Play & Learn

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers

We are honored to be one of the organizations partnering with BrightSpark Early Learning Services and Seattle Public Library to offer Kaleidoscope Play and Learn in King County. This free 90 minute enrichment program is for ages birth through 5 and their parent, friend, family, and neighborhood (FFN) caregivers to explore together. Our curriculum includes free play, storytime, child development resources, and kindergarten readiness activities with a focus on inclusion and anti-racism.

Play and Learn is a free program, funded primarily by the Seattle Public Library. No enrollment is necessary, but an adult must accompany children. Play & Learn groups are structured with child-directed free play, coordinated group activities, and intentional caregiver learning.

Check the Seattle Public Library Events Calendar for updates and closures.

Our Locations:

Columbia Library on Mondays at 10:30 am

Lake City Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 am

Rainier Beach Library on Fridays at 10:30 am

What happens at Play & Learn?

Each session begins with one hour of child-led free play. Activities can include building, arts & crafts, pretend play, tummy time, and more. Free play is followed by circle time, which features songs, stories, group sensory activities, as well as caregiver learning, kindergarten-readiness, and resource sharing.

Play and Learn is an opportunity for parents, friends, family, and neighborhood caregivers to socialize, network, share information with one another, and play with their kiddos in an inclusive environment.

Evaluations

Play and Learn is a program of Denise Louie Education Center and funded by the Seattle Public Library. In order to sustain this program as free to the community, we need to collect data on the impact this program has on families. We distribute and receive a survey for evaluations once a year. We may use the demographic data for reports and grant writing. While participation is voluntary and anonymous, we appreciate your support.

Our Partners