What is a cooperative?

As defined, a cooperative means: an organization that is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the benefits; are willing to help; do what is asked or required; and involves mutual assistance in working toward a common goal. Simply put, parents work together to make NCP a fun and welcoming community for our members.

Pre-pandemic, each family was assigned a snack and craft day on a rotating basis throughout the year (generally about 3-4 times during the school year). The assigned family brought a nut-free snack and provided a basic craft. In addition, all members pulled out the toys from the closet at the start of each playgroup and put the toys away at the end. Each adult also participated in a toy clean-up to ensure the health and safety of the children when playing (these happened several times throughout the year).

What will playgroups look like for the Fall 2023 session?

We will offer 2-hour outdoor playgroups meeting at local public playgrounds and potentially member backyards, if groups are interested. Each family will be assigned a host day to select the playground and bring a snack. Adults will help with set up/clean up at the start and end of each playgroup.

What additional COVID-19 precautions do we have in place?

• Families are required to follow any Massachusetts travel requirements as applicable at the time of playgroup.
• Children with any signs of illness, including upset stomach (diarrhea or vomiting), fever, rash, thick mucus from the nose, or significant coughing, as well as any COVID-19 symptoms, should be kept home from playgroup! We like to share toys, not germs!
• Children recovering from an illness may return to playgroup when they have been fever-free for 24 hours and it has been at least 24 hours since the most recent episode of vomiting or diarrhea. They must have resumed normal eating, as well. Children who have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an illness must wait 24 hours after the first dose before returning to playgroup.
• Caregivers are asked to notify NCP if a child has been exposed to or develops a communicable disease, including COVID-19.
• Prior to and following circle time, snack, and craft/activities members are asked to use their own or NCP-provided hand sanitizer. This also applies to after coughing/sneezing/diaper changes/etc.
• For circle time, families are asked to bring your own blanket/towel in order to maintain at least 3 feet of distance from other families.
• Musical instruments or other toys used during circle time will be sanitized before and after each playgroup.
• While current guidelines suggest the use of face coverings be optional outdoors, NCP supports families who prefer to mask themselves and/or their children aged two or older while at playgroup. Vaccination is encouraged for all family members as they are eligible.
• We will operate a carry-in/carry-out policy, unless public trash receptacles are available. Diapers, opened snacks/packages, etc. are to be taken off the premises by the responsible parent or caregiver.
• NCP will follow local guidelines and advisories and adapt COVID-19 policies as warranted by levels of community transmission, incidence, and vaccination.

What communities do we serve?

All of MetroWest! In addition to Natick, members hail from the surrounding towns, including Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medfield, Millis, Needham, Newton, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston.

When are the playgroup sessions held?

The Fall 2023 session will run from September to November and families will be assigned to days based on interest. Each day needs at least five families to be open. Once registered there is a survey to determine days and times based on desires of paid families.

Where is the playgroup located?

NCP rotate playgroup meetings at various playgrounds in Natick. We are open to considering backyard playgroup rotations should groups desire.

What if this is my first baby?

NCP is a great way to meet other new parents and learn resources around the area! Don’t worry if your baby is only a month or two old; this “playgroup” is more for the parents when babies are this young.

Can I drop off my child?

No; a parent or caregiver must attend all sessions with the child/children. This organization is as much about adult connections as it is about kids playing.

Am I able to come for a free trial to see what playgroup is like?

Yes; contact us to drop in any day during regular playgroup hours to see what the fun is all about!

How much is the membership fee?

This is the best deal around!!!! The Fall 2023 season is $30 per family. For more information on your membership fee, please check out our ‘Sign Up!‘ tab on this website. If you will be joining us after the season begins, we prorate membership dues, so join any time! Remember, the membership fee covers your entire family for the season!

I’m on family leave and can’t commit to the full season. Are there options for me?

Yes! We offer a short-term limited membership for caregivers home on leave with their child(ren) on a monthly basis ($30/month). Please contact RegistrarNCP@gmail.com for more information.

How do I join?

Right here on our website!  You can fill out the electronic application and pay with your credit card via PayPal or mail a check to the address listed on the form (PO Box 11, Natick, MA 01760, payable to Natick Cooperative Playgroup).