Director's Corner



Play is important work and a vital early literacy practice.  For young children, especially, play is the process of building knowledge of the world and their place in it.  Play provides positive socialization and aids in the child’s transition to the world of abstract learning.  Studies have shown that children deprived of play opportunities demonstrate social, emotional and cognitive narrowing and are less able to handle stress.

Starting this month, with the opening of the Playful Parenting Room,  Northland continues to expand its emergent literacy services to the young children and their caregivers.  Featuring age appropriate toys and books, the area will provide a special place for children under the age of 5 and their caregivers to share the fun of play with and to learn together through imagination.  As Pittsburgh’s own Mr. Rogers noted:  “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”