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.

Wednesdays through January and February

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SUPPORT GROUP
The Women's Initiative.
Offering a supportive environment to share experiences, learn how to listen to our inner wisdom, communicate effectively, set appropriate boundaries and act mindfully in all relationships. 1007 E. High St. Charlottesville, VA.  10:30am-12pm.  Contact: Amy Lane.  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 872-0047. 

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. 

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. 

Wednesdays through January and February

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SUPPORT GROUP
The Women's Initiative.
Offering a supportive environment to share experiences, learn how to listen to our inner wisdom, communicate effectively, set appropriate boundaries and act mindfully in all relationships. 1007 E. High St. Charlottesville, VA.  10:30am-12pm.  Contact: Amy Lane.  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 872-0047. 

Mondays & Tuesdays

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
The Women's Initiative.
Learn about Alexander Technique, an education in movement, posture and the use of one's body in daily life. Emphasis is on learning ease of movement to reduce stress. Please call to register. The Women's Initiative.  Directions: 1007 East High Street, Charlottesville.  10am-12pm; individual 45 minute sessions.  $First two sessions are free, sliding scale thereafter.  Contact: Amy Lane.  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434.872.0047. 

Every Friday

FRIDAY REFRESH!
The Women's Initiative.
Ladies, join us for a warm welcome and companionship while enjoying a refreshing stroll outdoors. Call to register. The Women's Initiative.  Directions: 1007 East High Street, Charlottesville.  9-10:30am.  $Free.  Contact: Amy Lane .  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434.872.0047. 

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.

Tuesdays

KNIT NOW - LEARN HOW
The Women's Initiative.
Join our knitting circle. We welcome new and experienced knitter to our group. Let us chat, work quietly, or listen to music while creating something fun and beautiful! The Women's Initiative.  Directions: 1007 East High Street.  5-7pm.  $Free.  Contact: Amy Lane.  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 872-0047. 

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. 

First and Third Thursdays of every month (except holidays)

POST-PARTUM SUPPORT GROUP
The Women's Initiative.
Join us in creating a supportive circle for moms. Call or email to register. The Women's Initiative.  Directions: 1007 East High St. .  6:30-8pm.  $free.  Recommended for ages 18 to 55.  Contact: Amy Lane.  Email: alane@thewomensinitiative.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 872-0047. 

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. 

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. 

Second Wednesday of the month

CHARLOTTESVILLE REGION AUTISM ACTION GROUP
Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group.
Commonwealth Autism Service has recently partnered with local agencies, schools and family members in the Charlottesville Region to initiate the Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG). Developed to help maximize "value added" autism services by bringing together local stakeholders, Autism Action Groups consist of members from local communities who have a desire to actively and collaboratively work toward providing quality services and resources for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The CRAAG supports all communities served by the Region 10 Community Services Board. Group participants include self-advocates, family members, educators, private and public service providers, and other concerned individuals. Jefferson Fellows Center.  Directions: 112 Clarke Court (on Maury Ave., across from Anna's Pizza).  10am-12pm.  Contact: Becky Boswell.  Email: bboswell@autismva.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 800-649-8481. 

First Friday of every month

SPECIAL NEEDS GAME NIGHT
Spring Hill Baptist Church.
Game Night is for teens and adults with special needs. Play games, fellowship, socialize, participate in fun activities, share devotions and EAT! Everyone who comes should bring a favorite treat. It meets every month except July. Spring Hill Baptist Church.  Directions: Route 29 North to 2620 Frays Mill Road.  6:30-9pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 6 to 12.  Email: office@springhillbaptist.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7473. 

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.