Early Steps Playgroup

With the heat of summer in full force, finding places for your little ones to play, be engaged, and learn something – all while in the AC - can sometimes be a challenge! The Collier County Public Libraries host several free programs for families and children throughout the month, including the Early Steps Playgroup at the South Regional branch.

This once-a-month session is for children from birth to five years old and is hosted by Early Steps, a non-profit serving Southwest Florida.

Speech-Language pathologist Jorja Roe led the August 10 session. “We reached out to partner with the library about five years ago,” she said. “It’s been really great! They are so grateful to let us use their space and we do a nice collaboration. We’re able to get our community kids in here.”

The typical program runs about an hour long, and RSVPs are often required to ensure enough space and materials for the children to learn and play.

“We work on all areas of development, focusing on communication, motor, adaptive, sensory, and cognitive skills, and we work a lot on sharing and turn-taking,” said Roe. “We are a coaching program, so we really love the parents to be hands-on as well. If their child is working on a certain area of development, we help them help their child with different strategies to be able to meet their child's needs.”

As the start time neared, several children and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers gathered in the library’s story-time room. Many were returning participants and a few new faces joined the group.

Bubbles, a lively story about numbers, a puzzle game, a bright parachute, a box to be filled with smaller boxes, and many more fun and colorful games and activities took place during the session. Each one was carefully designed to target every area of development.

The Early Steps Playgroups can be found in several locations throughout both Collier and Lee County during the month. A full calendar of specifics and more information can be found at: www.hpcswf.com/programs/early-steps/play-groups

“We are trying to get all over the community. It's something free for families, and it’s so necessary.” Roe’s passion for her role was evident as she worked with each child. “The word is getting around a little bit and families are really enjoying the groups. We have a good following.”

RSVP is easy to do by calling the South Regional Branch at 239-252-7542 to secure your space. Being able to anticipate the number in attendance, Roe can plan ahead and aim for one-on-one time throughout the session with each child. “I really like to bop around and make sure I'm reaching every single child, making it a little bit more personalized.”

The collaboration with the library has worked well for both groups, as many families stay afterward to play, read, and check out some books.

“It’s been great to see the turnouts; it helps to make sure people get a library card and the families can build their own circles with new friends,” said Roe.

Check out all the programs Collier County Public Libraries have to offer at: www. library.collier.gov/Events-directory