Free playtime and learning fun for little ones (0–3 years)
If your child is under 3 and you have questions about their development, you are not alone. Early Connections has free playgroups where children can play in a welcoming space. While your child plays, you can connect with other families and find help and support. To join a playgroup, fill out the playgroup interest form below. Someone from our team will contact you in the way that works best for you.Playgroup Interest FormExplore playgroups
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
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
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
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
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
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