What We Do

Since 1997, the UNM Family Development Program's WEmagination Center has embodied a distinct approach to hands-on exploration of open-ended materials for adults. This optimizes their understanding of how young children learn through play. Wemagination is a research-based, culturally-adaptable, creative, and low cost vision for professional development. We invites adults to focus on the healing and educational value of playing, both for themselves and for the children in their care. The WE cultivates new ways of learning, coping with stress, and problem-solving. Our work aims to reinvigorate early childhood educators, early learning programs, families and communities by providing educational innovation that concentrates on the immediate positive affects naturally generated through play.

The duration and complexity of the pandemic are still being deeply felt, yet educators are expected to move forward as though nothing has changed. In speaking seriously with early childhood teachers during workshops, we have a heightened awareness of the amount of stress and anxiety that educators and caregivers have. They report they cannot relax, have trouble managing difficult behaviors in the classroom, have a hard time relating to families, and feel generally under-sourced. This is exacerbated by comparatively low wages and very little mental health support for children, their families, and their teachers. By using materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill ("Loose Parts"), participants will explore the healing properties in play.