At Play to Grow we believe in the importance of working to encourage development and strengthen relationships through play. We hope to provide activities that practice inclusivity and are culturally aware, as well as achievable by various levels of abilities. Our plans are made for caregivers and their children to interact through simple songs, fingerplays, and household materials, all to foster development.
Play to grow strives to foster the developmental growth of babies and toddlers through simple play activities and achievable goals. With a background in education and a love of learning, we encourage, share, and teach families through positive, respectful, and thoughtful interaction in a relaxed environment. We believe that play achieved using basic materials, familiar songs, creativity, and love can spark a child’s interest and imagination, strengthen their relationships with others, and expand their knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Chelsie & Michele
We met as colleagues in a preschool special education classroom where we quickly found that our style and philosophy of teaching was compatible and we genuinely enjoyed planning, creating, and teaching together. Our easy professional relationship turned into a lasting friendship as we both continued to teach students of various ages and abilities. Together we have over 28 years of teaching experience!
After starting our own families, we both made the decision to leave the full-time commitment of the classroom setting and spend more time raising our kiddos.
Chelsie
In 2017, I created Play to Grow because I noticed a need in the community for families to connect, play, and learn with their babies and toddlers in a fun, yet relaxed environment. It wasn’t long, however, before I yearned for the comradery of working together with someone who shared the enjoyment of connections often made with children and parents. So, in 2019, I decided to ask Michele to join forces and became a partner of Play to Grow!
I live with my husband, daughter, son, 2 cats and a dog named Marty McFly. It’s a full house. My favorite family time is spent on the beach and for self care I like to read, exercise, and bullet journal.
Michele
I live with my husband and young son. I am a part-time reading therapist for Cooper Learning Center and keep busy by dreaming of renovations for my home, baking bread, and organizing the toys. Family time involves lots of cooking, playing, dancing, taking hikes, and reading together.
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