Playground Prep offers a free Montessori-inspired curriculum. Easy to sign up with your GC Library Card.
By Annie Gerber
Families in Garland County now have a new, free resource to support early childhood learning at home. Through a partnership between Playgarden Prep and the Garland County Library (GCL), parents and caregivers can access Playgarden Online, a high-quality virtual preschool program for children ages 2–4, at no cost with a library card.
Founded in New York City in 2008, Playgarden Prep is a leader in early childhood education. Originally offering in-person campuses, the organization expanded to online learning in 2020. Its curriculum is developed by certified Montessori teachers, therapists, and early education specialists, and was created in collaboration with librarians nationwide to align with library youth services.
“We are so excited for patrons to have free access to this program,” said Chanan Emmons, Youth Programs Coordinator at GCL. “Families can complete lessons on their own schedule, and the program can move with a child between different caregivers and locations. It’s a high-quality option with built-in flexibility.”
Playgarden Online features a Montessori-inspired curriculum that takes approximately three hours a day, five days a week.
The program includes hands-on activities, guided instruction, and live interactive Zoom classes offered Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Content is available in English and Spanish and supports early literacy, language development, sensory exploration, and social-emotional growth.
Learning areas include language, music, and sensory play; math, science, and geography; and writing, art, and movement. Activities use simple household materials, with weekly worksheets provided.
Families can also attend weekly in-person playdates at the Garland County Library on Mondays at 11:30 AM, offering opportunities for socialization and group activities. Sessions are limited to 12 children, and registration is required.
For more information on Playgarden Online and other online databases offered through the Garland County Library, visit gclibrary.com or contact the GCL children’s department at 501-623-4161.
Annie Gerber is the Marketing Coordinator at the Garland County Library.
