Play Club is built to feel very different from traditional aftercare. With a small group of just 6 kids, we focus on building relationships and social skills, creating a calm environment, and giving kids space to play, create, learn, and connect.

Rather than managing a large group, we’re intentionally cultivating a place where each child is known, included, and excited to return.

While Play Club is not focused on homework or traditional academics, it supports something even more foundational: the skills that drive academic success.

CASEL Research consistently shows that when children develop strong social-emotional skills—such as self-regulation, focus, flexibility, and motivation—their academic performance improves.

In a smaller, relationship-based environment like Play Club, children have daily opportunities to practice these skills in real time—navigating friendships, managing emotions, solving problems, and persisting through challenges.

These moments build executive functioning skills like attention, planning, and adaptability, which are essential for learning in the classroom and beyond. (ASPE)

Research from Edutopia also shows that after-school environments are especially powerful for this kind of growth, because they are less structured and allow for deeper relationships and more natural, meaningful practice of these skills.

In short, we’re not adding more academic pressure—we’re strengthening the underlying skills that help kids feel confident, engaged, and capable learners.

Yes—with intention. Play Club is largely a screen-free environment because we believe children benefit most from real-world connection, play, and creativity after a full day of school.

Our approach is influenced by research from organizations such as Let Grow and experts such as Jon Haidt, who highlight the impact of excessive screen time on kids’ social, emotional, and mental well-being. (The Amazing Generation)

That said, we do allow limited, purposeful use of screens when appropriate—such as for homework or occasional project-based exploration.

Our goal isn’t rigidity, but balance: creating space for kids to engage with each other, use their imagination, and experience the kind of unstructured time that supports healthy development.

Yes. We intentionally design the environment to work across ages, with activities that are open-ended and engaging for older kids as well.

Mixed-age groups also create opportunities for leadership, confidence-building, and more dynamic friendships.

Adults practice “The Mentor Mindset”, informed by David Yaeger’s research, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading The Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier.

We balance structure with flexibility so kids feel both safe and free to be themselves.

We start each session with outdoor time, allowing for decompression and letting off steam. Then we walk back to the clubhouse, where kids can do homework, build structures, read, create a song or dance, paint, draw, craft, plan a group outing, or hang out in the courtyard.

We encourage hobbies and creative projects of any kind, as studies show they reduce cortisol levels and support emotion regulation.

When children complete a creative project based on their own vision, they build confidence and resilience and experience JOY.

Both are wonderful options. Coming with a friend can ease those first-day nerves, but coming alone can be just as powerful.

Play Club is intentionally designed to give kids something many are missing in hectic lives—time and space to build real connections.

When children attend independently, they have the chance to practice putting themselves out there, initiating friendships, and growing in confidence. We gently support this process so every child feels welcomed, included, and part of the group.

We accommodate guests when space allows, at the drop-in rate.

That’s completely okay—and very common. Because of our small group size, we’re able to gently support each child at their own pace.

We don’t force participation, but we do thoughtfully create opportunities for connection. Over time, even more reserved kids begin to feel comfortable, build friendships, and find their place in the group.

Thank you for sharing this—we take situations like this seriously and see them as important opportunities for growth.

Our small group setting allows us to be very intentional about relationships, and we work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe and supported.

If your child has concerns about another member, we encourage you to reach out and let us know. We can thoughtfully support both children—helping them navigate the situation, build communication skills, and, when appropriate, repair and strengthen the relationship.

We also recognize that learning to move through social challenges is an important part of development.

With guidance, children build resilience, empathy, and confidence by working through difficult moments—and often both children learn and grow in the process.

At the same time, we are careful not to force interactions. Our goal is to create a space where kids feel comfortable, respected, and supported as they develop the skills to handle relationships over time.

On school days, we meet the kids outside schools, within walking distance of the club. Then we walk to the park or the clubhouse together.

If driving, parents and caregivers can text upon arrival and pull up in the parking lot at 2518 N. Clark (At the corner of Clark/Deming, across from Colectivo)

Walkers ring the buzzer at 2518 (The entrance with the bench).

During the summer, parents and caregivers drop off and pick up at the Clark/Deming space.

Kids with written permission can walk home on their own.