LIBERATE their LEARNING
More than basic needs
At The Play Lab, our mission is to liberate the early learning spaces that are often often oppressed by pushed down curriculum intended to prepare children for kindergarten. We understand that it is systems that our marginalized children typically fall between the cracks in the system or get funneled Into the C2P nexus due to their inability to meet unreasonable and developmentally inappropriate expectations.
These systems meet the basic needs of food, shelter, physical safety, etc, but miss the mark by instilling a carceral framework fix children before they enter the school system, but meeting a child's basic needs includes ensuring that they are emotionally safe. It means that the providers in their learning space are offering food, shelter, and human warmth.
The Play Lab aims to disrupt the carceral framework as we know that our children are not behind or deficient, and we ensure that they are ready for the future by focusing on what they are doing in the present.
THE IDENTITY MAKER
Agency
Research proves that children are born with an implicit sense of self-agency that actualizes near or around the age of 2. The feeling of having control of one's self is what drives cognitive development- it is the identity maker- and seizing one's control without when they are not yet capable of regaining possession can have catastrophic consequences. The Play Lab respects a child's ability to make decisions and put those decisions into action because we know that a child who is free to express their agency has the space to control what they say and do and knows that each has meaning and makes an impact. We want all of our children to have a chance at a better future and empower them to be aware of the ways in which their choices, decisions influence their self efficacy (believing)
CONNECTION
At The Play Lab, our environment is rich with opportunities for connection. Relationships exist at the intersection of mind & body and we prioritize relationships as the bridge to bring them together. Relationships are one of the components that the brain prioritizes If our children's social threats are decreased and belonging is increased, the brain will feel safe enough to learn. We understand that in order for a child to thrive they must first have their basic needs met and they must have a sense of control in their world. We believe that our children grow exponentially when they have access to meaningful experiences, trust and connection. And we provide that by ensuring that all of our children know that they are trusted, heard, and respected.
Autonomy
At The Play Lab Foundation, we understand that making space for children to have self-agency is sometimes scary. But we do the hard work of making room for the tumbles, trips, and falls. The skinned knee, and the big feelings caused by a bigger scare, because we know that these autonomous behaviors encourage children to trust their own bodies, brains and instincts, and fosters a stronger connection between Practitioner and child. And as we know, connected relationships are at the heart of development so we allow space for self determination to take root.