why p.l.a.y?

Growing up on the colorful streets of The Bronx, New York, my sister and I started working early. Every summer, our job was to leave the house after the sun came up and play until just before sundown. We played hard and we were serious about our play! Some days we would explore Dead Man’s Cave (why was that not scary as children?) We primarily played double-dutch,  and would mix things up with hopscotch and tag.  

These activities instilled a sense of play that has remained with us throughout our lives. We grew up creating dance moves for our girl group and hula hooping. In our older years, we visited bounce houses and became certified Zumba instructors. We decided to found P.L.A.Y.Cali because, as a Masters prepared educator and Advanced Practice RN, we have seen the research and know that our kids need more physical activity to live healthier lives!

We know we cannot battle the current technology of the smartphone and all the wonder it has to offer. Children will have screen time because parents have screen time. We had Atari and Nintendo. We can put up a good fight...or we can play! What we hope to do is to bring back a respect for physical activity and all the benefits it offers. We want parents to see it working in their children’s lives.

​Our mission is to bring back physical activity, one school at a time.

how can p.l.a.y. benefit the special young person in your life?

☀ Mental Health Disorders
The effectiveness of physical activity has been proven in children with mental health disorders.  Physical activity has been linked to improved emotional self-regulation, peer socialization, improved motor function and learning, and a decrease in depression.  

☀ Autism Spectrum Disorders
Physical activity has been shown to increase muscle strength, improve posture, motor control, and coordination.  Structured play improves physical function and promotes appropriate social behaviors such as waiting your turn and playing fair.

☀ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Decreased physical activity linked to depression and anxiety. Obesity is common as children with ADHD grow older.  Increased physical activity works to decrease depression, anxiety, and obesity.

☀ Physical Disabilities
Children with physical disabilities may have feelings of low confidence, increased frustration, inadequacy, and feeling devalued. Aerobic activity increases feelings of increased self-respect, self-perception, and improved socialization.
⭑ WHy p.la.y?
Growing up on the colorful streets of The Bronx, New York, my sister and I started working early. Every summer, our job was to leave the house after the sun came up and play until just before sundown. We played hard and we were serious about our play! Some days we would explore Dead Man’s Cave (why was that not scary as children?) We primarily played double-dutch,  and would mix things up with hopscotch and tag.  

These activities instilled a sense of play that has remained with us throughout our lives. We grew up creating dance moves for our girl group and hula hooping. In our older years, we visited bounce houses and became certified Zumba instructors. We decided to found P.L.A.YCali because, as a Masters prepared educator and Advanced Practice RN, we have seen the research and know that our kids need more physical activity to live healthier lives!

We know we cannot battle the current technology of the smartphone and all the wonder it has to offer. Children will have screen time because parents have screen time. We had Atari and Nintendo. We can put up a good fight..or we can play! What we hope to do is to bring back a respect for physical activity and all the benefits it offers. We want parents to see it working in their children’s lives.

​Our mission is to bring back physical activity, one school at a time.
⭑ How can P.L.A.Y. benefit the special young person in your life? 
  • Mental Health
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Physical Disabilities
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The effectiveness of physical activity has been proven in children with mental health disorders.  Physical activity has been linked to improved emotional self-regulation, peer socialization, improved motor function and learning, and a decrease in depression.  ​
Physical activity has been shown to increase muscle strength, improve posture, motor control, and coordination.  Structured play improves physical function and promotes appropriate social behaviors such as waiting your turn and playing fair.
Decreased physical activity linked to depression and anxiety. Obesity is common as children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder grow older.  Increased physical activity works to decrease depression, anxiety, and obesity.
Children with physical disabilities may have feelings of low confidence, increased frustration, inadequacy, and feeling devalued. Aerobic activity increases feelings of increased self-respect, self-perception, and improved socialization.