Playgroups for Early Child Development

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. However, there are a growing number of parents who are spending less time playing with their children because of family structure, hurried lifestyles or even a lack of resources.

Through funding from First Things First (FTF), the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) offers free playgroups to children ages 0 - 5 and their caregiver, in Avondale, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Peoria, El Mirage, Glendale, Wickenburg and Waddell.

The playgroups promote appropriate developmental skills and socialization in a safe and comfortable environment. The playgroups also encourage learning through age-appropriate toys and activities, early literacy and parent-child interaction.

Many playgroups are held in local city libraries or community centers once per week.

Playgroup Schedule

Mondays

• Litchfield Park Branch Library
  101 W. Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park 85340
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

• Glendale Public Library
  5959 W. Brown St., Glendale 85302
  6 - 7 p.m.

Tuesdays

• Peoria Public Library
  8643 W. Monroe Peoria 85345
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

• Agave Library
  23550 N. 36th Ave, Glendale 85310
  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays

• Dysart Community Center
  14414 N. El Mirage Rd, El Mirage 85335
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Thursdays

• White Tanks Library
  20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd., Waddell 85355
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m. (ages 0 - 2)
  1:15 - 2:15 p.m. (ages 3 -5)

Fridays

• Northwest Regional Library
  16089 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise 85374
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m. (ages 0 - 2)
  1:15 - 2:15 p.m. (ages 3 -5)

• Sunrise Library
  21109 N. 98th Ave, Peoria 85382
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

About First Things First

First Things First (FTF) was approved by Arizona voters, works to ensure that our youngest children have access to quality early childhood experiences so they will start school healthy and ready to succeed. Across the state, FTF regional partnership councils – in collaboration with local leaders – identify the educational and health needs of children from birth through age 5 in their communities and fund strategies to address those needs.

Contact us

(602) 546-0248