About Alongside
Alongside is a parent-led learning library for roughly ages 2–4. Screens can offer huge variety — songs, letters, games, guided practice. We aim to give much of that learning value and engagement through play with you: the app coaches the parent; the child never needs the phone.
alongsideplay.com
What it is
- A filterable bank of short, research-informed play ideas
- “Find something” for real-life constraints (time, energy, materials)
- Optional daily picks — same cards, different surface
- Private notes and a play log on your account
- A quiet map of what you’ve been playing with each child
What it is not
- Medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice
- A milestone tracker or “is my child behind?” tool
- A high-stimulation child app with rewards and streaks
Accounts & privacy
The activity library sits behind a free parent account so notes, favorites, and play logs stay unique to you. This site does not show other families' notes. We are not a social network for kids.
Levels
Levels are loose age bands inspired by common early-childhood guidance. They help you pick a fit — they are not assessments.
- Sprout (~18–24 months): Very short, sensory, naming, heavy modeling
- Explorer (~2–3 years): Choices, simple pretend, 1–2 step play
- Builder (~3–4 years): Sequences, early cooperation, richer language
- Ready (~4–5 years): Longer play arcs
Skill paths
Paths are a quiet map of what you’ve been playing — letters, sounds, numbers, and the rest. If they weren’t really in it, we keep that idea around. You can add more than one child; Find centers on one at a time.
Research stance
Each activity includes a plain-language “why this works” note and links to reputable explainers when possible. Notes are simplified for tired parents — not a systematic review. We design for serve-and-return interaction, play, co-regulation, finite sessions, and real-world materials.
Screens
Default use: open a card, read the steps, put the phone down. The parent is the product surface. Child-facing infinite feeds are intentionally out of scope.