Photo by Sophie Chavanel
For those who are not familiar with playgroups, the concept is pretty simple . Starting as soon as a few months in some places, playgroups is a place for kids not quite ready for preschool yet to play in a safe environment and meet with other children. It is a good place for them to socialize with children their age while you either enjoy a cup of coffee or get on your knees and play along.
There are dozens of different playgroups in Jakarta and each has its own specificity. Some are highly organized, others more casual. Some drop-ins and others have a program and require records. Some accept children accompanied by nannies, while others only accept toddlers with their parents. Some playgroups are noisy and energetic, and children are encouraged to run and dance, while others are more calm and encourage reading and singing. Whatever your child's personality, there is a play group there for him. Note that most of these organizations have free trial classes and all are in English. Do not forget to bring socks as they are usually required.
playgroups
Gymboree
Gymboree Play & Music is an Early American development institution born with locations in 30 countries worldwide. The classes have different themes: the game, music, gymnastics, sport, etc. Activities are age appropriate. There are several locations in Jakarta, including: Kemang, Pondok Indah, Cilandak, Bekasi. The location in Kemang is a bit dark and could be refreshed a bit. Half of the expatriates, the Indonesian half clientele.
Cost: Fee Rp.800,000, annual fees Rp.200,000, monthly fees start at Rp.400,000. Drop-ins start at Rp.125,000 Rp.150,000 for members and for non-members.
Place: (Headquarters): The Codefin building, 2nd floor, Kemang Raya No. 8.
Tel :. (021) 7183525
Other locations in Pondok Indah, Sunter, Puri Indah Mall, Bekasi, Cilandak, Menteng
Website: http: // www. gymboree-indonesia.com/
KindyROO
KindyROO is researchbased Australian center early childhood learning established in 1982. It offers game programs for babies from six weeks to five years. The concept behind KindyROO is to focus on stimulating and parent and bonding of the child through play. The classes are age appropriate. very bright and clean facilities. The owner, Steven Wijaya Ali is very knowledgeable, so are the staff. A good balance between physical activities, singing and reading. No outdoor space.
Cost :. Rp.1,350,000 contribution, start monthly rate Rp.600,000
Location: Gedung Kemang Place Lt 3, Unit 9, Jl Kemang Raya no.5..
Tel: (021) 719 8101
Website: http://www.kindyrooindonesia.com
Rockstar Gym
Cost: Processing fees :. Rp.231,000, start monthly rate Rp.795,000
Sites :. Gandaria City, Plaza Indonesia and soon in Mall of Indonesia
Tel: Plaza Indonesia- (021) 2292 3588, Gandaria City- (021) 2900 8085.
Website: http://rockstar-gym.com
Expats wOMEN aSSOCIATIONS
most women associations expatriates have weekly mummy and drop me play in groups in a less formal setting. It is mainly the collection of moms, though dads are welcome. They usually sell drinks and snacks. Sometimes there is singing and dancing, but it is mainly a place for children to play together while parents have a conversation. All nationalities are welcome.
Schedule :. Wednesdays from 09:30 until noon
Cost: Rp.20,000 to Rp.70,000 for members and non-members. Annual membership is Rp.650,000.
Website: http://www.anzajakarta.net
Schedule :. every second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 noon
Cost: Free for members AWA and Rp.20,000 for non-members. Annual membership is Rp.750,000.
Tel: 021-718-1877 Website: http://www.awajakarta.org
Schedule: Thursday from 10 noon
Cost: Rp.25,000 for BWA members and Rp.65,000 for non-members. Annual membership is Rp. 600,000.
Tel: 0852 1237 4470
Website: http://bwajakarta.org
nursery
for a more formal setting, many kindergartens offer mommy and me playgroups. If you are considering putting your child in kindergarten, it has the advantage of making this moment a smooth transition for your child. Going to playgroups with your child, you can make sure it is the right place and ensure he or she gets used to this new environment in your business before going themselves. Some groups Mom and me in this category from six months.
During the first part of each session, under the direction of the parent, the children can move freely between the area riding, table water supply zone of animals, swings, climbing, play house, toy center and art center. Free time is followed by a time of the group's history, activity of musical movement, and snack time to sing. Could be cleaner. Mostly Expat children.
Age :. Start year
Schedule :. Nine 15 to 10:30 Monday to Saturday by location
Cost: Rp.85,000 for drop-in or five coupon books for Rp 400,000.. No administration fees.
Sites: Cipete- Jalan Haji Abdul Majid Dalam No. 28.
Tel: (021) 765- 7040. Another location in Menteng.
Website: http://www.discoverycenter.co.id
Tutor is both an international pre-school franchise with American curriculum. They offer a class Minimal from six months in different places in Jakarta Pondok Indah, Kelapa Gading, Pluit and Intercon Kebon Jeruk. The program is rich, well-structured and encourages physical and creative development. We particularly like the experiences where children and parents get their hands dirty and get to play with water, bubbles, painting and other fun things. The staff speaks English very well.
Age :. Minimal begins at six months
Schedule: Crawler class (age group 06-12 months) was held on Saturday 10.00 - 11:30. Walker class (age group 12 to 16 months) was held on Saturday 09.00 -. 10:30
Costs: Registration fee is 75 USD, long-term costs (10 weeks) :. USD175
Sites. Jl Sultan Iskandar Mudano.1, Pondok Indah.
Tel: (021) 72798185
Website: http://tutortime.co.id
Kinderland preschool is a program born Singapore. It is a program and a half an hour divided into 15 mini sessions. It begins with a session of outdoor games, followed by snack, creative activities inside, interactive storytelling and music time. School days are Monday to Friday, with the option of two, three or five times a week.
Age :. Start 12 months for toddlers up to two years of operation
Schedule :. 08.30-10.00am or 10.30-12.00pm
Cost :. Registration fees Rp.50,000, start monthly fee Rp.520,000 for two weekly sessions
Location: Jl. Caringin Barat No.1, Cilandak Barat.
Tel: (021) 7590 8818
Other locations :. Kebayoran Baru, East Jakarta, West Jakarta and North Jakarta
Website: http://www.kinderlandindonesia.com