Register For our Recurring Birthing Class with Doula Abby Larson-Free to Attend
We’re excited to offer a free, in-person birthing class led by local doula Abby Larsen, designed for expecting families and caregivers in Columbia County.
This engaging and informative workshop will:
• Walk participants through the stages of labor and birth
• Include a fun, reflective icebreaker to explore common fears around giving birth
• Provide a birthing plan template, which participants will begin completing together during the session
Special Guest: Catskill Pediatric Dentistry Visits Playgroup
We’re excited to welcome Catskill Pediatric Dentistry to our playgroups this September! Families will have the opportunity to learn more about pediatric dental health in a fun and engaging way.
Mud Creek at Valatie Playgroup: Wooly Bear Caterpillars and Moths
Welcome to the magical world of wooly bear caterpillars! In this session, children will learn about these fuzzy little creatures and their transformation into moths. Through observation and gentle activities, young explorers will discover what caterpillars eat, how they wrap into cocoons, and how moths emerge with delicate wings to take flight—sparking curiosity and wonder about metamorphosis.
Special Guest: Catskill Pediatric Dentistry Visits Playgroup
We’re excited to welcome Catskill Pediatric Dentistry to our playgroups this September! Families will have the opportunity to learn more about pediatric dental health in a fun and engaging way.
Mud Creek at Hudson Playgroup: Seeds and Squirrels
Fall is the perfect time to learn about the secret lives of seeds—and their playful partners, squirrels! Children will explore how seeds travel and sprout, from falling from trees to catching the attention of busy squirrels on the move. Fun demonstrations and nature-based play help illustrate the vital role of both in forest regeneration.
Mud Creek at Valatie Playgroup: Fish in the Hudson River
Dive into the diversity of fish that call the Hudson River home. Kids will explore the fascinating variety of freshwater species—from elusive trout to shimmering perch—learning about their habitats, lifecycles, and roles in the river’s ecosystem. This session offers a splash of science with a focus on river ecology and environmental stewardship.
Mud Creek at Hudson Playgroup: Canada Geese and Migration
Head south with the Canada geese and learn about their incredible migratory journeys. Kids will discover how flocks navigate, why they honk, and what patterns their V-formation follows. This session combines wildlife observation with stories of endurance, teamwork, and seasonal change.
Mud Creek at Valatie Playgroup: Turkeys
Just in time for Thanksgiving, this session celebrates our iconic feathered friend: the turkey. Children will learn about turkeys' wild counterparts, their behaviors, who’s the most colorful (spoiler: the male!), and why they gobble. Engaging stories and interactive games will bring these majestic birds to life for little learners.
Mud Creek at Hudson Playgroup: Racoons
Fall is the perfect time to learn about the secret lives of seeds—and their playful partners, squirrels! Children will explore how seeds travel and sprout, from falling from trees to catching the attention of busy squirrels on the move. Fun demonstrations and nature-based play help illustrate the vital role of both in forest regeneration.
Mud Creek at Valatie Playgroup: Woodpeckers
Let’s tap into the world of woodpeckers! Kids will discover how these skilled tree drummers use their specialized beaks to forage insects and create home cavities, and they’ll explore the different kinds of woodpeckers you might spot locally. This session brings pecking percussion and natural discovery together in a fun, hands-on way.
FRC Hudson Playgroup Starts
Valatie Playgroup – Fall 2025
Description:
The Family Resource Centers’ Valatie Playgroup invites children birth through age 5 and their caregivers to join us for fun, connection, and learning. Each session includes Circle Time with songs and stories, hands-on activities, and free healthy snacks for every child.
Our Valatie site also features gym and playground access, giving children plenty of opportunities for active play and socialization. Playgroup is a wonderful way for caregivers to connect while supporting early childhood development.
Details:
📍 Location: Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building – Room 210
3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184
🗓️ Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🗓️ Season Start: Monday, September 8, 2025
Additional Information:
Free to attend; no daily attendance required.
Suggested donation of $25/month per family helps us provide snacks, maintain the gym/playground, and stock play materials.
Registration is required for the school year so we can plan for families.
FRC Valatie Playgroup Starts
Valatie Playgroup – Fall 2025
Description:
The Family Resource Centers’ Valatie Playgroup invites children birth through age 5 and their caregivers to join us for fun, connection, and learning. Each session includes Circle Time with songs and stories, hands-on activities, and free healthy snacks for every child.
Our Valatie site also features gym and playground access, giving children plenty of opportunities for active play and socialization. Playgroup is a wonderful way for caregivers to connect while supporting early childhood development.
Details:
📍 Location: Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building – Room 210
3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184
🗓️ Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🗓️ Season Start: Monday, September 8, 2025
Additional Information:
Free to attend; no daily attendance required.
Suggested donation of $25/month per family helps us provide snacks, maintain the gym/playground, and stock play materials.
Registration is required for the school year so we can plan for families.
Friends and Family CPR Workshop
Update: This workshop is now full and we are NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS.
🚨 FREE Friends & Family CPR Workshop — Monday, August 18 from 5–7 PM at The Spark of Hudson on Union Street!
This life-saving event is specifically designed for caregivers and families of infants and young children (ages 0–5). Learn CPR skills that could make all the difference in an emergency.
The workshop is facilitated by Dave Yates of Valatie Rescue Squad, who has been leading these trainings across the county to help empower families and early childhood caregivers.
🎓 Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the session and walk away with essential skills to help protect the children they care for.
📍 This free event is a collaboration between:
Valatie Rescue Squad
Family Resource Centers of Columbia County
The Spark of Hudson (thank you for generously hosting!)
💛 While the workshop is free, donations are welcome! You can support these community organizations by:
Bringing diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing (ages 0–5) for families who participate in Family Resource Center’s programs
Making a monetary donation to any of the three partners:
🔗 https://www.familyresourcecenterscc.org/donate
🔗 https://www.valatierescue.org/donate
🔗 https://sparkofhudson.org/donate
Let’s come together to learn, prepare, and protect our youngest community members. Register today!
Birthing Class with Doula Abby Larson-Free to Attend
We’re excited to offer a free, in-person birthing class led by local doula Abby Larsen, designed for expecting families and caregivers in Columbia County.
This engaging and informative workshop will:
• Walk participants through the stages of labor and birth
• Include a fun, reflective icebreaker to explore common fears around giving birth
• Provide a birthing plan template, which participants will begin completing together during the session
Last Day of Valatie Playgroup
Last day of Valatie Playgroup! Click the button below to sign up for Summer Playgroup in Valatie!
FRC Visits Mud Creek!
Join us for our annual visit to the Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center on June 17th! Located in the heart of Ghent, Mud Creek is a vibrant hub for environmental education and exploration, offering families the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. This free trip invites children to experience hands-on learning through guided activities, interactive exhibits, and outdoor adventures. Research shows that time spent in nature is incredibly beneficial for young children, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day filled with discovery and connection in one of Columbia County’s most enriching natural spaces.
Last Day of Hudson Playgroup
Last day of Hudson Playgroup! Click the button below to sign up for Summer Playgroup in Valatie!
Mud Creek Hudson Visit: Butterflies
Flutter into the magical world of butterflies! This session will teach families about butterfly life cycles, migration patterns, and how to create butterfly-friendly habitats. A colorful and inspiring workshop for children and adults alike.
High and Mighty Spring Field Trip
Join us for a fun and interactive field trip to High & Mighty, where children will have the opportunity to meet, learn about, and engage with ponies in a hands-on farm experience. This trip is a wonderful way for kids to connect with animals, explore the outdoors, and enjoy a memorable adventure!
RSVP Deadline: Thursday, April 10th
Mud Creek Valatie Visit: Frogs
Hop into the wonderful world of frogs! Families will learn about the life cycle of frogs, their role in wetlands, and how to identify different types of frogs found locally. Kids will love the interactive activities and the chance to listen to frog calls.
Family of Woodstock Visit-Valatie
Tracy Snyder of Family of Woodstock visits with some fun physical activities for you and your kiddos.
Family of Woodstock Playgroup Visit
Tracy Snyder from Family of Woodstock joins us with some engaging physical activities for caregivers and kiddos who participate today!
Friends and Family CPR Class with Dave Yates
🫀 Free Family CPR Class – April 23
Join us for a free, hands-on CPR class designed for parents and caregivers!
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: 3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY
(Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building – same building as the Kinderhook Town Clerk’s Office)
This 2-hour session offers essential life-saving skills in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Children are welcome to attend, and our staff will be available to assist with supervision during the class.
Pre-registration is encouraged so we know who to expect
Sorry this class is full!
Mud Creek Hudson Visit: Owls
Explore the mysterious lives of owls! Families will learn about the different types of owls in our area, their unique adaptations, and their role as nighttime hunters. Kids will love dissecting owl pellets and identifying what these majestic birds eat
Family of Woodstock Visit-Hudson
Tracy Snyder of Family of Woodstock visits with some fun physical activities for you and your kiddos.
Family of Woodstock Playgroup Visit
Tracy Snyder from Family of Woodstock joins us with some engaging physical activities for caregivers and kiddos who participate today!
Mud Creek Valatie Visit: Worms
Get hands-on with nature’s recyclers! Children and families will dive into the underground world of worms, discovering how they help plants grow and keep the soil healthy. A perfect way to explore the small creatures that have a big impact!
Mud Creek Hudson Visit: Bluebirds
Celebrate spring by learning about the charming bluebird! This workshop will explore the importance of bluebirds to our region, how to attract them to your yard, and the role they play in nature. A delightful way to inspire young bird enthusiasts.
Mud Creek Valatie Visit: Bobcats
Meet the elusive bobcat! This workshop introduces families to the habits and habitats of these skilled hunters. Through engaging stories and activities, children will explore what makes these cats so unique to our local landscape.
Cooking with Toddlers and Preschoolers at Hudson Site with Tracy Snyder from Family Woodstock
Join us for a hands-on Cooking with Toddlers/Preschoolers Workshop, facilitated by Tracy Snyder, Program Manager for Nutrition and Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education with Family of Woodstock, Inc. and Child Care Connections of Columbia County. This engaging workshop will guide families in creating simple, nutritious, and fun recipes designed specifically for little hands. Tracy brings a wealth of expertise in early childhood nutrition, and her approach emphasizes practical ways to involve young children in meal preparation while fostering early learning skills like counting, measuring, and following instructions.
This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child, promote healthy eating habits, and gain practical tips for making mealtimes a fun and enriching experience. Hosted in partnership with Family of Woodstock, the program is free for families participating in FRC programs. Space is limited, so mark your calendar and join us for a delightful culinary adventure!
Winter Recess
The Family Resource Centers of Columbia County will be closed for Winter Recess from February 17 to February 21. Our schedule typically follows the school districts where we host our playgroups, including Hudson City School District and Ichabod Crane School District. We look forward to welcoming families back after the break!
Mud Creek Hudson Visit: Opossums
Learn about the misunderstood opossum! Families will discover how these nocturnal creatures contribute to their environment and why they’re so beneficial to have around. A fun way to teach children to appreciate all wildlife!
Cooking with Toddlers and Preschoolers at Valatie Site with Tracy Snyder from Family Woodstock
Join us for a hands-on Cooking with Toddlers/Preschoolers Workshop, facilitated by Tracy Snyder, Program Manager for Nutrition and Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education with Family of Woodstock, Inc. and Child Care Connections of Columbia County. This engaging workshop will guide families in creating simple, nutritious, and fun recipes designed specifically for little hands. Tracy brings a wealth of expertise in early childhood nutrition, and her approach emphasizes practical ways to involve young children in meal preparation while fostering early learning skills like counting, measuring, and following instructions.
This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child, promote healthy eating habits, and gain practical tips for making mealtimes a fun and enriching experience. Hosted in partnership with Family of Woodstock, the program is free for families participating in FRC programs. Space is limited, so mark your calendar and join us for a delightful culinary adventure!
Mud Creek Valatie Visit: About Beavers
Discover the incredible world of beavers! Families will learn about these fascinating engineers of nature, their role in ecosystems, and how their dams create habitats for countless other species. A fun and enriching way for young children to connect with local wildlife!
Snowflakes with Ms. Janel and Ms. Katrina
Come enjoy snow themed activities with Ms. Janel and Ms. Katrina at our Valatie site!
Closed for MLK Day
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Family Resource Centers of Columbia County will be closed on Monday, January 20th. Dr. King’s vision of equality and opportunity inspires our mission to support and empower families in our community. We encourage everyone to take this day to reflect on his legacy and consider ways to foster kindness, justice, and unity. FRC will reopen on Tuesday, ready to continue serving our families.