About Playmaker University

Many of the people who dedicate their careers to caring for our most nation's most vulnerable were once vulnerable kids themselves. It took a special person to help them see their inherent goodness and value. To show them that they mattered. We call those people Playmakers.

At Playmaker University, we'll share tools and approaches to building healing, life-changing relationships with children through play. The goal is to help you become the Playmaker behind these future change-makers.

Why should I enroll?

• Spark joy, riegnite and sustain passion in your work

• Gain more evidence-based tools & trauma-informed, play-based activities to build positive relationships and help kids heal

• Learn from an inspiring community of early childhood educators from all over the country who are working to ensure that life is good for all kids. Just like you.

We've Learned from the World's Greatest Experts - Kids

Our approach to working with children didn't come from a book. It came from over 30 years of working, and playing, with children and educators from communities struggling to overcome some of life's greatest challenges. Our goal has always been the same - to help kids and the people who care for them regain a sense of safety, community, engagement, and joy.

Our curriculum is reesarch-based, trauma-informed, and designed to support NAEYC program standards, fulfill your professional development requirements for Diverse Learning, and reduce burnout. All of which is to say: We're serious about play.
View the course catalog here.

Life-Long Learning at Playmaker University

You can attend Playmaker University anytime, from anywhere. Our signature, virtual certificate program begins with a one-hour live kickoff session followed by 10 courses, ranging from 1-1.5 hours each, that you complete on your own schedule. When you finish those courses, you'll graduate into a dynamic alumni community with a lifetime of benefits for you and the children you serve.

Your alumni benefits include access to:

• The Life is Good® Superpower Kit (digital edition)

• Awesome advanced trainings

• Invitations to exclusive events

• Life is Good® cap, gown (actually, a shirt) and diploma

• Playmaker Games Library

• Live coaching and consultation

Tuition & Scholarship Information

• Fully Virtual Path: 15 hours. Take anywhere. Pajamas welcome. Tuition is $495. Scholarships available.

• 2-Day In-Person Kick-off: For anadditional $250, get a full retreat experience designed to help you refuel and rejuvenate–all while having a whole lot of fun and creating lasting connections with peers. Breakfast and lunch are included on both days. Lodging is available.

The scholarship application is available as part of the Playmaker University application. If you are applying for a scholarship, please allow 15 business days for review.

Flexible Learning Paths

As soon as you're accepted, you can choose your own kickoff adventure! You can decide to go all virtual, with a 1-hour kickoff event over zoom OR blend your online coursework with a rejuvenating, in-person experience. Following the kickoff, you can complete the online coursework at your own pace before graduation. Spaces are filling up quickly, so apply today and save the date that works best for you!

Kickoff Dates

Choose Your Path. Then Your Date!

Virtual Path (Choose One):

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, @ 7 PM ET

Thursday, May 7th, 2025 @4 PM ET

Thursday, May 7th, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, @ 7 PM ET

Thursday, July 10th, 2025 @4 PM ET

Thursday, July 10th, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

Thursday, September 18th, 2025 @4 PM ET

Thursday, September 18th, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

In-person Workshops & Retreats (for Enrolled Students):

• May 17th, 2025 - Boston, MA

• November 8-9th, 2025 - Boston, MA

Is Playmaker University for me?

Playmaker University is designed primarily for early childhood professionals working with children under the age of 10. However, since the Playmaker Approach can be easily adapted to work with children of all ages, those working with older children are also welcome to apply. After all, who couldn't use a little more play in their lives?