How we work
Playdates innovative program rotates among the children’s homes. Two trained instructors lead the play-based, sensory rich curriculum activities that are child-centered, building upon the interest, abilities and inclinations of the children. Outdoor experiences and natural resources of the various home environments add to the uniqueness of this special program.
Safety and health are top priority at PLAYDATES . The staff is trained in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid. Teachers meet the PLAYDATES families during a home visit and view the play areas prior to the start of the school year to ensure a safe, healthy and enriching play experience.
Children are grouped together according to age, gender balance, neighborhood and town. You may request to have your child grouped with a friend or create your own Playdates class with a group of six friends.
We adore our teachers and so will your child and you.
Playdates teachers combine the best of being highly educated trained professionals and are warm, caring and supportive. They are all mothers, sharing a common bond of dedication to family, love of learning, and service to the community.
The high-quality staff and teacher retention rate over the years is a true testimony to the mission of the Playdates program.
Playdates has over 25 teachers. Each one is extremely special to us.
Maureen Bloom
Founder/Director
Mother of three
Northeastern University; B.S. Education
Oh to be TWO again! When a popular Darien, Connecticut, playschool where I was teaching, closed, the parents asked me to continue teaching their children in their homes. Following my passion for early childhood education, Playdates, the at-home play school model was born. Originating from necessity and demand, Playdates has grown organically and magically for 30 years! I’m proud and honored to work together with so many Playdates families and staff, raising social, confident, and compassionate children.
When I am not at Playdates, you can find me running, gardening, playing pickleball, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
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What our Parents say
I have been SO impressed by Playdates, above and beyond…..The quality and warmth of the teachers, the communication, the professionalism. Playdates is a special part of the community and I am so happy we have had the chance to be a part of it. Thank you for what you do! I have also made great friends through it.
T.H. - Darien
It’s been an amazing year for Una with Amy & Dot and her first group of very best friends. Thank you, Amy and Dot, for bringing so much joy to Una’s life and teaching her how to be a friend. We will miss you.
B. M. - Darien
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you. I was more than impressed with my daughter’s summer camp experience. I appreciated your attention to detail (especially the home visits before camp started - really helped to make my daughter feel more comfortable), and your well planned out days. My daughter came home every day with a new, sweet song that she learned, a clever project that she did, and so many fun stories to tell. Thank you for a wonderful Summer. My only wish is that it didn’t end so soon.
Please also send my thanks to Ms. Katie and Ms. Mia. They were wonderful. They dove right in and loved and played with the kids as though they had been with them for months.
I’m excited that I have another, younger daughter that I can sign up for Playdates when she’s older.
K. F. - Darien
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