Based in Hungary, NestingPlay is a social enterprise that focuses on empowering adults to support children with developmental delays through play. By encouraging caregivers and teachers to be more conscious about delays and supporting them with play-based interventions, NestingPlay aims to bring positive attention to children with invisible disabilities and include them in play the same way as their typically developing peers. Founder and CEO, Eszter Harsányi, shares that the organization aspires to help caregivers and early childhood staff be more conscious about developmental delays and provide support through play.

“We think it’s a very very good exercise because we have realized that some of the children are behind their development stage. And through these exercises, they have been able to build on their movements. They can now do some activities that they were not doing before.”

NestingPlay is a well-rounded organization focused on children aged zero to eight. They have extensive experience working with kindergarten teachers, developing inclusive schools, and teaching the Learning Through Play method. The organization also has experience running parent centers in developing countries, including two in Kenya that were established in 2022.

Teachers from schools surrounding the Kenyan parent centers report that these centers make their work easier and that children return home with stories about the activities. Elizabeth, who oversees the Solasa Parent Center in Kenya, highlights in this video, “We think it’s a very very good exercise because we have realized that some of the children are behind their development stage. And through these exercises, they have been able to build on their movements. They can now do some activities that they were not doing before.” While NestingPlay is seeing the many positive responses to their current work, they are also branching into new areas where they aim to learn more.

Currently, NestingPlay is creating a father support group in an underserved community. They are keen to learn more from other organizations taking on similar programs. In addition to this challenge, the organization has a goal to create a safety net around children with developmental delays. They aim to involve parents with typically developing children in kindergartens to improve this process. NestingPlay believes the knowledge and experience of the ISSA network, including other ISSA Members, will help them address their current challenges. 

Photo courtesy of NestingPlay