We help children find joy in their social communities
for children ages 2-10
Social Skills Groups In New York City
Your child will find understanding of their own and other’s unique social skills and needs in a group setting
Joyful social interactions
Increased play skills
Stronger social communication skills
Confidence to be themselves
Increased comfort in all social settings
Parents will feel supported
Does your child find joy in their relationships with peers?
Is your amazing child not feeling amazing at school, playdates, playground, parties, etc?
Do they find making friends or communicating effectively with their peers challenging?
It’s hard to see your child not be who you know they are everywhere. Some children need a little bit more support, we are that more. We believe children can be their whole selves - we can help them get there.
Our children are doing their best to engage within their social communities. But there can be times when there is a “problem.” Sometimes, social skills need intervention to develop to true potential or develop the child's true self.
Sometimes, these "problems" do not go away, as they are not just a "phase."
Without addressing it, your child can internalize the idea that they are a "bad kid" or "aren’t a good friend" and that they "should play alone."
We get it!
We know how hard this can be! You have tried many different approaches to solve these “problems,” but still not seeing your child's true potential! Relationships are complicated, and it can be hard to learn how to negotiate, understand, and process.
We can help.
We believe that all children are motivated to connect with others in their own unique ways.
At PlayGroup, it is our job to support children and families to uncover these strengths and build upon them. We believe every child deserves to be themselves, supported in their uniqueness, and learn skills to play and connect successfully at school, at home, and in the world.
Let’s learn to be ourselves — together.
PlayGroup founders and teachers
Becky Thomas and Krista Wilbur
Our mission is to provide evidence-based and individualized programming centered on the capacities of social and emotional development. Through the use of a play-based and child-centered model, we strive to help children find fulfillment and joy in their relationships and social environments.
Our classes welcome children aged 2 to 10, encompassing diverse educational backgrounds, such as special education schools, public schools, private schools, preschools, homeschooling, and more. We thoughtfully group children according to their individual needs, interests, and comfort levels in social interactions.
At PlayGroup, we celebrate the uniqueness of each child, regardless of diagnosis or identity. We strive to create an environment where disabilities are not viewed as something to be corrected for a neurotypical world. We openly support both disabled and non-disabled children and foster an inclusive community together by learning about themselves.
Our Approach
40 + years of combined experience working with children in social settings.
Child-led, strength-based support
Developmentally play-based
Small group setting + curated environments and materials
Relationship-based, highly individualized
Holistic Approach
Trauma-informed
What We Do
Experience Social Skills Groups.
Our Social Skills Groups provide support in various areas, including boosting confidence, fostering enjoyment in peer interactions, developing social language and problem-solving abilities, exploring individual identity within a group, and offering guidance and support for parents.
Through play, movement, cooking, building, and creating our framework of interactive activities, will provide an environment where children can lead with their interests, develop and strengthen their individual social abilities.
Social Skills Groups
Custom Play Environments
PlayGroup at Home
Children who find it challenging to engage in independent play at home or experience difficulties during playdates may be experiencing overwhelm and frustration due to their play environment.
Our home visits help set up and organize the environment after spending time playing with the child and speaking to the parent about their concerns/struggles. Our goal is to create a space that is led by your child’s interests and needs and create space for them to boost their confidence, foster enjoyment in peer interactions, develop social language problem-solving abilities, and explore individual identity with other children.
Educational Environments
Social Skills GroupS in schools + educational team Support
Setting up a Social Skills Group in your school will help children who are struggling and need support with play skills, social engagement, connecting with peers or experience overwhelmed in a social environment.
Our in-school program is designed to support educators by providing a personalized experience that caters to the unique needs of the children. In addition, we provide educators with professional development training and strategies they can use to support children further.
What parents say
“We have seen marked improvements in our son's ability to tune into what others are doing and increased capacity to handle social situations”
“Playgroup has dramatically improved our kiddo's confidence and self-esteem, as well as his skills to make connections and hold boundaries. Playgroup was the first (and for a while the only) setting outside of our home where our kiddo was truly seen and understood for who he is.”
What kids say
::jumps up and down while flapping hands:: "ten thousand million billion ka-trillion fun"
A fun place to hang out with friends
So much fun.
We help bring out the best in your child & Children will gain the confidence to be themselves
Let’s start with a conversation
3 simple steps to get started
Step 1 - Schedule an information call
Contact us by email or use the form to schedule a 30-minute consultation to determine how we can help and answer your questions.
Step 2 - Learn about each other
We chat so that we can learn more about your child, and you can learn more about us
Step 3 - Make a plan
We will work together to find the best fit for you and your child to begin the journey toward joy and social confidence
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