PLAY Program

Investing in Healthy Families, School Readiness, and Early Childhood Success

The PLAY Program (Parents and Little Youth) is a CalWORKs Home Visiting Program administered by United Way of Tulare County. Through weekly home visits, trained home educators work directly with pregnant mothers and families with children ages 0-5 to strengthen child development, improve parenting skills, and help families overcome barriers to long-term success. 

Strong Starts for Every Child

Early childhood is where lifelong learning begins. This program pairs research-based learning activities with hands-on support for parents, so children build the language, thinking, and social skills they need while families get the health resources, referrals, and stability that make growth possible.

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Research-Based Learning

Activities that build language, science, creative arts, and physical development through proven early learning practices.

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Early Growth That Lasts

Cognitive, social, and emotional development is strengthened during the most critical years of early childhood.

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Parent Education

Practical learning for caregivers, paired with guided child-parent interaction time that deepens the bond at home.

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Health & Nutrition

Prenatal and postnatal health support, nutrition education, and regular developmental screenings for growing families.

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Early Identification

Developmental delays are spotted early, and families are connected quickly to the right specialists and services.

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Family Stability

Job readiness help, barrier removal, and referrals for mental health, domestic violence, and substance use support, all working to prevent abuse and neglect while building school readiness.

Who We Serve 

  • CalWORKs recipients, including CalLearn teens transitioning to Welfare-to-Work. 

  • Parents and caregivers of children under age five. 

  • Pregnant individuals applying for CalWORKs within program timelines. 

  • Families who appear eligible for CalWORKs assistance. 

Families may continue receiving services for up to five years from their first home visit or until the child reaches age five, whichever occurs later. 

Partnership Opportunities 

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Financial Contributions:
Monetary donations help provide educational materials, developmental resources, family support services, transportation assistance, and program expansion to reach more families throughout Tulare County.
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In-Kind Donations:
We welcome books, educational toys, diapers, infant care items, learning materials, incentive items, technology resources, and family support supplies that directly benefit participating children and families.

Your support helps create stronger families, healthier children, and brighter futures throughout Tulare County.