Parenting is never easy. And it feels like the more advanced we get with technology, AI, mobile screens and the like, the harder parenting gets. The team at Grays Harbor County Public Health is dedicated to helping all residents live better, even those who are not even crawling yet! When they found out parents in the area were struggling, they set out to do something about it by creating the Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group.

kids playing with a blue tunnel, their parents sitting on the floor with them
‘CPL resource Center and Playgroup has helped my family find a sense of community in our area,’ shares one parent about Grays Harbor County Public Health’s Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group. Photo courtesy: Grays Harbor County Health and Social Services

Grays Harbor County Public Health conducted an Early Learning Support Services Gaps Analysis in 2023. It pinpointed areas where local parents needed the most help. Allegra Hood, parent support services supervisor for Grays Harbor County Public Health (GHCPH), says they learned that parents in Grays Harbor:

  • Felt lonely and isolated.
  • Many reported not having any friends.
  • Needed support to find and navigate local resources for their children.
  • Said that word of mouth from friends, family and professionals was the best way to get information.

“After reviewing the early learning gaps analysis report, we wanted to do more to be able to

support and connect families in our community,” Hood adds. So, in November 2023, the department applied for the Investing in The Power of Families Challenge Grant offered through Parents as Teachers. As Parents as Teachers affiliate, Grays Harbor County Public Health was eligible to apply for these one-time grants for programs that would bolster parents in their all-important role as the first and most important teacher to their own children.

“We were awarded $25,000 to start a drop-in playgroup and resource center for community members with children birth to kindergarten,” shares Hood. The Parent as Teachers program partnered with Tovi McClellan and Jess Merritt from Child Care Action Council. They oversee another play group called Kaleidoscope Play and Learn in Grays Harbor County.  They worked together and created a vision where the Parent as Teachers program oversees the resources, supplies, structure and planning and Kaleidoscope oversees play and circle time. 

The program, Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group, was up and running by April 2024, with funding through December 2024. “We will continue the program after the funding runs out,” shares Hood. “We have the supplies needed for stations, continued partnership with Kaleidoscope, and resources and diapers and wipes supplied by our Diaper Bank.”

The feedback has already been extremely positive. “Playgroup is my favorite!” shares one parent on a survey. “I love to give my son the opportunity to meet and play with other children in his community.”

tables covered with black tablecloths and papers. A rack full of diapers is next to them. There are people sitting in chairs behind the tables
Parents can find resources, including a diaper bank, and helpful staff to answer questions at the Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group. Photo courtesy: Grays Harbor County Health and Social Services

Parent Support and Play Group in Grays Harbor Meets Needs

The free Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group includes a drop-in play group with early learning stations. Kids and parents can play with blocks and play dough; work on art or math; explore writing and reading; dress up and pretend play; do fine and gross motor activities and more.

“My child and I enjoy and appreciate the CPL resource center play group,” shares a parent. “Most play groups are quite early, but the afternoon time slot is perfect for us. The activities, toys, presentations, and fellowship opportunities are just what we need.”

Art projects and activities/toys available rotate each month, so there is always something new and fun for child and adult to discover together.

“Our Parents as Teachers participants get to participate in monthly family gatherings called Group Connections,” shares Hood. “We offer arts and crafts, a learning topic for parents, activities for families to engage in together, discussion questions and games. We wanted to offer something similar to families in our community and include Parents as Teachers and Kaleidoscope families.”

During story or circle time, kids and parents can enjoy stories, songs/music and other activities. Guest speakers sharing information about other local support programs and opportunities can help get parents more support. Past guest speakers have included WA Elks Therapy Program for Children; Target Zero Car Seat Education; the Grays Harbor Community College Trio program; Connections; Kaleidoscope; and Moyer Multi Media.

kids and an adult sit at a table with blocks on it
CPL has helped to reduce stress for me and my kids,’ shares one Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group attendee. Photo courtesy: Grays Harbor County Health and Social Services

While at the playgroup, parents can look at other resources that may help them. A table full of helpful information is always set up, and staff is on hand to answer questions on anything from medical information and housing to employment and education, as well as support for essentials like diapers and wipes.

“When I began attending play group with CPL resource center, I was still a new mom,” shares one parent in a survey. “I didn’t have any connections with other parents in my area or any direction about where to go for resources such as diaper banks.  CPL resource center has helped immensely with my [family’s] personal struggles as well as sharing resources.” 

While the play group is geared towards kids from birth to kindergarten, the Grays Harbor County Public Health staff encourages the whole family to come, including older kids if they are homeschooled or on a school break.

The current Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group meets every first Tuesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Grays Harbor County Public Health website.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of a group of families who share my desire to meet and connect for the benefit of our children,” shares another parent. We all need help, support and just time with our children. Connect, Play, Learn: Resource Center and Play Group gives parents all this and more.

Grays Harbor County Public Health would like to thank Kaleidoscope, Parents as Teachers, the Grays Harbor Community Foundation (for funding diaper supplies), their guest speakers and the parents that attend each Connect, Play, Learn.

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