Welcome to Waltham Cooperative Playgroup
We're so glad you're joining us! WCP is a parent-run playgroup for caregivers and children (birth through Pre-K). This isn't daycare or preschool. It's a community where families support each other, kids play freely, and grown-ups find their people too.
Quick Start Checklist
Public starting point for password help, duty info, forms, and member links.
Password-protected hub for rosters, group chats, forms, and member-only resources.
Ask your Day Coordinator or email Membership.
Group chat links and duty signups live on the password-protected members page.
Scan for Member Start
Dues and Payment
Per 16-week fall or spring semester. Add a sibling: $50 each. Add a day: $75 per family.
When: Dues are due by the end of Week 3 of scheduled playgroup.
If you join after the semester has started, dues are pro-rated and due within 7 days of joining (or by your next playgroup day if that's sooner). If that timing is hard, email the registrar and we'll work with you.
How: Venmo, check, or cash
Venmo: @Walthamcooperativeplaygroup
We believe finances should never be a barrier to community. A scholarship fund is available; contact the registrar for information.
Scan for Venmo
The Co-op Part
WCP runs on families helping families. No paid staff, no overhead. That's how we keep it affordable and how it stays feeling like community. Your part is small: one duty role on your playgroup day, about once a month.
Open
Arrive a few minutes early, set up toys, start the coffee.
Circle Time
Lead a few songs and a short story.
Snack
Set out snack, get it onto tables, clean yuck bucket toys, and wash dishes.
Close
Stack chairs, handle tables, clean coffee maker, sweep, trash, and lights.
Need details? The Weekly Roles Playbook has step-by-step checklists for each role.
walthamplaygroup.org/resources/weekly-roles-playbookwalthamplaygroup.org/snack-checklistwalthamplaygroup.org/open-close-checklist
Good enough is great: Circle time doesn't need to be a performance. Simple is perfect.
Swaps: Post in your day's chat as early as you can. If your child needs you during duty, your child comes first. Someone will cover.
Community Expectations
Supervision: You're responsible for your own child. You know them best.
Kindness: We assume everyone's doing their best. When conflicts happen, we help kids reset with patience and gentle hands.
Everyone's welcome: All families, all backgrounds. If you're here to play, you're one of us.
Photos: Ask before snapping pics of other people's kids. See walthamplaygroup.org/photo-policy for details.
Phones: Phones happen. Please keep it brief, especially during transitions and circle time. Being present helps kids stay safe and helps everyone feel welcomed.
Health, Snacks, and Safety
Health
Stay home if: Fever, vomiting/diarrhea in last 24h, or clearly contagious symptoms.
Come back when: Symptom-free 24h without meds and back to their usual self.
When in doubt, sit it out.
Snacks & Allergies
Nut-free: No peanuts, no tree nuts. Please check labels.
We provide simple snacks (fruit, crackers, etc.).
If your child has allergies, let the registrar know.
Safety
Exits: Main entrance + 2 emergency exits on the south corners.
First aid: In the closet. Ask your Day Coordinator.
Serious concern: If it feels serious, call 911.
Full details: walthamplaygroup.org/resources/health-safety
Who to Ask
Registration & Payments
registrar@walthamplaygroup.org
General Questions
info@walthamplaygroup.org
Day of questions?
Just ask anyone!
walthamplaygroup.org/member-start
Not sure? Just email info@ and we'll point you the right way.