Posted Monday, August 2, 2010---9:59 a.m.

A popular program in the Madison School District is expanding because of increased demand.

Play and Learn, a free and fun program for kids ages birth to five and their caregivers, has been extended to include summer programming for the first time ever. The initial program started almost five years ago.

"When we first started it was very small we had one program that was grant funded but we found that it was so successful that we were able to expand," says Play and Learn supervisor Sheila Briggs.

During the two-and-a-half hour Play and Learn sessions, caregivers and children participate in free play, circle time songs, stories, dancing and various craft projects.

Maria Haas brings her two daughters every week.

"They come up with wild ways to paint like they've used little matchbox cars with the wheels dipped them in paint and then done fun things like that. So they like a lot of those hands on projects."

Haas says they've been going to the program since last September and says it's a big support for their family.

"I stay at home my husband is a graduate student he works long hours so it's just wonderful to be able to come here and play with the girls and not have to think of the ideas myself."

Organizers say the Play and Learn program gives caregivers ideas they can do at home and also builds community between families.

If you would like to find out more about the Madison School District's Play and Learn Program and its fall registration, click on Newslinks.