Q & A
Additional info
BABYGROUP is the place where parents can bring their questions and challenges, as well as their joys. The leader will provide developmental information as well as practical tips for parents to try with their child. In addition, group members are encouraged to share their own experiences to offer additional support to one another. We find that each group reaches a balance between discussing child development information, getting their questions answered, and fostering the development of supportive friendships. We ask that parents please be respectful by listening to one another, as there is a lot to be learned from other’s experiences.
Q. Where is BABYGROUP located?
A. The old BABYGROUP physical location in Santa Monica was closed in March 2020. BABYGROUP is now available wherever you are…since we are doing all parent-education/support groups virtually via ZOOM.
Q. Does BABYGROUP plan to offer any in-person groups?
A. Beginning in August 2021, we will offer in-person play groups for fully vaccinated parents and their child, who are enrolled in a current parent-education/support group via ZOOM. These will take place on occasional weekends at two different preschools in Santa Monica. Additionally, there will be other in-person options offered by other professionals working in collaboration with BABYGROUP. Stay tuned for more in-person opportunities…
Q. Where can I find a schedule?
A. We are unable to post our BABYGROUP schedule due to the complexity of scheduling. Please understand that we are working to accommodate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time parents, in addition to a variety of age groups.
Q. When are your working parents groups?
A. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays…start time is either 4p, 4:30p or 5p (PST) depending on the leader’s availability.
Q. Who can attend the virtual group via ZOOM?
A. The child and his/her parents only…mom OR dad with their child (twins/triplets welcome). We do prefer the same parent attend each week in order to help facilitate the relationships within the group… creating a feeling of safety between group members. However, we also want to provide flexibility for families who need it. Therefore, whenever the primary group member is unable to attend, we welcome the child’s other parent.
Q. What is the cost of the group?
A. Please inquire about current fees via email to bbgoffice@icloud.com
Q. Who are the leaders and can I request a specific leader?
A. The two BABYGROUP leaders are Donna Holloran, MSW (owner of BABYGROUP) and Allison LaTona, MFT.
You can certainly request a specific leader but please know that leaders do not lead groups for every child-age range and each leader works specific days of the week. It’s all based on leader availability and scheduling.
Q. When do your groups meet?
A. Monday thru Thursday.
Q. How many parents are in each group?
A. Typically, 10 to 14…
Q. What times do the groups meet?
A. Times vary based on the day. Although your group will meet at the same time within a current session, it is quite possible your group will change times in a subsequent session. Group members are notified as soon as the schedule is confirmed.
Q. Do you offer “make-ups” if I have to miss a group?
A. Unfortunately, there are no “make-ups” as you will be placed in a group with the same parents/leader each week. And, each of our groups are private… just for those group members to attend with their child. However, any reading material will be emailed to you, and you are always welcome to check in with the other group members to get updates from them.
Q. Do you have daddy groups?
A. Currently, we are not offering daddy-only virtual groups; however, we do plan to offer daddy-only in-person playgroups for those families enrolled in a current parent-education/support group via ZOOM.
Q. Do you offer groups for parents of multiples (i.e., twins, triplets, etc.)?
A. Not at this time; however, we do try to place at least two sets of twins per group when possible. Feel free to ask if there will be other twin/triplet parents in your group.
Q. Do you offer groups for 2nd/3rd/4th time parents?
A. Yes.
Q. When can I expect to hear back from you after completing the BABYGROUP Contact Form?
A. Please do not be discouraged if you do not hear back from us right away… scheduling is much more complicated than we can explain, BUT the system is very organized and fair! As soon as the schedule is set for NEW groups, you will be notified via email. And, if/when there are openings in an ongoing, appropriate child-age BABYGROUP for your child, we will refer back to our waiting list. Use our BABYGROUP Contact Form to contact us today!
Q. How long does a BABYGROUP session run?
A. Each daytime group is 70 minutes long. The daytime sessions are typically 6 to 8 weeks in length, meeting weekly…some every other week and some once a month. And, for parents who have older children, we offer evening groups (7:30 to 9p PDT/PST) that are 90 minutes long and meet once every 5 weeks. Session lengths vary. Those in a current session have first priority to continue with their group for subsequent sessions as long as there is enough interest for a full group, and leader/calendar availability.
We hope you have found this information helpful. And, hopefully, we will meet soon… just remember… we will contact you once we have scheduled a group and/or have an opening for your child’s age.
