The Value of Play for Preschool Children

Type
Course
Date of Publication
July 7, 2021
Price
See Agrilife Learn

Overview

This course examines the role of play in contributing to the healthy development of preschool children. Students who enroll in this course will learn why play should be an important component of every child care program, how to organize indoor and outdoor play spaces, and how to involve children in fun play activities.

Course Information

This course examines the role of play in contributing to the healthy development of preschool children. Students who enroll in this course will learn why play should be an important component of every child care program, how to organize indoor and outdoor play spaces, and how to involve children in fun play activities.

The learner should be able to:

  • Describe why play should be a vital component of every early learning program.
  • List and describe the six stages of play.
  • Discuss how to organize indoor and outdoor play spaces.
  • Self-assess your daily schedule and lesson plans to determine how you have incorporated opportunities for play.

This course was updated with funding 100% provided by federal Child Care and Development Funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as part of an $8,000,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Looking for solutions in your county? Contact your local extension experts

More choices in Aging & Caregiving

  • Course

    Promoting creativity in an early childhood setting is critical for the development of children’s brains. Environments, daily interactions, and experiences are all opportunities to promote creativity in young learners. Creativity can be expressed through the visual arts, music and movement, and dramatic arts.

    After completing this 3-hour course, the learner will be able to describe the elements of creativity, explain how environments can encourage creativity, examine how the arts can support development across all domains in early childhood, and discuss the different categories of creative arts with connections to the four developmental domains.

  • Course

    Creating healthy habits is a critical element of quality early childhood programs. This course reviews practices that promote oral health. It is aligned with Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition criteria and was developed with support from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

  • Course

    Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in cases of child abuse in the United States. This 2-hour course will help you better understand the dangers of abusive head trauma and how to take steps to protect the children in your care from this type of abuse.

  • Course

    Infants’ experiences early in life literally influence the physical structures of the brain, opening the way for patterns of thought and behavior for the rest of a child’s life. This 1-hour course addresses critical topics related to caring for the youngest and most vulnerable population of children, infants and toddlers.

  • Course

    Providing a broad overview of 4 main areas of child growth and development, this course offers practical tips on supporting children’s development. Key findings from brain research and its relevance to the care of young children is briefly explored, as well as the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP).

  • Course

    Early childhood educators strive to establish warm and secure relationships with children in their care. Unfold strategies for building strong relationships with families while supporting social and emotional development. Recognize the importance of responsive interactions, positive guidance, exploration, and play.