IPA USA 2024 RIGHT2PLAY, RIGHT NOW

Welcome to the IPA USA 2024 Conference, The Right to Play, RIGHT NOW! To ensure ease in registration, here are a few tricks.

Once you have purchased your ticket for the conference, you will be directed to a Registration Form. This form is not just a document; it’s a key part of our planning process, and your participation is highly valued. Please complete it to help us track attendees for each of the special events.

If you wish to enhance your conference experience by adding a T-shirt or the Saturday Evening Celebration, you can do so by visiting this page: https://ipausa2024right2playnow.sched.com/?iframe=no

To add the T-shirt or the Saturday Evening Celebration to your registration, click on the ’Reserve Tickets’ button and select the option/s you want to add on.

If you want to attend the Pre-Conference, please follow the link below to register.

PreConference Session – Wednesday, September 25 – 9:30-2:30 pm
Connecting Children with Nature: A Practical Workshop for Educators
Follow this link to register for the preconference——https://events.humanitix.com/connecting-children-workshop

Looking forward to seeing you in Greenville, SC

Deb, President, IPA USA

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7:30am EDT

Onsite Conference 444 College St, Greenville, SC 29601 LOWER LEVEL

Thursday September 26, 2024 7:30am - 10:00am EDT

Greenville Theater----- LOWER LEVEL

Pick up your badge and conference goodies

Thursday September 26, 2024 7:30am - 10:00am EDT
Greenville Theater----- LOWER LEVEL

Onsite Registration

8:00am EDT

“Embodying Joy in Outdoor Play and Learning”

Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:15am EDT

Greenville Theater----- LOWER LEVEL

There is much to celebrate and for which to be grateful about childhood surrounded by nature! How can adults be sculptors of energy and builders of community when supporting children in play? How does our understanding of the natural flow of play impact our decisions when working with children in play settings? Daniel will share stories of play and discuss how educator energy and intention can help sculpt play experiences of children through listening, acknowledging ideas and being playful alongside children. The session will be playful in its own essence, with bursts of joy and ideas for how educators can step into being exuberant and engaging play partners. Educators are invited to embrace this joy and learn ways to engage outdoors playfully with children to help build community and relationships.

Presenters

Daniel Burton

CEO, Educated by Nature (Australia)

Daniel Burton is the CEO and co-founder of Educated by Nature, a world leader in play-based nature education. He is a qualified teacher, rites of passage facilitator, and education consultant. Daniels's workshops combine research and practica examples to teach research-based pedagogies... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:15am EDT
Greenville Theater----- LOWER LEVEL

Keynote

9:30am EDT

A Dialogue of Ecocentric Views on Nature Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Our individual worldviews encompass beliefs that are instrumental in providing meaning for and interpreting life. Values inherent in our worldviews frame our goals and actions, serving as a compass for our lives. An ecocentric worldview emphasizes the importance of all living and non-living things in our environment. Playfully ponder how an ecocentric worldview frames fostering play in and with nature. Engage in dialogue based on ecocentric provocations that acknowledge a sustainability ethic and a strong value on the importance of play in nature.

Presenters

Victoria Carr

Professor, University of Cincinnati

Dr. Victoria Carr, Professor of Early Education and Executive Director for the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, and Sustainability at the University of Cincinnati studies play and learning environments, teacher pedagogies, children’s experiences in nature, and education for... Read More →

Claire Underwood

Claire Underwood (MEEd) is a Doctoral Student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is the Editorial Assistant for the Children, Youth, Environments Journal and conducts research with the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability. Since 2021, Claire has researched... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

9:30am EDT

Because Kindergarten Shouldn't Be All Work and No Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

To focus on child outputs for collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, one kindergarten's early literacy strategy powerfully positions children as authors and actors to perform their original plays as a response to literature. This is a photo-rich case study of an Emergent Curriculum reflecting Play Pedagogy within a Whole Child Approach to Education demonstrating that developmentally effective practice can well meet state educational guidelines and standards.

Presenters

Cornelia McKeehan

Kindergarten Teacher, Vanderbilt University: The Acorn School/Kindergarten

Master Degree in Educational Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver. Teacher in play based preschool and kindergarten in Denver, Colorado for 12 years. Currently serve as lead teacher for Owls Kindergarten Program at Vanderbilt University. We follow a Reggio inspired emergent... Read More →

Bryan O'Callahan

Kindergarten Teacher, Vanderbilt University: The Acorn/Kindergarten

Kathleen Seabolt

Vanderbilt University

Kathleen Seabolt, Ed.D. is executive director for the Child and Family Center at Vanderbilt University, an Associate to the Tennessee Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), and serves on the Policy committee for Raising Readers Nashville a collective impact framework of community... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

9:30am EDT

Curiousity and Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

Our session will focus on the role of environments and materials in playful inquiry. Building on the natural curiosities and propensities of children we will unpack various “intelligent materials” and their curation in creating interesting playscapes, or invitations for play. Highlighting the importance of observation and documentation as a means to supporting children’s play, the session invites adults into the child’s innate drive for play as a way of making meaning in and enjoying their world.

Presenters

Jennifer Kesselring

Riverfield Country Day School

Jennifer is the Head of innovation and learning and Head of the Pre—School at Riverfield Country Day School, in Tulsa Oklahoma. She teachers graduate school courses in the Innovative Teacher Education Masters Program at University of Colorado, Denver. She has co- authored a book... Read More →

Ashley Stewart

Ashley is an Assistant Head of the Pre-School at Riverfield Country Day. She has co-authored a book, designed and hosted professional development initiatives and speaks at a national level.

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

Session

9:30am EDT

Parental Support and Involvement in Fostering Playful Learning Enviironments for Young Children

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

"
Join us for an enlightening session focused on empowering parents to actively support and engage in playful learning environment for young child. Thought-out this interactive session, participates will explore the vital role of parental involvement in fostering creativity, curiosity and skill development thought play."

Presenters

ReShaun Webb

"Ms. Webb is a native of San Antonio Texas. Ms. Webb started out working in childcare at a young age working with the babies in the church nursery. She has been working in childcare for 20 years. Fast-forwarding a bit to high school, ReShaun started taking childcare co-op classes... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

9:30am EDT

Playful Learning in the University Classrooms

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

"Learning has to be meaningful in order to be memorable." That was my "take-away" from years of conducting memory development research. Through years of university teaching of students from many different countries with different cultural backgrounds, from teaching while on a Fulbright in South Africa, and from teaching while on a Fulbright in South Africa, I learned that play and the creative arts bring people together and help them to process the meaning of what you want them to learn. Examples will be provided.

Presenters

Darlene DeMarie

Retired Professor, College of Education & Fulbright Faculty Advisor, University of South Florida

Darlene DeMarie, Ph.D., is the Fulbright Faculty Advisor & Fulbright Campus Liaison for the University of South Florida (USF World). She semi-retired as Professor of Educational Psychology in the College of Education at USF. Her research with children shows the value of play in schools... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Session

9:30am EDT

Seeing the Science and Engineering in Children's Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

This interactive session will focus on recognizing the rich and diverse ways young children naturally engage in science and engineering through their play. We will explore case scenarios illustrating students' scientific thinking and problem-solving in different types of play. We will especially focus on noticing and building on children's natural engagements during free-play. This session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to track and support children's natural curiosity in science and engineering during play as well as advocate for play-based science.

Presenters

Rachel Larimore

Samara Early Learning

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

Session

9:30am EDT

Teaching By Example: Creating Playful Spaces in Higher Education

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

In this presentation I will discuss strategies implemented to transform my role as college instructor and promote learning through play while creating a more playful atmosphere in the university classroom for pre-service teachers. This included introducing the use of manipulatives into our learning space, more playful cooperative learning, and multiple methods of demonstrating learning. By reevaluating my course methods and content, I have been able to model for students how play supports learning and how we can find playful ways to explore any content.

Presenters

Andrea Sanchez

Andrea Sanchez is an advocate, researcher, teacher, and mother, with over two decades in the early childhood field. For the past twelve years, Andrea has served as a kindergarten teacher, working to create a classroom environment where curiosity is nurtured and every child feels valued... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

9:30am EDT

What About Play? Pre-Service Teachers Views About Children's Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

A survey of undergraduate students enrolled in a university teacher preparation program in Texas investigated pre-service teachers’ general knowledge about play. Pre-service teachers were asked to define “play” and respond to open-ended questions about their future roles in supporting the play of children. Qualitative analyses resulted in the identification of four themes that defined play. Findings resulted in recommendations for teacher preparation programs.

Presenters

Elaine Zweig

Elaine Zweig is an Early Childhood Specialist with decades of successful experience working with children of all ages and grade levels. As a professor at Collin College, Texas Woman's University, and now, as an Educational Consultant, Dr. Zweig presented over 50 workshops at local... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Session

10:45am EDT

A Visual Tour of Five Early Childhood Programs in Florence, Italy, Ft. Williams, and Glasgow Scotland

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

The IPA World Conference was in Glasgow, Scotland, in June 2023. During my stay, I visited six programs in Scotland and Italy. These include Child Woods, Baltic Street Adventure Playground, St Mirins After School Outdoor Classroom, Ft. Williams Outdoor Nursery, and a Reggio Inspired program in Florence, Italy. Each program approached outdoor space and nature differently, so many ideas and photos to share. Explore ideas for giving children space to play.

Presenters

Deb Lawrence

Associate Professor, Delaware County Community College , Media, PA; President, IPA USA

"Debra L. Lawrence has over 45 years of experience in early care and education. While living in Germany, she began her early childhood career as an aide in a Department of Defense Kindergarten classroom. When her family returned to the States, Debra started as a sub at a local childcare... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

10:45am EDT

Cardboard Creations & Playful Solutions: Connecting Creativity and Play in Children and Ourselves

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

This interactive workshop explores the powerful link between play and creativity, focusing on how to nurture young problem-solvers. We'll delve into the importance of fostering our own creativity as adults and discover how this translates into supporting children's creative journeys. We'll explore strategies and activities that use play as a springboard for imagination and creative thinking.

Presenters

Kim Adams

Today We Play - Barron Park Preschool

Kim Adams is a passionate advocate for play. With over 35 years of experience leading and teaching in early learning environments, Kim offers a deep understanding of child development and the transformative power of play and creativity. A certified Positive Discipline educator and... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

10:45am EDT

Empowering Childcare Staff to Embrace Outdoor Play: A Pilot Project

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Early childhood education often emphasizes indoor, teacher-led activities, neglecting essential elements like daily movement, deep play, and nature exploration crucial for children's optimal development. Additionally, many educators lack access to training and resources to prioritize outdoor play in our field. Through photos and stories, outdoor play consultants Elizabeth and Susan will share their Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE) Pilot Project that provided free OLE concept designs and comprehensive staff training to 6 licensed childcare centers in Pennsylvania. They will also share the implementation tools used to more fully address the project goals unique to each site.

Presenters

Elizabeth Marcello

ECE Technical Assistance/Play & Nature Based Coach, Community Connections for Children

Elizabeth has been a Coach for Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania’s quality rating system for childcares, preschools, and before and after school programs, since 2016. She holds a BS in Child and Family Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Applied Developmental... Read More →

Susan Chlebowski

Susan Chlebowski is a Montessori teacher, forest school leader and PARS Playwork Trainer who studies and teaches research-based models of living and learning that honor a child’s right to play and experience nature as part of a healthy, happy childhood. Her focus work is outreach... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Session

10:45am EDT

From Plato to Play-doh: The History of Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

This history of the play will be examined. Participants will be involved in an interactive session that will take them from the first studies of play to current scholarship. Upon leaving this session, participants should have a deeper understanding of how the past world views of play have shaped current perspectives. This information can be used to inform advocacy efforts.

Presenters

Dorothy Sluss

Dorothy Sluss has spent a lifetime studying how young children grow and develop through play. She began as a teacher in the preschools and primary schools of southwest Virginia for over a decade and worked with the governor’s office to pilot the first publicly funded program for... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

10:45am EDT

How Authentic Play in STEM Fosters Cog. Development

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

In this session, the author will explore the various research supports and frameworks that provide evidence for expansive cognitive growth and development when children are engaged in authentic (freely chosen) play in STEM contexts. Play in STEM areas including play with toys promotes concept development, problem solving, critical thinking, an increased imagination, and opportunities to build STEM understandings and identity.

Presenters

Brian Stone

Dr. Brian A. Stone is an Assistant Professor at Northern Arizona University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in science and social studies methods, play education, and assessment. He is a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play, and he is the faculty lead for the Professional... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

10:45am EDT

Intergenerational Play: Building Relationships and Promoting Hope and Healing - A Tribute to Dr. Klugman

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

"This presentation engages conference participants in a workshop on the value of intergenerational
play to heal early life trauma. Inspired by Dr. Edgar Klugman, this presentation describes the critical
role of play between the generations to address trauma experiences and engages participants in
intergenerational play activities."

Presenters

Dolores Stegelin

"Dr. Stegelin is Professor Emerita-Clemson U. and a Sr. Fellow with the Institute for Child Success (ICS) in SC. Her research focuses on intergenerational play, trauma-informed education, child assessment, and international ECE curriculum. She co-authored a book with Dr Edgar Klugman... Read More →

Jennifer Geddes-Hall

Dr. Jennifer Geddes Hall is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She has worked as a school counselor and child/adolescent therapist in diverse urban and rural community/school settings. Currently, Dr. Hall is an associate clinical professor working with... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Session

10:45am EDT

The Neuroscience of Play: How Loose Parts Builds Big Brains

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

This interactive workshop will offer a hands-on loose parts learning lab to connect brain science research with playful learning. Participants will engage with open-ended loose parts and discover how such materials can be used to support the neurobiological basis of language, memory, executive functioning, regulation, frustration tolerance, agency, cooperation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Discussion of stress responses and ways to bring back balance to children’s and adolescents’ emotional and cognitive states through playful learning will also be explored through neuroscience. ng this interactive workshop participants will enter the brain and follow

Presenters

Jessica M. Black

Associate Profesor, Boston College

Jessica M. Black, MA, PhD, is Associate Professor, Chair of Children, Youth and Families Field of Practice and directs the Cell to Society Lab in the Boston College School of Social Work. She is an educational neuroscientist whose research centers on ways in which child and adolescent... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

"Childhood: What's the Rush?"

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

If we measured our lifespan on a ruler, childhood would be about an inch. Why are we rushing these tiny humans through this joyful and magical time? In this session, we will share the power (and the research) to push back on the academic push down that is ruining childhood.

Presenters

Two Pushy Dames

Kathy Gallo has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for nearly 40 years, including Head Start, private child care and family child care settings. Kathy has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and teaches a variety of courses in ECE at both a community college... Read More →

Leann Soucy

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

1:15pm EDT

Cardboard Connections: Using Non-traditional manipulative

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

This interactive session will inspire participants to embrace the role of the playful learner as we explore engagement via nontraditional manipulatives as a learning strategy. Using cost-effective materials, such as cardboard, tape, paper, etc., all not considered typical manipulatives of play, participants will brainstorm, build, and collaborate to solve a playful problem. This session is designed to be easily transferred and adapted for specific students, learning needs, and learning environments. It will include a brief introduction, play time, and group reflection, fostering a highly collaborative and reflective environment.

Presenters

Maddy Moreland

Clemson University

Maddy is an artist, a player, and a Ph.D. student at Clemson University. She focuses on arts education as a critical component of all teacher education and play’s pedagogical role, especially within arts education, to engage learning for all students. She recently completed her... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

Creating "Yes" Spaces

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Presenters

Michelle Waters

Michelle Waters is the founder and director of The Tree House School Of Play. She is an advocate for child lead play based learning.

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

1:15pm EDT

Fostering the Ecological Self: The Role of Play and Nature in Child Development

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Presenters

Reagan Fulton

"Reagan Fulton stands at the forefront of redefining play as a universally essential element for both children and adults. As the visionary leader of Playful Acre, she's committed to the mission of nurturing holistic development through play at every stage of life. With a rich background... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

1:15pm EDT

From Play to Policy-Empower providers, amplify voices, create change

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

"Those of us that work with and for children KNOW what is best for children and yet we are so often left out of the conversations about what that means in our programs. This dismissal leads to burnout, developmentally inappropriate expectations and other issues. In this session you will learn effective strategies for communicating with lawmakers, local leadership, and others that impact our work. We will discuss the how to use “everyday advocacy”, storytelling, and collaboration as tools to improve support for early care and education. You will leave this session feeling empowered to make a difference where you stand and with tools to create positive changes.
"

Presenters

Kristy Degraaf

Family Childcare Pro

Kristy DeGraaf is a family childcare provider, trainer and childcare coach. Kristy started her career in social work and moved to Family Childcare in 2007 after finding it hard to locate good care for her own children. Kristy is passionate about PLAY, getting kids outside, and supporting... Read More →

Joey DeGraaf

Joey is a recent addition to the family childcare program that has been his wife’s passion for 16 years. In 2022 he resigned from his position in college athletics marketing to work with Kristy, focusing on program improvements and training other ECE and FCC professionals. His background... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

More Than Mud

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

"In this session, we will discuss the common arguments revolving around muddy play and how we can approach each activity from start to clean-up & each family’s comfort level through all the age groups. We will discuss the negative stigma mud play has with teachers & parents & how we can make it a norm. We will dive into mud to create art and investigate your own relationship with mud play. There is a deep thrill to getting dirty & messy play is extremely important for a child’s development. Messy play provides children with an exciting tactile & sensory experience that inspires their curiosity. Mud can decrease behaviors, regulate emotions, and nurture cognitive development within every age. We will explore how as adults we can foster and create opportunities for children to foster their development. It allows them to explore the world around them & enhances learning by creating intentional play. You will learn how to set up a mud kitchen from upcycling materials and the benefits of providing natural materials.

"

Presenters

Jennifer Strange

My name is Jennifer Strange. I have a bachelor’s in special education from East Tennessee State University (1999). My master’s is in Elementary Education from Trevecca University (2006). I have been an Early Childhood Teacher at Vanderbilt University since 2005. The last five... Read More →

Darcia Witherspoon

My name is Darcia Witherspoon, and I work with the Vanderbilt, Child and Family Center in Nashville, Tn. I have been a Teacher of the Acorn School since 2018. I am currently working with 3-year-olds that I have transitioned with as a three-year study to determine the benefits of continuity... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

Recess Advocacy: Who Gets Quality Recess and What can Be Done to Siupport Recess Equity?

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

This session will explore the recent history of recess in the United States, the research on the effects of recess (or lack of recess), and evidence of discrimination in who does/does not get recess, some of which is reviewed in our recent book, Play and social justice: Equity, advocacy, and opportunity. Starting with a powerpoint presentation, I will present my own research on recess as well as more recent research on the benefits of recess. Also, I will review the status of state legislation on recess including the history of recess legislation and school board policies in Georgia. The session will end with a discussion of effective methods of advocacy.

Presenters

Olga Jarrett

Professor Emerita, Georgia State University

Olga S. Jarrett, PhD, Professor Emerita, Georgia State University (GSU). Science education, play research, evaluator. Former president of The Association for the Study of Play (TASP) and the American Association for the Child’s right to play (IPAUSA), Editor of PlayBlast. Co-editor... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

Recess Today & Silent Lunch: Recognizing Shadow Discipline

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

Lunch and recess are generally the only two opportunities in the school day for students to play, interact, and make choices. Yet, in this face-paced and rigorous testing culture, these two areas are often counted as classroom currency. Shadow discipline, otherwise known as soft-exclusionary practices, is prevalent in many schools and may be seen as inevitable. This session will raise awareness for these punitive practices as well as suggesting pathways to advocate for the rights of children in your communities.

Presenters

Charlene Woodham Brickman

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

All Children Deserve Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

"My session would support the theme of this conference, “The Child’s Right to Play,” because I will be focusing on
how, no matter a child’s situation (financially, culturally, physically, or developmentally) they can all be given the same rights and resources to play as equals. While focusing on nature-based play and other forms of therapy play for young children, this
topic really leans more towards the resources, rights, networking, and advocacy that is necessary for play to be an equitable opportunity for all children. Working directly with children who have endured emotional and physical trauma, who are houseless, hungry,
non-English speaking, refugees, in the ASD community, foster-care, and in unhealthy situations, I have come to find a deep passion and need for making sure children always have play in their daily lives. This session will talk about how this can be achieved
for children who may not have the “normal” life of their peers, and the importance of creating community within this play.

"

Presenters

Mattie Hallett

Director, Family Center of Washington County

Mattie is an early childhood program director with a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education teaching and adminstration. With a bachelors in art history and one in creative writing. She grew up in northern Vermont and now resides and works in central Vermont. She is extremely passionate... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

Corporate Interferance: Children's Screen Time and How Digital Play Misses the Mark in ECE

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Do we really need screens in ECE? In this session, we challenge the notion that early educators must use digital technology such as apps in the classroom in order to be truly culturally responsive and child-led. With examples from the most popular apps, participants will better understand how digital play is shaped by corporations who are motivated by profit, not what’s best for children. Participants will come away with new knowledge and tools for advocacy toward a screen aware early childhood practice.

Presenters

Rachel Franz

Director of Early Childhood Advocacy, Fairplay

Rachel Franz is a fierce fighter for honoring children and childhood. She is the Director of Early Childhood Advocacy at Fairplay, which works toward systems-level change around how kids get hooked on screen time and builds a world in which kids can be kids, free from the influence... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

2:30pm EDT

Embracing the Benefits

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Play is absolutely the way...outdoor Play is the secret weapon. For many people outdoor play is easily sold on a sunny day. Seeing children in the rain can be for many viewed as a negative thing. This session looks to give an introduction into the various ways that outdoor play holistically supports the development of children-and has benefits for us all as humans-in all weathers. In a world where children are inundated by technology, wrapped in cotton wool, and trusted less and less to play outside we know that they are suffering. Outdoor play can lead to more settled children, increased creativity, better problem solving, happier children!.....and so much more. The session will set out the arguments, highlight places that participants can look for further reading/learning, and ultimately take participants outside to engage them with some activities that back up the points made. With the hope that they can start to understand for themselves that "there is no bad weather only bad clothing" is more than just a catchy phrase.

Presenters

Cameron Sprague

Co-Head of Nursery/Head of Training, Stramash Social Enterprise , United Kingdom

Cameron emigrated to the U.K. following completing his BSc in Outdoor and Environmental Education in 2007 from Northern Vermont University. Cameron worked at the Child Development Centre on campus throughout his studies and this led him taking his outdoor learning foundation to the... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

2:30pm EDT

Process-Based Art or Pinterest Worthy Projects?

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

This workshop type session will review the difference between process art and project art. It will focus on the importance of art as a process of learning for children versus product focused art. It can be extremely challenging for childcare providers to focus on the process art projects, especially when families tend to enjoy “Pinterest- type” crafts. There will be a demonstration of how process art makes you feel and think versus the art product experience. Participants will leave the session with a renewed understanding of the importance of including plenty of open-ended art process experiences in their programs.

Presenters

Jessica Lynch

Quality Designator, Early Learning Resource Center Region 6

I have worked in multiple settings with in the early childhood field. My passion for child development and early learning began with my first job out of college. I think it can be so easy to get stuck in rules, regulations, and paperwork that we can lose site of the valuable opportunities... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

Seeing the Elephant Inside the Boa Constrictor

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Much like the drawing of the elephant inside the boa constrictor from The Little Prince, play does not always look like much to adults. This workshop on decoding and documenting play will explore the deep and meaningful ways children are developing their cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and language/literacy skills through self-directed play. Participants will practice making observations, documenting growth, and brainstorming what they would like to share about play with parents, teachers, and school administrators.

Presenters

Laurel Turnquist

Parenting Educator, Kids Who Play

Laurel Turnquist holds a Master's in Education and is a former preschool teacher turned play advocate. Passionate about early childhood development, she educates parents and caregivers on play's critical role in the lives of all children. Through her workshops and classes, she empowers... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

Shifting the Mindset

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

"Bridging the gap between formal and informal education is what many of us work towards in our organization and exactly what teachers and students need to thrive as 21st century thinkers, learners, and doers. But quality outdoor play has its obstacles, the most challenging being the disconnect many educators feel between play, nature, and academic learning. Increase your capacity to produce sustained commitment to trusting in play with the natural world and ensure mastery of state objectives. Join us for rich dialogue and
immersive experiences on how to design professional development for teachers and spark the fire in their hearts for allowing students to learn in its most authentic form, outside through PLAY!"

Presenters

Tessa Baden

Play Partner, Early Learning with Tessa Baden

Tessa Baden is a nature and play advocate who shares her personal transformation story to inspire reflection, connection and evolution in others. She started her career at Camp C.A.M.P. and preschools. Tessa has spent 15 + years journeying through public and private spaces exploring... Read More →

Amanda McMickle

Founder, NEST

Amanda McMickle is a nature based school leader, doctoral candidate and is the founding leader the Tall Oaks School. She has 13 years of experience in public education as a PK and 1st grade teacher. She was involved in PK4SA's foundational year and was involved in the origination... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

2:30pm EDT

The Canadian Center for Outdoor Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

With many children spending up to 30 hrs/wk in childcare programs, entrenching the delivery of childcare outside is an opportunity to promote access to outdoor play and learning and its benefits for a greater diversity of children. An ongoing challenge in advancing outdoor play and learning is the disconnect between government, researchers, educators and policymakers. To address this, we have launched the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, a national demonstration site for advancing policy, practice and research on outdoor play and learning. Our presentation will provide an overview of this initiative where promoting equity is at the core of our work.

Presenters

Louise de Lannoy

Executive Director, Outdoor Play Canada

Dr. Louise de Lannoy completed her PhD at Queen’s University in clinical exercise physiology. Her interests in population health and knowledge translation led her to join the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Team at the CHEO Research Institute in 2020 where she became... Read More →

Bayan Kaid

Bayan Kaid is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who recently graduated from the Bachelor or Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) honours degree program at Algonquin College, and was recently selected as the 2024-2025 Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play (CCOP... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

Yes or No? The Power of Choice in Play for All

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum- Be Anything Place LOWER LEVEL

"We “talk the talk” but do we “walk the walk”?
In this audience of stakeholders, surely most recognize/appreciate/support the power of play for children. But when’s the last time that you allowed yourself to play? Let’s discuss the power of yes and no for you! Both are powerful in drawing healthy boundaries!
Join us as we examine our own play practices. We will have multiple play opportunities during this session. This will also be an opportunity to recommit to our own healthy practices!"

Presenters

Charlene Woodham Brickman

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum- Be Anything Place LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

Designing Dynamic Outdoor Environments for Infants and Toddlers

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

A presentation that includes photos and designs of toddler spaces created by Green Space Learning, photos of toddlers at play in nature spaces, 10 minutes for participants to brainstorm ways to use these ideas in their programs. 10 minutes for Q&A

Presenters

Bethene Edwards

Beth Edwards (MS.ECE) is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 35 years as a toddler teacher, preschool administrator and trainer. As a passionate advocate for preserving the essence of play in Childhood, Beth champions the importance of creating unique and intentional indoor... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

Designing Outdoor Playspaces with Children: Processes and Lessons

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

This workshop will outline a comprehensive co-design process undertaken with public elementary school students in upstate NY to engage them in the assessment of their current outdoor playspace and in the design development for a slated renovation. The suite of activities utilized during the co-design program will be shared, with an opportunity to have some hands-on experience with select activities. Strategies used to understand children’s priority play experience and elements will be highlighted, along with key learnings from children’s priorities and designs, and value of a co-design process. A copy of the Co-Design Guide will be made available.

Presenters

Janet Loebach

Assistant Professor, Cornell University

Dr. Janet Loebach is the Evalyn Edwards Milman Assistant Professor for Child Development in Human Centered Design at Cornell University. Dr. Loebach's research efforts focus on the development of inclusive, child & youth-friendly environments and examining the impacts of built and... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Be Anything Place -- LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

Designing With Sensory Needs in Mind

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Sensory related disabilities are the fastest growing disability category among children today. In this presentation we will define this spectrum of childhood disabilities that is much broader than autism. Design strategies will be presented on how to create play spaces so that these children and their families can successfully GET there, PLAY there and STAY there and have tons of fun. Concepts will be wrapped together in a real life case study.

Presenters

Ingrid Kanics

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Library A -25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

3:45pm EDT

Partnering with Families to Advocate for Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Before we can do anything in the classroom, we must first work to create strong, respectful and reciprocal relationships with the families of the children in our care. Partnering with families and bringing them on board with the work we do in the classroom is pivotal in solidifying a strong foundation of love, care and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Families can serve as strong advocates for their children and in turn for the field of early childhood education. Providing opportunities for families to have a deep understanding of what childhood is and what our children need and deserve in the early years of their life can be tricky. In this presentation I will discuss strategies that can support relationship building with families and what a true partnership looks likes between families and school, how to include families in the process of planning for the classroom and how this leads to a meaningful and impactful relationship between parents and the school.

Presenters

Samantha Deal

My name is Samantha Deal and I am an Early Childhood Consultant working in Atlanta, Georgia.I am a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with experience spanning two decades. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of working closely with infants, toddlers, and their families... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Big Idea UPPER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

POP! Developing a Systems Approach to Pup-Up Play Days: Building Community Momentum

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

"Imagine a city that put children and kids first by providing the environment, policies, and systems that allowed children to play outside? Pop up play days are an incredible mechanism to build community momentum to advance systems change that support a child’s right to play. Join members of the Healthi Kids Coalition as we share our work to advance play equity and a systems approach to pop up play days in Rochester, NY. Learn about our model and participate in an active workshop to replicate grassroots momentum for play in your own community.
"

Presenters

Jesse Knoth

As the PlayROCs Project Coordinator for the Healthi Kids Coalition, an initiative of Common Ground Health, Jesse Knoth develops strategies and tactics that advance play as a cornerstone of whole child health in neighborhoods. A nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Library C 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

3:45pm EDT

Small World, Big Learning: Harnessing the Power of Small-World Play...

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

In the dynamic landscape of educational strategies, the incorporation of small world play stands out as a potent yet underutilized tool for literacy development in Early Childhood (EC) and Lower School (LS) settings. This interactive presentation seeks to illuminate the multifaceted benefits of integrating small world play into literacy instruction, offering educators a practical and imaginative approach to foster language skills, comprehension, creative writing and a love for storytelling among young learners.

Presenters

Ellen Rhomberg

Ellen Rhomberg is the Early Childhood Coach and Intervention Specialist at The Wellington School. She has dedicated the past decade to educating young minds in the field of early childhood education. Her experience spans across various age groups, ranging from 2 to 6 years old, and... Read More →

Emeri Ferguson

Literacy Specialist, The Wellington School

"Emeri Ferguson is Literacy Differentiation Specialist and Coach at The Wellington School. She has been educating young children for 14yrs. in many different capacities from daycare to upper elementary in both public and private schools. Emeri holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Creation Station UPPER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

Storyacting: Taking stroytelling beyond the spoken word

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

This interactive presentation focuses on the power of storytelling and storyacting. Inspired by the work of Vivian Paley, participants will engage in a session that combines personal storytelling, collaborative storyacting, and theoretical insights. They will explore the benefits and practical implementation of storytelling and storyacting, enhancing their abilities to create meaningful learning experiences. Through reflective discussions and experiential activities, this training aims to empower educators with storytelling tools to inspire and engage the children in their lives.

Presenters

Laura Shea

Little Stories That Stick

Laura is a former public school teacher turner entrepreneur, passionate about play-based learning and storytelling. As the founder of Little Stories That Stick and host of the Stories That Stick podcast, she brings a wealth of experience to her work. When she’s not immerses in website... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Imagine It LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

The Freedom to Free Play: Turkey's Leap into Playwork and Loose Parts Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

The 'Play for the Planet' project in Turkey, a collaborative effort by local authorities and a university, supports children's free play and promotes sustainability through play. Providing loose parts materials and playworker training, the initiative established a unique playground that encourages self-directed play. Despite initial challenges, it enhanced cultural understanding among children from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the universal language of play and the importance of environmental awareness through innovative, child-led activities.

Presenters

Ozge Metin Aslan

Associate Professor, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University / University of Minnesota / Founder: Nature Playosophy

She has been international research scholar since September 2023 at University of Minnesota. She is also associate professor at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University in Turkiye. She is play researcher and also free play activisit. She believes that free play is only way for learning... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Library B 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC 29601

Session

5:30pm EDT

Thursday Evening Reception and Child's Right to Play Advocay Awards

Thursday September 26, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT

UpCountry History Museum 540 Buncombe St Greenville, SC 29601

Explore the beautiful history museum, food and drink available - Cash Bar Child's Right to Play Advocacy Awards

Thursday September 26, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
UpCountry History Museum 540 Buncombe St Greenville, SC 29601

Thursday Reception

IPA USA 2024 RIGHT2PLAY, RIGHT NOW

From $20.00