When Molly Fuller started her job last year as the family/community engagement coordinator for Whitewater Unified School District, she knew she wanted at least one thing – a chance for kids to play.
“I wanted kids to be able to come in with their families,” said Fuller, who was hired in July of 2021 – after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down various activities, social opportunities and play dates.
Thus was born Partners in Play, a collaboration between the school district and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater education students that provides free, hands-on fun and functional learning and play opportunities.
The sessions, which started up again Jan. 25, are held at the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center.
“They were gracious enough to give us this space,” Fuller said. In its second incarnation, the program has expanded to double its previous space so it can offer children from birth to age 5 a chance to learn with their parents.
“Every parent and every grandparent, every kiddo, everyone is able to come in and have a great time,” Fuller said.
Fuller said she was passionate about two factors in setting up the program: one, that the program offer a safe space for all youngsters and two, that it was accessible and inclusive to all.
“Here in Whitewater, we have a large poverty population. I wanted to keep the sessions free for all,” she said.
That’s where the UW-Whitewater early childhood education program comes in. Students from the university gets hands-on placements as part of the school’s bachelor’s degree program, with Dr. Anne Tillett coordinating from the university side.
“It’s been super successful,” Fuller said. “The university students love it.
“It’s something that gives the university students perspective,” she added. And with the parents on hand, those college students are learning the practical skills they will need for their careers.
With a large Hispanic population in the area, translators are available if Spanish is a family’s first language, “so they feel completely at home as well.”
The second of three, 3-week sessions starts Feb. 22. Ages 0-2 attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 9:45 a.m., while the ages 3-5 sessions are on the same day but from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. There is time for free play, table activities, reading and more at each session.
In the end, Fuller said she’s got one basic goal.
“For every single child to be the best version of themselves. No matter their background, no matter their language…you’re able to have the ability to be the best version of yourself. That’s the bottom line.”
For more information on Partners in Play or to register for a session, go to
and click on the “Partners in Play” tab.
