Absolutely not! We welcome every child, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis or not. Many families come to us seeking additional support because traditional activities like sports or ballet may not fully meet their child’s needs. Our classes offer a unique approach tailored to support each child’s individual development, ensuring they can thrive even if they struggle to follow along in other settings. Our focus is on providing a supportive environment where every child can grow, learn, and succeed, regardless of any formal diagnosis.
Our playgroups meet once a week for 60-minute sessions. This regular schedule allows children to foster relationships, build on their progress from previous sessions, and consistently practice new skills within a supportive environment.
Note: It is important to us that children are grouped according to skill level. Prior to a child joining playgroups, a screening is required to determine which group will maximize the development of each child. Screenings are 30-minutes long and are conducted by appointment only.
It’s important to remember that the core principle of Kerri’s KIds Play2learn is flexibility and following the child’s lead. This means there’s no single “typical” session, as they are always evolving based on the children present and their current interests. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect in our playgroups:
Structure (with a lot of flexibility!)
Possible Activities
Again, these will vary greatly, but could include:
The Specialist’s Role
The key is that our specialist isn’t directing playtime. Instead, they will:
Here’s how children are typically matched in our playgroups:
Primary Consideration:
Secondary Considerations:
It’s important to remember that our playgroups emphasize individualized attention. While the group is designed to be well-matched, our specialists will continue to tailor their interactions to each child’s unique needs even within the playgroup setting.
Absolutely! Our small group setting allows us to effectively target all abilities. While each child within our groups may have a similar developmental skill set, we understand that every child is unique and may have individual goals. Our playgroup activities are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing us to modify them to target your child’s specific developmental goals. Whether it’s language development, social skills, sensory integration, or any other area of focus. Our team is dedicated to providing support tailored to your child’s needs. We prioritize individualized attention and strive to create an environment where every child can make progress and reach their full potential.
Here are the key ways in which our specialists guide children’s interactions and development within our playgroups:
Key Point: The specialist’s role is not to impose a lesson plan but to create a playful and responsive environment where children feel encouraged to explore, interact, and grow at their own pace.
|
Feature |
DIR Floortime |
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) |
|
Focus |
Focuses on building emotional and social foundations for development. |
Focuses on shaping specific behaviors through direct teaching of skills. |
|
Approach |
Child-led, follows the child’s interests and play. |
Therapist-led, with structured teaching plans and defined goals. |
|
Structure |
Unstructured, activities emerge naturally from play and interaction. |
Structured, specific activities and tasks designed to teach skills. |
|
Motivation |
Uses child’s natural interests and enjoyment of play to motivate learning. |
Often uses rewards and reinforcement to motivate desired behaviors. |
|
Role of Play |
Play is a central tool for building social-emotional skills. |
Play may be used as a tool for skill-building, but is less central. |
|
Targets |
Addresses broad developmental areas like communication, emotional regulation, and social skills. |
Targets specific, observable behaviors (e.g., language skills, reducing tantrums). |
How our playgroups help your child transition to preschool:
| Skill Learned in Playgroup | Benefit for Preschool Transition |
| Social Interaction |
|
| Communication Skills |
|
| Emotional Regulation |
|
| Following Instructions |
|
| Flexibility |
|
While we deeply value parent involvement, we kindly ask that parents refrain from observing class sessions in person. This helps maintain a focused and conducive environment for all children enrolled. However, we understand the importance of keeping families informed and connected. Therefore, we capture moments through pictures and short videos during each class, which are then shared with all families. Additionally, we provide handouts detailing the activities and accomplishments of each session, ensuring families remain actively engaged in their child’s experiences and development at Kerris Kids Play2Learn.
Children experiencing developmental delays, regardless of specific diagnosis, can benefit significantly from our playgroup. We believe that every child has unique strengths and challenges, and our approach focuses on individualized support tailored to each child’s developmental skill set, rather than solely their age. Children are grouped according to their developmental abilities, ensuring that each child receives appropriate support and challenges within the group setting. At Kerri’s Kids Play2learn it is important to remember that we provide a supportive environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and cognitively. We welcome children with various diagnoses or challenges, recognizing that effective intervention and support can positively impact their growth and progress. Our goal is to create an inclusive and nurturing space where all children can flourish and reach their full potential, regardless of their specific circumstances.
Absolutely! We believe in the importance of collaboration with all professionals involved in your child’s care. If your child attends a school setting, their teacher will provide you with a consent form. This form grants permission for outside educators, like us, to communicate openly with them. This allows us to work together effectively to support your child’s development. By working together as a team, we can better understand your child’s needs, provide consistent support, and maximize their progress both in our playgroup and beyond.
In a Mommy & Me class, you shift from a passive observer to an active participant in your child’s development. Here’s how your role is different:
Learning the Approach: You won’t just be dropping your child off. Mommy & Me classes involve training and guidance for parents on how to implement DIR Floortime strategies at home and during the playgroup itself. You’ll become a partner in your child’s milestone development.
In-the-Moment Coaching: Our specialists will provide real-time feedback and support as you play with your child. They’ll help you recognize your child’s cues, respond in developmentally supportive ways, and playfully encourage their communication and social skills.
Hands-on Practice: Our Mommy & Me classes give you a dedicated space to practice the DIR Floortime approach with your child, under the guidance of trained professionals. You’ll build confidence in using these techniques at home.
Bonding Through Play: This playgroup model emphasizes strengthening the parent-child bond. You’ll engage in playful interactions that foster a deep emotional connection and make the learning process joyful for both you and your child.
The ideal age range for a Mommy & Me class depends on the focus and the specific goals of the group. Here’s a general breakdown:
Our Mommy & Me classes are designed for parents and caregivers looking for support, guidance, and connection during the early years of their child’s development.
Created especially for children receiving Early Intervention services, late talkers, and emerging communicators, these classes encourage communication, play, and social connection through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.
Families leave with simple ideas and strategies they can carry over at home, all within a warm, inclusive environment where every child is welcomed and valued.
Phone : +1 917-841-0244
