“How do I join?”

As you’ve read elsewhere on this website, the Birth to Three Family Center in Ipswich is grant funded through the Department of Education and under the guidance of the Ipswich Public Schools. A simple registration, whether by telephone or in person, is all it takes to be on our mailing list.

“How are the playgroups organized?”

Each week, Birth to Three usually runs seven structured playgroups according to the child’s age. Our first group is for new parents and their infants 0-6 months. The remaining groups are for 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 16-26 months, 18-24 months, 2 year olds, and our oldest 3 & 4 year olds. All groups run for an hour with the exception of the 3 & 4 year olds whose group runs 1 _ hours. The groups begin and end with a brief circle time. The educator structures the remaining time with stories and gross and fine motor activities geared to the child’s age. For our very youngest, it is a time for parents to meet, ask questions and exchange information. For our older toddlers and children, our educator will often have a themed-based story and activity. In every group, there is free time for caregivers and children to simply play and socialize. Each session runs approximately 6-8 weeks.

“What about the other playgroups I see listed?”

In conjunction with Cape Ann Early Intervention and the North Shore Infant and Toddler Early Intervention, we host:

• An integrated playgroup wherein half the children from the community are models for the children from Early Intervention who may have speech or physical developmental delays.
• A playgroup for parents of multiples. Parents and children have a playgroup for the first half and then the parents meet in the conference room for support and information while childcare providers and physical/occupational/speech therapists stay with the children.
• A playgroup for adoptive parents. Parents and children have a playgroup for the first half and then the parents meet in the conference room for support and information while childcare providers watch over their children.

“What else goes on at Birth to Three?”

• Three times a week we offer “Open Play.” This is a drop-in time for parents/grandparents/caregivers and children to stop by and use our facility together to play, to meet other adults and children and to have fun! On cold or rainy days, it can be a welcomed relief from “cabin fever.”
• On Wednesday mornings, we offer Parent Talk. This is another time for parents to stop by. While childcare providers watch over the children, parents meet with our staff and each other over coffee. During this time we may have a special guest to present information on a specific topic (i.e., nutrition, sleep issues, etc.) or we may exchange information, share a question, or simply enjoy the company and a ‘time out.’
• “Mommy & Me” Yoga is run by yoga instructor Ingrid Miles here at Birth to Three for new Moms and their infants up to 8 months. Gentle strengthening exercises to tone and relax a mother’s body after delivery and meditation to calm her mind.
• We run many “Special Events” on Wednesdays such as “Art Hour”, “PJs and Potluck Supper” and many more. Please check our calendar for specific dates and times.
• We want to continue with our twice a month Saturday morning activities for parents who cannot attend Monday through Friday. In January and February we offered a field trips, two “Dad & Me” groups, and two Open Play times.
• S.T.E.P – Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. This is an eight-week course for parents teaching skills necessary for effective parenting. Childcare is provided

"How do I join a playgroup? Do I need to register for other activities?”

At the end of each session, we close for one week to regroup/reorganize/redecorate. That is also our “Registration Week.” We reserve the first day for families who were not in the last session. The rest of the week is open for all families to register for playgroups and any of our special events. As long as there are openings, you can register for our special events and activities during or after registration week.

"I don’t live in Ipswich. Can I participate?”

Through the guidelines of the grant, we serve Ipswich residents first. During Registration Week, all nonresidents are put on a first-come, first-served wait list for playgroups and special events. By Friday afternoon or the following Monday, you will be notified if the group you requested has an opening. Parent Talk and Open Play are drop-ins and open to all families from Ipswich and surrounding towns.

"Is there a charge?”

There is no charge for residents of Ipswich. We do, however, appreciate snack donations for playgroups and we also have a “Wish List” for specific items. If you like, we do have a suggested donation list for childcare, open play visits and parenting classes. For those living outside of Ipswich, we have a fee schedule. We charge $40/child for an 8-week playgroup and $30/child for a 6-week playgroup. We charge $5 for each Open Play visit.