FULL: Early Learning: Play with Purpose Playgroup

November 12, 2026

At Portola Branch Library, 380 Bacon Street, San Francisco, 94134

This event is full. Play with Purpose is a 9-week, facilitated playgroup for families with young children ages 0–3 with mild to moderate concerns about child development centered around research-based, playful ways to support children’s emerging literacy, language skills and learning. Join this group from October 29th–January 14th to discover and practice how to read and play in developmentally meaningful ways. Participants in Play with Purpose at the library receive free books and toys every week along with professional and personal support. They will also get guidance in use of the Sparkler app made available for free to all San Francisco residents through association with the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood. Space limited. Reservations required. If you have difficulty accessing the sign-up form, you may ask for assistance at the library. Because each class builds on the skills and activities from the week before, we encourage families to attend as many of the 9 sessions as possible. Consistent attendance helps children and caregivers get the most out of the program, build connections with other families, and fully participate in all of the learning, play experiences, books, and take-home materials offered throughout the series. The SF Department of Early Childhood selected Sparkler and the National Center for Families Learning to work with local organizations in San Francisco to provide developmental playgroups to families with children 0–3 years old. Sparkler is a mobile app, in English, Spanish, and Chinese on Android/iOS, smartphones and tablets. Through the Sparkler app families get: Developmental screening (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) to check in on their child’s development. A library of 2,000 playful activities created by early childhood educators to help parents and children play off screen to promote learning. Connection with professionals — Parents can tap into answers and a network of support from local programs and care coordinators at Support for Families.

Portola

Free

Babies, Toddlers or Preschoolers

This event is full.

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