Anchorage School District
District
Play to Learn offers children opportunities to build essential kindergarten readiness skills through engaging, play-based learning experiences. This free Anchorage School District program works alongside families, educators, and community partners to support early learning and help children transition confidently into kindergarten. Play to Learn offerings include cohorts, library events, and community playgroup pop-ups.
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About Play to Learn Cohort (P2L)
Play to Learn Cohort brings together preschool-aged children (not yet in kindergarten), their caregivers, an early childhood teacher, and a family coordinator. Caregivers stay in the classroom with their child during each session, and siblings are welcome.
Weekly playgroups help children build school readiness through play while practicing positive classroom behaviors. Caregivers connect with other families and learn Conscious Discipline strategies to support social-emotional development, strengthen family relationships, and encourage positive behaviors at home, along with discovering local resources and activities.
What are the benefits of joining a P2L Cohort?
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Supports school readiness by offering age-appropriate activities in a classroom setting that helps children become familiar with routines, expectations, and group learning.
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Builds social connections for both children and caregivers, fostering friendships and a strong sense of community.
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Connects families to local resources and provides tools, information, and ideas to support learning at home.
How can my family participate?
Play to Learn Cohorts are a commitment. Families are expected to attend two 90-minute sessions per week for the full duration of their cohort.
To stay informed about upcoming cohorts, join our mailing list.
If a cohort schedule does not work for your family, we invite you to explore our other Play to Learn events listed below.
What happens each week?
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Educational, play-based learning activities
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Circle time to build classroom routines and social skills
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Time for caregivers to connect, share resources, and learn activity ideas
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Gross motor and sensory play opportunities
Interested in receiving upcoming information and events?
2026/27 School Year Cohort
Quarter 1- Fall 26/27 cohort will prioritize 4 year olds (must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026) but we will consider 3-4 year olds (must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2026), if there is space available. Younger siblings are welcome to join. If child turns 5 on or before Sept. 1, he/she will be in Kindergarten and is not eligible for Play to Learn Cohort.
The dates and time of the cohort (Tuesdays and Wednesdays):
Dates: 9/1, 9/2, 9/8, 9/9, 9/15, 9/16, 9/22, 9/23, 9/29, 9/30, 10/6, 10/7
Time: 10:30-12:00pm
Register HERE for Quarter 1 Fall Cohort
Join our mailing list to receive updates about future cohorts.
Activity + Story at The Workshop
This free activity is geared towards preschool children (ages 2-5) and their families. Hands-on craft projects led by ASD in partnership with The Workshop team.
Activity Class starts at 10:30 a.m. and story time starts at 11 a.m.
Story time is open to all ages and their families.
When and Where is it?
Every Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
at The Workshop (in Huffman Square) 1120 Huffman Rd Ste 11
The Workshop will resume September 4th, 2026
Play Labs at the Library
Play Labs are free, hands-on early learning experiences for young children and their caregivers. Each event features a variety of interactive play stations designed to build kindergarten readiness through exploration, creativity, and play.
Children and families can explore activities focused on early literacy, math, STEM, art, sensory play, fine and gross motor development, dramatic play, and social-emotional learning. Each Play Lab also includes themed read-alouds, Make & Take activities, and opportunities to connect with community partners.
Play Labs are a partnership between Anchorage School District and Anchorage Public Library. Staff from both organizations will be at the activity stations to answer questions, support families, and share ideas for building kindergarten readiness through everyday play.
When and Where is it?
Saturdays from 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- August 22, 2026 – Loussac Library
- September 19, 2026 – Mountain View Library
- October 17, 2026 – Chugiak-Eagle River Library
- November 14, 2026 – Muldoon Library
- December 12, 2026 – Loussac Library
Future Events with Play to Learn:
Tuesdays at King Tech
This is a collaboration between Anchorage School District's Play to Learn and King Tech's Early Childhood Education programs. Join your child for a play session where they get to engage with high school students aspiring to be educators.
A Play to Learn educator will be at each session to share tips and tricks for home: creating routines and rituals, managing transitions, and navigating challenging behaviors with some of our fun make and take activities.
Tuesdays at King Tech will resume in Fall 2026
PLAY TO LEARN MISSION AND VISION
MISSION
Empowering families and early learners through community-based play and meaningful connection to foster foundational skills for school and lifelong success.
VISION
As a responsive community gateway, we foster high-quality early learning through guided play and caregiver engagement, ensuring every family has the tools and resources to successfully navigate the journey to kindergarten and beyond.
PLAY TO LEARN PARTNERSHIP
If you would like to host Pop-Up Playgroups at your location, let us bring the program to you! This can be a single event or regularly occurring playgroup depending on the needs of your group or program. If you are interested in hosting Pop-Up Playgroups at your location or have questions regarding Play to Learn, email a P2L Educator: June semmens_june@asdk12.org