Now enrolling in new classes!
"The Family Resource Center of Southington (FRCS) is a partnership between the Southington Public Schools, community and families. Our mission is to help children build a strong foundation for learning by providing a nurturing environment that enhances all areas of development. We value supporting the whole family. Parent Educators will provide guidance for adults and children through modeling, educational reading materials, and resources to help the needs of our families."
The FRC offers a variety of free programs to Southington residents and children from birth to 5 years old. To keep class sizes small and attention focused on the children, registration is required and limited to first come, first serve. Class sizes vary depending on the program.
They work in collaboration with the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington to support the growth, development and academic success of young children in Southington. Learn more about the ECCS on their website or Facebook page.
Classes and Programs
In-person Play and Learn Groups
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These play and learn groups allow children to have free play, a group art project, story, and song. Not only does the caregiver get to meet Southington parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, it allows the children to interact in a social setting.
I brought both my children to Play and Learn groups at the FRC for several years and we all enjoyed it so much! Not only did mom get to leave the house for a while, (which can be hard with a toddler and a baby!) it provided us a safe space to interact. My children learned social skills that they otherwise did not get, since they did not do any type of daycare or other playgroups.
Transitions from one activity to another were required and this can be hard for some children - to stop their playing and move on. All children worked together to clean up and move on to the next event and this group effort translated into my home, making our own transitions easier. Sitting and having a snack, paying attention to a craft, sitting for a story, and having a group song prepares the children for a school setting. The same routine each Play and Learn class was incredibly helpful for sending them off to preschool, and I would reference back to our sessions when my daughter first went to Pre-K 3. "Remember at Playgroup when we would all have fun with friends, then snack time, craft, story and song? That's just like preschool and you'll do great!"
STEAM Programs
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When available, these school readiness programs support learning in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
These hands-on, specialized programs will have different themes and varying age ranges.
Nature Walk
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Explore the outdoors on the Southington Rails to Trails (check for current location) with friends! A nature scavenger hunt keeps the kids focused on their surroundings as children and their caregiver seek to find all the items on their list. Even if the attention goes a bit off track, it is still great exercise and fresh air!
Reading Programs
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When available, FRC reading programs allow children to listen to stories and participate in group discussions about the book and it's theme. There are also hands-on art projects and crafts to go along with the book or theme, music and movement, and games.
Playground Meetups
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Scheduled meetups at a local park, usually Panthorn Park in Southington, allow the children and caregivers to play in a completely fun and open setting. What's better than meeting up with friends at the park!?
Field Trips
It was so much fun to be able to visit both the Southington Fire Department and the Southington Police Department! The kids were in awe when they were able to sit inside a police cruiser and go inside the holding cells, watch a fire fighter slide down the pole, and see the lights of the huge fire trucks! This picture of my son in a cell is just too funny not to share!
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More Information and Registration
Programs are offered 4 sessions per year - one in each season and registration for programs is ongoing. Programs and themes change every season so be sure to check out the latest offerings!
Visit the Southingtonschools.org page for the Southington Family Resource Center or visit their Facebook Page to view current programs.
You can also contact Shannon Fitzsimons at sfitzsimons@southingtonschools.org to receive the email notifications for programs and registration links.
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