Core Values and Beliefs Play is Vital. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in play. We believe that parents and caregivers are children s first playmates, and they play a critical role in creating a healthy balance of playtime experiences for their children throughout their childhood s from make-believe play, toys, video and computer games, to organized sports and activities. We believe parents and caregivers need and want or guidance and support in creating a balance that emphasizes creative, imaginative and non-violent play. The more we help them understand the characteristics of constructive play and how play, learning and growth are connected the more they will be empowered to make informed decisions about play.
Collaboration is essential.
We believe that open dialogue and collaborative action between the various constituencies of Playing for Keeps is necessary to achieve our goals. We will strive to be inclusive of the diverse perspectives represented within our coalition as we build our organization and define our initiatives. All children do not have equal access to constructive play. Therefore, Playing for Keeps needs to take steps to ensure that every child, regardless of such factors as socioeconomic background or level of ability, has rich opportunities for play. We have an obligation to make things better.