Museum Delivers Hands-On Play and Learning to Children in Need

The Play to Learn Everywhere Program with DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) delivers play-based initiatives that provide active, hands-on experiences that engage children and families and help young learners develop cognitive, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills. Fun is at the core of all the program’s learning experiences that promote an understanding and appreciation of art, math, and science. The program is available to everyone everywhere with a special emphasis on removing barriers to participation for all children facing health and housing crises.

DCM CEO, Andrea Wiles shares, “We gathered community stakeholders, educators and caregivers to help identify ways to create equitable access for all children including those facing food insecurity, homelessness and health crisis. We have deepened our partnerships with community organizations, hospitals and health care providers to ensure we can provide compelling early learning and STEM experiences wherever children are.”

Recently, children in families receiving housing supports from DuPagePads had the opportunity to play like scientists with DCM. According to DCM Chief of Play and Learning, Brett Nicolas, who delivered the STEM with DCM Sound All Around Lab, "The best days of a museum educator are the days we see the joy of learning in the eyes of children."

Alicia Mandolini, Director of Supportive Housing at DuPagePads shared, "...there was lots of giggling, oooh-ing and ahhh-ing…. This event and opportunity are SO important to our children. I hope we do many, many more. The engagement, positive interaction and learning experience are bar none....and help the kids dream. We heard kids say they wanted to be a scientist! We want them to know they can do it and be exposed to all that life has to offer!"

Art and STEM with DCM virtual labs offer playful learning experiences and use tangible materials to get children thinking by designing, creating, testing, and having fun. Children explore, play, and learn without fear of failure and gain valuable experiences that further their development.
STEM with DCM and Bubble Bash activities (DCM’s New Year’s Eve celebration), were also declared a blast at Lurie Children's Hospital! Leveraging a train-the-trainer model to deliver STEM with DCM to hospitalized children on-demand, DCM teamed up with Scott Zagalak, a teacher at Lurie Children's Hospital, to facilitate the Build A Bridge lab and some of the Bubble Bash activities.

Enthusiastic feedback from Zagalak included, "I did the Build a Bridge Lab with two students, 15- and 10-years-old. They both had a blast, and we had incredible conversation throughout the building process and after as they both brainstormed what they would do differently in the future…(The Bubble Bash) students were 7- and 6-years-old...we had to make it rain confetti at least three times each, you know, just for practice for the big day. Ha, ha, ha! … Thank you, and I am excited about continuing to collaborate with DCM!”

DuPage Children’s Museum has supported children learning about their world through play, creativity, and experimentation for over 30 years. The pandemic presents new challenges to parents and caregivers to connect with quality resources and to engage with a community of support. DCM has again risen to the challenge by designing accessible programming to ensure families continue to thrive.

“I applaud and recognize the DCM team for creating a rich body of work,” hails Kitty Ryan, DCM board member and retired assistant superintendent for elementary education. “Parents can pick from a number of just in time resources that show, ‘We are here for you and your children.’’' To find quality learning resources for parents, children, teachers and community organizations supporting young children, visit dupagechildrens.org.

About DuPage Children’s Museum
The Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children through its mission: “DuPage Children’s Museum ignites the potential of all children to learn through hands-on exploration by integrating art, math, and science.” Interactive exhibits and programs make learning fun for children and adults playing together. In a typical year, DCM serves over 300,000 visitors annually representing all 50 states. DCM’s reach and support represent well beyond the Chicagoland area. The Museum’s impact extends across cultural, financial, and educational boundaries. It touches the lives of children from all regions, providing the building blocks for success in school and life. The Museum is located at 301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, www.dupagechildrens.org or call (630) 637-8000.

About DuPagePads
Recognizing over 35 years of service, DuPagePads is the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment to restore hope and transform lives. The administration office is located at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187. Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.

About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is the largest pediatric healthcare provider in the region with a 130 year legacy of excellence. We are proud to serve as the pediatric teaching and research partner of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and are ranked nationally in all 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is located at 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611. Visit www.luriechildrens.org/ or call 1.800.543.7362.