Members
Our members are parents or caregivers who are looking to participate in a playgroup. Once they have made the commitment to wanting to be involved in one of our playgroups they:
1. Perform an area search for playgroups by using our easy to use 'Playgroup Matching Tool'. Just enter your zip and area radius you are willing to travel.
2. Chose a playgroup that meets what your looking for in age group, adult focus, group type, location, day of the week and the time of day.
3. Join!
4. Register - it's free.
5. Use your "My Account" page to view your member information and playgroup calendar for the group you have joined.
Group Leaders
The Group Leader is the lead contact person that volunteers to start the playgroup. This individual has committed to help get the playgroup started. If you chose to become the Group Leader by starting a new group, you will be the 'Lead Contact' for the group. You must be willing to keep the flow of communication active between your group members. Remember that members joining your group have already committed by joining so you will be the key to making the group successful. Start by:
1. Login or Register
2. Perform an area search to see what playgroups are available in your area by using our easy to use 'Playgroup Matching Tool'. Just enter your zip and area radius you are willing to travel.
3. Select 'Add A New Group'
4. Add a new group by filling out the required information. If you would like to add a group description to better describe the group you are creating, then add a brief description using less then 75 words. You will be able to add more details when you create your Interactive Playgroup Event Calendar.
5. Use your "My Account" page to view your member information and playgroup calendar for the group you have added/created.
6. View your Playgroup Event Calendar and add your playgroup description including guidelines, expectations, and a introduction about yourself and your child(ren) if you like. This will help members joining determine if this is the right match for them.
7. You will then receive auto notifications via email when new members join. You will be sent their email address. You will also be able to find member information on your account page. You should make contact within a few days to make an introduction and answer any questions they may have regarding your group.
Tips:
-Stick to your day and time you have scheduled for playgroup. Your members have already committed to that day/time by joining. If you start changing it you may start losing members because of conflicts in schedules.
-Keep up strong communication. Check your email regularly and login to view your account page and calendar. Members may also post messages or make introductions on your playgroup calendar message board.
8. For more information and to help get your playgroup started please review the following forms:
View 'What is a Group Leader?': Click Here!
View 'How to Get Your Playgroup Started': Click Here!
View 'Playgroups USA Group Flyer': Click Here!
View 'Playgroups USA Group Business Cards': Click Here!
View 'Sample Playgroup Schedule': Click Here!
How to use the Playgroups USA Interactive Calendar
The Playgroups USA Interactive Calendar is a new tool that helps each playgroup stay together and stay organized. The Interactive Calendar tool will allow members to schedule events, provide details for each event and communicate this information with all group members with one click! Playgroups USA and its affiliated partners wish success for every playgroup and are happy to provide this free service to all members. With the Interactive Calendar, you also have the option to schedule private events that only you can see. Therefore, we encourage you to use the tool for all of your family events!
1. Access your Interactive Calendar by clicking on the calendar icon on your "My Account" Page once you log into Playgroups USA. Remember, once you join or start a playgroup, you are automatically given access to the Interactive Calendar for every playgroup you are a part of. Each Interactive Calendar is unique to a single playgroup and its members can post public or private events.
2. To view a playgroup or event posted on the calendar simply mouse over it and a small "event description box" will appear. This box will provide a brief description of the event. More details are available if you double click on it. For each event, you can see the location, time, theme, who posted it, description, directions and more.
3. How to RSVP: Communication is the key to a successful playgroup. The "event description box" provides an easy way for you to let the group know if you will be attending, might be attending, or you will not be attending a play date or event.
4. RSVP Confirmations will show your commitment to events. You can keep track of how you've RSVP'd for each event and which events you have committed to. Here you can also change your reply by clicking on the "change your reply".
5. By clicking on 'Add an Event' you can schedule your own event or take your turn in hosting a playgroup (if you have joined a standard playgroup you may be asked to host a playgroup). You can also schedule additional events, like weekend events, birthdays, etc. and invite everyone in the group or keep them private.
Once you create an event, you can select to 'email all members' or 'personal event.' If you choose to 'email all members', everyone in the group will see the event you added. If you select 'personal event', only you will be able to see the event in your calendar. Make sure to e-mail all members if you are posting an event for the group to see so they can RSVP and plan accordingly. Once an event is added for the group, an e-mail will automatically generate prompting members to check the calendar to get details about the event.
6. The 'Messages for the Group' field is a group bulletin board. To add a message, click on 'Add a Message'. Here you can chat with the group. You can post a message, ask for advice, share a story or make introductions. The bulletin board is a great way to get to know your group a little before your first play date.
7. The 'Playgroup Description' field is used by the Group Leader to provide more detail about the playgroup. The Group Leader may describe the groups' structure, guidelines, agenda, expectations, etc. Also, the Group Leader will often make their introduction to the group so you will know a little about the Group Leader.
8. The 'Message from Playgroups USA' area is space designated to Playgroups USA for sending out monthly tips, playgroup suggestions, event information, updates, member discounts and more.
9. Ads or Banners can appear on the calendar for times when Playgroups USA arranges special family information seminars or other activities that are happening in your area that we think that you would like to know about. Also, offers exclusive to Playgroups USA members can appear here so you know when a special promotion starts and when it ends. You may click on the ad to link to more information about the event or more information about a discount or promotional offer.
Creating a Successful Playgroup
Keys to Success: Communication, commitment, and consistent attendance are the keys to a successful, long-lasting playgroup. Proactively communicating when you’re unable to attend is courteous to other group members. Your commitment to the group shows respect and will make the experience much more enjoyable. The use of e-mail helps to efficiently keep everyone up to date on playgroup times and locations. Also, sticking to a consistent weekly schedule can keep attendances high.
