Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Through play, kids learn about themselves and one another, and they develop important social skills such as self-efficacy, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and teamwork, all of which help them succeed in school and in life.

Through a mix of service offerings that range from day-long trainings to a full-time on-site Coach for the school year, Playworks helps their partner schools learn how they can leverage play to create a positive learning environment. They help teachers see how simple changes during recess can have a huge impact on the entire school day: they help school staff organize inclusive games and invite everyone to participate, teach them how to use simple strategies such as rock-paper-scissors to resolve conflicts, and encourage them to jump into games with the kids and model positive language and behavior. The result is dramatic, and research backs up what they see on the playground every day: kids are active and engaged, feel included, and treat one another with respect.

The Sidney E. Frank Foundation supports Oakland, California programming for Playworks, investing in the capacity for young people to play and learn.