Playmaker University is designed primarily for early childhood professionals working with children under the age of 10. However, since the Playmaker Approach can be easily adapted to work with children of all ages, those working with older children are also welcome to apply. After all, who couldn't use a little more play in their lives? Come to Playmaker University to:

• Spark joy, reignite and sustain passion in your work
• Gain more evidence-based tools & trauma-informed, play-based activities to build positive relationships and help kids heal
• Learn from an inspiring community of early childhood professionals from all over the country who are working to ensure that life is good for all kids. Just like you.

Our approach to working with children didn't come from a book. It came from over 30 years of working, and playing, with children and educators from communities struggling to overcome some of life's greatest challenges. Our goal has always been the same - to help kids and the people who care for them regain a sense of safety, community, engagement, and joy.

Our curriculum is research-based, trauma-informed, and designed to support NAEYC program standards, fulfill your professional development requirements for Diverse Learning, and reduce burnout. Yup. We're serious about play.

You can attend Playmaker University anytime, from anywhere. Our signature, virtual certificate program begins with a one-hour live kickoff session followed by 10 courses, ranging from 1-1.5 hours each, that you complete on your own schedule. When you finish those courses, you'll completed a final assignments & then graduate into a dynamic alumni community with a lifetime of benefits for you and the children you serve.

Your alumni benefits include access to:

• The Life is Good® Superpower Kit (digital edition)
• Awesome advanced trainings
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Life is Good® cap, gown (actually, a shirt) and diploma 
• Playmaker Games Library
• Live coaching and consultation

As soon as you're accepted, you can choose your own kickoff adventure! You can decide to go all virtual, with a 1-hour kickoff event over zoom, or you can choose to add on a rejuvenating, in-person experience to complement your online coursework when available.

Why choose in-person? Because in the words of Bob Marley, ‘who feels it, knows it.’ These experiences are designed to spark joy and reignite your passion in this demanding, life-changing work. You’ll get to play, connect with other passionate colleagues in the field, and innovate with peers around how to bring the Playmaker approach into your daily practice. Following the kickoff, you can complete the online coursework at your own pace before graduation.

Tuition is $495 and includes the full 18-hour online training plus a full year of ongoing coaching & support. Scholarships available.

The scholarship application is available as part of the Playmaker University application. If you are applying for a scholarship, please allow 10 business days for review.