Thom Springfield Infant Toddler Services

1506A Allen St., Bicentennial Plaza, Springfield, MA  01118

Our Program

Playgroups Offered

The Baby & Me Group meets at our Allen St. site, on Tuesdays from 10:30 AM – 12 noon. The group is for parents and their babies who are younger than 15 months old. It provides time for parents and babies to share and learn from each other and from Early Intervention staff members.

The group supports parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher and is open to both families of babies who are enrolled in Early Intervention and community families. Transportation is available, to and from group, for those who are enrolled in Early Intervention. Please bring a blanket for your baby.

During warm weather months our Parent-Child Swim Group meets once a week at the Scantic Valley YMCA. The group is led by a Physical Therapist in a therapeutic pool (temperature set at 92°) which provides the environment for warm water therapy. Parents accompany their child in the pool and are guided through individual activities for their child. Warm water therapy promotes relaxation and comfort in movement in the water and supports sensory and motor development in and out of the water.

Thom SITS offers two (2) Parent- Child Playgroups in Springfield and Wilbraham for toddlers and their parents that allow them to share a morning with other families. These groups have a routine of free play time, circle time, snack and activities. Parents experience new activities with their child and have informal opportunities to connect with other parents. Toddlers experience new activities, begin to enjoy play with their peers and learn the routines of group.

• The Colonial Estates Parent-Child Playgroup meets Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 AM in the Colonial Estates community room.
• The Wilbraham Children’s Museum Playgroup meets Mondays from 9:30-11:30 AM at the Museum. This group meets during the school year, September to June and follows the school vacation schedule.

All groups are open to families from Early Intervention as well as community families. Transportation to and from the group is only available to families with children who are enrolled in the Early Intervention program.
 
While each Toddler Times group is somewhat different, based on the ages and needs/interests of the children attending, there are some common threads. All Toddler Times groups offer a language rich, nurturing and safe environment where children have the opportunity to explore and play with their peers. Early Intervention staff maintain a consistent routine of activities including free play, motor play, snack, circle time, pretend and manipulative play. The high staff to child ratio, with at least one adult to every three children, allows staff to assist toddlers to play and learn in all areas of development.
 

Toddler Times groups are held at our Allen Street, Bicentennial Plaza program site in Springfield on the following days and times:

Mondays – 9:30-11:30

Tuesdays – 1:00–3:00

Wednesdays – 9:30–11:30

Thursdays – 9:00–11:00 & 11:30–1:30
Fridays – 9:30–11:30

Other Program Services

On-site Screenings, Consultation and Trainings for parents and providers can be provided at the following affiliated community sites:

• Early Childhood Centers, Springfield
• YMCA
• NES (Northern Educational Services) and Teen Home
• Springfield Day Nursery Centers and Family Childcare Homes
• Early Headstart Program
• Vietnamese American Civic Association (VACA)
• WIC Programs
• Mason Square Health Center
• SAFE
• Prime Time Nursery School, East Longmeadow
• Kid's Place, Wilbraham
• Collaboration and Linkages with:
• Springfield Early Care & Education Partnership
• East Longmeadow, Wilbraham and Hampden Community Partnership