Play and Learn Station is a family literacy playroom designed to foster literacy-based, age-appropriate, interactive play between parents and children from birth to age five. The room features multiple activity centers where families can engage in counting, sorting, reading, writing, listening, speaking, exploring, problem-solving and other activities that help prepare children for school. Play and Learn Station takes place on the second floor of the Shaker Heights Main Library. It is free and open to public.
History
Play and Learn Station was started in 1998 to address the widening achievement gap in kindergarten education. The program was provided its first space and partial funding through the Shaker Heights Public Library. Over the years, Play and Learn Station has expanded its hours and outreach to include home daycare providers and gained a funding partner in Cuyahoga County’s Invest in Children through Help Me Grow.Key Elements
'Play pointers' at each activity center offer information about how children learn. They also show ways that parents can encourage literacy learning both within the program setting and at home or in other community settings. The program is free and does not require registration. A family can attend one or all six of the weekly sessions that the Play and Learn Station is open. The center is utilized by families come from all over Greater Cleveland.Annual Budget
$30,000.Outcomes
Evaluation results indicate a high degree of success in achieving the following outcomes:- Changes in parents’ knowledge of child development and literacy acquisition
- Changes in parents’ behavior relative to fostering their children’s literacy development
- Gains in their children’s literacy development.
Wish List Items
We continually strive to reach more families who do not yet know about us.Contact Information
Joanne Federman19824 Sussex Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Phone: 216.921-2023
Fax: 216.283-3580
Email: sfc01@sbcglobal.net
Play and Learn Station
Phone: 216.921-2023