In response to high demand, SOCSD’s Family Engagement Center will run Pre-K Playgroups twice monthly beginning in March. Previously offered as a single, monthly event, the Pre-K Playgroups were initially expanded to two, back-to-back, one-hour sessions each month this year. FEC Coordinator AJ Walker says that the decision to expand to two sessions twice a month was based on parent feedback.
“The playgroups are a great way for families with toddlers and preschoolers to connect,” Ms. Walker reports. “We’ve had strong turnout for both our 9:30am and 10:30am monthly sessions. Families asked to meet more frequently, so that’s what we’re going to do!”
Playgroups are open to South Orangetown residents with children ages 2-5 and meet in the FEC, which is located in Room 308 of South Orangetown Middle School, 160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt. Sessions are scheduled for 9:30am and 10:30am on each meeting date. Playgroups will meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month through the end of the school year, as follows:
- March 6 and 20
- April 3 and 17
- May 1 and 15
- June 5 and 19
Ms. Walker is developing themed programming for the upcoming playgroups. The March 6 sessions will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special craft and storytime. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. Parents and guardians may email Ms. Walker ([email protected]) to let her know that their family plans to attend a playgroup session.
For incoming kindergartners, playgroup participation is one way to ease the transition to a new routine. “Children are already meeting and socializing with each other, so they’ll recognize friendly faces when they start at William O. Schaefer Elementary School in September,” notes Ms. Walker.
