Our Story
Our curriculum today is based on a core of innovative, play-based learning that we have perfected over generations.
Our predecessor, First United Methodist Church Preschool, was opened in the 1970s, believing that a child’s formative years should be shaped within an environment where young children can learn and play in a nurturing, happy and safe atmosphere. The P.L.A.Y. School philosophy today is based on the research and wisdom of generations that have passed through our doors.
Our school has always offered a part-time program for 3-to-5-year-olds focused on developing friendships and social skills through fun games, crafts, storytelling, song and experiential learning. Over the years, our learn-through-play curriculum evolved from these core play-based activities as the early childhood education field grew, and we have been recognized for our innovation and commitment to play-based learning. We earned the 2019 Boynton Beach Award for “Best Child Care Center,” the 2021 Delray Beach Award for the same, and we were nominated as “Nonprofit of the Year” in 2022 by the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Today, our time-tested learn-through-play curriculum at The P.L.A.Y. School still emphasizes whole-child development and hands-on experiences. Our play-based curriculum has withstood the test of time and is now at the forefront of a reemergence of child-led, play-based learning in school settings. Children develop social-emotional, oral language, math, and literacy skills through free play, music, art, dramatic play, journaling, and collaborative discussion of stories and ideas.
The Spirit of Giving Network chose to highlight The PLAY School on their November 2022 local Sunday morning radio show. Want to learn more about our mission and how donations support our programming.
