Engagement with Impact
Who’s Using PLAYCE
The PLAYCE Engagement Academy
Build confidence. Lead engagement. Create real connection.
The PLAYCE Engagement Academy is our 12-week training program for professionals who lead or support community engagement.
Whether you're a planner, designer, public leader, or facilitator-in-training, the Academy equips you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to build trust, shift power, and design more inclusive processes.
We don’t just teach theory—we help you change how you show up in your work.
Engagement Academy Learning Path
With three progressive levels, the PLAYCE Engagement Academy builds your skills in community engagement—from foundational facilitation to leadership and certification. Whether you're just getting started or ready to deepen your practice, there’s a clear path forward.
Level 1
Foundations of Playful Engagement
Build your facilitation toolkit and lead with confidence.
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Create an engagement plan rooted in meaningful community input
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Make intentional language choices that foster trust and clarity
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Learn and practice foundational facilitation techniques
Best for: Beginners or professionals new to engagement work or playful techniques
Credential:
Certified PLAYCE Facilitator – Level 1
Level 2
Transforming Insights
into Impact
Lead with intention and adapt your style to real-world dynamics.
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Scope and prioritize engagement goals alongside project needs
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Facilitate with confidence across diverse audiences
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Analyze community input and turn insight into action
Best for: Experienced professionals looking to sharpen their facilitation
Credential:
Certified PLAYCE Facilitator – Level 2
Level 3
Mastery and
Mentorship
Expand your impact, mentor others, and step into leadership.
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Lead full engagement processes with creativity and integrity
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Adapt games and tools to meet the needs of complex projects
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Support others as they grow in their own engagement practice
Best for: Professionals ready to lead and teach PLAYCE methods
Credential:
Certified PLAYCE Facilitator – Level 3
Optional advancement:
Certified PLAYCE Practitioner
How the Academy Works
The PLAYCE Engagement Academy meets weekly over 12 weeks in a small, supportive cohort of 4–6 professionals from diverse disciplines. Each session blends experiential learning, hands-on activities, lecture, and discussion—designed to deepen your understanding and use of the PLAYCE methodology.
Full participation is expected. This is not a passive learning experience—the impact of this program is directly tied to the energy, openness, and engagement you bring to it.
What to Expect
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12 weekly live sessions (1 hour via Zoom)
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All sessions are recorded and available on demand
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Full access to the PLAYCE Play Portal, with videos, tools, downloads, and templates
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Practical assignments and real-time facilitation practice
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Step-by-step guidance to support your growth as a facilitator
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Certificate and digital badge upon completion (Live Cohort track only)
Why Choose the PLAYCE Engagement Academy?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the PLAYCE Coaching Program offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to mastering playful placemaking. Learn how to craft engagement plans, facilitate meaningful discussions, and create authentic connections that drive lasting change.
Through interactive exercises, hands-on learning, and expert guidance, this program empowers you to:
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Design and implement impactful community engagement strategies.
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Build consensus and foster trust within diverse groups.
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Adapt playful techniques to your unique projects.
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Develop confidence as a leader in community and client engagement.
Engagement Academy Outcomes
After completing the Academy, you’ll be able to:
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Design community engagement sessions with clear goals and inclusive activities
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Confidently facilitate conversations that build trust and surface insight
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Navigate power dynamics and community tension with greater clarity
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Apply tools like Insight Cards and the Four Magic Questions in live settings
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Document engagement outcomes and connect them to project decisions
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Speak with confidence about the value of engagement—on proposals and in the field
What Past Participants Say
Many of our coaching clients report new feelings of empowerment, excitement over their new facilitation skills, confidence in leading innovative exercises with the public and pride in taking a stand against traditional engagement techniques.
Fortunately, I have a decent capacity to keep a group engaged, and this program just added new tools to that skillset. I feel more confident that I can get useful information from the group using PLAYCE tools.
Anita Bueno
Designer
I have felt more empowered in this course than any school course that I have ever taken. There is something special about how easy the course is while at the same time being so impactful. I wish university courses felt this empowering.
Joshua Kuhowski
Student
PLAYCE is a cohort of really talented and engaged industry professionals that will, together, build each other up and encourage real world impacts that will make your community better. There is no better place to experiment with bringing people together because PLAYCE gives us license.
Aimee Arcero
Designer
Choose Your Academy Start Date and Pricing Plan
Flexible options for individuals and teams—same great experience, your preferred path.
Upcoming Level 1 Cohorts:
August 15 - November 7, 2025 |Fridays at 12 pm EST (no class Oct. 10)
November 4, 2025 - February 3, 2026 | Tuesdays at 12 pm EST (no class Dec. 23)
December 5, 2025 - March 6, 2026 | Fridays at 12 pm EST (no class Dec. 26 and Jan. 2)
Select your desired program dates at checkout.
Flexible Payment Plan
$225/week for 12 weeks
Total: $2,700
Best for: Those who prefer to spread out payments.
12 Weeks of Sessions
1 year Portal Access
2, 20-minute 1-on-1 Zoom Calls
Insight Card Deck
One-Time Payment
Paid in Full
Total: $2400
Best for: Those ready to save and commit up front.
Includes everything in the Flexible Payment Plan, plus:
$300 total savings
Priority access to cohort selection
Group Discount
Buy 2, Get 1 Free
Available for teams of 2+
Best for: Forms, agencies, and teams training together
12 Weeks of sessions for each participant
1 year Portal Access
2, 20-minute Team Zoom Calls
Insight Card Deck for each participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about joining the PLAYCE Engagement Academy?
Here are answers to the questions we’re most often asked—so you know exactly what to expect.
How long is the PLAYCE Engagement Academy?
The Academy is a 12-week program with one 60-minute session each week. Participants can join a live cohort or choose the self-study track to learn at their own pace.
What happens if I miss a live session?
All live cohort sessions are recorded and uploaded to the PLAYCE Play Portal. You’ll have access to the replays, along with downloadable materials and reflection prompts, so you never fall behind.
What is the difference between the live cohort and the self-study version?
The live cohort includes weekly Zoom sessions, real-time coaching, peer feedback, and eligibility for certification and continuing education credits.
The self-study version is on-demand and includes the same core content and tools—but does not include live instruction, certification, or CE credits.
Who is the program for?
The Academy is designed for professionals who lead or support community engagement. This includes planners, designers, public officials, nonprofit leaders, consultants, and anyone working with the public to shape programs, policies, or places.
Do I need previous facilitation experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary for Level 1. The Academy is intentionally designed to support beginners while offering deeper growth opportunities at Levels 2 and 3.
Can I join with my team?
Yes. We encourage teams to train together and offer a 3-for-2 group discount. You’ll each join the same live cohort and be able to reflect and practice together throughout the program.
How long do I get access to the PLAYCE Play Portal?
You’ll receive one full year of access from the date of your initial purchase—or at least six months from your first live session, whichever is longer. This gives you plenty of time to revisit recordings, download tools, and deepen your learning after the program ends.
What tools and resources are included with the program?
All participants receive access to the PLAYCE Play Portal, which includes downloadable tools, training videos, facilitation templates, session recordings, and more. You’ll also receive a set of Insight Cards if you enroll in the full program.
Can this program count toward professional development or continuing education requirements?
We are currently submitting the PLAYCE Engagement Academy live cohort for continuing education credit through LA CES. Once approved, participants will be eligible to receive CEUs upon completion. In the meantime, we provide documentation and certificates that can often be submitted for professional development hours through your employer or professional organization. Let us know if you need help with the paperwork—we’re happy to support you.
How do I earn certification?
Participants who complete a live cohort, successfully pass the quizzes and participate fully in sessions are eligible to earn a digital badge and certificate as a Certified PLAYCE Facilitator for each level they complete.
How do I fit this into my workload?
The program is designed to integrate into your real work—not add to it. We strongly recommend that you choose one current or upcoming project to focus on during the 12-week program. Each session gives you tools and guidance to directly apply to your project’s engagement plan, helping you make progress while you learn. You’ll leave the Academy with a complete engagement strategy and the confidence to facilitate it.
Who will I be in a cohort with?
You’ll join a small group of 4–6 participants from across sectors and regions. Cohorts often include design professionals, municipal staff, nonprofit leaders, communications professionals, students, and community organizers. The diversity of backgrounds brings rich conversation and cross-industry insight to every session.
What does “Certified PLAYCE Practitioner” mean?
Once you’ve completed all three levels of the Academy, you’re eligible to apply for the Certified PLAYCE Practitioner designation by documenting and reflecting on a real-world engagement you’ve led using PLAYCE methods.
Case Studies for Play!
While PLAYCE Studio, Ltd. has only been a standalone company since 2019, our founder, Joy Kuebler, LA developed this methodology through her own private practice Landscape Architecture firm, Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect. Through this work, many communities were supported and empowered to join in on the design process. These are their stories.
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