Years of extensive research affirm that providing time, space, and appropriate adult support for children’s play leads to optimal learning and development. Yet, over the past decades, children’s play has been under threat as the focus on adult-directed activities has increased, time in nature has decreased, and educators feel increasing pressure to meet rigidly imposed learning standards.

Conference attendees will: 

• Gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of play in multiple learning domains
• Consider the relationship between care, imagination, and play
• Explore new ways to support educators in scaffolding children’s play
• Discover strategies to help families understand the importance of play
• And much more!