The Mission
Ready. Set. Grow. empowers parents and caregivers to recognize the power they have in shaping their child’s brain during the earliest years of life. The focus? Children birth to five and the caring adults who help them grow.
The Roots
Launched in 2015 as a grassroots initiative by the United Way of Adams County and the Regional Office of Education, Ready. Set. Grow. began with one simple message: You have the power to build your child’s brain.
During the first five years, 90–95% of brain development occurs. Every story read, song sung, and block stacked helps little learners thrive.
The call to action was clear: put the phone down, tune in, and engage—Talk. Read. Play. Do. Every day.
The Growth
Since its start, Ready. Set. Grow. has partnered with nurses, educators, and childcare providers across ten counties in West-Central Illinois—trusted messengers such as WIC nurses, Parents-as-Teachers educators, Labor & Delivery nurses, and more.
In 2023, the program joined Quincy Children’s Museum, continuing to equip providers with playful learning tools, practical strategies, and tangible resources like books, bibs, and infant spoons.
Now, those same values come to life through Ready. Set. Grow. Play Dates at the museum, where families and caregivers connect through hands-on play, shared learning, and joyful discovery.
Our Impact
Today, Ready. Set. Grow. supports both the helpers and the families they serve, bridging homes, providers, and the museum to ensure every child has the chance to learn, play, and thrive from the very start.
Join the Fun at a Ready. Set. Grow. Play Date
Ready. Set. Grow. Play Dates take place every Monday & Wednesday from 9 AM–12 PM at 115 North 4th Street.
(Please note: hours may vary on holidays—check our social media for updates!)
What to Expect
Ready. Set. Grow. Play Dates welcome infants, toddlers, and preschoolers into the museum for a morning filled with joyful, hands-on learning.
During each session, families can expect:
- Simple, research-backed, play-based activities that support early brain development across our Nook, Art Room, and beyond
- Practical ideas caregivers can easily repeat at home
- A safe, inclusive space to connect, ask questions, and feel supported
- No field trips or large group reservations
- Special guests! We’ve hosted authors, artists, speech therapists, nurses, musicians, and more, watch our social media for guest announcements!
Each Play Date includes a mix of:
- Hands-on activities
- Open-ended exploration
- Real play, no pressure, no “perfect behavior” required. Come, connect, ask questions, and make a friend!
For Our Youngest Learners
Ready. Set. Grow. mornings are designed especially for children birth to five and their caregivers. These sessions are calm, playful, and developmentally focused, giving little ones space to explore, connect, and grow.
From time to time, you may see an older sibling attending in a caregiver or helper role. You may also see a child who benefits from additional support or the environment offered during our RSG Play Dates participating alongside their family. We welcome these exceptions with care. Each situation is considered case by case, and families are encouraged to communicate with staff in advance if additional accommodations are needed.
Thank you for helping us keep this time gentle, joyful, and centered on our littlest learners.
Coordinator
Meet the Ready. Set. Grow. Coordinator, Ms. Sara!
We’re thrilled to have Ms. Sara leading our Ready. Set. Grow. program!
A former high school math teacher turned early childhood advocate, Sara brings both professional experience and personal passion to her work. As a grandma of two, she understands firsthand the joy (and the chaos!) that comes with raising little ones, and she carries that empathy into every conversation and playdate.
Sara has a genuine heart for the children and families in our community. You’ll find her out and about, visiting local health departments, clinics, and parenting classes, and right here at Quincy Children’s Museum facilitating Ready. Set. Grow. Play Dates. Whether she’s chatting with new parents or guiding a hands-on activity, Sara’s warmth and encouragement help every family feel welcome, supported, and confident.
+ Volunteers & Floor Staff
Our volunteers and floor staff help bring Ready. Set. Grow. to life each week! This dedicated crew prepares materials, sets up inviting play spaces, and guides families through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and connection.
Their behind-the-scenes work organizing supplies, cleaning up sensory bins, and keeping the environment safe and welcoming, makes every session run smoothly. Most importantly, they bring smiles, encouragement, and an extra set of helping hands that make each Ready. Set. Grow. morning truly special.
If you stop by on a Monday, be sure to say hello to Ms. Lori, a longtime museum volunteer who has found her sweet spot supporting the Ready. Set. Grow. program!
Additional Resources
Birth to Five Regional Reports – Region 1: Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Scott
Birth to Five Regional Reports – Region 26: Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, Schuyler
Family Resource Guide – Adams County
Behavioral Health Resource Guide – NAMI West Central Illinois
