South Shore, Massachusetts Kindergarten Readiness Play Groups
Exposure to nature has been shown to significantly boost mental health
Nature uniquely boosts children's motor skills, balance, and coordination
We’ve created unique outdoor sessions that enrich toddlers’ playtime, support their developmental journey, and deepen their bond with nature. These sessions are more than play; they’re a pathway for caregivers to gain insightful strategies and confidence in navigating the transformative years of toddlerhood.
These playgroups are perfectly suited for toddlers undergoing or have completed early intervention services, are facing developmental challenges, need more opportunities for small group interactions, have speech/language difficulties, or are navigating social-emotional issues.
Children aged 2 to 5 years old will find these groups highly beneficial.
EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy provides year-round outdoor Occupational Therapy, along with non-therapeutic nature experiences. Apart from our group services, we offer Occupational Therapy Evaluations, Consultations, Tailored In-Home Therapy Programs, and visits to educational institutions like schools and daycares.
“ Nature play had consistent positive impacts on physical activity outcomes and cognitive play behaviors; imaginative and dramatic play. ”
Citation:
Dankiw KA, Tsiros MD, Baldock
KL, Kumar S (2020) The impacts of unstructured
nature play on health in early childhood development: A systematic review. PLoS ONE 15(2):
e0229006.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229006
"Kids of all ages should get at least three hours of free play outdoors a day for optimal healthy development. ”
Citation: Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom
According to data, using a validated screening tool, 1 - year - olds who were exposed to more than four hours of screen time per day showed delays in communication and problem solving at ages 2 and 4.
Citation: JAMA Network Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-SolvingDevelopmental Delay at 2 and 4 YearsIppei Takahashi, MMSc1; Taku Obara, PhD1,2,3; MamiIshikuro, PhD1,2; et al
Kindergarten Readiness Play Groups
8-Week Outdoor Developmental Program for Kindergarten
Our program features a 8-week curriculum, each week dedicated to exploring a different aspect of child development. Registrants will be provided with weekly handouts, detailing the developmental focus and its connection to that week’s activities. Each session lasts 60 minutes, taking place entirely outdoors throughout the year, immersing toddlers and their caregivers in a natural setting.
Participation requires the presence of a parent or caregiver with their child. The last 15 minutes of every group session are reserved for free-play, allowing the children to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and develop sustained attention. Our activities predominantly utilize nature-based materials, facilitating easy replication and application in everyday settings like backyards or parks.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that simplicity is key to effective child development, demonstrating to caregivers that straightforward methods can be incredibly impactful.
Meet Our Team
Empowerment
These playgroups are ideal for toddlers who are currently receiving or have completed early intervention services and are experiencing developmental delays.
Holistic Approach
What makes us unique? Our therapy adopts a play-based, holistic approach, conducted outdoors. This setting allows children to bond with nature and fosters a passion for physical activity.
Strong Foundation
This playgroup serves as a developmental enrichment program for toddlers, structured and devised by a licensed Occupational Therapist to promote optimal child growth.
The Transformative Power of Nature in Early Childhood
Engaging young children in the natural world is fundamental for
- Enhancing sensory integration
- Bolstering self-regulation abilities
- Advancing communication and language development
- Deepening bonds with caregivers
- Laying the foundation for improved mental health in later years
- Strengthening peer communication skills
Nature's playground is unmatched in nurturing motor skills, balance, coordination, and confidence while simultaneously reducing reliance on screen time.
Kindergarten Readiness Play Group
Dates September - November
LOCATIONS:
- The Scituate Recreation Department
Kindergarten Readiness Play Group
8-week curriculum-
60-minute groups
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All of our groups take place outdoors, all year round!
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Parents/caregivers must attend with their little one
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The end of each group (last 15 minutes) will be free play so the children have an opportunity to work on their own decision making, problem solving skills & build sustained attention
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The activities we use mostly consist of nature - based materials, making carryover and application easier for families to do in their own backyard or in a park
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Parent/Caregiver Education and Recommendations provided on site
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We offer sibling discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a drop off model or does a caregiver have to attend?
This is a child and caregiver model, where the parent or caregiver must be present throughout the group session each week.
Is this play group considered “Occupational Therapy”?
No, this is not a therapy group. This is a playgroup designed as an enrichment model for toddlers. The group is designed and structured by a licensed Occupational Therapist with optimal child development in mind.
What is the purpose of this group?
The toddler play group was designed with the family unit in mind. Many times, parents are not provided with enough information about optimal child development.
How do you know if your child is developing on the right track? Are there any gaps in their development that you are unaware of? We are here to support your child during their most precious, powerful years. Our goal is to provide helpful information and play based ideas to support your child. We are there to answer any questions you may have that falls within our scope of practice!
I am a stay at home mom with another sibling. Can they join too?
Yes! Siblings are welcome to join too. If they are within the age range of 2-5 years old and will be participating in the group, there will be an additional registration fee. We do offer sibling discounts.
How many weeks does this group run for?
This is an 8-week nature-based toddler play group. We follow the town public school calendar for group closures.
What if my child is sick one week, can I get reimbursed for the missed session?
We do not offer reimbursement for absences. We can, however, offer to join another site location for a make up session.