TrainingGrounds

TrainingGrounds partners with parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals to ensure children from birth to age five experience nurturing interactions, rich learning opportunities, and strong social‑emotional foundations that set the stage for long‑term success. We work hand‑in‑hand with families and educators to reinforce one shared message: the first five years matter, and together we can make sure every child has the foundation they need to thrive.

WE PLAY

The We PLAY Center is a free play space designed especially for children birth to three and their parent or caregiver. Through child‑led exploration, we help build early language, cognitive growth, and social‑emotional skills while offering caregivers practical tools and ongoing support. Located at 2200 Lafitte Ave inside the Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, the Center welcomes families into a safe, joyful, development‑rich environment.

WE COACH

We provide free learning experiences that help parents and caregivers feel informed, supported, and confident in their role as a child’s first teacher. Our coaching includes support for expecting parents, opportunities for guided parent‑child play with trained educators, developmental guidance for families navigating concerns such as autism, and resources that strengthen bonding through activities like breastfeeding support and infant massage. We also offer virtual and in person programs that extend brain‑building and connection into everyday routines. Together, these programs create a compassionate support system designed to make the early childhood journey easier to navigate.

WE CONNECT

Our We CONNECT Family Resource HUB provides a warm, welcoming space where families with children prenatal to age five can access coordinated support, services, and guidance. Community navigators help families connect to healthcare providers, developmental services, mental health supports, basic‑needs assistance, education and job resources, and more — all in one place. Families can meet with staff in person, online, or by phone, and all services are completely free. The HUB ensures that families receive timely, personalized support so their children can grow and thrive. 

Testimonials

"I'm a better Dad because of the We PLAY Center. There was a time when I was bringing my son to this place 3 times a week! The staff were as concerned with the health of the parents as the children, checking in on us regularly. Each child was treated individually and with so much love. I've really never seen a place quite like it."

"TrainingGrounds is truly what every family needs. Parents are supported, children are enriched, and resources are abundant from their very knowledgeable, trained, and compassionate staff." Mother and Father of 2 boys