K Needs Play is a group of parents, community members, teachers and principals who follow the research: kindergarten-aged children should be learning through PLAY. Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has agreed to a trial in a small number of schools across the district in fall of 2026 who will get access to **one hour of screen-free play-based daily choice time kindergarten classrooms**. CMS is committed to rolling out play across the district in future years (hopefully, by 2027).

With federal and state budget cuts, the district has asked our organization to fund this initiative in year 1. Classrooms will need play kitchens, blocks, magnatiles, easels, and art supplies. We will also provide summer professional development and per diem pay to teachers to make sure our play-based learning initiative is successful. We believe one year of effective programming will allow the district to learn powerful lessons before rolling out play to every CMS kindergarten classroom!