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Families in Garland County now have free access to a high-quality online preschool education program thanks to a new partnership between Playgarden Prep and the Garland County Library (GCL). Available for free with a library card, Playgarden Online is designed for children ages 2–4 and supports early learning, kindergarten readiness, and family engagement at home.
Founded in New York City in 2008, Playgarden Prep has been a leader in early childhood education, expanding from in-person campuses to online programming in 2020. Its curriculum is developed by certified Montessori teachers, therapists, and early education specialists who have worked closely with librarians around the country to ensure the program meets the developmental needs of young children and integrates seamlessly with existing youth services.
“We are so excited for patrons to have free access to this program,” says Chanan Emmons, a GCL Youth Programs Coordinator. “Lessons can be completed at the time that works best for each family and can travel with the child between different locations and caregivers. It’s a high-caliber program with maximum flexibility.”
Playgarden Online features a Montessori-inspired curriculum led by certified teachers and educational specialists. The program takes about three hours a day, five days a week to complete and includes structured daily lessons, hands-on activities, and live interactive Zoom classes, which occur between 10 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday. Content is offered in English and Spanish and supports language development, early literacy, sensory exploration, and social-emotional growth
Learning areas include:
DIY at-home projects use simple household materials, with weekly worksheets outlining what families will need. An internet connection is required, and the program can be accessed on smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers.
In addition to online learning, families can participate in weekly in-person playdates on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. at the Garland County Library. Playdates are limited to 12 children per session.
“Playdates will give students the opportunity to make friends and engage in early socialization,” says Emmons. “We’ll sing, move, and complete some of the weekly activities. Parents can also pick up printouts of that week’s worksheets.”
For more information on accessing Playgarden Online with a Garland County Library card, visit the library or contact the GCL Children's Department at 501-623-4161, or visit gclibrary.com.
