Families with Young Children

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) offers a variety of free programs for Somerville families with young children, from birth through age five. Opportunities include playgroups focused on early learning, social-emotional development, and parent-child interaction, as well as multilingual playgroups in Portuguese, Spanish, Nepali, and Mandarin. 

SFLC also provides parent support groups for caregivers of infants, expectant parents, and families of twins or multiples, creating opportunities to connect with other families and access helpful resources. Programs are offered at locations throughout Somerville and are designed to support children’s development, strengthen family engagement, and build community connections.

For more information on Playgroups and Family Support, contact Kristin Arcangeli at 617-625-6600 x6990.

Developmental Screenings

Do you have questions about your child’s learning, growth, or development? Somerville Public Schools conducts free and optional screenings for young children who are not enrolled in the public schools. Screenings are by appointment only. If you are a Somerville resident and have concerns about your child’s development, please fill out our Screening Intake Form and a school representative will call you. Screenings are for all Somerville families with children from 1 month to 5 years old.

The Ages and Stages screening system also offers helpful checklists and resources to better understand a child’s development and connects families with support when needed.

Home Visits

The Somerville ParentChild+ Program supports families with children ages 18 months to 4 years by building early literacy, language, and school readiness skills. Multilingual Early Literacy Home Visitors work with families through twice-weekly 30-minute home visits, using books, toys, and guided play to help parents support their child’s development and prepare them for success in school. For more information call 617-625-6600 x6992 or email fvillar@k12.somerville.ma.us.

Fall / Winter Session: Sept. 28, 2026 to Jan. 29, 2027

For Somerville Residents. All programs are free. All Somerville families are welcome.

Registration is ongoing until all groups are fully enrolled. One registered playgroup per family, please. If you are in a language-based playgroup, you may register for one additional playgroup.

If you would like support with registration, contact 617-625-6600 x 6990 or email us.

Register Here

Mondays

Discover and Learn

  • 9:15 – 10:45am
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Discover and Learn

  • 11:00 – 12:30am
  • Birth – 18 months old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

STEM Group (8 week session)

  • 2:30 – 3:30am
  • 3 – 5 years old
  • West Branch Somerville Public Library, 40 College Avenue 

Tuesdays

Portuguese Group

  • 9:15 – 10:45am
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Discover and Learn

  • 9:30 – 11:00am, (DROP IN)
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Elizabeth Peabody House, 275-277 Broadway

Parent Child + Playgroup (for enrolled families)

  • 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • Parents of infants – 12 months old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Nepali Group

  • 3:00 – 4:30pm
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Early Head Start, 474 Broadway

Wednesdays

Discover and Learn

  • 9:30 – 11:00am, (DROP IN)
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Avenue

Spanish Group

  • 10:00am – 11:30pm
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Thursdays

Discover and Learn

  • 9:30 – 11:00am, (DROP IN)
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Elizabeth Peabody House, 275-277 Broadway

Mandarin Group

  • 9:30 – 11:00am
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Baby’s First Playgroup & Parent Support Group

  • 1:00 – 2:30pm, (DROP IN)
  • Expectant parents & parents of infants – 18 months old
  • Main Branch Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Avenue

Music with Rejane De Musis

  • 4:30 – 5:30pm (Third Thursdays: 10/15, 11/19, 12/17, 1/21)
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • East Branch Somerville Public Library, 115 Broadway

Fridays

Discover and Learn

  • 9:15 – 10:45am
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Discover and Learn

  • 11:00 – 12:30pm
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street

Discover and Learn

  • 2:30 – 4:00pm, (DROP IN)
  • Birth – 5 years old
  • The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Avenue

Mondays

Tuesdays

Families of Twins, Triplets Support Group

  • 8:00 – 9:00pm
  • Expectant Parents and parents of infants – 5 year olds
  • Virtual

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Baby’s First Playgroup & Parent Support Group

  • 1:00 – 2:30pm, (DROP IN)
  • Expectant parents & parents of infants – 18 months old
  • Main Branch Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Avenue

SFLC Playgroups, Parent Support Groups, Parent Education, and ASQ Developmental Screening are funded by the MA Department of Early Education and Care’s CFCE Grant. SFLC complies with all health & safety protocols mandated by the Somerville Public Schools & the City of Somerville. SFLC Programs are available to Somerville residents only unless otherwise specified.