Submitted by Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Each week for two days, a magical transformation happens at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. A busy conference room is converted into a playroom. Hundreds of miniature toys are revealed on two shelves, and a wet and a dry sand tray are uncovered. A fully equipped pretend kitchen is carefully arranged, a doll house appears, and puppets are set out to welcome in the next visitor. There are tools, a doctor’s kit, and all manner of toys on wheels. You can imagine the delight of a child in this play world! The room is ready and Heather Gladstone, the preschool PIP (Primary Intervention Program) coordinator/therapist and “Special Friend”, goes downstairs to collect her eager play date. As she enters the preschool, it is not uncommon for several children to clamber around her: “Is it my turn yet? Who are you taking upstairs next? I really need to go upstairs too!”

The big yellow building where the preschool PIP takes place houses two separate non-profits, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center and the Lopez Island Children’s Center. The preschool PIP is a collaborative effort that pairs the expertise of the LIFRC “Special Friend” (therapist) with the social and emotional needs of the Children’s Center preschoolers. It is a safe place for any child referred by parents, teachers or self. Twice a week, about an hour is spent setting up and putting away the toy collection. When asked what, if any, improvements would you see in the program, Heather’s immediate answer is more time and space. A permanent playroom would be extremely beneficial since it would enable more children to be taken off the waitlist and get involved in PIP.

Sessions are largely child-directed, with limits set only when necessary. A preschooler may choose to play in their own world the entire half hour they are in the playroom, while another may engage with the therapist the entire time. Using mostly her presence, non-confrontational language, and lots of listening, the therapist helps the child feel heard and safe. Parents and teachers feel encouraged as they witness children becoming more confident and secure, and learning new skills. Some children don’t have any identifiable “issues,” but still benefit from the program. Others have areas of their life that are difficult for them. A child may struggle to remain calm in a chaotic classroom, while another may be having a tough time adjusting to the birth of a new sibling. One child’s parents were relieved to witness their child feeling validated and heard in the playroom, and thus gaining confidence in all areas of their life. The program helps children “play” out and understand their feelings!

Thanks to the Family Resource Center’s preschool PIP, the Lopez community can pride itself on being able to identify and address problems at this early age. We can look to a healthier and stronger future as these youngsters grow with confidence emotionally, socially and academically in the magic of the preschool PIP playroom.