MOVE, PLAY, GROW

early childhood movement arts serving ages 6 and under

Creating joyful, community-rooted spaces for young children and their caregivers

At Destiny Arts Center, our Early Childhood Movement Arts (Move, Play, Grow) programs impact over 300 young people ages 6 and under annually with over 10 partnership programs. Our programs spark joy, connection, and early literacy through movement, creativity, and cultural expression. Whether a child is just learning to walk or is ready to try their first martial arts stance, we create spaces where they can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially alongside their families and community.

Move, Play, Grow carries a consistent emphasis on building early literacy, coordination, and confidence through movement, rhythm, and creative play. Our programs are intentionally flexible, allowing the program to adapt to the needs of site partners and the communities being served. Depending on location and community context, the program may be offered in one or both of the following formats:

Parent/Caregiver & Child Class (Ages 0–3)
Caregivers and children move, groove, and learn together through storytelling, dance, and play. This structure strengthens language development, emotional bonds, and caregiver confidence in supporting learning through movement.

Youth Movement Class (Ages 3–5)
A guided space where young children explore movement, self-expression, and foundational literacy skills in a structured and engaging environment. These classes foster confidence, coordination, and creative exploration. Caregivers are invited to participate in opening and closing circles, reinforcing shared learning and connection.

From Caregiver & Me Community Classes, to our in-school and North Oakland center classes, Move, Play, Grow programs are rooted in Destiny’s values — love, care, respect, responsibility, honor, and peace — and grounded in research showing how music, rhythm, and movement strengthen the brain pathways essential for reading, writing, focus, and emotional regulation.

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More Than a Class: A Community Space

Many Black and Brown families raise and educate young children outside of traditional systems, often without access to early learning spaces that reflect their cultures, values, and lived experiences. The Teddy Bear Movement Program was created to honor and support these families by offering a free, welcoming, and culturally responsive program rooted in joy, expression, and connection.

Move, Play, Grow is not only a movement class — it is also a community space. Caregivers have access to opportunities for connection, reflection, and mutual support. Whether sharing parenting experiences, learning movement-based strategies for early development, or simply taking a moment to pause and breathe, this space is designed to uplift and affirm caregivers alongside their children.

By centering movement as a pathway to learning, Move, Play, Grow removes barriers to participation and affirms the knowledge and strengths families already bring.

For Children
Build confidence, coordination, early literacy skills, and emotional awareness through creative movement, rhythm, and play.

For Caregivers
Gain practical, movement-based tools to support bonding, communication, and early learning, along with opportunities for stress relief and peer connection.

For Community
Strengthen relationships, share resources, and grow together in a nurturing and affirming environment.

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The Role of Movement in Early Reading Readiness

Each 30–60 minute session includes intentional movement-based activities that support developmental progress toward reading readiness by:

Through these practices, movement becomes both the method and the message—supporting whole-child development while reinforcing connection, joy, and belonging.

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Program Overview

Thank you to the school sites and partnership organizations that help host and support our work: Clinton Park Community Center, Oakland Housing Authority, Unity Council, Rainin Foundation, Bananas.