Everyday Learning Play Spaces

Have you played today?

Research shows that learning through play is a critical aspect of a child’s cognitive and social development, better preparing them to reach educational goals and interact with the world around them.

It’s even beneficial for adults, keeping their minds sharp. Playing together strengthens the bonds between child and caregiver, creating positive memories and a sense of trust. And, all of those benefits build resilience to any trauma experienced by a child.

Everyday Learning Play Spaces is a collaboration between People’s Emergency Center, Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network, and My Baby’s First Teacher ®, created to encourage playful learning in the spaces that children experiencing homelessness are in every day. Learn about our team members here.

Everyday Learning Play Spaces expands on PEC's work with shelters across Philadelphia through Building Early Links for Learning (BELL), and responds to their and their families' requests for improvements to the buildings where they live. The team will be working directly with shelter staff and families to ensure that each environment we create meets their needs.

We will be creating playful learning opportunities where families experiencing homelessness are by enhancing the spaces they are in everyday – shelters, schools, parks, and more.

Join us on this journey of building and learning! Click on the buttons below for articles about our work, or scroll through the photo gallery to right. Come back for more content as we create Everyday Learning Play Spaces.