“to help children thrive through their ​natural desire to play, while providing a ​community space for caregivers to ​conne​ct and feel supported.”

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DeSoto

21

September

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9- 4 pm

Cute Autumn pumpkins farm festival decorations
Cute Autumn pumpkins farm festival decorations

see us out front of the playroom! ​activities, food trucks, bounce ​houses and more!

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About Us

At Back to Play, we strive to provide children with ​a safe environment to explore, learn, and engage ​in child-led play. We are a non-profit ​organization that believes in the power of play ​and aim to provide a nurturing environment for ​kids to enjoy. We promote the physical, mental, ​and emotional development of youth while ​providing parents with an opportunity to connect ​with other families. We want our families to have ​access to the resources they need to provide ​their children with meaningful, interactive ​experiences that will last a lifetime.

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Come visit us!

We regularly host special events and activities to bring families together and create lasting memories From holiday celebrations and themed parties to educational workshops and fun family competitions there s always something exciting happening Come visit us and discover the difference a supportive engaging environment can make for your family Why Choose Us Safe and Clean Environment We prioritize the safety and cleanliness of our facility to ensure a healthy and worry free experience for all families Inclusive and Welcoming Our center is open to families of all backgrounds and circumstances promoting an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome Professional and Caring Staff Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for families offering professional care and a warm friendly atmosphere Convenient Location Easily accessible our center is conveniently located to serve families in the surrounding community
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FAQ and Pricing

Back to Play focuses on child led play incorporating loose parts dramatic and messy play Don t stress we clean up the mess Our playroom consists of an 8 ft ball pit rock climbing wall wooden fort infant slide and older youth slide sensory swings and a climbing pikler We aim to offer something for all ages including our littlest explorers with dedicated items just for them including a rocker sorting stacking fidget board and infant swing We do have a no stress just mess area reserved with a water table painting musical instruments sensory bins and themed play We have several smocks available for children to protect clothes if preferred

Open Play

Ages 6 months and under ​are free

Under 2 years $5 per child

Age 2 and older $10 for the ​first child, $8 for additional ​children

All adults are free

All foster/adoptive youth 50% ​discount with placement letter ​or most recent court order

20% discount for caregivers in ​the following professions: ​nurses, teachers, EMS/Fire, ​police, military, and social ​work

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Children must be supervised during their play by an adult (18+)

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What ​families are ​saying

What ​families are ​saying

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Kat G​.

"Been here many times! It is a much needed place to ​the littles in our community. I appreciate how much ​the activities and the toys change to keep my child ​interested. It's always fun to come back and see all the ​changes! The sensory room is always fun, especially ​for my child who isn't about getting dirty, it gives her ​a safe space to explore. The town is better off having a ​space like this for our children!"

Sa​rah C.

"Great place for kids. Awesome ​environment. Tons of options for kids to ​play with and the owners were wonderful."

Li​ndsey H.

"A friend and I took our 2 years olds here. This place is ​perfect for toddlers! Made a rainy day playdate so much ​more fun. She offers 2 large spaces. The main area has a ​wide variety of toys, things to climb on and little set ups. ​The back area had sensory tables, water play and art ​supplies. And offers complementary coffee and water. ​For this tired mama was a huge bonus! Can’t wait to go ​back!"

Kevin A.

"This place rocks. I can get my work ​done on the wifi, have a cup of coffee ​and my kid is having a blast!"

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Nonprofit Family Support Center

Our mission is to help children thrive through ​their natural desire to play. We recognize that ​this only serves part of our community, as ​caregivers need support too! We're here to ​make sure that families in Jefferson County ​have a place to come together, play, learn, ​and get the help they need. Our commitment ​is to serve Jefferson County families for the ​long haul, with these goals in mind:


  • We're here to stay, providing support for ​different generations.
  • We want to strengthen our ties with the ​community and local organizations.
  • We aim to expand our educational programs to ​benefit even more children and parents.
  • We plan to partner with counseling services to ​help families with a variety of professionals.


Join us on our journey to create a ​thriving community where families ​can grow and learn together. Your ​support, whether through donations, ​volunteering, or participating in our ​programs, makes all the difference. ​Together, we're building a brighter ​future for Jefferson County families. ​Thank you for being part of our ​mission!

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Your generous donations play a pivotal role in transforming our nonprofit playroom into a space of ​boundless joy and comfort for children and families. Here's a glimpse of what your support achieves:

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  1. Your contributions enable us to maintain a pristine playroom, ensuring that every child's experience is in a clean ​and hygienic space.

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2. Donations help us regularly update our toy collection, keeping children engaged and excited during their visits. It ​means new learning opportunities and endless imaginative play.

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3. By providing coffee, water, and snacks for both children and caregivers, you create a welcoming atmosphere for ​families to relax, refresh, and connect with one another. It's the little comforts that make a big difference.

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4. Diapers and Wipes for those who may forget these essential items at home. This simple act of kindness ensures ​that every visit is free from stress and full of enjoyment.

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5. Messy play is a gateway to learning and exploration. Your donations cover the costs of sensory materials, making ​messy play fun and educational. It's a tactile, creative journey for children to discover the world.

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Every dollar donated brings us closer to our vision of a community hub where children and their families can play, ​learn, and bond in a safe and nurturing environment. Thank you for your generosity, which directly enhances the ​experiences of those who walk through our doors.


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What we’re doing

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Home School Support


We aim to support families ​that are homeschooling and ​looking for extra friends and ​learning adventures. We ​host a workshop and a play ​date once per month on ​Fridays. Click HERE to learn ​more.

Post Partum Groups


We host postpartum support ​groups to provide connection ​and resources for parents. We ​recognize the lack of services for ​this common parent challenge ​nationwide, and also in our ​county. We collaborate with ​other agencies and professionals ​to provide education and ​support.

Community Support


We host events and ​educational resources as often ​as our schedule allows us to ​bring more to our families for ​free! Check our events ​calendar for visitors such as the ​Children's Advocacy Center, ​Jeffco Health Department, ​Compass Health, JFCAC, The ​Salvation Army, and more.

Community Outreach


We connect with other ​organizations, agencies, and ​individuals as often as we ​can. Come see us throughout ​Jefferson County's family ​events and the city of ​Desoto's parades! We attend ​as many events we can to ​share our mission and the ​importance of play!

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Celebrate Birthdays ​in our playroom!

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Watch them enjoy our interactive activities and engage in open ​play. Sensory bins depend on the current theme and supplies, but ​please reach out and we'll try to accommodate your preferences.


Please note your deposit is a separate invoice from the party ​reservation fee as we refund that 2-3 days post party!


Booking Your Birthday Party:


1. Check the calendar for available dates. You can book online or ca​ll us at 636-789-8354 to reserve on the phone.


2​.​ If you have a specific party plan in mind, let us know and we will tr​y to coordinate what we can for your party! Need tables arranged a ​certain way? Trying to set up games? Reach out and we can help pl​an accordingly.


3​.​ Party Time: Arrive on your selected date and enjoy a memorable ce​lebration with your child and their friends. Caregivers only may ar​rive at 2:30 to begin setting up and 15 minutes after your party for cl​eanup (Trash and food only!)


Home school Support ​and Workshops

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At Back to Play, we understand that homeschooling is a rewarding yet ​sometimes challenging journey. We are offer a dedicated space and time for ​homeschooling families to connect, share experiences, and access valuable ​resources. Our group aims to enrich your homeschooling adventure through ​workshops, play dates, and expert-led sessions.

Monthly Workshops and Play dates

We invite you to join us on the first Friday of every month for our workshops and play ​dates:

  • Workshops: These workshops cover a wide range of topics and electives beyond ​the typical curriculum. Our aim is to broaden horizons and introduce new skills ​and knowledge to both parents and children. Past workshops have included ​subjects like first aid, CPR, handwriting improvement, shoe tying, creative arts, ​foreign language exploration, outdoor skills, and many more! We are open to ​new ideas if you have a topic you would like to teach in a workshop.
  • Play dates: During and after our workshop, we host a play date where children ​can interact and engage in open-ended play while parents exchange ideas ​and plan for the upcoming workshops.

Supporting Our Program

Our homeschooling support program is open to all families, and participation in our ​workshops and play dates are free. However, we greatly appreciate a contribution ​of $10 per family for supplies and activities to help us continue offering valuable ​resources.

Get Involved

To be part of our homeschooling support program or to stay updated on upcoming ​workshops and play dates, please check out our Facebook events, email ​info@backtoplaymo.org, or stop by the playroom and check us out!


If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us!


September

workshop

Join the conductor to learn ​about how locomotives ​work, the history of Desoto’ ​railroads, and more about ​the Big Boy Train stopping in ​town next week!

Building ​Toward our ​Goals

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Youth and Family Services


Our office for sublease will be completed by end of 2024 to ​support clinicians serving families in Jefferson County.

CPR and BLS Courses


EMS provided quarterly courses for the general public, ​parents, fosters parents, caregivers, and more with grant-​funded heart-health cards.

Parent Education and Mentors


Free or low cost courses, support, and mentorship for ​biological parents seeking reunification, as well as co-​parenting and attachment solution based education for ​famili​es.

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Bark to Play


Incorporating a resident therapy dog in the playroom during ​operational hours and events. We’re working hard behind ​the scenes to secure grant funding to bring animal support ​to ​our families.

More Community Support Groups


We plan to expand support groups for the community with ​therapist led meetings for neurodivergent families, single ​parent households, a​nd bereaving caregivers.

Foster Care and Domestic Visit Location


We aim to host case workers, volunteers, and court ​approved supervisors for family visitation in a more ​engaging and supportive play space

Contact Us

Phone

636-789-8354

Email

info@backtoplaymo.org

hours of Operation f​or Open PLay

Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9- 3 pm

Saturdays 9-2 pm


Please check our calendar and Facebook page for ​special events and evening open p​lay

Address

200 S Main Street, Desoto MO 63020


Free street parking on Main Street, ADA accessible

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Back to Play will/does not discriminate on the account of race, color, sex, ​religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity ​or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and ​procedures concerning access to services.

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