Get Out and P.L.A.Y. event sponsored by Texas Trust
Learning starts well before pre-K. That’s why Arlington ISD equips toddlers’ first teachers – their parents – with resources and ideas.
In fact, that’s exactly what Arlington ISD’s family and community engagement department’s Get Out and P.L.A.Y. events aim to do. Last week, over 40 families gathered at Veterans Park for a fun outdoor session led by the district’s Toddler Time teachers, where parents and children, from birth to school age, connected and played outside.
“It’s all about being outdoors,” said toddler time teacher Vanessa Valadez. “We realize how beneficial it is for kids now. They often don’t get a lot of outdoor time because they have a lot of screen time.”
Funded by the Texas Trust Foundation, families also received an outdoor play bag filled with jump ropes, bubbles, soccer balls, blankets and other outdoor play equipment.
“It’s so cool to me,” said toddler parent Jaylen Miles. “They provide books, backpacks and stuff for our kids to play with. It’s so awesome.”
But the Get Out and P.L.A.Y. (Parents and toddlers Learning At home, whY?) program offers more than just outdoor goodies – it’s about building community.
“I was looking to make more mom friends and I wanted my daughter to make friends, too,” Miles said. “As a single mother, it helps me navigate toddlerhood.”
For Valadez, the program empowers parents as their child’s first teachers. 
“We let parents know that everyone here is doing life at the same time,” Valadez said. “We’re able to find support through people who understand and are going through the same things we are. We’re so appreciative of those who come out to play with us. We really do feel like we’re not only impacting the child but also the home.”
With endless opportunities for little ones in Arlington ISD, it’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s future.
“As a mom who’s new to the area, we’ve already learned so much with this program,” Miles said. “Once my daughter turns three, she’s definitely joining the pre-K 3 program.”
Learn more about early childhood parent and family support here.