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Date: 12/1/2020
EASTHAMPTON – The Easthampton Family Center (EFC), has long provided members in the community with various events and ways to stay busy. In particular, they’ve created parent-child playgroups as a resource for child development and positive parenting.
The EFC has put on playgroups since the early 2000s. Over the years, the program has shifted as different coordinators have taken over. One thing that hasn’t changed is their purpose to serve all families in Easthampton and the surrounding community.
The EFC is funded by a Massachusetts Coordinated and Community Engagement Grant. Johanna Andreoli, EFC coordinator, is responsible for running the particular playgroups. This is a paid position through Collaborative Services. Alongside her, there are four other parents on the board of directors. EFC is strictly donation run and volunteer-based.
Prior to COVID-19, The EFC hosted their playgroups at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. Andreoli said, “We had circle time to help for school readiness. Now, there is a changed format.” In November, the indoor gatherings switched to outdoor play time, specifically for Pre-K engagement. Children that attend playgroups are all under age five.
Story times are strictly remote and have resulted in the creation and offering of more outdoor activities. “We’re searching for new ways to build communication,” Andreoli said.
Right now, the fun and excitement has been unfolding at Nonotuck Park. Andreoli noticed that fewer families have been in attendance. “It used to be about 24 families, now it’s only about four,” she said. There has also been a change in the engagement online. Andreoli believes and understands that it’s difficult for parents and grandparents to fully engage a child online. “Kids need social support,” she stated.
Recently, a story walk took place in the park and was a huge success. The story “Whistle for Willie” by Ezra Keats, was posted along a path for the children to read as they passed by. Andreoli said, “There were spots to jump, play hopscotch and even free books at the end.”
Through the Collaborative for Educational Services, the EFC has also been putting on workshops. These include assistance for parents and grandparents, anxiety classes, and a baby sign language class. According to Andreoli, this was a great turn out, but she would love to see more families attending online.
The EFC provides access to an online developmental screening tool, allowing for parents to see what their child knows and what they need. Parents are able to visit this site and pull ideas on how they can help their child reach their full potential.
As the weather gets colder and snow will soon cover the ground, Andreoli hopes that events such as sledding and snowman building will invite more families back to the playgroup. She said, “When this pandemic is over, we will be ready to run again.”
Additional information can be found on Easthampton Family Center’s Facebook page or easthamptonfamilycenter.org.