Move This World

Move This World operates as a provider of a proactive and preventative mental health platform tailored for the PreK-12 education sector, serving students, educators, and their families. The company was established in 2007 by Sara Potler LaHayne. The concept originated during LaHayne's time as a Fulbright Scholar in Bogotá, Colombia, where she observed that students learned social-emotional skills more effectively through movement and creative expression, like dancing at recess, than from textbooks. This insight, combined with her background as a professional dancer, led to the creation of the first curriculum, initially named "Dance 4 Peace".

Upon returning to the U.S., LaHayne collaborated with advisors from the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education and the American Institutes for Research to formalize the program. Initially operating as a nonprofit with a direct service model, Move This World transitioned to a for-profit entity in 2016 to scale its impact. This evolution included a shift from direct facilitation and a train-the-trainer model to its current video-based platform, which was found to be more scalable and effective for teachers. The business generates revenue by providing its programs to school districts. Its platform is designed for easy implementation, requiring little to no prep from teachers, and delivers thousands of short, engaging multimedia experiences. These video-based lessons are aligned with the five core competencies defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

The company's offerings are structured to integrate into the daily school routine, providing tools for educators, resources for families, and pathways to teletherapy partnerships to create a comprehensive support system. The platform's content aims to build a common language around emotional well-being, foster social-emotional development, and improve school community dynamics. Evidence has shown that the program can lead to decreased behavioral incidents and suspensions, alongside increased attendance and academic outcomes. To date, Move This World has secured total funding of at least $2.15 million through multiple rounds, including a $1.1 million Series A in 2019, and has impacted over 4 million students across 45 states and 9 countries.

Keywords: social-emotional learning, SEL, mental health platform, PreK-12 education, EdTech, student wellness, educator wellness, family resources, video-based curriculum, MTSS aligned, CASEL recognized, emotional regulation, proactive mental health, school climate, Dance 4 Peace, Sara Potler LaHayne, behavioral health, classroom management, student engagement, professional development