PARENTING NETWORK OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (PNOC)
Parenting Network of Charlottesville.
PNOC: Parenting Network of Charlottesville, serves parents with children of all ages in the greater Charlottesville area as a networking and discussion forum. PNOC is a place to exchange ideas and information, and to network about activities and resources. All topics related to parenting are open for discussion. All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link. 

CVILLE WORKING MOMS
Cville Working Moms is a group for Charlottesville area women who are juggling the art of parenting with the work of earning a paycheck. Gatherings include a monthly lunch on a weekday, a playdate with children and partners/spouses (if applicable) on a Saturday each month, and we'll plan some evening Mom's Nights Out. For details, please click this link. 

FAMILIES UNITED THROUGH ADOPTION
Offering a full range of information and support for families interested in adoption. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 923-8253. 

KIDS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
A Yahoo Group for local parents of kids with Down syndrome to connect. Go to yahoogroups.com, then search on dspconnect.

COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & FAMILIES
CCF is a 22-member planning and advisory body to the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle. Citizen, community agency, local government, education, and university leaders work to improve outcomes for local children and families. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3550. 

JOURNEYS PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Hospice of the Piedmont.
Children and adolescents need a safe place to express the grief, anger, and fear related to loss - thereby developing important coping skills. Offers art therapy bereavement support groups to help youth deal with grief and find that they are not alone. Throughout the year bereavement day camps provide opportunities for fun and healing with others who have experienced a loss. Recommended for ages 4 to 18.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 817-6900. 

PARENT RESOURCE CENTER
Serves families of children in special education in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene and Nelson Counties. The PRC operates on the philosophy that parents are a valuable resource in planning the education of their special child. Consulting, groups, classes, lending library, and more. 225 Lambs Lane.  Email: sblech@albemarle.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 975-9400. 

PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
Provides families of children 0-6 with information about healthy development, family life, and available community resources. It is a partnership of many community organizations invested in making Charlottesville/Albemarle a healthy community for all families with young children. CYFS, 1000 East High Street.  For more info call: 220-5437 ext. 240. 

STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN
Students With Children.
Network with other parents who are also attending the University of Virginia. Organized by the Office of the Dean of Students. Call for location and times. Call for location and times.  Email: studentswithchildren@virginia.edu.

UNITED WAY INFORMATION AND REFERRAL CENTER
United Way provides free, confidential information and referrals to over 2000 local health and human service programs, including resources on child care, children's health insurance, food, health care, housing, support groups and other organizations. 806 East High St.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 972-1703. 

ALBEMARLE COUNTY HOMESCHOOLERS NETWORK
Silvia Barrett.
Open to all homeschoolers (and those considering homeschooling) in Albemarle county and the surrounding area, regardless of whatever other groups they are involved with. The idea is to have one central list that would allow members to invite people to join them for park days and craft times, list local community activities, form play and study groups and announce VHEA (Virginia Home Education Association) seminars or other information important to homeschoolers. All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link. 

BLUE RIDGE AREA NETWORK FOR CONGENIAL HOMESCHOOLERS (BRANCH)
Rt. 3 Box 602, Afton, VA 22920 For more info call: (703) 456-9822. 

C.H.A.N.C.E. (CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOLERS AIMING TO NURTURE CHARACTER & EXCELLENCE)
A homeschool co-op in Louisa County offering K-12 classes. The group is modeled after a successful co-op in Pennsylvania, and the focus of the group will be what the name implies: mothers coming together to aid one another in character and academic excellence for their children. Contact: Denise Dovel.  Email: denisedovel@softhome.net.

LOUISA AREA CHRIST-CENTERED HOME EDUCATORS
For more info call: (540)894-5225. 

LOUISA HOME SCHOOL FRIENDS
For more info call: (540)894-0647. 

Ongoing

ORGANIZATION OF VIRGINIA HOMESCHOOLERS
Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers.
A listing of homeschooling groups and networks in Virginia. All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link. 

REACH HOMESCHOOL GROUP
A large group that offers many educational, fun, and meaningful fieldtrips, workshops, seminars, meetings, and recreational events for students of all ages. Provides many opportunities for the homeschoolers in the community. Serves the areas of Fredericksburg, Orange, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas. Contact: Wanda.  Email: sloper4@adelphia.net.

VALLEY HOMESCHOOLERS
Valley Homeschoolers is open to all homeschoolers and unschoolers in Waynesboro, Staunton, Crozet, Afton and the surrounding area. Make new friends, join or form playgroups, game days, or study groups, and have questions about homeschooling in Virginia answered. Join online! To subscribe, send a message to: valleyhomeschoolers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. For details, please click this link. 

Tuesdays

WALDORF INSPIRED SCHOOLING AT HOME (WISH)
WISH.
A group of families from Charlottesville and nearby counties interested in Waldorf-inspired school at home. All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link. 

First Saturday of every month

HOME SCHOOL DAYS AT THE FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM
Frontier Culture Museum.
Special programs for homeschoolers, in groups or family units. Frontier Culture Museum.  Directions: 1290 Richmond Rd, Staunton, VA 24401 Off I-81 North near intersection of I-64 in Staunton.  9am.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Larry Sabourin.  Email: larry.sabourin@fcmv.virginia.gov. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-332-7850. 

every 3 weeks on Thursdays

FATHER'S CIRCLE
We are a group for fathers in the Charlottesville area to meet and talk about the challenges and expectations of birth, raising kids, and being a family, but from the dad's point of view. A place where we can guide other dads and be guided when needed. Working or stay at home dads; newborns, multiple kids, or soon to be first time fathers; all points of view are welcome. meeting place varies, email for location.  7:30-9pm.  Contact: Nate Hefner.  Email: nate.hefner@gmail.com.

THE CHARLOTTESVILLE WELCOME BOOK
The Charlottesville Welcome Book celebrates the sights and sounds of Jefferson's Virginia and provides visitors, newcomers and locals with the flavor of our wonderful community! Find art gallery openings, museums & attractions, exhibits, theatre, concerts, brewery and wine events on the calendar along with engaging short stories about the local antiques scene, shopping, history, vineyards and more. The Charlottesville Welcome Book is the quarterly sister publication of AlbemarleFamily so you can count on the quality that you've come to trust. Follow this link to the website and digital edition. For details, please click this link. 

September 21, Tuesday

THE MOMS CLUB OF CHARLOTTESVILLE-NORTH OPEN HOUSE
The MOMS Club of Charlottesville-North.
Get to know The MOMS Club of Charlottesville-North. Current members will be available to talk about The MOMS Club and what it has to offer to stay at home moms and moms with flexible working schedules. There will be some treats to share along with information about the club. Children are welcome and will spend time in a large playroom with lots of toys. The MOMS Club is a nonprofit organization that provides support to stay at home moms and moms with flexible working schedules. We schedule activities such as playgroups, field trips, charitable projects, and Mom's Nights Out throughout each month. The Church of the Incarnation.  Directions: Take Rte 29 and turn onto Branchlands Blvd, by Toys R Us near Fashion Square Mall. Make a left onto Hillsdale, make an immediate right onto Incarnation Dr. #1465.  10am.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: None  Contact: Megan W. Ice.  Email: cvillemoms4you@yahoo.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 990-2674. 

September 27, Monday

THE MOMS CLUB OF CHARLOTTESVILLE-NORTH MEET & GREET MONDAY
The MOMS Club of Charlottesville-North.
The MOMS Club of Charlottesville is a nonprofit support group for stay at home moms and moms with flexible working schedules. Playgroups, activities, charitable projects and Mom's Night Out are scheduled throughout each month. Current members and moms who may be interested in joining our club are invited to meet one another and learn more about what The MOMS Club has to offer. Pen Park.  Directions: Take Route 250 East to the Park Street exit, turn left, follow Park Street onto East Rio Road, turn right onto Pen Park Road, and follow it through the gate. OR take Rte. 29 to East Rio Rd (turn toward Fashion Square Mall), go 2 miles, turn left onto Pen Park Rd, follow it through the gate..  10am.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: None  Contact: Megan W. Ice.  Email: cvillemoms4you@yahoo.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 990-2674. 

H.O.M.E. MOMS GROUP
H.O.M.E. Moms Group.
We are a group of moms in Fluvanna County, Western Louisa County VA. and surrounding areas (formerly Moms Club of Troy) that meet to share ideas and support one another in the art of motherhood. We offer at home mothers friendship and support through lots of fun activities like playgroups, arts and crafts, monthly meetings, service projects,book club and MOMS night out. Children are ALWAYS welcome at all of our activities!! Call for location and times.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Rachel Jones.  Email: home.club@yahoo.com.

Ongoing

MOMS CLUB OF CHARLOTTESVILLE - NORTH
The MOMS Club of Charlottesville-North is a nonprofit group that offers activities and support to stay-at-home moms and moms with a flexible work schedule. Please contact one of the membership people for a calendar of daily activities, including monthly meetings, speakers, playgroups, park days, crafts, outings, MOM's nights out, service projects to benefit children in need, and much more. All moms are welcome! Meets weekly, contact for day and time.  Email: cvillemoms4you@yahoo.com. For details, please click this link. 

THE CHARLOTTESVILLE WELCOME BOOK
The Charlottesville Welcome Book celebrates the sights and sounds of Jefferson's Virginia and provides visitors, newcomers and locals with the flavor of our wonderful community! Find art gallery openings, museums & attractions, exhibits, theatre, concerts, brewery and wine events on the calendar along with engaging short stories about the local antiques scene, shopping, history, vineyards and more. The Charlottesville Welcome Book is the quarterly sister publication of AlbemarleFamily so you can count on the quality that you've come to trust. Follow this link to the website and digital edition. For details, please click this link. 

Ongoing, 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month

WELCOME TO MOTHERHOOD
Martha Jefferson Hospital.
Share the ups and downs of this challenging time. Plan to bring your baby and relax with new friends who understand what being a new mother is really all about. The Anne Cary House.  Directions: 419 Lexington Avenue, Charlottesville, VA.  10:30am to 12pm.  $free.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 982-7009. 

KIDSITTING
Need some time off to catch up on some errands or go out to dinner? Do you have a plan for when the kids are off from school? A few businesses around town offer extra special child care/recreation programs for just such occasions. All ages welcome.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link. 

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month ongoing

BUMBLEBEES AND BUTTERFLIES PLAYGROUP
Stanardsville United Methodist Church.
A time for children ages 0-Pre-K to play, have story time, crafts and music in a Christian environment while moms have time to gather and share. some field trips and moms' nights out included at various times. Stanardsville United Methodist Church.  Directions: 29 north, turn left on 33. Turn right on 33 buisness and turn left onto Ford avenue. Church is located on Court street..  10 am unless otherwise noted.  $free.  Contact: Julie Nitzsche.  Email: jan2e@virginia.edu. For more info call: 990-8375. 

EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUPS
Children, Youth & Family Services.
Early learning playgroups for children 0-6 from low-income families with their parents or caregiver: Come Play! Each week explore all of the many toys the Parenting Mobile has to offer: baby toys galore, shape sorters, puzzles, blocks, trains, scooters and more! Parks Edge, Southwood, Westhaven neighborhoods.  Times vary; call for information.  $free.  Contact: Hilary Nagel.  Email: hnagel@cyfs.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-4118 ext. 238. 

Every first Sunday of the month

ELA NA PAIXOUME! THE GREEK READING AND PLAYGROUP
This group meets every first Sunday of the month. Parents take turns reading books in modern Greek, and play traditional games and hang out! Prior exposure to Greek language helpful (there is no language instruction). The current group focuses on ages 3-7. 3-4pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 3 to 7.  Contact: N Hild.  Email: n@hild.org. Reservations are required.  For more info call: N/A. 

FLUVANNA MOTHER'S GROUP
Fluvanna Mother's Group is an organization that offers an open playgroup for children up to age 6 and their caregivers - moms, dads, grandparents and nannies. It provides an indoor play area for the children and an opportunity for caregivers to socialize. A variety of toys, including tumbling mats, tricycles, train sets, and blocks are available. Special events occur throughout the season, including an Easter egg hunt and an end-of-the year cookout. Carysbrook Gym.  Directions: From Charlottesville, take 64 east to exit 136, make a right off the exit onto James Madison Hwy. Located approximately 15 miles on the left near softball fields.  $free.  Recommended for ages 0 to 6.  Contact: Bridgett Respess.  Email: vakidgroup@yahoo.com. For more info call: 804-375-3356. 

Ongoing, Wednesdays

GERMAN PLAYGROUP
Instructor is a native speaker with extensive experience teaching young children. The kids learn through fun activities such as games, crafts, and songs. Call for location and times.  $free.  Recommended for ages 4 to 7.  Contact: Monique VanLandingham or Wendi Rushmann.  Email: moniquevanl@hotmail.com. Reservations are required.  For more info call: 295-4027. 

Starting February 13, Tuesday and ongoing 2nd Tuesdays of each month.

MOMS AND DADS WITH TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS PLAYGROUP
Rebecca Perini.
Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers! Bring your Moms or Dads to a new Charlottesville playgroup -- the second Tuesday of each month. Activities, safety, fun and affordability are the goals of this playgroup! Moms and Dads get to enjoy interesting company while the children get to do the same! Meet other moms and dads while children play at local parks and playgrounds, read in the libraries, and socialize with each other at Cville Coffee or the Discovery Museum. First playgroup meeting - McGuffey Park near Downtown Mall.  Directions: McGuffey Park is 2 blocks north of the Downtown Mall, sitting just above the McGuffey Arts Center.  9:30am.  Recommended for ages 0 to 6.  Contact: Rebecca Perini.  Email: rperini@adelphia.net. For more info call: 242-0767. 

AREA 3 SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Special Olympics.
Area 3 Special Olympics offers sports activities throughout the calendar year, including basketball, soccer, bowling, swimming, skiing, gymnastics, track and field, tennis, volleyball and golf. Their goal is to provide children and adults with special needs an opportunity to participate, train, and compete in sports events in order to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy that comes with involvement in community sports. Contact: Gene Arnold.  Email: genearnold@comcast.net. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-3185. 

BRIGHT STARS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Provides early learning experiences and comprehensive social supports for students and families that address risk factors that can lead to early academic failure. The schools hosting a Bright Stars Program are Agnor-Hurt, Cale, Greer, Scottsville and Stone-Robinson. For more info call: 972-4140. 

CANDLELIGHTERS
Support group for families of children with cancer. For more info call: 296-4967. 

SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
This group is for parents, family members, friends, loved ones, and professionals of kids with special needs in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas. The group welcomes all who are interested in networking with other parents for information, resources, and those who wish to support other families with children who have special needs. Albemarle, Fluvanna, Green, Louisa, Nelson, Augusta, Orange, Madison, and other surrounding counties are all welcome. Go to yahoogroups.com, then search on SpecialNeedsKidsOfCharlottesville.

First Saturday of every month

TAKE A BREAK SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE PROGRAM
Spring Hill Baptist Church.
Themed Fun Night for elementary school-aged children with special needs and their siblings... choice of games, crafts, pizza, movies, worship, quiet time, and more! Parents can "take a break" for a night out while the children have a great time. Each child will be paired with a buddy and a nurse will be on-site. Pre-registration 2 weeks in advance. Spring Hill Baptist Church.  Directions: Route 29 North to 2620 Frays Mill Road.  4pm to 7pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 6 to 12.  Contact: Mary Buckner.  Email: mary@springhillbaptist.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 974-shbc.