Q & A
Additional info
BABYGROUP is a virtual discussion group led by a professional where parents can bring their questions and challenges, as well as their stories of hope and encouragement. 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 support to one another. We find that each group reaches a balance between discussing age appropriate developmental 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 Virtual BABYGROUP is now available wherever you are…since we are doing all groups on ZOOM.
Q. Does BABYGROUP plan to open a new physical location?
A The parent education/support groups will remain virtual while there is a location in Mar Vista (Los Angeles 90066) where we host in-person playgroups for those who are enrolled in a current virtual parent education/support group. This will be the new permanent physical location for all in-person playgroups.
Q. Where can I find a schedule?
A. We are unable to post our virtual 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. However, our in-person playgroup schedule is available on our website at playgroups. This is password protected as it is only available to those in a current virtual group.
Q. When are your virtual working parent groups?
A. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays…start time is either 4p, 4:30p or 5p (PST) depending on the leader’s availability.
Q. What about virtual Saturday groups?
A. We do not offer virtual Saturday groups.
Q. Who can attend the virtual group and the playgroups?
A. Only parents can attend the virtual group. We 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. Children do not need to be present in the virtual groups.
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 virtual 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 virtual groups for every child-age range and each leader works specific days of the week. It’s all based on leader availability and scheduling.
Donna Holloran leads all of the in-person playgroups.
Q. When do your virtual groups meet?
A. Monday thru Thursday.
Q. How many parents are in each group?
A. Typically, 10 to 12..
Q. When do your in-person playgroups meet?
A. The schedule is released each month on the BABYGROUP website…the playgroup link.
Q. What times do the virtual groups meet?
A. Times vary based on the day. Although your virtual 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 virtual group?
A. Unfortunately, there are no “make-ups” as you will be placed in a virtual group with the same parents/leader each week. And, each of our virtual groups are private… just for those group members to attend. 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 virtual daddy groups?
A No virtual daddy groups, but we do plan to offer in-person daddy-child only playgroups.
Q. Do you offer virtual 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 virtual group.
Q. Do you offer virtual 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, virtual group, 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 virtual group is 60 minutes long. The first newborn session meets weekly for 7 weeks. Subsequent groups for the next baby/toddler age meet approximately every other week for 6 groups. After the child age of 2 years, some of our groups meet just once a month. It really depends on the ages of the children as well as the interest of the group, and schedule availability. Those in a current session have first priority to continue with their virtual 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.
