Description

Facilitated play groups provide access to high-quality early learning opportunities to thousands of children who are not currently benefiting from formal early learning programs. The majority of Washington children under five are in the regular informal care of parents family members, friends, or neighbors (FFNs), and do not attend formal child care programs, especially children in communities of color, low-income families and refugee/immigrant communities. Increasing access to high-quality play groups will strengthen our ability to support all families in this critical phase of child development, and get Washington closer to its goal to have 90% of children ready for kindergarten when they enter. Facilitated play groups support early brain development and kindergarten readiness: play group curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood brain development and family engagement; play groups give parents and informal caregivers a free, accessible place to meet other families and get support; and sessions are held weekly in community spaces in the child’s own neighborhood and language.

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