In the fall of 2012, Play At The Core was launched in New York City as a program initiative of the global humanitarian organization, Right To Play. Through foundational partnerships with the New York City Department of Education and the Administration for Children’s Services, Play At The Core offered training and technical assistance aimed at improving teaching practices through play.
Over the course of five years, Play At The Core developed into an innovative, research-based consulting model, empowering dramatic program quality gains among some of New York’s most under-supported youth programs. In early 2018, Play At The Core became an independent youth development consulting organization. To date, Play At The Core has partnered with more than 50 different youth development organizations and 500 practitioners and program leaders, impacting over 10,000 children.
“Play At The Core is not only knowledgeable, but an excellent collaborative partner — respecting our existing work, but also bringing a fresh perspective on how to build our capacity. While maintaining their dedication to play, their team is serious about deliverables, timelines, and results. If you’d like a consultant that’s a true teammate and a pro in community-centered social change work, Play At The Core will make you stronger and leave you feeling like you made a wise investment.”
– Rebekah Roulier, LMHC
Doc Wayne Youth Services
With extensive experience in program development and leadership, our consulting team draws expertise from their work across the youth program landscape: from early childhood development through college-readiness; sports-based youth development to after school programming; therapeutic recreation to clinical treatment and counseling. Diverse backgrounds in social work, public health, education, and the arts, allow our consultants to bring a blend of innovation, curiosity, and play to our work with partners — inspiring both connection and impact. Interested in becoming a Play At The Core consultant? Contact us to learn more.
