Child’s Play Today

Description

Play is a fundamental part of early childhood development, shaping cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. This course explores the significance of play in child development, the differences between child-directed and adult-directed play, and the benefits of both structured and unstructured play experiences. Participants will gain insight into how outdoor play supports overall health, the importance of making time for play in daily routines, and strategies for fostering meaningful play experiences. By understanding the value of play, educators and caregivers can create environments that nurture creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain why play is essential for child development.
2. Differentiate between child-driven play and adult-driven play.
3. Identify the benefits of unstructured, free play and guided play experiences.
4. Recognize the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits of outdoor play.
5. Develop strategies to incorporate more play opportunities into daily routines.
6. Advocate for the importance of play in early childhood settings.

• Hours: 2
• Training Level:2
• Core Content: 1, 4
• CDA Content: 1, 2