Providing impactful community resources in the Greater Richmond area for over 40 years.
The Children’s Museum continues to be a reliable source for caregiver information and programming since merging with Commonwealth Parenting in 2013. Our Family Engagement Manager has developed and facilitated school readiness playgroups with strategic partners, focused on learning through play. Key partners include Sacred Heart Center, Richmond and Chesterfield libraries and the YMCA.
These playgroups help caregivers find simple, manageable ways to support and strengthen children’s development. Parents who have participated in our playgroups have taken on the role of co-facilitators, actively leading sessions and sharing their expertise and experiences with other families.
This work has also expanded to our radio program, “Learn Through Play with CMoR” Aprende Jugando con el Museo de los Niños, where we address topics relevant to children’s development and the skills they need for a successful transition to school.
In our experiences with families, Family Engagement incorporates LEGO® The 5 Characteristics of Learning Through Play and The Basics to support children’s development and school readiness.
Play is essential to a child’s development and supports their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Through community partnerships, parent leadership workshops, playgroups, radio programming, print and digital resources, and museum-based learning experiences, the Children’s Museum’s Family Engagement programs seek to provide learning opportunities for the whole family while empowering caregivers through the power of play.
Caregiver Tip Sheets
Our infographic tip sheets help caregivers with research-based ideas and support home learning. While some printed tip sheets are available in both museum locations, all are available below. Special thanks to VCU doctoral students for their research and creative skills and to the Spratley Family for funding this project.
