As a Family Support Navigator for First 5 Humboldt, I am privileged to build close relationships with families at playgroups across Humboldt County. I attend these gatherings once a month to connect with playgroup leaders and reconnect with families. Additionally, I assist families new to the playgroup scene, helping them acclimate to the group dynamics.
I encourage families with special needs children to bring their ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) or pediatric therapist to the playgroup. This setting provides an ideal environment for working on social-emotional development and building community skills while caregivers can also find support. Stemming is allowed and will be accommodated, and it is an educational learning experience for other caregivers. Navigators will support families and work with playgroups to be inclusive.
As a Navigator, there’s nothing more rewarding than getting to know the unique stories of each family and witnessing their growth within the playgroup setting. It’s fulfilling to observe diverse families coming together to support one another through the challenges of raising young children while learning from each other. Sometimes, we’re aware that a family may be facing difficulties, and it’s heartening to see not only parents but also other caregivers like foster parents, grandparents, or childcare providers attending playgroups. Witnessing these connections form among families in a rural community is what makes a playgroup so meaningful.
I feel incredibly fortunate that families trust us enough to open up and allow us to support them.