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Many families desire to have
more opportunities to provide adequate socialization and
learning opportunities for their children, ages birth
through five. The vast majority of families rely on extended
family members, neighbors, friends, or other adults in their
support network for the care of their children. The lack of
formal regulated child care settings in certain parts of the
county as well as other matters such as accessibility,
familiarity, beliefs, and values, contribute to the
families’ decisions to use informal child care arrangements.
Out of respect for these choices but at the same time
recognizing the need to strengthen school readiness, Stokes
Partnership for Children offers the Outreach for School
Readiness Playgroups in Stokes County.
Started in 2007, Outreach for
School Readiness Playgroups is a FREE program that helps
children, ages birth through five, develop school readiness
skills through play and parent/caregiver participation.
The playgroups focus on approaches to active learning,
cognitive development, emotional and social development,
health and physical development, language development and
communication through various activities, field trips, and
speakers. Additionally, at the end of each Playgroup, each
child receives a school readiness tool, take-home
activities, and resources. Through participation in the
Playgroups, children as well as caregivers see many
benefits.
Activities:
§
Literacy
§
Science/Discovery
§
Math
§
Art
§
Blocks
§
Manipulatives
§
Dramatic Play
§
Music
§
Movement
§
Cooking
School Readiness Tools:
§
Book of their
choice
§
Tool (ex. Crayons,
paint sets, balls)
§
Easy reader book
§
Take-home
activities
§
Resources and
Information for Caregivers
§
Developmental
Screenings
§
Items to check out
from Resource Library
Children Benefits:
§
Experiences to aid
with school readiness
§
Enhancement of
developmental skills
§
Opportunities for
socialization
§
Exposure to
literacy activities
§
Familiarity with
a variety of activities and education
§
Improvement of
child nutrition and safety
Caregiver Benefits:
§
Increased
satisfaction with the parenting role and parent-child
interactions
§
Higher confidence
and competence in applying new skills
§
Better awareness
of child development
§
Greater knowledge
of services available for their family
§
Getting to know
other families in the area
Guidelines
§
Be present and
responsible for supervising their child(ren).
§
Interact with
your child(ren) during Playgroups.
§
Interact with
other parents/caregivers during Playgroup.
§
Help to insure
the integrity of the facility.
§
Notify if absent
so we can plan appropriately.
Each site strives to meet twice monthly for nine months
at 9:30am - 11:30am. Fieldtrips will be offered during the
other 3 months during the summer. The Playgroups follow the
Stokes County School System calendar. Therefore, should the
school be cancelled or delayed for any reason, Playgroups
will be cancelled.
Schedule of Current
Playgroups
|
Area |
Location |
Date |
Time |
|
King |
Stokes
Partnership for Children |
1st
and 3rd Monday
of each month |
9:30 AM
-11:30 AM |
|
King |
Stokes
Partnership for Children |
1st
and 3rd Wednesday of each month |
9:30 AM
-11:30 AM |
|
Sandy Ridge |
Sandy Ridge
Community Building |
2nd
and 4th Thursday of each month |
9:30 AM
-11:30 AM |
|
Germanton |
Germanton
Elementary School |
2nd
and 4th Tuesday
of each month |
9:30 AM
-11:30 AM |
If you are interested in
attending a group in your area contact the Outreach for
School Readiness staff for registration. (Contact
Information Below)
Other Services:
Breakfast with Santa
Held on the first Saturday of
December, Breakfast with Santa is a free and fun holiday
event geared towards providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere
for families with children with special needs and those who
are at risk. In the past, we have been able to offer
photographs with Santa, an elaborate pancake breakfast, and
free age appropriate arts, crafts, activities, games, and
presents! For more information, please contact Outreach for
School Readiness staff.
Support, Resources, and
Referral
We can also provide support,
resources, and referrals. For more information, please
contact Outreach for School Readiness staff.
Contact Information:
Donna Wishon
Family Support Coordinator
Phone: 336-985-2676 or
800-559-5606 ext. 167
Email:
dwishon@stokespfc.com
Natalie Scarritt
Program Specialist
Phone: 336-985-2676 or
800-559-5606 ext. 143
Email:
nscarritt@stokespfc.com
Stokes Partnership for Children,
Inc.
PO Box 2319
151 Jefferson Church Road, Suite
104
King, NC 27021
Phone: 336-985-2676 or
800-559-5606
Fax: 336-985-3302 |
