Family Engagement/ Playdates
Family Engagement/ Playdates

88 Families Welcomed Clifford and Elmo to Livingston County!

Community Playdate Recap at the Legacy Center

Families from across Livingston County gathered at the Legacy Center for an unforgettable winter Community Playdate.  This one had not one, but two very special guests.

Clifford the Big Red Dog and Elmo, brought to us by PBS Kids Detroit, made an appearance, filling the Legacy Center Fieldhouse with hugs, high-fives, photos, and squeals of excitement.

Seeing little ones light up when they spotted Clifford’s big red paws or Elmo’s fuzzy red smile is something we won’t soon forget.

By the Numbers: A Morning of Impact

We were thrilled to welcome:

  • 88 families
  • 141 children
    • 78 children ages 0–3
    • 54 children ages 3–5
    • 9 children ages 5+

The strong turnout of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers highlights just how important accessible, welcoming community spaces are for families raising young children in Livingston County.

Play with Purpose

From 10–11:30 a.m., the Legacy Center Fieldhouse was filled with movement, laughter, and connection. Children had space to run, climb, explore, and practice important gross motor skills while caregivers connected with one another and local early childhood partners.

Our Community Playdates are intentionally designed to support:

  • Social-emotional development
  • Early literacy and language growth
  • Physical development
  • Caregiver confidence and connection
  • Resource connection

When families feel supported and connected, children thrive.

Free Books, STEAM Kits & Developmental Screenings

Each child received a free book and snack (while supplies lasted), supporting early literacy and shared reading at home.

The first 50 families with children ages 3–5 received free take-home STEAM kits, extending brain-building play beyond the event.

Families also had the opportunity to complete the ASQ-3 and ASQSE2 developmental screeners through Help Me Grow Livingston. These quick, parent-completed tools help families better understand their child’s development and connect to helpful supports early, if needed.

Detroit PBS KIDS “Read, Write, ROAR!” Kits Added Even More Fun

In addition to free books and STEAM kits, Detroit PBS KIDS surprised families with special “Read, Write, ROAR!” activity kits to take home.

Each kit included engaging literacy and learning materials like:

  • A Sesame Street storybook

  • A small plush character

  • Stickers and activity sheets

  • Writing and drawing tools

  • A reusable pouch for continued learning

These take-home kits help extend learning beyond the event and support early literacy, language development, and hands-on exploration at home.

When children can connect play to books, characters, and meaningful activities, learning becomes joyful — and that’s exactly what we want for our Livingston County families.

Powered by Strong Community Partnerships

This playdate was made possible through collaboration across Livingston County, including:

When community partners come together, families benefit.

A Special Offer from Our Partner

As a thank you to families who attended, the Legacy Center is offering $15 off a Little Legends session. Watch for details in your follow-up email and on our social media channels!

Events Like This Are Important

Early childhood is a critical window of development. Events like this reduce isolation, strengthen caregiver networks, and connect families with trusted resources in a welcoming environment.

Welcoming 88 families in one morning is more than a turnout number.  It reflects a community eager for connection, support, and opportunities for their young children to grow.

We are so grateful to every family who joined us to welcome Clifford and Elmo to Livingston County. 💛

Stay connected with Great Start Livingston and Help Me Grow to learn about upcoming playdates, free developmental screenings, and early childhood resources throughout Livingston County.

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