Currently there are 10 playgroups held at the Marlboro Area Early Intervention site. These groups take place Monday through Firday at various times between 9:15 A.M. and 1:30 P.M.

Group activities involve a wide variety of developmental skills and are structured to follow a consistent routine each week. Groups incorporate free playtime beginning and ending circle time, fine motor activity, large motor play as well as a snack. Overall, groups promote language skills, imitation, learning to follow directions, socialization, independence with self-care skills, and stimulating motor experiences.

For older toddlers, parents are present during the beginning and ending of circle times, but then leave the group room, once the child is able to tolerate separation. Parents are able to stay at the center and attend a parent group, if available, or to observe their child through a two-way mirror, or if older siblings are present, parents can leave the premises for the duration of the group. Parents remain with their children during the Tuesday infant group and Wednesday young toddler group.

Community playgroup held at Assabet Valley Area Family Network

         This is a Parent-Child Group, currently held on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:45AM. Parents stay with their child throughout the duration of the group. This group incorporates a beginning and ending circle time activity for parent and child to explore, free play time as well as snack. It is a wonderful way for children and parents from surrounding communities to socialize and promotes developmental skills for children.

Community playgroup held at the Hudson Library

         This is a parent/child story hour group on Thursdays from 3-4P.M.

Jump, Jiggle & Jive ™
Music and Movement Groups

         This popular group is offered on Monday mornings at the St. Matthews Church, Southboro (9:30-11:00AM), Thursday mornings at the Forbes Community Building in Westboro (9:00-10:30AM) and on Friday mornings at the Grace Baptist Church in Hudson (9:30-11:00AM). Jump, Jiggle & Jive ™ is a movement and music based group for parents and children to have fun in a safe and comfortable play space. The group incorporates different types of music with movement activities as well as a snack and craft project. Children are encouraged to work on and master new skills and concepts, such as developing a sense of rhythm, body awareness, communication, social skills and imitation, following directions, and learning to focus on simple tasks. Parents stay and participate throughout the group.

Discovery Thursdays

         This group is held Thursdays (12:00-1:30 PM). The group incorporates a beginning and ending circle. During the rest of the group time, children are encouraged to independently move through different classroom centers, each with its own activity and experiences. These include a snack that the children help to make. The activity centers promote socialization and language development, fine and gross motor skill development and sensory exploration. The group utilizes each child's natural curiosity as motivation, allowing the child to learn through mastery of new experiences.

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