Looking for an enriching social experience for your baby or toddler? Want to connect with other parents of children? Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) is now offering a free community playgroup designed for any children ages birth to three years, including those receiving Early On services. We connected with Crissy Dochoda, Early On Service Coordinator at Washtenaw Intermediate School District, to learn more about it.
WISD Birth to Three Playgroup
Although WISD has always hosted playgroups, Dochoda launched the free community playgroups during the summer of 2025. With a background in early childhood education, Dochoda is passionate about seeing children grow, and giving parents the tools to help them thrive.
In her current role as an Early On Service Coordinator, Dochoda works in a home visiting parent coaching model to support children found eligible with at least a 20% developmental delay or an established condition.
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Early On Michigan connects children with a developmental delay with specialized services and supports through a parent/family coaching program. WISD’s free community playgroup is for all children, but parents of children with developmental delays will find a great support network. Babies are also welcome! It’s important to know that parents must accompany their kiddo throughout the playgroup.
Playgroup registration
Parents do not have to pre-register their child to attend. The free community playgroup meets throughout the month at various schools, community parks and spaces.
Dochoda provides schedule updates to interested families via a whatsapp group. The monthly schedule is posted before the 1st of the month. Paper copies are also available and distributed at local sites. Parents can contact Dochoda to be added to the whatsapp group.
Playgroup schedule
Free community playgroups typically last between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes, and follow a routine including a hello song, bubble play, parachute games, “what’s in the box” mystery game, snack time and a goodbye song.
Some playgroups are themed, such as the recent friendsgiving playgroup, where parents could bring a traditional dish to pass. Dochoda shared that she wants activities to support the natural development of the child. As such, playgroups are child-led, and there are no formal expectations for participation, other than for children to play. Snack is provided.
Dochoda facilitates self-care and social skills through naturally occurring play-based routines. Children also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors during occasional field trips held at parks or community spaces. Recently, free community playgroups have been held at local parks such as Wilson Park in Milan, Ford Heritage Park in Ypsilanti, Domino’s Farms in Ann Arbor, County Farm Park in Ann Arbor, TimberTown Park in Chelsea.
Playgroup locations
The free playgroups are held at local schools, parks and community spaces. Currently, playgroups are held at Model Early Childhood Center, Chapelle Elementary, 2/42 Community Church, Pierce Lake Early Childhood Center and Model Early Childhood Center.
Playgroup future plans
Recently, the free playgroups have included around 11 children ranging in age from young babies through 4-year-olds, including kiddos who have recently graduated from the Early On program. Dochoda hopes that the free playgroup will continue to grow.
Check out the December schedule attached for more information on upcoming playgroup dates and locations.
Parents interested in learning more about upcoming free playgroups are encouraged to text Crissy Dochoda to be added to the whatsapp group at 517-358-3211.
