The SOMA Integrated Playgroup (run by the Schools Committee of the Coalition on Race) meets monthly on Saturday mornings at South Orange Country Day School, a preschool with Montessori-based education programs in South Orange. Look for upcoming dates and join the group on its Facebook page. Check our calendar for upcoming dates.

We hope to bring together children ages 6 months to 5 years and their parents in a relaxed, fun setting. It is our belief that the seeds of true acceptance, understanding, and most importantly, appreciation, of the various races and ethnicities that make up our local community are planted when we are young. As parents who have chosen to live in South Orange/Maplewood, we understand this, as well as the fact that when we as adults get to know all of our neighbors, it helps to reinforce the ideals we hope to instill in our children.

According to organizer Keli Tianga, a member of the Coalition Board of Trustees and a Maplewood mom, “We have had a great turnouts (anywhere from  10-20 children along with moms, dads, and grandparents), the racial/ethnic mix couldn’t be better, the space is perfect for our needs, and the mood is casual and fun.”

If you are interested in joining the group, join the Facebook group at SOMa Integrated Play Group or call our office anytime for more information.

Thanks to South Orange Country Day School for opening their space.