Learning through Play in the Early Childhood Classroom
- Date: March 19, 2027
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Format and Platform: Virtual via Zoom
- Registration Fee:
- Individual: $10
- Team viewing/Group: $200
- Registration Deadline:
- Individual: 3/19/27
- Team viewing/Group: 3/12/27
- Topic Focus: Child and Classroom level
- Intended Audience: Early Childhood Teachers, Administrators, Ancillary Staff, Consultants, Paraeducators/Classroom aides, Early On Providers
- Amy Matthews, Ph.D., BCBA, GVSU, Psychology Department & START Project
This module outlines strategies used to increase learning opportunities to promote play skills in young children. Participants will be provided information to assist staff to individualize strategies for specific students as well as creating broad activities relevant to an entire class. A variety of strategies will be presented including scripted play, video modeling, reciprocal imitation, observational play, structuring play centers, organizing free play, and peer training. In this module, we will share practices and strategies that promote inclusion and peer interaction.
Individual viewing: For this training, individual viewing is recommended for a single individual attending the training, or for each member of a group of 20 people or less.
Team Viewing Option: For this training, team viewing is recommended for a group size of 21 or more participants, who will be facilitated by at least 1 team leader (preferably a coach within your local ISD).
Team Viewing Instructions:
- Identify and register 1 to 2 Team Leaders (preferably a coach within your district/ISD) who will be responsible for facilitating the virtual training experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- Organizing and coordinating the training in a physical viewing location.
- Communicating with START about the training and questions that arise.
- Collecting team attendance and reporting this attendance to START.
- Facilitating the team experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- After registering, START will send the Team Leaders a Facilitator Guide with information about facilitating a high-quality virtual training experience in a large group.
START is offering State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), Social Work Credits, pending approval, Certificates of Attendance, and MiRegistry credit. Participants must complete the Attendance Form provided at the training within 2 days of the training date to receive CEUs, a Certificate of Attendance, and/or MiRegistry credit.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be emailed to [email protected] at least 24 hours before training begins for a refund. We are unable to accept phone cancellations.
START only accepts credit cards for payment.
By registering for this training, you agree to receive email updates from START (articles, updates, new tools and resources, and training and events information) and acknowledge and consent to the recording of the session(s). The recording may capture audio, video, and any shared content during the meeting.