Igniting Young Minds Through Play

“The main goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.  Play is the work of childhood.”  This quote is from noted Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who revolutionized the study of child development.  Three local moms have opened a new business in East Providence which offers a range of opportunities for play-based learning experiences for children aged six months to nine years.  “Our vision is to create a caring and inclusive play and learning environment that enhances the diverse developmental needs of children within our community,” said tri-owner Paula Farley-Kelly.  “We strive to provide a safe and nurturing space where children feel valued, respected, and understood as individuals and can develop fundamental skills for lifelong learning through intentional play and small educational groups,” she added.

The Reporter visited FUNdamentals last month to see first-hand what the play center offers.  Along with Farley-Kelly, there are two other partners.  Kelly McDonald and Kristyn Sequeira make up this trio of highly educated, passionate and caring women who together have created an exciting Play-Based Learning center.  While the three women have extensive professional credentials and experience, they smiled in unison when saying that of equal importance is the fact that each is a mom.  Farley-Kelly is a certified special educator with over 17 years of experience within the education and special education field.  She has worked as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and administrator.  She is experienced working with all ages of typically developing children including those with complex learning profiles, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning challenges.  “I am passionate about creating a relationship-driven approach and providing collaborative, fun, and engaging activities to help students (and families) recognize and capitalize on their strengths and abilities to be successful and confident in life!” she says with excitement in her voice.

Kelly McDonald, an Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of experience in several complex learning profiles, said “I’m excited to use my extensive experience working with children and families within the educational setting.  I believe that all children can thrive when given the proper tools, supports, and opportunities,” McDonald continued. She is highly certified in the delivery of multiple therapeutic programs.  “My passions include helping children with sensory integration, executive function skills and social emotional education,” she adds.

Kristyn Sequeira, a Speech & Language Pathologist expert with over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages, has a passion about connecting with children and their families.  “I love using a play-based approach to foster their language and social emotional development. It is such a thrill watching children experience the joy that comes with learning a new skill!” she added.

Although this trio of specialists are highly trained and hold multiple professional certifications, the observation most noted by visitors and their children is the comfortable learning and playful atmosphere that is everywhere.  The facility is bright, warm and very inviting with hands-on play & learning stations throughout.   

“This idea came to us about a couple of years ago,” relates McDonald.  “We all knew we wanted to provide more for children, we were working in education but weren’t sure what direction to go into.  Should it be a pre-school or a formal setting and together we decided what was needed is a play-place.  So, we decided on an Educational Play Center.  We developed an open play component for those 6 months to 9 years old.  That is every day, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2 pm.  We added a 3:30pm to 5:30pm session for elementary students to come in and play.”  Other specialty groups are also available.

Learning how to share space with other people and have those social emotional skills are critical to the plan at FUNdamentals.  The plan is to transform young minds to foster happy and confident children.  FUNdamentals is designed to also provide support for caregivers at the same time.

​There is a very personal connection with the business and many of the client base attending FUNdamentals.  Two of the three owners are living in East Providence, one is from Seekonk and all three laugh when saying, “yes, we know about the ‘Townie thing’ and we hear from our visitors all the time.  We have been visiting all the local events like Fall festivals and back to school events, trunk or treats, just to interact with the community as we set up vendor tables, etc.”

Especially poignant for Farley-Kelly is the connection with her late grandfather, Dr. John Farley.  Farley was a noted Riverside pediatrician for well over 40 years.  Farley was an old-school pediatrician serving East Providence, East Bay and beyond.  “Some of our clients who’ve come in have mentioned my grandfather.  It’s a special memory.  Farley-Kelly quiets for a wistful moment as she discusses her grandfather’s impact on the community.  Dr. Farley, known as a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of Rhode Island children, died on October 18, 2016.  A veteran of the U.S. Army, he received his medical degree from Tufts University in 1948, training at Boston-area hospitals, including the Floating Hospital for Children and Boston Children’s Hospital.  Farley settled in Riverside in 1953, where he launched a pediatric practice based out of their Willett Avenue home.  He often made house calls, black leather bag in hand, and took patients’ phone calls late into the night. “He had absolute devotion to his patients and provided compassionate care and counsel to thousands of East Bay families,” recalls Farley-Kelly.  The Adams-Farley Counseling Center in Riverside is co-named in John Farley’s honor.  Farley was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame in 2004.

“We love seeing the reaction of parents and the kids once they get here and see our place.  We want to stress that we are for all children.  Kids all have different timetables and styles for learning and we fully are ready to meet all needs.  The fields of health, education and medical can be difficult for parents to navigate through.  We can help.  It’s so important to be out and about (for kids) and to learn from others.”

Indeed, once walking through the door, kids of all ages light up with excitement at the many physical stations to play and learn much, because of that play.  Farley-Kelly, Sequeira and McDonald give clients their full attention. They chuckle as they say they represent the entire staff.  “We are the staff, we’re hands-on operators who love our jobs and are confident that we can meet the different needs of so many children.”  One thing becomes immediately clear to visitors who may also remember Dr. Farley.  His unique legacy continues at FUNdamentals.  The beloved pediatrician would be immensely proud of the effort put forth by these three local moms to help nurture children.  Local moms, armed with passion and skills to fill a much needed void in childhood health and education. 

(More information can be found at https://www.playatfundamentals.com)