Play-Based Learning: A Guide for Early Childhood Leaders

How to facilitate, observe, and strengthen learning through play

Play is central to how young children learn, think, and build relationships. When used with intention in early childhood programs, play helps children develop the higher-order thinking skills that form the foundation for academic success.

This free guide is designed to support early childhood administrators in understanding, observing, and strengthening play-based learning to maximize its impact on child outcomes, unify teachers and families with shared vocabulary, and ultimately communicate the value of play to current and prospective preschool families.

You’ll learn

how play evolves with children’s ages and social stages,
how to design learning environments that respect children’s varied development,
strategies for building shared language around play,
ideas to guide classroom observation and teacher coaching and development; and,
tips for helping families see the lifelong benefits of play-based learning in preschool.

Use these tools and examples as frameworks for noticing practice, asking reflective questions, and supporting continuous improvement to deliver the highest-quality learning through play.

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