creating a culture of belonging, one child at a time.
creating a culture of belonging, one child at a time.
Follow our Story as we change the narrative, one child at a time.
As the storyline goes, the Cradle-to-Prison nexus represents the cumulative impact—beginning before birth and remaining throughout their childhood and into their teen years—that disproportionately diverts black and brown children, and children living below the poverty line in the direction of the criminal legal system.
At The Play Lab, we're dedicated to creating inclusive early learning environments. We challenge traditional methods that prioritize rigid curriculum over children's individual needs, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Our focus is on nurturing emotional safety alongside basic necessities like food and shelter. We reject the idea of 'fixing' children and instead celebrate their current abilities, preparing them for the future through present-moment engagement
QAE /Kwá/ (Quality, Access, and Equity) is crucial but often overlooked in addressing disparities for BIPOC and economically disadvantaged children. At The Play Lab, we're committed to ensuring every child receives QAE because quality care is a fundamental right for all
At The Play Lab, we imagine a world where children feel both physically and emotionally secure in their care environment, valued by their caregivers, and a sense of belonging. We're dedicated to creating equal opportunities for everyone to thrive, irrespective of their background. This means having culturally aware, developmentally sensitive, and trauma-informed staff who understand and appreciate best practices. Click below to learn how you can support our mission of fostering radical care in early learning spaces.
Access to natural environments is vital for every child's well-being. However, not all children have this opportunity due to safety concerns, limited resources, and mental barriers. At The Play Lab, we're committed to ensuring every child has access to safe outdoor spaces. We've developed solutions that can be implemented anywhere! Click below to learn how you can support outdoor learning opportunities for all.
Scarcity pervades learning spaces, impacting trust, resources, access, and opportunities. At The Play Lab, we're dedicated to affirming every child's worth and believe Quality, Access, and Equity (QAE) should be universal, regardless of race, privilege, or neurotype. Click below to support our mission.
At The Play Lab, our mission is simple: to foster joy, trusting relationships, nature stewardship, and learning through play. We recognize the need for a paradigm shift in childcare, one that centers inclusivity, individual support, and collective care. By prioritizing the well-being of children, families, and practitioners, we’re reshapi
At The Play Lab, our mission is simple: to foster joy, trusting relationships, nature stewardship, and learning through play. We recognize the need for a paradigm shift in childcare, one that centers inclusivity, individual support, and collective care. By prioritizing the well-being of children, families, and practitioners, we’re reshaping the concept of belonging within our community and society. We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible childcare, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or abilities.
AThe Play Lab Foundation believes Quality, Access, and Equity (QAE) should be universal, regardless of race, privilege, background, or neurotype. We’re committed to collective care, supporting children, families, and staff in a nurturing environment. Our vision is to offer child-centered, holistic care that fosters growth through play-bas
AThe Play Lab Foundation believes Quality, Access, and Equity (QAE) should be universal, regardless of race, privilege, background, or neurotype. We’re committed to collective care, supporting children, families, and staff in a nurturing environment. Our vision is to offer child-centered, holistic care that fosters growth through play-based, nature-focused learning. We go beyond basic needs by prioritizing family engagement, building strong relationships, and investing in staff education, bridging gaps in access and affordability so every child has the opportunity to thrive.their background or financial means
Over the years, our programs and services at The Play Lab Foundation have positively impacted countless children. By providing safety, belonging, and resources to families, we've helped hundreds of children thrive in their school experiences. We're proud of the lasting positive impact we've made in their lives.
Linda Mullen
Your support and contributions will enable the Play Lab to provide the material goods, provider training, family resources, access to early intervention and scholarships that provide affirming care and fund our mission.
JUNOT DIAZ
At The Play Lab, we envision a world where every child enjoys self-affirming care, meaningful experiences, ample outdoor time, and uninterrupted play. We recognize that in under-resourced learning spaces, educators also struggle with unmet needs, making it challenging to support the children in their care. We're committed to creating a world where both practitioners and children have the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances
Our organization is grounded in respect, empowerment, and belonging. We believe in nurturing the whole child, recognizing that every action is integral to their development. Disrupters advocate for children and childhood, understand the importance of belonging for practitioners and caregivers, and view quality care as a fundamental human right, not a privilege. They support our mission to provide self-affirming quality childcare, equitable wages for providers, and invaluable resources to the families and communities we serve.
At The Play Lab, our team of dedicated professionals and volunteers are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. However, dedication and experience alone cannot realize our mission. To achieve our vision, we must provide practitioners with training to be developmentally informed and responsive to each child's needs, and ensure quality care regardless of financial barriers.
We also require accessible housing for children of all abilities, ample space for play and outdoor learning, and transportation for those without means of getting to us. Collaboration with our Big Wish Benefactors is crucial in actualizing our vision of providing quality, self-affirming care for every child
Community is important to us. Sign up to volunteer!
Mon | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Tue | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Wed | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Thu | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Fri | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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