Facilitated play groups provide access to high-quality early learning opportunities to thousands of children who are not currently benefiting from formal early learning programs. The majority of Washington children under five are in the regular informal care of parents family members, friends, or neighbors (FFNs), and do not attend formal child care programs, especially children in communities of color, low-income families and refugee/immigrant communities. Increasing access to high-quality play groups will strengthen our ability to support all families in this critical phase of child development, and get Washington closer to its goal to have 90% of children ready for kindergarten when they enter. Facilitated play groups support early brain development and kindergarten readiness: play group curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood brain development and family engagement; play groups give parents and informal caregivers a free, accessible place to meet other families and get support; and sessions are held weekly in community spaces in the child’s own neighborhood and language.

Offers 90-minute weekly group meetings for children to engage in coordinated group activities, child-directed play and for children and parents to interact with each other.  Also serves to strengthen caregiving/parenting support and learning by building relationships between caregivers/parents.

Provides a community events calendar, magazine, and website which offers information about parent support groups, children's playgroups, family activities and enrichment, camps, and listings of kid-friendly events in Portland, Oregon.

Offers a wide variety of free services, including the following: - Parenting classes (twice a year) - Workshops (cooking classes, CPR classes, Youth programming) - Children playgroups, including Spanish - Advocates available for assistance with resources and systems navigation - Community Closet for free children’s clothing, toys, books and more. - Diaper Program (current waitlist) - Free monthly Family Field Trips to locations like the Aquarium, Zoo, and local museums.

Provides childbirth education, newborn care classes, safe sleep workshop, breastfeeding workshop/support, and other classes which vary by season.

Offers parent-child playgroups that include children of mixed developmental levels. Individual and group programs are planned and implemented in a classroom setting to improve: - Cognitive - Play - Social - Self-help - Communication - Fine and gross motor skills Playgroups specialize in accommodating individual ability levels, enabling children with developmental delays or disabilities to learn side-by-side with typically-developing peers.

Offers parent-child playgroups that include children of mixed developmental levels. Individual and group programs are planned and implemented in a classroom setting to improve: - Cognitive - Play - Social - Self-help - Communication - Fine and gross motor skills Playgroups specialize in accommodating individual ability levels, enabling children with developmental delays or disabilities to learn side-by-side with typically-developing peers.

Assists families, childcare providers, and community partners in providing quality early learning and school readiness programs, and professional development opportunities. Offers referrals to Early Head Start, ECEAP, childcare, and parent-child groups.

Offers assistance with essential needs and develops supportive, nurturing relationships to walk the journey with young families in need. PREPARES Baby Supply Bags: provides basic baby supplies, based on the age of the child and can include diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, books, and toys. Family Companions: provide an opportunity for a pregnant or parenting family to be matched with a trained family companion volunteer who gives the family ongoing support and encouragement. Find comfort and guidance with the support of a family companion who has walked the path of parenthood and empathize with its joys and struggles. Play and Learn Groups: facilitates play groups to support early brain development and kindergarten readiness: play group curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood brain development and family engagement. Play groups give parents and informal caregivers a free, accessible place to meet other families and get support. Sessions are held weekly in community spaces in the child’s own neighborhood and language. Parents as Teachers (PAT): develops curricula, trains early childhood professionals, and certifies parent educators to work with parents to provide them with parenting support and information on their developing child. Vision: All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

Provides free parental support and coaching for the families of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing toddlers. Uses a bilingual/bicultural approach that emphasizes language acquisition in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. While enrolled, families will develop their ASL skills to create a nurturing, language-accessible home for their Deaf or hard of hearing toddler.

Offers classes and leisure activities that focus on family needs and interests such as:   -  Parenting classes -  Support groups -  Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups (also available at Bothell United Methodist Church)   Parents must stay with children for the entire duration of the Play & Learn groups.