Common Mistakes Made in Shelter Playgroup Programs

This session is designed to help teams move beyond informal, inconsistent playgroups and toward safer, more intentional, and more effective programs.

We’ll break down:
Why treating playgroups as optional undermines their impact
Common pitfalls like lack of SOPs, philosophy, or clear leadership
The missed opportunity of not fully utilizing trained volunteers
Why planning playgroup lists ahead of time matters
The importance of tracking data and what to actually track
Safety must-haves, including kits and staff training for breaking up fights


Your questions, answered live!

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to fix a playgroup program that feels chaotic, this session will help you build structure, confidence, and consistency.

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Enrichment for the Win: Keeping Volunteers Engaged During the Holiday Season