Family Circle Playgroup PLUS

A Homeschool Extension of the Family Circle Playgroup Community

FCP+ is a natural branch of Family Circle Playgroup—created especially for homeschooling families with children ages 5 to 8. Rooted in the same spirit of connection, cooperation, and shared care, FCP+ offers space for school-aged children to engage in playful, meaningful learning while caregivers continue to build strong community together.

Though the activities look a little different from our younger playgroup, the heartbeat is the same: we are a family, learning and growing side by side.

📅 Schedule & Structure

FCP+ meets once a week, with two options available:

  • Tuesdays or Thursdays

  • 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM

  • Families will select their availability during registration.

Children should eat lunch before arrival, so they're nourished and ready to jump in.

Each gathering follows a simple and consistent rhythm:

  • 12:00 – 12:10 – Welcome Circle & Hello Time

  • 12:10 – 1:05 – Core Block: STEM, Social Studies

  • 1:05 – 1:35 – Snack & Break (Free Play / Movement)

  • 1:35 – 2:30 – Elective Block: Art, Music, Sports, Gardening, & more

  • 2:30 – 2:45 – Closing Circle & Goodbye Time

Tagalongs (siblings outside of FCP+ age range by 10/1) are welcome! They accompany an older sibling to FCP+. They stay in the same room, engaging in free play, with the option for parents to provide structured activities.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community & Leadership

FCP+ is part of the Family Circle Playgroup Cooperative and is overseen by the same leadership. We are one community, and FCP+ families are full members of the larger FCP family.

Oversight and communication flow as follows:

  1. Class Coordinator – Your first point of contact for logistics, questions, and support.

  2. Homeschool Liaison – Supports broader planning and family engagement.

  3. Director of FCP – Oversees the full scope of Family Circle Playgroup.

FCP+ follows the Moorestown School District calendar, operating from September through June, with scheduled breaks and holidays aligned for consistency.

🎨 Supplies & Resources for All Members

To support our parents in creating engaging, age-appropriate activities, we provide a wide range of supplies and resources. Our program includes:

  • Arts & Crafts Supplies for hands-on, creative projects that encourage fine motor skills

  • Music Toys to inspire rhythm, sound exploration, and musical play

  • Manipulatives designed to support early learning and development

  • Free Play Toys to foster imagination and social interaction

  • Gym Equipment for physical activity and fun, movement-based games

  • And much more!

These materials are available to all members, ensuring that you have everything you need to create a fun and educational environment for your child each week.

💵 Tuition

Tuition rates are the same for the Homeschool Co-Op as the Playgroup Co-Op. There could be additional material fees during the year, based on what the individual classes agree on, in terms of extra curriculum. See the Enrollment page for Tuition details.

📚 About the Classes

  • Core Block is always an academic-focused unit, designed to deepen curiosity and supplement homeschool learning. (STEM, Social Studies)

  • Elective Block is an elective, allowing for creativity, movement, and hands-on fun. (Art, Music, Sports, Gardening, etc.)

Both blocks are taught by parents and rotate every 6 weeks. Caregivers are encouraged to teach to their strengths, but assignments may be scheduled randomly, if needed, to ensure balance.

  • Each family is expected to lead 2–3 units per year.

  • Support and guidance are available for those new to teaching or unsure of where to start.

📚 What We Don't Cover: Language Arts & Math Curriculum

At FCP+, we intentionally do not cover core Language Arts or Math curriculum. These subjects are highly individualized, and we recognize that every child learns at a different pace, with unique needs, strengths, and styles.

Because of this, families are encouraged to explore and implement the literacy and math programs that work best for them at home.

Instead, FCP+ focuses on enriching learning experiences through science, history, and engaging electives, providing meaningful social and academic opportunities that complement your homeschool journey.

🌱 Our Class Structure

We've designed our class structure to reflect FCP's values while meeting children right where they are. By balancing rhythm, engagement, and rest, our classes support natural attention spans, encourage meaningful connection, and keep learning playful and developmentally aligned.

🤝 A Cooperative at Heart

FCP+, like all of Family Circle, is volunteer-led, community-powered, and built on a foundation of shared care. This isn't just a drop-off program or a class roster—it's a collaborative family of homeschoolers walking this journey together.

We support each other, learn from one another, and create spaces that reflect our collective values and rhythms.

🌱 Ready to Join?

Enrollment for FCP+ is OPEN. Interested families will indicate:

  • Their child's age (5–8)

  • Preferred day (Tuesday or Thursday)

  • Teaching availability and strengths

If you are unavailable on Tuesdays or Thursday, please email us and if we have enough interest, we can adjust. We can't wait to welcome you—and grow alongside you—this year.

📋 Class Scheduling & Policies

Class placement is based on availability and age group. Parents should indicate their preferred days and times for playgroup on the Enrollment Page registration form. After collecting all forms and fees, FCP will match families with children of similar ages and compatible availability in August. Once class assignments are made, you will be notified of your assigned day and time.

Please note, once classes are confirmed, tuition is non-refundable.

Parents are required to stay on the premises with their child(ren) at all times during playgroup. Tagalongs (younger siblings) are welcome to attend for an additional fee.