Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable life skills through play
What a Better Recess Does
Conflict Resolution
Recess doesn’t have to be chaotic. At a better recess, kids acquire tools to work out disagreements and differences.
Leadership Skills
When they’re playing amongst their peers, kids have a valuable opportunity to develop a sense of fairness, confidence, and communication.
Academic Success
Kids who are engaged during recess are more likely to participate in class, which means better attendance and better grades.
Updates
Playworks Welcomes New Members to National Board of Directors ›
Playworks is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the national Board of Directors. “I am thrilled to welcome our new board members,” said CEO Elizabeth Cushing. “The unique perspectives and leadership they bring will be vital to Playworks as we continue working to ensure that every child experiences safe and healthy…
Updating you on our equity journey ›
When Playworks began our equity journey several years ago, we knew it would be a long term investment in our people, partners, and communities. We committed to centering equity as we prioritize partnerships with diverse communities nationwide, and this needed to begin by addressing racial equity in Playworks. We began by developing a team of…
Careers ›
Join our team! Playworks is changing the way children experience school every day by leveraging the power of safe and healthy play. Our core values of inclusion, respect, healthy community, and healthy play are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work, including recruiting and retaining the best talent we can.
Playworks Near You
California
Connect with the Playworks team in Northern California and Southern California.
334,652
Kids Reached in California in the last year
District of Columbia
Playworks happily offers trainings and support in District of Columbia.
Massachusetts
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Hampshire
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Jersey
Connect with the Playworks team in New Jersey.
Kids Reached in New Jersey in the last year
Oregon
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids served in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
Pennsylvania
Connect with the Playworks team in Pennsylvania.
Kids Reached in Pennsylvania in the last year
Rhode Island
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
Over 2 Million
Children reacheD in 3,000+ Schools
Playworks has been ensuring children experience safe, healthy play every day for over 25 years. Click on your state to explore what Playworks is doing near you.
Elementary students with strong social and emotional skills are . . .
Recess is a natural learning lab for important life skills. Learn about our impact ›
Stories
May 15, 2020
Recess is Necessary ›
Researchers agree: it’s important to prioritize recess in how schools approach re-opening. The research community has come together to establish the Global Recess Alliance in an effort to bring attention to the essential role of recess…
April 26, 2019
Stories from the Playground: Coach Hoops ›
It’s not every day that a Playworks #AmeriCorps Coach is honored by the Los Angeles Lakers, complete with a basketball clinic hosted by legendary forward A.C. Green. Then again, being treated to a center court awards…
News
January 19, 2023
Introducing New Members of Playworks Board of Directors ›
Playworks is thrilled to welcome five new members to our National Board of Directors. Each brings a unique set of talents and perspective that will support Playworks’ mission. The individuals who joined the Playworks Board in December 2022 and January 2023 are: Leslie Boissiere Vice President, External Affairs Annie E. Casey Foundation Leslie oversees the Annie…
January 10, 2023
Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›
Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…
December 20, 2022
Celebrating 2022’s Big Moments ›
As 2022 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on big moments that took place across Playworks nation this year. 1. Celebrating 25 Years The 2021-2022 school year marked a major milestone for our team as we celebrated 25 years of bringing the power of play to kids across the country. Since our launch in 1996,…
October 27, 2022
Playworks earns 2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award ›
Playworks is proud to receive the 2022 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. Playworks was honored with this award based on the large number of positive reviews written by our schools, supporters, and parents. “Our work is not possible without our school partners, board members, volunteers, and all…
