Huey’s Hideaway launches Great Beginnings program for caregivers

Huey’s Hideaway is opening its doors to help promote early childhood learning and development with a series of events to be held through winter and early spring.

Huey’s Hideaway Great Beginnings Caregiver Support and Playgroup will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on January 14, February 11, March 11 and April 18. Those attending will receive free admission to the children’s museum and an opportunity for caregiver support and fellowship. There will also be references to community support for those in need of assistance.

According to Monica Spinler, executive director at Huey’s Hideaway, she had been approached by a local resident concerned about the need for social development and support for ages birth to five years old.

“The first five years of a child’s life are a crucial period of development that shapes their future in profound way. Our Great Beginnings Caregiving support and Playgroup is solely focused on understanding the needs during the first five years. During these years, the brain undergoes rapid growth, laying the foundation of cognitive, social, emotional and physical developments,” Spinler said. “Great Beginnings understands nurturing relationships, stimulating environments and quality early learning experiences are essential for supporting this development,” Spinler said.

She explained that Huey’s Hideaway had seen the need for caretakers and children to meet and connect with others in an safe, indoor space for the winter. She noted the morning hours were selected to avoid nap times for youngsters and to give the greatest opportunity for caregivers to come with their children.

She said they are working to bring together caregivers in fellowship to build bonds for the children and also the caretakers. She said it was important to get out of the winter blues and come into a warm, bright, happy place like Huey’s Hideaway.

“We are bringing together those who want to bond with other children and caretakers but also play,” Spinler said. “We know how important screen free play is. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-bringing of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for screen free play has been markedly reduced for some children,” she said.

She explained that Huey’s Hideaway has age appropriate spaces for children from infants on up to enjoy and learn through play. In addition there is access to craft areas providing creative outlets for the children.

In addition to providing the free program, Spinler said thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, any of those caregivers who come for two months will receive a free one-year membership to the children’s museum to enjoy throughout the year.

Huey’s Hideaway is located at 317 S. Main Street in downtown Medford.