A Child's Circle

If there's one playgroup you take your kids to, let it be A Child's Circle.  It is one of the best playgroups for kids this city has to offer.  I took my kids there this summer and it was a wonderful experience.  I can't speak highly enough about it.

The playgroup is run by Leslie Troogstad.  Leslie is a veteran preschool teacher, an educational consultant, and a Chicago mom.  She incorporates a wide variety of activities for the children in the playgroup.  At every session, there is creative play, followed by sing-alongs, circle time, arts and crafts, and a healthy snack.  I was thoroughly satisfied with the experiences my children had there. 

What kept me coming back was

the sensory activities Leslie offered.  Since my son has sensory processing disorder, she seemed to have picked up on that right away and was able to handle him with ease.  He's a very active boy, but she seemed to know exactly how to calm his overstimulated senses.  She was able to tap into his love of music right away.  He immediately was drawn to Leslie, as if he knew that she was good for him.  My daughter took to her quite well, too.  She became quite a social butterfly while attending A Child's Circle. I'll admit I was a little hesitant of going to a playgroup because we'd never been to one before and I didn't know what to expect or if my son could handle it.  Leslie, however, put all my apprehension to rest and made us feel very welcomed, like family. 

The new Fall 2007 session begins on September 26th and lasts until December 5th, from 10-11:30am on Wednesday mornings.  It is well worth the time and money.  A Child's Circle takes place to the Portage Park Center for the Arts (near Irving Park Road, just west of Central) at 5801 W. Dakin in Chicago.  You can reach Leslie at  773-218-7043 or register this way.   

It is definitely THE playgroup to take your children to on Wednesdays.  My kids will agree!