AIR Case Study: Playworks and the Science of Learning and Development

  1. Updates

Playworks is bringing the science of learning & development to life through the power of play.

All young people have the ability to become their best selves when provided the right experiences, context, and relationships. Play has the power to create those parameters. The American Institutes for Research shared a case study about how Playworks is leveraging the power of play to support whole child development.

The Science of Learning and Development is a cross-disciplinary body of knowledge that describes how people learn and develop. It also provides many powerful lessons that can transform education systems, advance equity, and help every young person thrive.

Learn more in the video above, or read the full case study in the link below.

Read the case study

More Updates


February 25, 2026

Playworks Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Directors During 30th Anniversary Year ›

Raven Jemison, Jodi Bricker, and Oliver Nordlinger join at a pivotal moment as Playworks continues to innovate and expand access to play nationwide Oakland, California – Playworks, the national nonprofit…

February 20, 2026

Introducing the Playworks Facilitator Playbook ›

The newly released Playworks Facilitator Playbook is a library of ready-to-use lesson plans that help staff confidently lead games that keep kids active and learning through play, and is accessible…

February 11, 2026

4 Playful Takeaways from the Winter Olympics ›

It’s an exciting time as the 2026 Winter Olympics are underway. Many kids will watch the games, some aspiring to participate someday, others learning about new sports they’ve never seen…