Intentional teachers draw on their knowledge of child development as well as the interests, experiences, and contexts of children to help them master meaningful learning goals.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
Educators across the early childhood age band are tasked with promoting children’s development and learning by providing playful experiences, materials, and interactions.
Authored by
Authored by:
Robyn Ridgley, Katherine A. Mangione, Martin Ridgley
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
Authored by
Authored by:
Socorro García, Karen L. B. Burgard, Melissa M. Jozwiak
Guided play, a specific form of playful learning, occupies the space between unstructured free play and direct instruction. It often resembles one of two scenarios.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
In early childhood education settings, play refers to experiences that engage children in meaningful learning that is done with joy and allows them to interact with one another.
Integrating Guided Play and Hands-On Learning: Insights and Applications
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
NAEYC is pleased to announce that it has granted first-time accreditation to programs at six institutions and granted renewed accreditation to programs at seven institutions during its summer 2026 meeting.
NAEYC's Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs is pleased to announce that it has granted accreditation to early childhood programs during its summer 2026 meeting.
