TOPEKA (KSNT) – One local museum is getting recognized nationally for its Play Free program.
Staff with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (KCDC) announced Tuesday that they were honored with the 2026 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge award from the Association of Science and Technology Centers. This nationally recognized award recognizes the discovery center’s Play Free program.
The Play Free program began as a pilot in Kansas museums in 2018 in partnership with the Topeka Correctional Facility. The program uses play-based learning to strengthen relationships between incarcerated parents and their children.
The now successful statewide program has hosted 81 events and welcomed more than 3,900 participant visits and is working to become a nationwide initiative.
“We are really proud to receive an award that started right here in Topeka, in Kansas, saying that children matter,” said Dené Mosier, president and CEO of the KCDC. “Children are the most important thing. And now we’re getting to spread this work nationally. So, it’s really exciting to think about that award, starting with one program in one state. But now we’re able to share this work nationally.”
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If you are interested in learning more about the Play Free program, a documentary explaining and showcasing the program is being showcased on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Arts Center in Lawrence for free. You can also learn more by heading to the KCDC’s website.
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