How play helps children learn
The early years are crucial to the development of children as individuals. We believe that through play, children are empowered to author their own learning process. Play offers opportunities for exploration, discovery, and learning through touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing. Parents, early educators, and cultural institutions are all co-teachers of each child. It is our responsibility to create learning environments in child care, homes, and our communities that inspire children to learn about each other, the world, and the natural environment. In a region where only one out of four children are sufficiently ready to enter kindergarten, we believe it will take all of us working to make equitable, high-quality in- and out-of-school learning experiences accessible to all families without regard to race, economic status, or residency. (See the profile of a child who is ready for kindergarten!) At Tri County Play Collaborative, we work to ensure resources are allocated in ways that increase play opportunities for children and the participation of families, especially in communities where many historically have not had access to family-serving cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and natural spaces. |