Fall Back in Love With Your Therapy Career
Create meaningful play group programs for the kids in your community - and rediscover why you became a therapist in the first place.
We’re Claire and Lauren — the OT and PT team behind The Inspired Treehouse and The Treehouse. We spent years as school-based therapists before building a different model that felt more aligned with how we wanted to support kids.
*Please note that this training is offered by The Treehouse Ohio, a 501(c)(3) organization located near Cleveland, Ohio.
Fall Back in Love With Your Therapy Career
Create meaningful play group programs for the kids in your community - and rediscover why you became a therapist in the first place.
We’re Claire and Lauren — a pediatric OT and PT who spent years in school-based therapy before building a different model that felt more aligned with how we wanted to support kids.
*Please note that this training is offered by The Treehouse Ohio, a 501(c)(3) organization located near Cleveland, Ohio.
Somewhere between a growing caseload, endless documentation, and overwhelming demands -
what you once loved about therapy may be getting lost in the shuffle.
You don’t have to completely walk away from the field to find purpose and inspiration again.
Rooted in Play is a step-by-step path to build something meaningful in your community and reconnect with the heart of your work.
Get the training + resources + play group activities for $299
A portion of the proceeds from this course will go directly toward helping more therapists bring developmental play groups to their communities in a meaningful and sustainable way by becoming part of The Treehouse (our non-profit organization located in Ohio).
Interested in learning more and being the first to receive information when this opportunity becomes available? Sign up for the training on this page and you'll find the interest form inside the training!
What is Rooted in Play?
Rooted in Play is a comprehensive training designed for pediatric therapists (OTs, PTs, SLPs) 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.
Get the training + resources + play group activities for $299
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.
This training is for you if...
You love working with children...
But 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.
Get the training + resources + play group activities for $299
What Makes This Model Different?
It’s grounded in play, development, and connection.
The developmental play group model centers on intentional, play-based experiences that support children’s development while creating meaningful relationships with families in your community.
It’s structured, but flexible. And, distraction-free!
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 storefront, a nonprofit structure, or 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.
Ready to Join?
Click the button below to sign up today!
Here's 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
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.
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 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.
How can I become part of The Treehouse?
A portion of the proceeds from this course will go directly toward helping more therapists bring developmental play groups to their communities in a meaningful and sustainable way by becoming part of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Interested in learning more and being the first to receive information when this opportunity becomes available? Sign up for the training on this page and you'll find the interest form inside the training!
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.
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.
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.
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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