MILWAUKEE — In an effort to create better parent-child interactions and free educational opportunities across Milwaukee, the city is growing its Mighty Small Moments initiative.
The initiative, which aims to address literacy gaps and foster learning in everyday settings, has recently unveiled a new learning space within the Quick Wash Laundromat located at Villard and 76th Street on the city’s northwest side.
It’s already received positive feedback from parents. Single mother Dominique Anwar said she cherishes the opportunity to read and interact with her sons, while also getting household work done.
“Washing a lot of times takes at least an hour or up to four hours, depending on how many loads you have,” said Anwar. “Now, when I put the clothes in, I can go sit with them and they can go tell me a story, or draw me a picture or we can just sit or play together.”
Anwar said this learning space represents more than just an educational opportunity. It represents safety.
“Me, as a single mother and not having anyone I can trust, being abused in my past, and not having anyone I can trust with my children, especially to me, means more because it is a safe space for me and my children to be,” she said.
Emily Countryman, another single mother, said she agrees with Anwar. She’s noticed the positive impact the learning space has had on her family’s experience at the laundromat.
“I’ve got four children, so we spend a lot of time in the laundromat doing laundry,” said Countryman. “Knowing my kids won’t be bored and complain the whole time. They can learn and play, and there’s also free Wi-Fi for my teenager. Just allowing the kids to be able to have fun means a lot.”
Dea Wright, director of Milwaukee’s Office of Early Childhood Initiatives, emphasized the city’s commitment to expanding these free learning zones, particularly in neighborhoods most vulnerable to childhood achievement gaps.
“So, when we talk to our parents about creating these moments, we not only talk about literacy, but we get a little bit into nutrition, we get a little bit into just parenting skills in general, so it’s our point of entry to talk about all things healthy for our children and their development, which at the end of the day will create a better Milwaukee for everyone,” said Wright.
Wright also highlighted the significance of simple resources, such as books, blocks and puppets in these city learning spaces. She said research shows that just 15 minutes of daily reading, talking and engaging in activities can have a lasting impact on healthy brain development for children.
The new “Read, Learn & Play” space at Quick Wash Laundromat is a collaboration with the LaundryCare Foundation. You can look up other learning locations throughout the city, here.