Stop Searching for the Perfect Side Hustle.
Learn how to run developmental play groups using the skills you already have as a pediatric therapy practitioner (OT/PT/SLP)
Everything inside Rooted in Play comes from nearly a decade of running developmental play groups ourselves. Since launching this training, we've already helped more than 60 therapists bring play groups to their own communities all over the world.
Stop Searching for the Perfect Side Hustle.
Learn how to run developmental play groups using the skills you already have as a pediatric therapy practitioner (OT/PT/SLP)
Everything inside Rooted in Play comes from nearly a decade of running developmental play groups ourselves. Since launching this training, we've already helped more than 60 therapists bring play groups to their own communities all over the world.
What is Rooted in Play?
Rooted in Play is a comprehensive training designed for pediatric therapy practitioners
(OTs, PTs, SLPs, or assistants) who want to design and lead developmental play groups in their own communities.
Inside, you’ll learn how to build a structured, sustainable model using meaningful connection and intentional play - grounded in the expertise you already have.
From business basics and group design to community outreach and implementation, you’ll have a clear roadmap for bringing your vision to life.
Here's what's included...
A Comprehensive On-Demand Training + Bonus Learning
A 1-hour video training that walks you step-by-step through our developmental play group business model, including:
- The research behind developmental play groups
- Money and business basics
- Planning and logistics
+ Access to the exclusive Rooted in Play Facebook group where members can brainstorm together, ask questions, and share resources and information!
Training Workbook + Done-for-You Business Templates + Marketing Kit
A 36-page training workbook with guided prompts and planning worksheets, plus 25 pages of ready-made templates that establish the framework for your play group business, including customizable forms and digital and print-ready resources. Plus a complete marketing kit with customizable Canva templates for business cards, flyers, and brochures.
Hundreds of Pages of Play-Based Activity Plans and Printables
Access to more than 600 pages of activity plans and printable activities targeting gross motor, fine motor, and sensory development, giving you a large library of ready-to-use ideas to keep your play groups engaging and purposeful.
What to expect
The Rooted in Play training contains 4 modules (plus an intro and a wrap-up section...)
THE DEVELOPMENTAL
PLAY GROUP MODEL
Your roadmap for understanding the model and how it works
BUSINESS
BASICS
The essential business foundations for your play groups
MARKETING
BASICS
Practical ways to connect with families in your community
HOW TO RUN A PLAY GROUP
The routines and strategies that make play groups run smoothly
Rooted in Play is a step-by-step path to build something meaningful in your community and reconnect with the heart of your work.
This training is for you if...
You love working with children...
And you’re craving a model that feels more intentional, relational, and energizing.
You’re ready to explore a new way of using your expertise...
Grounded in the knowledge and skills you already have.
You’ve imagined creating your own business...
But you’re not sure where to start or how to structure it.
What Makes This Model Different?
It’s built by therapists, for therapists.
We started exactly where you are now: with an idea, a passion for helping kids, and no roadmap for how to make it happen. Today, we're sharing the framework we wish we'd had when we started.
It’s structured, but flexible.
You’ll receive a clear framework for designing and leading developmental play groups, while still having the freedom to shape the experience based on your own creativity.
Above all, running developmental play groups means that you get to focus on all of the best parts of therapy (aka play!) without the distractions of paperwork and documentation!
It’s built around the expertise you already have.
You have all of the skills you need. This training will help you apply your existing knowledge in a new way that feels creative, impactful, and sustainable.
How We Got Started...
Before there was a training program, there were just a few families and a backyard.
We saw a need and we started small, using our clinical expertise to design intentional developmental play groups for our community.
What grew from that simple beginning became something far bigger than we could have imagined. We started small, and you can too.
Join more than 60 other therapists who are already running play groups using the Rooted in Play framework!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We've got A's for your Q's
I’m already overwhelmed with work. How would I have time for this?
Start small — try just one play group session per week or every other week. The model is designed to be manageable as a side gig alongside your current job, and you can grow at your own pace. Play groups are a great fit for school-based therapists who have time off in the summers and holidays.
What if I take the training and then decide not to do play groups after all?
Good news...you still just got 600+ pages of printable activity plans and activities at a HUGE discount! These activities can be used in any setting at any time. Plus, you'll have the training and the framework forever, so you can revisit the information in the future when it may be a better fit.
Is this training approved for CEUs for therapists?
No, this training is designed to support therapists who are interested in pursuing the developmental play group model as a side gig or as a business venture. This course has not been approved for continuing education for OTs, PTs, or SLPs.
Can you actually make money running play groups?
Yes. Running play groups can provide a great source of additional income. The training walks through simple pricing structures and practical considerations so you can design a model that works for your time, your community, and your goals.
I’m not a business person. What if I don’t know how to run something like this?
You don’t need prior business experience to start. This training breaks the process down into clear, practical steps so you can move from idea to implementation with confidence.
What ages are developmental play groups for?
Our play groups at The Treehouse are designed for children ages 2 through 10 years old. However, the Rooted in Play framework could easily be adapted to use with any age group!
Do I need funding, a space, or special equipment to start?
No. You can start in community spaces or even in your own backyard! This model focuses on creative, play-based activities that don’t require expensive equipment or a traditional therapy setting.
Do I need to be a therapist to do this?Technically, play groups could be run by any child development professional. However, this training is written from the point of view of pediatric therapists (OT, PT, SLP) and the Rooted in Play framework is designed with pediatric therapists as play group facilitators.
This sounds great, but where would I even start?
The training provides a clear step-by-step roadmap so you can start your first play group without guessing your way through the process.
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