We absolutely loved our years as members of Natick Cooperative Playgroup (NCP), a weekly lifeline and safe space where nobody judged us for the behavior of our semi-feral toddlers, or for our unwashed hair. The fact is, we forged lifelong friendships with other NCP parents as we swapped child-rearing tips and watched our kids thrive as they played alongside their peers.
To this day we still play a monthly Bunco game with a core group of moms we met there. Every month at Bunco we catch up with each other and get teary over how our little NCP graduates grew up into not-so-little high school seniors. The last of those NCP babies have just gone off to college. So if you’re on the fence about adding NCP to your busy life, I’d say go for it. Your busy life is about to get incredibly enriched.
Registration for the 2021-22 year of the Natick Cooperative Playgroup (NCP) is open. Playgroups are forming now for a September 8th kickoff.
More about NCP
Rates:
The fall 2021 season rate (September – November) is $90 per family.
*Note: Actual fees paid follow pro-ration for the season ($30/month), with discounts starting in October.
In 2019 – 2020, NCP had its third year at St. Paul’s Church, 39 East Central Street. For fall 2021, the group will relaunch in a modified outdoor format. Two-hour outdoor playgroup sessions are offered at different times throughout the week. Each session is loosely structured and includes time for free play, an allergy-friendly snack, a simple craft activity, and circle time. Playgroups will start at public playgrounds, but may rotate among member backyards if groups are interested.
In the future, when it becomes safe to do so, NCP looks forward to resuming in an indoor space with age-appropriate toys, bouncers, sensory toys for infants, riding toys, play structures, slides, play tools, pretend food, a train table for toddlers and preschoolers, and more.
Natick Cooperative Playgroup (NCP) is a nonprofit organization established by area families to provide a social environment for children under the age of six and to build connections between MetroWest parents, grandparents, and caregivers. NCP was formed over 40 years ago and is made up of member volunteers. The group’s goal is to provide a unique multi-age opportunity for families in Natick and surrounding communities. Parents, grandparents, and other caregivers are welcome to attend with their children.
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