Playgroups provide children with pre-school experiences such as, art, sports, STEM, music and construction activities, as well as the opportunity to socialise with other children. It is important to give your child the best care during the most critical years of early development. Check our complete guide on how to choose a playgroups for your child.
HKA Playgroup
Hong Kong Academy (HKA) offers a thoughtfully designed Playgroup program for children aged 24 months and above, running daily from 8 to 11 am. Located within the school’s early childhood area, the Playgroup has its own dedicated classroom that opens directly onto organic gardens and an engaging playscape, fostering a natural connection with the outdoors. Led by a seasoned early childhood educator, the program creates a nurturing and safe environment tailored for young learners. Each morning begins with a community circle, helping children greet one another and mentally prepare for the day.
The daily routine includes at least one indoor and one outdoor activity, such as exploring the sandpit, observing the nature pond, enjoying a read-aloud session, having a healthy fruit snack, and engaging in creative wall painting. HKA Playgroup emphasizes learning through play, encouraging children to develop crucial skills including sharing, turn-taking, relationship-building, problem-solving, communication, and emotional expression. The balance between active and quiet times supports holistic growth, nurturing both physical and cognitive development. Registration is monthly at HK$400 per 3-hour session. Signing up before the end of September includes a complimentary week of sessions. Fees paid for Playgroup are credited towards tuition upon Pre-K enrollment, making it a valuable first step in a child’s educational journey. Find out more on its website: Click here.
Further info which may be useful:
- Children must be 24 months old to join with an accompanying adult.
- Once a child is 30 months old and toilet trained they are welcome to attend unaccompanied. Class size is up to 14 children.
- Playgroup runs 8 – 11 am Monday through Friday. Select as many sessions each week as you would like, priority given to those who register for 5 days a week.
- Each 3 hour session costs HK$400. The first session is a free of charge taster.
- Upon enrollment into Pre-K all Playgroup fees become a tuition fee deposit and are deducted from tuition fee invoices. If a Playgroup member does not enroll as an HKA Pre-K student there is no refund.
- All Playgroup children will receive one uniform T shirt which is included in the fees and should be worn whilst on campus. Extra pieces can be purchased from HKA’s uniform shop.
ESF Language & Learning
ESF Language & Learning has only one goal: to help develop your child under the seven areas of learning on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Operating on the belief that play is the foundation of development and learning for young children, the group’s programmes feature heavily on play and inquiry-based learning. Taught by Native English-speaking teachers, children are able to learn the language naturally through age-appropriate and hands-on activities like rhymes and poetry, singing, painting and playing with dough. With ESF Language & Learning, you can be sure your child is in good hands, as it is dedicated completely to providing a stimulating setting for its students to nurture their curiosity, inspire their inquiring minds and develop their physical skills. Its playgroup classes are open for all babies and toddlers from six months to 36 months, with locations all over Hong Kong such as Wan Chai Language & Learning Centre, ESF Abacus, Beacon Hill, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung and Wu Kai Sha International Schools for your convenience. Find out more on its website here.
BabySteps
BabySteps, located in the heart of Central, is an international preschool specialising in early childhood education. They aspire to help every child feel loved, and help them develop intelligence and resilience through our dedicated teaching team, affectionate environment and holistic programs. They want to enhance your child’s curiosity to learn, create a hunger for knowledge and thirst for experience and ultimately, live a fulfilling life.
International Montessori School (IMS) First Steps
As your baby starts to walk and talk, IMS Montessori First Steps supports you and your child on a journey of discovery and accomplishment, guided by a team of Montessori experts who provide an immersive English and Putonghua language environment designed to ensure the optimal growth and development for your growing toddler. Grow and learn alongside your child. Our experienced Montessori teachers guide and support the joyful development of the very young toddler, and model Montessori guidance approaches for parents which nurture growing independence, concentration, and motivation as your child begins to walk and talk, absorbing both languages in the Montessori First Steps environment.
BAUMHAUS
The Baumhaus represents safety, family and imagination. Every child interacts with their treehouse in their own unique way. It helps to mark their milestones – from toddlers who take their first steps up the stairs to preschoolers who play imaginative games with friends. This is why they’ve chosen to place this beautiful birch treehouse at the center of our community and our space: to bring children together, grow confidence and nurture creativity. Designed and crafted in Germany, their treehouse is made from quality solid birch wood and built according to EU safety standards. The unique design is based on studies in child development and features varying levels of physical challenge as well as motor-skills stimulation for children of different ages. This special structure has become the foundation of physical and emotional stimuli in our community, as well as a source of never-ending fun and imagination.
