Play and Learn

Play and Learn is a fun and interactive program that is offered free-of-charge for children ages birth to 3+ and their caregivers, who reside in the Madison School District.

The Play and Learn sessions provide a learning environment for families who may not have access to similar opportunities and who are not currently participating in similar programs. Children learn early math, literacy, and social skills through play and caregivers learn about child development, the importance of play, and parenting skills.

Adult helping small children mix food ingredients

Our Mission

The mission of the Madison Metropolitan School District's Play and Learn Program is to provide a quality environment where parents and caregivers can develop and strengthen skills to enhance their child’s learning and growth in literacy, math, and social skills.

Program Goals

To strengthen caregivers’ knowledge of child development and appropriate ways to stimulate learning
To increase caregivers’ access to materials and ideas that can be replicated with children in their homes
To promote community among participants and staff to support families with young children
To provide a means for early detection of potential developmental delays
To enhance caregivers’ competence and confidence in giving the child the best possible start in life

Who Can Attend?

The Play and Learn program is open to families who live in the Madison Metropolitan School District. The program model requires parents/caregivers to attend with the children. This may include parents, grandparents, other relatives, or non-regulated in-home care providers. Based on the nature of the program, with a focus on parent/caregiver education, we ask that parents/caregivers limit the number of children that they bring to any given session to three children. There is no cost to participate. Families are asked to attend on a regular basis due to limited capacity and waiting lists. Families can attend for two school years. Please contact a Play and Learn staff member to learn more about attending Play and Learn sessions.

The program model requires parents/caregivers to attend with the children.
With a focus on parent/caregiver education, we ask that parents/caregivers limit the number of children that they bring to any given session to three children. There is no cost to participate

2025-2026 Play & Learn Site Schedule

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Bayview Foundation 103 La Mariposa Ln 10:00am - 12:00pm Kyianna & Min 212-4683 or 212-4632	Bayview Foundation 103 La Mariposa Ln 9:30am - 11:30am or 12:30pm - 2:30pm Kyianna & Min 212-4683 or 212-4632		Meadowood Neighborhood Center 5740 Raymond Rd 10:00am - 12:00pm Kyianna & Min 212-4683 or 212-4632	Packer Comm. Learning Center 1927 Northport Dr 10:00am - 12:00pm Kyianna & Min 212-4683 or 212-4632
Nuestro Mundo Comm. School 4201 Buckeye Rd 10:00am - 12:00pm Kate & Diane 204-6784 or 204-6785	Centro of Dane County 2403 Cypress Way 10:00am - 12:00pm Kate & Diane 204-6784 or 204-6785	Packer Comm. Learning Center 1927 Northport Dr. 10:00am - 12:00pm Kate & Diane 204-6784 or 204-6785		Meadowood Neighborhood Center 5740 Raymond Rd 9:00am - 11:00am or 12:30pm - 2:30pm Kate & Diane 204-6784 or 204-6785
	Lussier Comm. Ed Center 55 S Gammon Rd. 10:00am - 12:00pm Tameka & Emma 204-7902 or 212-0634	Meadowood Neighborhood Center 5740 Raymond Rd 10:00am - 12:00pm Tameka & Emma 204-7902 or 212-0634	Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center 504 S Brearly St. 9:00am - 11:00am or 12:00pm - 2:00pm Tameka & Emma 204-7902 or 212-0634	Lussier Comm. Ed Center 55 S Gammon Rd. 10:00am - 12:00pm Tameka & Emma 204-7902 or 212-0634
Centro of Dane County 2403 Cypress Way 12:00pm - 2:00pm DeBorah & Rissel 442-2894 or 204-7918	Centro of Dane County 2403 Cypress Way 1:00pm - 3:00pm DeBorah & Rissel 442-2894 or 204-7918	Nuestro Mundo Comm. School 4201 Buckeye Rd 10:00am - 12:00pm DeBorah & Rissel 442-2894 or 204-7918	YWCA (YWCA families only) 101 East Mifflin Street 12:00pm - 2:00pm DeBorah & Rissel 442-2894 or 204-7918	Nuestro Mundo Comm. School 4201 Buckeye Rd 12:00pm - 2:00pm DeBorah & Rissel 442-2894 or 204-7918

Apply to Play and Learn Sessions

The 2025-26 Play and Learn applications will open August 25th.

Apply Today

Families are able to complete the application process fully online.

Families with questions can review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below or contact Play and Learn Leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can another caregiver bring my child?

Yes, your child may come with another adult family member or child care provider. I want to register for your program.

2. My child attends childcare in Madison, but I live outside of Madison. Can my child still attend the Play and Learn program?

Yes, if the child is coming with a child care provider who resides in Madison, they may attend a MMSD Play and Learn. As the parent, you are still responsible for filling out the application.

3. Do I have to stay with my child the entire Play and Learn Session?

Yes, the Play and Learn Program is a Caregiver-Child education program. We expect children to be with their caregiver the entirety of the session each week.

4. Can I bring my work computer/take a work call during Play and Learn sessions?

We ask that adults put away their work computers and phones for the two hours attending Play and Learn. If you must leave the room to answer the phone, we ask that you take your child/children with you.

5. Can I leave my child at Play and Learn to run an errand?

No, the Play and Learn Program is a Caregiver-Child education program. We expected children to be with their caregiver the entirety of the session each week.

6. What if my child has an allergy?

We avoid snacks containing peanuts, nuts, or seeds.

Two small children playing with pretend food

Community Agency or Organization Interest in Community Partnership with MMSD

If you are a Madison community organization and have interest in considering a partnership with MMSD Play and Learn, please complete the Community Partner interest form and our administrators will follow up with you.

Please know that the sharing of a community organization's information is not considered a partnership per MMSD Board Policy 7544.

This form is not intended for families to fill out regarding registration for Play and Learn.

Complete Community Interest Form

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