactions
 Introduces New Activities (that can be done at
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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.”
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 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.”
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 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].”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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 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
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 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.”
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 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!
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“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.”
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 Reinforces techniques
 Socialization
 Introduction to songs and games
 Pushes boundaries
 Importance of Preschool
 Advocates around every corner
 Sense of community
 Support
 Inclusion
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 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
 Ecroyle@thearcofva.org
 Thank you!!
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