Programs and Services

Toy Lending Library

This unique service has been developed because of our agency's belief in the importance of play in a child's development. It is a mobile toy library which travels around the county and makes designated stops at churches, libraries and recreation centers. Parents are shown techniques to use to enhance their child's ability to play. This service is available to children with any type of disability from birth to 5 years old developmentally.

All children learn through play and use toys as learning tools. Toys offer the reward of fun, enabling children to learn new skills, which focus on abilities rather than disabilities.

What Is The Toy Library?
The Toy Library is a mobile program, designed to serve you in your own community. Our Toy Librarians travel throughout San Diego County, using libraries, churches, recreation centers and Boys & Girls Clubs as sites. Appointments are also available to meet at the UCP site.

How Does It Work?
The Toy Library loans instructional toys to families who have children with disabilities. Toy checkout sessions usually occur every two weeks. In each visit to the Toy Library site, toys and their uses are demonstrated for each child. Parents then select, and checkout the most appropriate toys for their child. The Librarian also assists parents with learning how to play with their children to develop cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills.

The library also contains over 30 "Literacy Theme Kits" available for checkout. These kits consist of hardback books, puzzles, puppets, fine motor toys, music CD's with each kit based on a theme such as "The Zoo", "Food", "Babies", "Transportation", etc.

Who Is Eligible?
Children with any type of disability, with a developmental age from birth to five years, may take part in this program. There are no income eligibility requirements for participation. There is a $20.00 annual fee for program participants.

* The Toy Library is a member of the USA Toy Library Association.

For more information about Toy Lending Library, please contact UCP at (858) 278-5420 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpsd.org
Updated: 02/02/2007