ABOUT OUR PLAYGROUPS

Our playgroups are a parent-child program to foster bonding, social skills and early learning preschool experiences. We offer Multicultural and Developmental playgroups.

DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUPS:
The developmental playgroup will serve children who have mild to moderate needs or demonstrate developmental concerns and require more individualized attention and smaller classroom-size to accommodate their needs. Based on best practice research, the model is designed to facilitate early family engagement in the lives of these children, to help families better understand their child's developmental and social emotional challenges and to provide them with tools to address those needs. Weekly playgroups will be structured to support parent-child attachment, improve a child's developmental skills and decrease parental isolation and stress.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PLAYGROUPS:

Our daily schedule includes free play, art, a light snack, circle time and outdoor play. The playgroups include monthly enrichment, such as: story time with a librarian, music, movement, nutrition, wellness activities and more!

During playgroups, our Family Navigators share local resources and events, cross-refer you to other organizations, conduct Ages and Stages Questionnaires Screenings, and curate Parent Workshops/Trainings based on the needs of the families.

Our Playgroups are open to parents and caregivers with children under 5-years old. Drop-ins are welcomed!

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Can't make it to our one of our playgroups? Check out our virtual playgroups on Youtube!

PLAYGROUP POLICIES

• Adult-child ratio: We request each adult accompany no more than 2 children. If you have a 3rd child, we recommend bringing another adult.
• Cell phone policy: Please refrain from using cell phones at playgroup.
• Circle time expectations: We ask parents to participate in singing with us. We do not allow toys or food during circle time.
• Clean Up: During clean-up time, please model clean up for your child by joining us in putting toys away.
• Discipline: Please do not spank your child or roughly pick your child up to discipline them at playgroup. If you need support, please ask a team member. Reminder: All Lotus Bloom team members are mandated reporters.
• No peanuts: We are a peanut free facility. Please refrain from bringing peanut products.
• Older siblings (ages 5+): We cannot accommodate siblings ages 5 and over.
• Respect: Please respect all family's religion, culture, background, etc.
• Sick child: If your child display signs of an illness (cough, fever, vomit, runny nose, etc), please keep them at home. They will be asked to leave. To stop the spread of coronavirus, all adults and children ages three years or older are required to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth when at playgroup. 
• Snacks: Please save snacks for snack time otherwise, your child may eat snack with you in the parent area or outside on the bench.
• Time Outs: If your child needs to take a break from playing, you may sit with them in the parent area. A timer is available for usage.
• No Promotions: Please do not promote any personal business(es) in our playgroups to any participants or staff.

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FAQ

LOTUS BLOOM DOWNTOWN

Location:
555 19th Street, Unit 131. Oakland, CA 94612
Playgroup Days & Time:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9:30AM-12:00PM
Fridays: 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Phone Number:
510-808-7883   
Contact:
​Avita Behari: A[email protected]
​
Limited Capacity; first come first served.

• ​​Lotus Bloom Downtown's daily capacity is 15 families

AFRO-PLAY AT ROOM TO BLOOM

Location:
8711 MacArthur Blvd, Portable B. Oakland, CA 94605
Playgroup Day & Time:
Tuesdays: 9:30am-12:00pm
Phone Numb​er:
510-878-1778   
Contact:
Ellen Hamilton: [email protected]
Ajhana DeRamous: [email protected]

About Afro-Play:
Families of the African Diaspora with children ages 0-5 pull together,  or "harambee" in Swahili, to honor the Black experience, build community, and support one another. Drop-ins welcomed!
visit: www.afroplayoakland.org
​
Limited Capacity; first come first served

ROOM TO BLOOM EAST OAKLAND

Location:
8711 MacArthur Blvd, Portable B. Oakland, CA 94605
Playgroup Days & Time:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays*: 9:30AM-12:00PM
Fridays: 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Phone Number:
510-878-1778
Contact:
Rha Bowden (AKA Brother Love): Rha@lotusbloomfamily.org

Limited Capacity; first come first served.

• ​​Room to Bloom's daily capacity is 15 families​

​*Developmental Playgroup (invitation only). 

• Please reach out for further details.

SAN ANTONIO FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Location:
Garfield Elementary School
1640 22nd Ave. Oakland, CA 94606
Playgroup Days & Time:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9AM - 11:30AM
Phone Number:
(510)-735-9222
Contact:
Diana Bahena: Diana@lotusbloomfamily.org

Limited Capacity; first come first served.

• San Antonio's daily capacity is 10 families total​