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Free early developmental play and learning groups (for ages 0–3)

Department of Early Childhood
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Free playtime and learning fun for little ones (0–3 years)

Early Connections playgroups are for children 0–3 who are in need of additional developmental supports. These groups are designed to help your child explore and play in a supportive environment. Plus, they’re a great way to connect with other families and discover valuable community resources. Interest Form Complete this form to join a playgroup. After you submit this form, an Early Connections Centralized Access Point (CAP) team member will reach out to you via your preferred contact method.

Children's Council

Focus: Sensory-based and imaginative play, music, books, art, and science
  • For children with mild to moderate disabilities, learning differences, or complex medical needs.
  • Small playgroups (approximately 6 kids per session).
  • Inclusive, sensory-based, hands-on learning.
  • Parents and caregivers learn effective play and development support strategies.

Duration: 3 months (1 session per week)
Location: Mission District

Sign up for Children's Council playgroups

Project Commotion

Focus: Movement and play, communication, and relationship building
  • Designed for families looking to enhance their child's social, communication, or motor skills.
  • Sessions are led by Movement Specialists and Linguistic Connection speech and language therapists.
  • Families connect, move, play, sing, and chat together while learning easy, fun ways to support their child’s development.

Duration: 10 weeks (1 session per week)
Location: Mission District

Sign up for Project Commotion playgroups

Slippery Fish

Focus: Social-emotional skills, building relationships, and problem-solving
  • Children engage in a variety of activities to support their social, cognitive, and motor skills through play.
  • A fun and structured space for kids 12 to 36 months (or younger) and their caregivers to learn and grow together.
  • Led by trained facilitators
  • Sessions provide guided play and support tailored to your child’s needs.

Duration: 8 weeks
Location: Lakeshore

Sign up for Slippery Fish playgroups

Felton

Focus: All areas of development
  • For children with mild to moderate developmental delays who aren't yet eligible for formal intervention through local regional centers or school districts.
  • Siblings and transitioning preschoolers are also welcome.

Duration: 12 weeks (2 sessions per week)
Locations:
Bayview, Cathedral Hill, Downtown, Mission, Outer Richmond, SOMA, Visitacion Valley

Sign up for Feltons' SEEDs playgroups

Sparkler

Focus: Literacy, math, and sensory skills
  • Each week, parents, caregivers, and children explore a theme (literacy, math, or sensory skills).
  • Families learn fun and engaging ways to learn through play.
  • Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese

Duration: 9 weeks
Locations:
Bayview, Chinatown, Hayes Valley, Sunset, Visitation Valley

Sign up for Sparkler playgroups

Why you and your child should join a playgroup

Build essential skills

Playgroups help children develop communication, motor, socio-emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging activities.

Meet and connect with other families

Connect with local families and access valuable services through playgroups hosted with Family Resource Centers or Early Childhood Education providers.

See your child thrive

Watch your child's confidence, curiosity, and skills grow weekly in a joyful and meaningful learning environment.

About

We can help you choose the right playgroup or register by phone. Call us: 415-920-5040

Contact information