Playworks NC

Every day, in hundreds of schools around the country, our Playworks coaches are hard at work at their school. Beginning before the first bell rings and continuing until well after the last has silenced, our high-energy, trained rock stars make the most of every minute to build a healthy school community through play. Play provides an unparalleled opportunity to foster the physical, social and emotional development of our kids. Since 1996, the Playworks Coach program has worked on-site with low-income schools, engineering a powerful system of play that is making a daily difference where it is most needed. With energy and imagination, high fives and hula hoops, Playworks builds play and physical activity into a positive school environment, offering opportunities throughout the entire day. Our work focuses on five key areas: 1. Recess Time 2. Junior Coach Leadership Program 3. Class Game Time 4. Interscholastic/Developmental Sports Leagues 5. Out-of-School Time Programs

Playworks NC is improving the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Playtime is kids’ time. But schools can and should create play environments that help kids be their best. Studies show that recess matters. For recess to reinforce school culture, we’ve learned that a holistic approach is needed. Here are a few of the focus areas Playworks helps schools address: Safety, Engagement, Empowerment We aim to build social and emotional skills and conflict resolution strategies within our kids. By implementing a Junior Coach Leadership Program, we identify potential leaders and give them the training and skills to be advocates of safe play among their peers. We create a safe place for play at school, every day, for EVERY kid.