FAQs
The Power of Play
Bring Play To Your City
Recent News
Can I get Playworks in my city?
Playworks is expanding and looking for new cities that wish to bring play our direct service program to their schools and students. To learn more, please contact info@playworks.org. We may not have plans bring our direct service your city this year, but hopefully we will in future years. We do bring Playworks Training to cities all across the US. Our vision is that one day every child will have an opportunity to play every day. Although it may take some time, we are excited to be a part of a movement to make that vision a reality.
Playworks is in my city, but it is not in my school? How can I get Playworks in my school?
Playworks coaches work on-site exclusively in low-income schools. To bring Playworks to your school, at least 50 percent of enrollment must be eligible for free and reduced lunches. To learn more, contact the executive director listed on our web site for your city. S/he will be able to provide the information you need to bring Playworks to your school.
What if my school does not meet our low-income requirement?
If your school does not meet our low-income requirements, we can bring play to your school through Playworks Training. Our training is designed to teach parents, teachers, staff and other adults how to organize healthy and inclusive play and to help youth learn lessons about teamwork, communication and conflict resolution that enable them to return to the classroom ready to learn.
Who are your staff? What are their qualifications?
Energetic, fun, and consistent are three words that capture a Playworks coach. A common thread among our staff is a commitment and passion to support the health and well-being of children. All coaches come to Playworks with prior experience working with children and generally have worked within after-school programs, youth leagues and summer camps, or within other youth service agencies in the non-profit sector.
Do you provide part-time staff?
No. One of the essential aspects to our programs success is that our staff becomes a part of the larger school community. By having a consistent presence during the in-school and after school hours, our coaches build strong relationships with students, families, and staff, throughout the school year.
Who is responsible for supervising the Playworks staff person?
Playworks is responsible for training and overseeing the work of each coach. We assign each school site a program manager, whose role is to supervise and support a group of 8-12 coaches. Program managers are responsible for overseeing and maintaining program quality at each school site and serve as the primary contact person for school administrators.
Do you work with Kindergarten?
Yes. We work with all elementary grade levels through our recess and class game time components.
Do you work with middle schools or K-8 schools?
Playworks programming is designed for elementary schools, however we do work with K-8 schools if the focus is on the lower grades.
How much does it cost?
Each of our partner schools pays $25,500 per year for the on-site program. This cost covers a trained, full-time coach for the entire school year. We also ask schools to provide a basic set of playground equipment (balls, cones, jump ropes, etc) that usually cost no more than $300 and can be supplemented by existing equipment at the school site.
How do schools pay for their portion of the program?
The majority of schools use funding within their own school budget. Some schools supplement their funds through external sources such as grants and community support.
