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Kids in urban and rural areas face so many challenges, and they show up at schools that don't have the extra capacity or extra resources to meet their needs.

Every child should have time for arts, music, sports, drama, robotics, school newspapers and the like, not to mention recess and play.

Kids need somewhere to go, so they're not bored on the street.

Kids who live in low income areas face extra challenges and show up at schools that were not designed to meet their extra needs.

It's critical that children spend time before they arrive in school in a warm, attractive and inclusive environment, where they can learn through play, master social skills and prepare for formal schooling.

Children don't run around outside as much as they did. They sit in front of computer games.

It's absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization - be it an elementary school, daycare, or community center - provide its children with time and space to play.

Play is under attack in our nation's schools - and shrinking recess periods are only part of the problem. Homework is increasing. Cities are building new schools without playgrounds. Safety concerns are prompting bans of tag, soccer, and even running on the schoolyard.

Getting kids moving is a key factor in tackling obesity and health problems among the young.

All over the world, children facing the challenges of poverty attend schools that aren't designed to meet their extra needs; across country lines, the lives of marginalized kids look far more similar than they do different.