Recorded on June 08, 2022
All children are born hardwired to play. Through play, children notice what goes on around them and experiment with, and joyfully investigate, objects and people. Play is essential for young children’s learning; yet despite this, play is disappearing from childhood and early learning settings.
This archived webinar introduces, The Powerful Role of Play in Early Education, an exciting new publication published by the California Department of Education, that invites us to reflect on what is needed to reverse this alarming trend.
Panelists discuss why play is important to children’s learning and what each of us can do to re-center play as the primary context for early learning.
This webinar was the first part of a two-part webinar series developed by the California Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division, in partnership with WestEd’s Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC).
The series explores the importance of play as a right of childhood and the roles of teachers, providers, and administrators to support authentic play as the foundation for learning in early care and education programs. In addition to highlighting research and policy, practical examples for providers and teachers are shared to emphasize the importance of play in supporting optimal learning and development.
Webinar Moderator: Mary Jane Maguire-Fong
Panelists: Denisha Jones and Elizabeth Crocker
Watch Part 2: Play at the Center of the Curriculum
For more information about the PITC, visit us online at pitc.org.
Webinar Presenter(s):
Mary Jane Maguire-Fong Author and Professor Emerita of Early Childhood Education at American River College 
Denisha Jones Director of Art of Teaching, Sarah Lawrence College 