To register for any playgroup listed below, please email lmatthews@jri.org. If this is the first time you are registering, please let us know what town you live in. We appreciate your respecting the minimum and maximum ages for groups on the date they begin.

Ages and Stages Playgroup for 0-11 Months and pre-mobile babies up to 2 years

Co-facilitated by therapists from Minuteman Arc Early Intervention

Mondays, 10:30-11:30 at Littleton Library

September 14 - December 7

This group will start with songs and a book for the babies, followed by an opportunity for caregivers to check in, ask questions of each other and the facilitators, and share their wins and challenges. All caregivers are welcome, but please make arrangements for older siblings to keep babies safe.

This group will not meet on Oct 12, Indigenous Peoples' Day

Ages and Stages Playgroup for 12-23 Months

Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 at Bedford Public Library

September 16 - December 9

This group will meet in the library's meeting room, where children will have the chance to play with toys and activities designed to foster their gross and fine motor development, social-emotional skills, language development and more, all based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). We will end each group with a circle time with songs and a book. Infant siblings in carriers welcome.

This group will meet at First Connections in Acton on Nov 11.

Ages and Stages Playgroup for 24-35 Months 

Thursdays 10:00-11:00 at First Connections, Acton

September 17 - December 10

This group will meet in First Connections playroom, where children will have the chance to play with our many toys as well as activities based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The activities will be designed to help children practice their social-emotional, fine and gross motor, language, and problem-solving skills as they interact with each other and the materials. Each group will end with a circle time with songs and a book. Younger siblings welcome.

*This group will NOT meet on Nov. 26, Thanksgiving

2-5-Year-Old Playgroup/Caregiver Book Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30 at First Connections, Acton

Sep 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov. 4, 11, 18

For families with children age 2-5, this group will integrate play for the children with support and conversation for the caregivers (see full description in the "Parent Education" section above).

STEAM Playgroup for Ages 3-5

Fridays, 10-11:15 at Village Nursery School, Harvard

Sept. 18 - Dec. 11

In this group we will have a chance to play in a Pre-K classroom with all of their great toys, and each week we'll have an activity related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and/or Math. Children will also have a chance to work on their social-emotional skills as they negotiate playing together and taking turns with materials and toys. Each group will end with a circle time with songs and a book. Younger siblings are welcome, but be aware that we will be using tools like scissors and small parts that could be choking hazards. And we will be getting messy, so plan to dress your child accordingly!

*Classroom is not wheelchair/stroller accessible. *This group will NOT meet on Nov 27

Hanscom Little Learners Playgroup for Ages 6 months through 5 years

Tuesdays 10:00-11:00, at Youth Center Gym for those with access to Hanscom AFB

Sept. 15 - Dec 8

This group will provide opportunities for children to play with peers, learn or practice new skills, and explore different toys. Because the group meets in a large gym, we will especially focus on gross motor skills like running, kicking, throwing and catching. Caregivers will have the chance to play with their children and to connect with other families on the base. Each group will include a circle time with songs & a book. Come see old friends & meet new ones! Infant siblings in carriers welcome.

Ms. Jasmine's popular program includes read aloud stories, language facial exercises, introduction to Chinese characters and pronunciations, and virtual activities. Jasmine Wang graduated from Communication University of China with a Master's Degree in Language Arts and a Certification of Mandarin Grade A. She has 6 years of experience teaching Mandarin, specializing in teaching vocalization, speech, recitation, and debate. She is currently First Connections' ParentChild+ Coordinator This is a Mandarin immersion experience with one-time registration and weekly zoom sign-ins. If you would like to be added to this group, Register Here

FREE 4-Part Support Group

Raising a child with developmental challenges can feel overwhelming--but you don't have to do it alone. Join Jayne Singer, Ph.D. and Emily Lyman, Ph.D. from Brazelton Touchpoints Center and Children's Hospital for this discussion series. Through engaging conversations with parents who know what it's like to raise children with developmental differences, challenges, delays or disabilities, we share the unique as well as common experiences of loving and raising children whose developmental journey is delayed or atypical. Spanish translation & captioning available. Live recordings available to those who are registered.

Mondays, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Sept. 14, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Dec. 7 Register Here

FREE Community Support and Education for All Parents

"Turning 3 Essentials" for Parents of Children currently in Early Intervention

Sept. 11, 1-3:00: Live Webinar Link Registration

Oct. 8, 1-3:00 in Spanish: Live Webinar Link Registration

This program thru the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts explains the difference between E.I. and Special Education, the transition plans conference, and special education procedures including referral, evaluation, team meeting, eligibility determination, services goals, placement, response options, and parents' procedural due process rights for resolving disputes. Handouts will be sent to each participant within 24 hours.

Parent Groups Held by the Center for Early Relationship Support

If you have any questions, email lpucker@jfcsboston.org or Website Information

Fragile Beginnings for parents of babies who've spent time in the NICU

Parents of Toddlers 1 thru 3 yrs

Virtual New Parent Group

In-Person New Parent Groups held in Arlington and Wayland

Spanish-Speaking Parents of babies 0-18 months (ilopez@jfcsboston.org)

Parenting an Adopted Child under 12 months (michellekahan@jfcsboston.org)

6-Wk New Mothers Group for those with PPD, Anxiety or Emotional Complications (cersintake@jfcsboston.org)

In-Home Visits for Parents of Babies under Age 1 (trich@jfcsboston.org)

Parents Helping Parents Virtual Support Groups

Facilitated virtual groups allow parents to get advice, give feedback, and find resources to help you manage day-to-day parenting challenges. Specialty groups include:

Single Parents Group

Fathers' Group

Mothers' Group

Parenting in Recovery

Parenting Preschoolers

Parenting Neurodivergent Children

BIPOC Parenting

Spanish-Speaking Parenting

Mindful Parenting

Parenting through High-Conflict Divorce

Additional general parenting groups also available. Registration Page

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support

Upcoming: September 23 - Making Visits/Parenting Time Count

Come share the rewards and challenges of raising your grandchildren. Learn from and support others in similar circumstances. Discover ways to relieve stress. Benefit from the resources available from the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and hear about State agencies that can provide assistance. For statewide resources, support evening groups, and educational programming specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren, contact colleen.pritoni@state.ma.us, 617-748-2454 or visit GRG Website.

Free Open Farmyard Activities at Lands Sake Farm

Educator-led stories, picking & planting, chicken coop, rabbits, goats and other activities and crafts. Located at 90 Wellesley Street, Weston. Wednesdays 3-5:00 & Sundays 9:30-11:30 for ages 2 1/2-7. Registration encouraged but not required. Sundays: Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8

Discovery Day Open House at Concord Conservatory of Music. Families can explore different instruments and participate in demo classes. If you would like to attend the Family Notes Class for ages 0-4 from 1:30-2, or the Music & Movement class for ages 3-6 from 2:30-3, please register here. Saturday, August 29, 1317 Main St., Concord (W. Concord Union Church building).

Fruitlands Kite Festival, 102 Prospect Hill, Harvard, 1-4:00 p.m.

Kites Over New England brings their uniquely-designed kites and offers expert tips for beginners. Bring your own kite, or purchase one of theirs. Hiking trails adjacent to the kite-flying hill.

Saturday, August 29 (rain date Aug. 30), $10 adult nonmembers, children free. Register

WestFest Family Fun Food Truck Festival - Sunday, Sept. 27 at Stony Brook Middle School, Westford. Touch a truck, carnival games, face painting, trackless train, D.J. music & more. Benefits Westford Education Foundation for teacher grants. Website for details.

SPECIAL LIBRARY PROGRAMMING

Sept. 10, 10:30, Rockabye Beats Singalong Concert at Harvard Library. Held outdoors unless rain. Register on Library Calendar.

Sept 12, 19 & 26, 10:30-12:30, Saturday Build Programs at Maynard Library. Drop in any time to explore different types of building systems: Sept 12: Legos, ages 4+. Sept. 19: Zoob, ages 6+. Sept. 26: Marble Runs, ages 3-10. Caregivers determine choking hazard age estimations.

Sept. 15, 10:30-11:30, Books & Bunnies at Good Pickin' Farm, 5 Gould Rd, thru Westford Library. Register: youthservices@westfordma.org.

Sept. 18, 4-5:00, Winnie's Mini Horses at Bedford Library. Register beginning September 1st.

Sept. 22, 11-11:45, Winnie the Pooh Storytime thru Westford Library at 39 Main St for 2-6 yrs. Register: youthservices@westfordma.org

Sept. 22, 3-3:30, Ready for Kindergarten Storytime Program at Bedford Library. For children entering kindergarten in Fall 2027, we'll focus on longer stories, listening skills, taking turns, early literacy skills, flannel boards, rhymes & Songs. Register beginning 9/15.

Sept. 23, 12:30, Tote Bag Craft Program for Grades K-6 at Harvard Library. Register here.

Sept. 26, 10:30, Circle of Songs with Hugh Hanley at Harvard Library. Register here.

Sept. 29, 4-5:00, Hooves & Hugs with Good Pickin' Farm thru Carlisle Library. An all-ages visit to interact with, pet and hold these very friendly and cute baby goats. Register beginning Sept. 15.

Oct. 19, 3:30-4:30, Rolie Polie Guacamole Concert at Union Hall, Carlisle, 27 School Street (Carlisle Library program). Drop in, no reg.

Nov. 9, 3:30-4:30, Create a Dinosaur Mosaic with Tiny Tiles Mosaics in a wood bezel for ages 5 & up. Register here beginning Oct. 12. Part of Westford library's DiNOVember Celebration!

Nov. 21, 10:30-11:30, The Nutcracker: A Preview. Drop in to Lincoln Library, 3 Bedford Rd., to listen to a young-child version of The Nutcracker. Dancers from Commonwealth Ballet Company will act out parts of the story and children can meet them after the storytime.

Nov. 23, 3:30-4:30, Strega Mama Storytime: Dia de Los Muertos, thru Westford Library at Roudenbush CC for ages 4-7. Story, songs, games. Register beginning 10/5: youthservices@westfordma.org

Dec. 14, 4:00 or 5:30, Gingerbread House Workshop thru Carlisle Library. Held at Town Hall. Register on the library calendar as a family beginning Nov. 16

Dec. 17, 4-5:00, Storytime with Santa at Littleton Library. Register beginning November 1.

Free Pop-Up Clothing Shop for

Children and Adults

Friday, November 6, 3:30-7:30

(museum admission is free 4:30-8:00)

Saturday, November 7, 10:00-3:00

Sunday, November 8, 10:00-3:00

(museum admission not included on weekend)

Organized by and held at The Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton. Open to all. Donations accepted October 1 to November 1 in Museum Lobby.

KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE

September 26, 2026 - Save some money!!

Greater Visions Children's Center

180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford

9:00-12:00, then 12:00-1:00 is half price

$2 admission OR 1 canned food donation

www.kidstagsale.com

Gently used clothing sizes 0-14, shoes & boots, baby equipment, toys, books, Halloween costumes. No strollers or children allowed at sale - bring shopping bags or bins.