Any group or individual wishing to become a Lekotek must adhere to the following steps to develop a Lekotek. Only NLC approved and certified, sites and staff will be granted the right to use the Lekotek trademarked logo, philosophy, tools and practice the high standard services. Once the application is approved and the legal contract is signed, only then the site can operate as an official Lekotek.

1. Click here (link coming soon) to view the webinar entitled, “How to start a Lekotek center”
2. Download and review the Start Up Packet documents (free) and contact NLC with any questions
3. Contact NLC to indicate your interest in becoming a certified Lekotek
4. Complete a needs assessment to ensure community need and to help define program scope
5. Attend Lekotek Leader Training
6. Formulate program plan including but not limited to:
   1. Location
   2. Budget
   3. Partnerships
   4. Structure
   5. Staffing
   6. Timeline
   7. Funding sources, including fundraising plan
7. Develop community support include potential board/advisory board members
8. Submit application to NLC/await approval
9. Submit payment for start up fee and site visit
10. Set up site visit with NLC Apply for 501(c)3 status if applicable
11. Contract signing
12. Lekotek site opens!

A Lekotek may be established as an independent entity or, more commonly as a new program within an existing service organization. A Lekotek site can be either center-based and/or provide an itinerant program to meet its client family needs. The design of the delivery method of core Lekotek family services is determined after evaluating the results of the Needs Assessment and to respond to the local community needs. Therefore, the types of services offered will differ among Lekotek sites, however, the core services at each Lekotek are the same. The core services include individual play sessions toy loaning and parent resources. Many of programs also offer play groups, parent/sibling support groups, special family events, and inclusive computerplay clubs. Lekotek programs can be found in a wide range of communities, including urban, suburban, rural, hospital settings etc. in order to meet and serve the needs of a diverse range of families.