Monthly Newsletter
July 2024
Hello Project ABC Families,
We are ready to kick off our summer schedule! We've worked hard to pack this summer with lots of literacy fun! We welcome you and your family to join us at our variety of outdoor playgroups and events throughout the MetroWest. As a reminder, the MetroWest YMCA Nutrition department is working with Project Bread to offer the summer eats program! Kids 18 and under will be served free meals throughout the summer and Project ABC will be hosting playgroups at Westhill Park in Natick on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Playgroup starts at 10:30 and meals start to be served at 11:30!
We have a number of pop-up and one time events to keep you busy throughout the summer. We can't wait to see you!
Ashleigh O'Halloran
Project ABC Director
CFCE Coordinator
MetroWest YMCA
508-665-1266
Program Updates
We're collecting recycled materials!
Help us collect a variety of recycled materials to reuse during our summer playgroups. Donations can be dropped off at playgroup or at the Hopkinton Outdoor Center. We're accepting:
- Toilet paper and paper towel roles
- Cereal Boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Egg cartons
- Gallon water jugs
- Unused craft supplies like pipe cleaners, pom poms, buttons, and more
- Tissue boxes
- Manella folders
- Ping pong balls and golf balls
- Unused aluminum trays
- Cotton swabs/balls/pads
Free Yard Signs!
Ask us about our yard signs! If you love our programs, help us connect more families to resources, education, and playgroups by putting up a Project ABC yard sign! You can ask for signs at playgroup or email aohalloran@metrowestymca.org.
New summer playgroups!
Sensory Safari Playgroup invites young adventurers on a journey of exploration through the wonders of touch, sound, and sight. In our immersive sessions, children would embark on sensory-rich experiences designed to stimulate their senses and ignite their curiosity. From textured materials to captivating sounds and visually stimulating activities, every moment is a safari of discovery.
Sandbox songs and stories (45 minutes to 1 hour):
We bring themed toys and tools to our sandbox playgroup, sparking imaginations and exploring new topics through play. After our sandbox exploration, we gather for a captivating story and sing-along session, fostering creativity and joy in young hearts.
Alphabet Adventures (1 hour):
A toddler and preschool playgroup and a vibrant journey through the ABCs, where young learners delve into the exciting world of letters. Through interactive games, creative crafts, and imaginative storytelling, children explore each letter's shape, sound, and significance. From A to Z, we will foster early literacy skills, spark curiosity, and cultivate a love for learning.
Brain Builders (1 hour):
STEM based playgroup with challenges using recycled materials and tools. Curriculum based on our Spring 2024 Tinker playgroup with Boston Children's Museum. This group is geared towards children 3-6 but can be adapted for children who are between 1 and 2.
Registration is NOT required for ANY of our Summer playgroups.
Outdoor Playgroups are weather dependent. Playgroup cancellation will be posted on social media and posted on our website.
Follow us on Social Media
Website: Projectabc.org
Facebook: Project ABC
Instagram: ProjectABC_ymca
Family Resources
ASQ/Developmental Screening
Are you curious about your child's development? Are you worried your child may be behind in certain areas due to COVID-19, like speech, physical ability, social skills, and/or problem-solving skills?
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is designed to help families gain a snapshot of their child's development and address any potential areas of growth. Click the icon to learn more!
Family Resource Highlight
Seven Hills Child Care Resources is the child care resource, referral, and voucher agency for all of Central and Western Massachusetts.
We help all families find child care and we issue child care vouchers to eligible families.
If you are looking for child care, or want information about how to possibly get a child care voucher, call us at 508-856-7930.
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
The Department of Early Education and Care's mission is to support the healthy growth and development of all children by providing high quality programs and resources for families and communities.
Project ABC is an EEC grant funded program serving families in Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Natick
Learn More about the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant