KFRC Programs
- Mommy, Daddy and Me Playgroups
- Playtime in the Park
- Sleepy Time Story Hour
- Home Visiting Program
- Hospital Visiting Program
- Maternity and Baby Closet
Mommy, Daddy and Me Playgroup
Mommy, Daddy and Me playgroups are open to any family in the area with children birth through 4 years of age. The playgroups provide an opportunity for children and parents to play in an environment that is supportive and nurturing. Morning playgroups are offered in the communities of Houghton, Hancock, and Lake Linden.
What is Playgroup all about?
The importance of playgroups is often under rated. “Why can’t the kids stay home and play with their own toys?” one might ask. The Keweenaw Family Resource Center strives to help parents understand the importance of play and socialization to children from birth to three years old.
The ages from birth to three years old encompasses the time in our children’s lives where the fastest and most phenomenal brain growth and development happen. In fact, during this critical time period, much of the stage is set in the child’s brain which determines how he/she will learn and grow emotionally and intellectually for the rest of our lives. The most important way children learn in through play, free exploration, and socialization.
With this in mind, KFRC is committed to providing opportunities for parents and children to interact with each other in a comfortable, non-judgmental and developmentally appropriate environment convenient to their homes or work.
During playgroup, children are busy with:
- Free Play Time, where children can choose to play with any toys they like
- Circle time, where the children are encouraged to sit in a group circle and sign songs and do finger plays
- Exploration time, when children learn new things by free creation-finger painting, coloring, drawing
- Snack time, when children sit at the table with the other children and have a healthy snack
- Clean up time, where both the children and their parents are required to participate. The snack is put away, the toys put where they belong, and the exploration area is tidied up.
Playgroups are structured to allow children to explore and play at their own pace. Parents are required to interact with their children at all times, especially during snack time, exploration time and during clean up. Playgroup coordinators are there to facilitate the sessions, model appropriate adult behavior, and interact with children in ways which will assist them in their learning and development of social skills. We strive for a positive experience for everyone. Playgroups are open to all area families.
Families are asked to register either upon arrival at playgroup. You may download the Fall-MDM-Registration
For the months of June, July, August and September, KFRC and BHK Child Development Board present Playtime in the Park for children ages 0-4 and their siblings. We meet once a week at various parks in the area. Registration is required and is separate from the Mommy, Daddy and Me registration. Registration may be completed upon arrival at the parks. This program is free and available to all area families.
Sleepy Time Story Hour
KFRC hosts a story hour on Monday evenings especially for student families during the MTU fall and spring semesters. Story time is from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Daniell Heights Community Room at MTU and is open to all families with children under the age of 5.
Home Visiting Program
KFRC Home Visiting program provides home-based support and education for families or individuals anticipating parenthood as well as to families who already have children less than 3 years of age. Evaluations of similar programs show that home visitors provide support and empower parents to become more nurturing and responsive to their children. In addition, studies have determined improved infant developmental scores, that fewer children are placed in foster care and positive changes in the maternal course life. Registration is required and their is no fee.
Hosptial Visitation Program
Each new mother at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Portage Health receives a visit from a KFRC staff member and a “Welcome Baby” bag containing information on community resources, health and child development as well as the opportunity to sign up for 12 (free) issues of “Parenting: The First Year” newsletter.
Maternity and Baby Closet
KFRC accepts donations of gently used maternity wear, baby clothing, furnishings and equipment, which is turn is distributed, at no cost, to needy families in the area. We are unable to accept or distribute car seats. All items must meet the current safety standards. If you have an item you would like to donate or are in need of an item, please call us at 482-9363.
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Our Vision
All families with young children in the Copper Country will participate in healthy child development activities in nurturing environments that encourage parents and caregivers to play an active role in their child’s life.Our Mission
The mission of the Keweenaw Family Resource Center is to support, enrich, and strengthen family lives in the Keweenaw Peninsula by providing a variety of programs that focus on families with children from birth through four years of age.2009-2010 Mommy Daddy and Me Schedule
Mondays - Houghton
Trinity Episcopal Church
205 E Montezuma Ave.
9:30 am - noon
Wednesdays - Houghton
Trinity Episcopal Church
205 E Montezuma Ave.
9:30 am - noon
Wednesdays- Mohawk
Horizons School
110 Stanton Ave
10:00 am - noon
Thursdays - Lake Linden
Lake Linden High School - Across from the library
601 Calumet St.
9:30 am - noon
Fridays - Hancock
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
1000 Quincy St
9:30 am - noon
Sleepy Time Story Hour
(Schedule varies)
6:00 - 7:30 pm Mondays
Daniell Heights Community Center
2001B Woodmar Drive
What People Are Saying
by Paul Ollila, Retired Superintendent Copper Country Intermediate School District