Jodi Burgart, founder and co-owner of Carbondale’s premiere indoor play space, Mindful Me Playhouse, knows that the right tone means everything.
“Something that’s very sweet is that for every single class we implement mindful moments,” said Burgart. She then gently struck her singing bowl and a harmonic sound radiated. “The kids who come a lot all stop, look and then come over for three deep breaths. We always start and end with deep breathing.”
With over 20 years of expertise, Burgart holds a master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, a yoga teacher certification and is a board-certified behavior analyst. She said mindfulness supports a regulated nervous system and allows children to access the tools they need to enjoy activities at the playhouse.
Situated down the road from Ragged Mountain Sports at 215 12th Street Suite B in Carbondale, Mindful Me Playhouse provides a safe environment for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers to explore, play, learn and grow together. Through open play time and research-based programming, Burgart has curated a core class schedule that fosters healthy childhood development, from fine and gross motor skills to social-emotional wellness.
Current core classes include Mindful Me Open Play, Itsy Bitsy Yoga, Music and Movement, Mini Makers and In My Feelings. Programs like Mini Makers and Music and Movement encourage more creative exploration, whereas In My Feelings focuses on intentional education caregivers can bring home. Specialty classes include a monthly social-emotional skills group led by nonprofit Focused Kids and an affordable Community Play option is available for newbies or those who find membership cost-prohibitive.
A testament to Burgart’s creativity and desire to create programming that resonates, she said “I’m always open to evolution … We’re always going to have open play windows and specialty guided programming, but program specifics are going to change based on community feedback and what’s working.”
Perhaps what makes Mindful Me so special is that during every session Burgart and her team of highly experienced childhood experts directly engage with every child. Harnessing her extensive background working with children who have neuro-differences like ADHD or autism and operating her successful sister company Mindful Me Behavior Support, Burgart routinely brings meaningful insight and support for parents.
“When you walk through our doors you’re getting me and my team … I’ve had parents email me and tell me their child is autistic or really wild or has been biting, and I’m like, ‘Get in here,’” said Burgart. “I can accommodate any child in this space … and as I really get to know every child, I know what they need when they’re here.”
True to its motto “You belong here,” the playhouse was intentionally designed to support children across the sensory spectrum — from neurotypical to highly sensitive. Upon entry, visitors are immediately wrapped in natural light that exudes warmth and ease while a view of Mt. Sopris brings awe. Soft earth tones reign supreme, but pops of color can be found in delightful features, such as the sensory liquid tiles or the banana-yellow trampoline courtesy of playhouse co-owner and Burgart’s husband, lovingly known as “Mindful Mike.” On the wall, Burgart chose simple, yet impactful pieces of art that celebrate each child’s uniqueness with positive affirmations.
“There is a big sensory component throughout this space,” said Burgart. “I think about the variety of toys, colors and textures that are going to promote regulation.”
Playhouse toys are plentiful and spark creativity for curious minds. Burgart rotates them regularly to complement the seasons and increase novelty. By gently guiding when necessary, Burgart helps children remain regulated throughout their time.
“At each play station there is this sort of expectation and routine associated with it, which is very regulating for children,” she elaborated. “If someone is having a hard time I can steer them toward these stations. They sit down, touch and focus without being told to stop.” She added that these stations are a great opportunity for parents to model and play alongside their children.
Each play station highlights a different developmental stage. For those who gravitate toward imaginative play, an enticing open play space has blocks, cars, trucks and trains. Overlooking this spot, there is a social-emotional space complete with comfortable chairs, books, puppets, puzzles and helpful calming posters. Children who crave a quiet moment can retreat to the nearby sensory nook with the option to close the curtains to reduce overstimulation. Inside are sensory jars and toys, plush blankets and pillows.
At the fine motor skills table the cubby is popping with grounding, grasping and balancing activities whereas a nearby gross motor skills area is ready for children to navigate climbing structures, a slide, soft foam tunnels and self-created obstacle courses. Of course, there are many spots where children can snuggle with a book while their caregiver enjoys a free coffee or tea in the kitchen — the perfect tone to end with at the playhouse.
“You belong here,” concluded Burgart. “Every child is welcome; every parent and caregiver is welcome. You will be met with warmth and kindness. We will accommodate you. Just come on in!”
Visit www.mindfulmeplayhouse.comto learn more about specific programming, scheduling and various pricing options including first-time discounts, drop-in and monthly memberships.