Each Monday morning, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the community room at Evergreen Elementary School is dedicated to a program bringing play and hands-on learning to children from birth to 6 years old. The drop-in program is free and open to all, no registration is required.
Play to Learn is a privately funded program that is the result of a successful program begun at the Children’s Museum in Tacoma. Funders include Safeco, Tacoma Creates, Boeing, MultiCare, and others.
Greentrike provides the weekly program. “Greentrike is a nonprofit that advocates for and models equitable access to playful experiences for children, youth, and families because play is essential for learning, joy and a thriving community,” according to its website.
“Before Covid, we were at 22 locations,” said Associate Director Charleen Balansay. “We hope to increase back to that number from the 10 locations we currently serve.”
Rolfe Bautista, chief communications and engagement officer of Greentrike, said “Play to Learn is one of the ways that we have removed barriers to access to play, financially, to meet our participants where they live.”
Play to Learn was previously offered at the KP Civic Center in Vaughn in partnership with the Children’s Home Society of Washington and the Peninsula School District.
When CHS closed its Vaughn office in May, Greentrike was approached by a YMCA advisory board member with the need for preschool education and socialization on the Key Peninsula. (See “Children’s Home Society/Akin Leaves KP After 30-Plus Years,” May 2024.)
PSD revived its partnership with Play to Learn, suggesting Evergreen as a location.
“We’re looking for as many ways as possible to engage with students and parents,” said Lisa Reaugh, executive director of student services for PSD.
“This is a great option for young families with children birth to 3, or those who don’t want to attend traditional preschools. Before Covid, 40 to 50 families attended sessions at the civic center. They made wonderful family connections that followed through to school. We hope to bring that type of membership back."
Balansay said there are no academic expectations. “This is a relationship-based program. ... One of the guiding principles is called the ‘protective factor.’ One of the protective factors for the families is to provide concrete support. We provide a diaper bank but do not have other resources, except to highlight community support resources each week."
Teachers Jenna Rudolf and Christina Ohlinger transport the week’s materials, facilitate the program, and then pack up for the return trip. The activities and materials are curated and used at each of the 10 sites during the week. Themes and activities are different each week. The 90-minute framework features a thematic curriculum and structured routine that includes reading, free play, crafts, finger play and learning toys. American Sign Language is also incorporated into each session. The morning ends with group circle time for the children and the adults who are with them.
“It’s pretty neat,” said parent Calvin Rabinoff. “We’re interested in whatever opportunities and resources are available. The teachers are competent and engaged. What better way to spend a Monday?”
The program is based on child-directed learning within the framework, with some teaching for parents, caregivers or other adults who bring the child to the class. They can take home handouts related to the week’s theme, book suggestions and activities. Resource information is also available. Once a month a diaper bank is on the schedule. Families may donate or leave with diapers.
Ohlinger has been teaching Play to Learn for two years. She enjoys her schedule, and “the connections that the adults make with each other.”
Rolfe Bautista, communications director for Play to Learn said, “I love how engaged the parents are. The environment encourages it.”
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