Screen-Time Pilot Program

• Why This Program Is So Important

Early childhood is a critical period of brain development. During these years, children build the foundational skills they need for learning and relationships through real-world interaction—not passive viewing.

Educators and child-development professionals increasingly document that excessive screen exposure in young children is associated with:

• Difficulty sustaining attention and focus

• Challenges with social interaction and peer relationships

• Increased emotional dysregulation, frustration, and impulsivity

• Reduced imaginative and independent play

• Lower tolerance for boredom and transitions

Many programs report seeing these challenges daily in classrooms, libraries, and group settings.

👶 Why Young Children Are Especially Affected

Young children’s brains are still developing the ability to regulate stimulation, emotion, and attention. Screens often provide fast-paced, highly stimulating input that does not allow children to practice:

• Face-to-face communication

• Emotional cues and empathy

• Problem-solving through play

• Self-regulation and patience

Children learn best through movement, storytelling, pretend play, and human connection—all of which are reduced when screen use becomes unbalanced.

🎭 Why Puppetry Is the Right Tool

This program does not shame children or focus on rules.

Instead, puppetry allows children to:

• Laugh while reflecting on their own habits

• Explore choices safely through characters

• Engage emotionally without feeling corrected

• Practice alternatives such as play, movement, and imagination

Puppets create a safe distance that helps messages land gently—and stick.

🎬 Program Structure

The Screen-Time Pilot Program includes three connected puppet shows, each building on the last.

Show 1: Awareness

Children meet the characters and explore how screens fit into everyday life.

Show 2: Understanding

Puppets model how too much screen time can affect focus, feelings, and friendships.

Show 3: Empowerment

Children practice choosing play, creativity, movement, and real-world interaction.

Scheduling Options

• All three shows in one day, or

• Spread across multiple days or weeks

Both formats deliver the full educational experience.

📄 Grant-Friendly by Design

This program was intentionally created to support grant, enrichment, and wellness funding.

Participating programs receive:

• Grant-ready program descriptions

• Educational goals and learning objectives

• Outcomes language for applications and reporting

This reduces administrative workload and makes funding easier to pursue.

I will share general information about common grant types

1. Explain what the funds are typically used for

2. Show how your puppet program aligns with grant goals

3. Offer to provide supporting materials (outcomes, objectives, descriptions)

⭐ Who This Program Is For

• Schools

• Daycares & Early Learning Centers

• Libraries

• Community & Wellness Programs

The pilot is offered to a limited number of selected programs to ensure quality, feedback, and meaningful impact.

💵 Program Investment

$2,000- 3,000 per site

Pricing varies based on:

• Scheduling format

• Location and travel

• Program logistics

This pilot is intended to be grant-supported and is not offered as a single show.

🌟 Why This Program Is Unique

• Designed specifically for ages 2–9

• Addresses a widely observed, timely challenge

• Developmentally appropriate and non-shaming

• Uses puppetry instead of lectures

• Grant-ready and outcomes-focused

As far as we have seen, very few programs address screen time in this way for young children.

📩 Interested in Being Considered?

Programs that feel this topic would strongly benefit their children are welcome to inquire.

👉 Contact us to learn more about the Screen-Time Pilot Program and how to be considered for participation.