Understanding and Observing High-Quality Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning isn’t just fun, it’s how young children learn best.
In this 1-hour webinar, you’ll build a foundational understanding of what intentional, developmentally appropriate play looks like in practice and how to recognize meaningful learning during classroom observations. We’ll break down the stages of play, highlight the teacher’s role in guiding learning, and review the research demonstrating why play is one of the most effective approaches for young children.
What You’ll Learn
- What defines high-quality, intentional play-based learning
- How the stages of play show up in early childhood classrooms
- Observable indicators of developmentally appropriate practice
- How to conduct observations with clarity and confidence
- The research behind play’s impact on whole-child development
This session is designed for early childhood leaders across private child care, public preschool, and Head Start programs who are seeking a deeper understanding of intentional play and play-based learning.
Welcome to a three-part series for early childhood program leaders from Head Start, private child care, and public preschool exploring high-quality play-based learning and how it drives meaningful, measurable positive outcomes for children, families, and educators. Over the course of this series, we’ll examine the foundations of play-based learning, supportive leadership practices, and real-world examples of the practice at work.
Whether you’re new to early childhood education or deeply experienced, this series will help you observe intentional play with confidence, create the conditions for play to thrive, and see how high-quality play-based learning improves engagement at all levels, attendance, and kindergarten readiness.
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Leading High-Quality Play-Based ProgramsWednesday, February 11, 2026 | 3:00PM EST -
How Real Programs Bring High-Quality Learning to LifeWednesday, February 25, 2026 | 3:00PM EST
