KFRC Programs

  • Mommy, Daddy and Me Playgroups
  • Playtime in the Park
  • 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:

  1. Free Play Time, where children can choose to play with any toys they like
  2. Circle time, where the children are encouraged to sit in a group circle and sign songs and do finger plays
  3. Exploration time, when children learn new things by free creation-finger painting, coloring, drawing
  4. Snack time, when children sit at the table with the other children and have a healthy snack
  5. 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.

The magic number to graduate from KFRC programming.

Why 5? While we know it may be not be convenient for families with older children to attend Playgroups or the Tree House, there is a big difference in the way a 5 year old plays and the way a toddler plays. And while we do wish we could be everything to everybody, the KFRC is committed to establishing and enforcing best practices for early child development in our programs.

Playtime in the Park

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 Tree House/Mommy, Daddy and Me registration. Registration may be completed upon arrival at the parks. This program is free and available to all area families.

2011 Playtime Registration

playtime20011schedule

Why We Play Click here to see what children learn while participated in a variety of play such as blowing bubbles, sand and water play, and art.

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.

Hospital 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.Due to the newest safety standards for cribs we are unable to accept or distribute cribs. All items must meet the current safety standards. Items should be washed before being donated and free of major stains. Please do not drop off items that do not have sizes stated in them. If you have an item you would like to donate or are in need of an item, please call us at 482-9363.






What People Are Saying

“Nothing that we do is more important than what we do for our children and our neighbor's children. The Tree House embodies this belief”
by Margaret Sottile
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