“Find a playgroup” is common advice for parents of young children sane, but if you’re not a member of a moms’ group, community group, or other facility, finding one can be troublesome. That’s where San Francisco’s City College Child Observation Classes fill the gap.
For over 20 years, San Francisco’s City College has offered these free classes at recreation centers and churches all over the city. Young ones tumble on recreation equipment as their parents and caregivers watch, chat, and join in for circle time, and sometimes discussion on childrearing topics, with certified instructors. To encourage cooperative play, age groups are segregated — there are a few for kids aged 0-7 months and 8-14 months, but the 15 months-and-up classes are the most common and popular. Children up to kindergarten age (6) are welcome, but attendance tends to drop off once children reach preschool age (3-5), though the afternoon groups do still net a few kids who have moved past the after-lunch-nap stage.
Particularly popular classes include the Monday-Friday sessions at Laurel Hill Playground, the Monday and Tuesday option at Eureka Valley Recreation Center in the Castro, and the Wednesday group at the Mission Recreation Center, all held from 9am-12pm.
Parents must register for these free classes; no drop-ins are allowed. Register by calling 415-452-5905 or 415-239-3172, or come to the class you’re interested in and register on-site with the instructor. You need pay no sign-up fees, nor are you obligated to attend class every session. Visit ccsf.edu for more information.