HK Playgroups for 1 yrs old

Posted by crj (737 days ago)

Are there any regular playgroups or preschool for 1 year olds?

I want to start my baby in a playgroup when he turns 1 (January 2007).

I am looking for something on Hong Kong Island that is Monday thru Friday every morning or every afternoon.

Thanks

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Posted by cara (737 days ago)

crj... i'm worried that every post i make your going to think that i'm having a go at you... it's not the case at all...

but...

you will have a difficult time finding what you are looking for, for a few reasons.

1) 1 year is very young to be out and interacting for 3 hours every day. nmy boy is now 17 months and it would be difficult for him to handle that kind of schedule, and he's a very easy baby. most places will be between 1-2 hours a couple of times per week.

2) under the age of two, i believe, every child must be accompanied by an adult. can you imagine trying to care for even only 5 or 6 1 year olds?

3)some children can't crawl at one and some are running around like chickens with their heads cut off...you won't know what your child will be like, until the time comes. every child develops deifferently and it's impossible to predict at 6 months what your baby will be doing at 1 year.

my suggestion to you would be to do your research on various alternatives and then take in a couple of different playgroups every week.

you can check out:

Tots and Toddlers Plus in Sheung Wan
Panda Junction
My Gym
Gymboree
Gymboroo
HKPPA
Matilda
Union Church
Rumpus Rooms

i don't think that ANY of these are everyday for 3 hours, but you can probably mix and match and do somethign for an hour or so each day.

Good Luck!

Posted by crj (737 days ago)

Cara

I saw a similar response from you before on another thread. I appreciate you replying when I know from other posts that you are having a tough time with your pregnancy - I hope everything is getting better for you and bump.

I do not want to argue as in the ideal world you are correct.

Here is what I am looking for.

I work full time, currently I work at home but will need to return to the office. Unfortunately, I am the main income earner at the moment and need to work.

I do not want my child at home all day with the helper and just going to 'helper groups'. Where I live I have seen the helper groups and they consist mostly of the helpers chatting. I have heard they are better elsewhere.

I do not want a crazy schedule of different things every day. He does not need that, and neither do I. I do not see the benefit of going to 2, 3 or 5 different things a week, when there could be stability, familiarity and routine (all of which are better for baby in my opinion).

I am looking for something that is with qualified teachers (or at least 1 if there is one teacher and assistants in the room), a class of no more than 12, a student: teacher ratio of 4:1 at most.
2 - 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.

I want this to be a comfortable, stable, loving environment with the same babies and same teachers every day.

I think this is a much better option than a different 'activity place' at random times and days.

I have found one so far.

I am now looking for others to compare.

I love the look of the Tots and Toddlers - it was you who first introduced them to me and I know you work there. I just wish there was, a 9-10 (for example) slot every day for babies that age, but even if there were, it is not guaranteed to be the same teachers and babies each day and that is what I am looking for.

I really appreciate your replies (always). In my non-ideal world, I am trying very hard to find what I think is the best option for my baby.

Posted by cara (737 days ago)

as of today, i am no longer working there, but only because of health reasons. However, my son still loves it and wil lmiss it terribly.

i wish you luck in your search. If i come across anything that will take babies as young as 1 year old, i will post it to let you know.

Good luck!

Posted by chakeyc (737 days ago)

I suggest you try Hilltots (part of HKPPA)
They are a helper/parent & toddler group, but they are a very structured playgroup, the organisers try & make sure that helpers (& even mums) are not chatting away. They are always organising activites and 'competitions' for the children. You won't get exactly the same group every day, but a lot of the children go 2/3 times a week. There is a lot of familiarity. I take my son there once a week.
They run every morning 9.30 - 11.30 for kids from 10mths old. You should call them up and talk to them.

BTW, hi Cara! Must get together sometime soon!

Posted by crj (737 days ago)

Thanks Cara - oh my, please do take care, QMH is the best there is so I am sure you are getting excellent care.

Thanks Chakey - Ideally I am looking for something that is not with the helper - baby spends enough time with her, I want him with qualified professional teachers/carers for this. But it does sound good so will keep it in mind.

Posted by gwyneth (734 days ago)

There are other playgroups that are a few times a week and you could go to both.

USRC (Tues/Fri - 9.30-11.30 - 1 Gascoigne Road, Jordan)
YMCA (Mon/Thurs - 10.15-12.15 - Salisbury Road)
St. John's - Tues/Thurs 2.30-4.30
St. Andrew's - Nathan Road

Posted by crj (734 days ago)

Thanks Gwyneth, we live on HK Island, so am looking for something on HKI.

Also, I really want the STABILITY of a regular class, with regular teachers and participants.

I'm checking out TutorTime in RedHill as I hear they do take young children, just trying to find out what their schedule is like.

Thanks everyone.

Posted by MayC (723 days ago)

Tutor Time is great. You will find that some others only concentrate on "gym" or "free play" etc. Tutor Time has a combination of everything from free play to music and dancing... and lots of good educational toys for the kids. My little girl has learnt so much from Tutor Time. I fully recommend it.

Posted by bb79 (706 days ago)

Hi did u try the free trial class with your child at Kindyroo. It is great. visit www.kindyroo.com.hk and I think you should get your answer.

Posted by s11mas (705 days ago)

Hi mums, I have been looking for sometime too now for my 17 months son. I am interested to know more about St Andrews and St Johns and USRC. Can you give me more information ie full address etc so I can check it out.