WHAT WE DO
Our goal is to empower parents and caregivers by bringing awareness to
the connection between talk, play, and early brain development, and giving them
better access to the things that support that connection.
We help underresourced families in Chicago with children 0 - 5 years old recognize, create, and engage in opportunities for daily learning and playful conversations.
Register your family for access to books, diapers, activity templates, events, and more!
OUR INITIATIVES
TALK & PLAY AT HOME!
A Play Smart Play Date is a 10-minute session of talking and playing with your child.
By having a daily Play Date, you can help build your child's vocabulary and
early literacy skills, all while having fun and nurturing your relationship!
Need conversation ideas for your Playsmart Play Date?
Check out our partner
Play Smart Literacy is dedicated to helping underserved families in Chicago have the resources, materials, and connections that they need for their children to thrive.
Our team members can meet you virtually or in person* for assistance with:
food, diaper, clothing, book, and toy donations
childcare and family outreach programs
and more!
Register your family to get started, and email for direct assistance!
*Play Smart Literacy only meets public spaces, including but not limited to: public parks, daycare centers, DFSS shelters, and laundromats.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for play themes,
book recommendations, our event calendar, and more!
ENTER OUR
10TH BIRTHDAY RAFFLE!
Play Smart Literacy is reaching our 10th birthday and we're inviting our community to celebrate a decade of building relationships, boosting brain power, and spreading the joy of play throughout Chicago.
And as our birthday gift to YOU, Play Smart is holding a $1,000 grand prize raffle!
Raffle tickets are $10, and go towards our donations and programs.
Take the chance to win and help us spread joy through books, diapers, play kits, and more!
HELP PLAY SMART THRIVE!
We believe that team work makes the dream work.
We appreciate any and all assistance to help Play Smart Literacy continue to serve underresourced families and children in Chicago.
Donate to support our programming, resources, and donations to Play Smart families!
Volunteer with the Play Smart team, or help organize an event or partnership with Play Smart Literacy!