Programs and ServicesPROGRAMS Early Care and Education Children Today provides no-cost, high quality, early care and education through two child development centers exclusively designed to serve children and families experiencing homelessness.
We provide children with a safe, stable and nurturing environment while their parents take steps towards rebuilding their lives.
Play House West (PHW) The Play House West was opened at the Long Beach Multi Service Center (MSC) in 2000 with the capacity to serve 32 children daily. In 2007, The Play House West achieved accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), making it one of only three programs worldwide serving children experiencing homelessness to achieve this distinction.
| Infant Program: |
PHW has the capacity to serve six infants daily. |
| Toddler Program: |
PHW has the capacity to serve eight toddlers daily. |
| Preschool: |
PHW has the capacity to serve 18 preschool aged children daily. |
Play House North (PHN) The Play House North was opened in 2008 with the capacity to serve 32 children daily in north Long Beach. Play House North staff are currently conducting the 18 month process to achieve NAEYC accreditation.
| Toddler Program: |
PHN has the capacity to serve eight toddlers daily. |
| Preschool: |
PHN has the capacity to serve 24 preschool aged children daily. |
SERVICES Food Program Children served through the Play Houses are afforded two nutritious meals and one snack per day. Meals are prepared by a full time cook at on-site kitchens and served in a family style setting, designed to reinforce children’s sense of comfort and security, and help children to practice fine motor skills by allowing them to serve and pour.
The Children Today food program is supported by a contract with the California Department of Education and all meals are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Mental Health & Counseling Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Children Today employs a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to counsel and support children and families served by the Play House programs. The LCSW also manages the coordination of other services.
Wellness on Wheels: Children Today partners with The Children’s Institute, Inc. to provide on-site mental health and family support services. The Wellness on Wheels mobile team has the ability to perform Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Individual Child/Play Therapy.
Relocation and Housing Assistance Securing permanent housing is a significant accomplishment for families moving toward stability. Children Today staff support this process by finding and disseminating furniture, volunteering people and vehicles for the moving process, and in some cases procuring rental assistance for the initial months the family resides in hew housing.
Donations Distribution Children Today maintains a comprehensive Wish List of items needed both at the Play Houses and in our clients’ places of residence. When items are donated, staff and volunteers organize the items and distribute them to families in need.