Stay, Play and Learn

On our private playground, just outside the classroom door, children can dig in the sandbox, plant and harvest vegetables or enjoy pretend play in the playhouse created by our Clayton School District Facility Services. Children use big muscles on the climber, learn about spatial relationships as they build block towers or have fun creating with paint or clay in the art studio.  Imaginations are engaged in the play kitchen where a child can 'cook' dinner for mom or play dress-up with grandpa.  Social skills are enhanced as children practice taking turns with a favorite toy or the rocking horse.  Digging in the sand table with a friend is all kinds of fun for the senses. Our library provides a quiet corner to read one of our many children's books.  Helpful books on bedtime routine, temper tantrums, or fun family meals can be found there too.

Stay, Play and Learn is also a place to make new friends. They might be from your own neighborhood or from anywhere in the big wide world. You will hear Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, French or many other languages given the rich ethnic diversity of our community.
 
Friendly staff and parent educators are on hand to help you feel welcome, introduce you to new friends, suggest a great parenting book or discuss any parenting questions you might have.  Parents and caregivers supervise their own children.  Each play session ends with clean up and special Family Center songs.

Stay, Play and Learn is available to all families with children birth to kindergarten entry. Residents and non-residents may register at any time for Stay, Play and Learn membership, which becomes active as soon as you enroll! Membership is open to all groups as described in admission policy. Additional benefits include use of Family Center library, invitations to special events, membership in our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and the invaluable bond of friendship.

To enroll, please complete the Stay, Play and Learn Enrollment Form and return to the Family Center office or one of the locked drop-boxes located at the Family Center Gay Ave. entrance or by email to bridgethihn@claytonschools.net.

As enrollment is limited, confirmation of acceptance and membership fee information will be emailed to you.

2025-26 School Year Session:  August 25, 2025 – May 29, 2026

• Fall Session: August 25 - December 19, 2025
• Spring Session: January 5 - May 29, 2026
• Time: 9:15 - 11:15

Choose your session days, Monday - Friday (must choose a minimum of two)

Enjoy music time on Tuesday and Wednesday sessions.