Play and the Developing Brain in Early Childhood Education
Play and the Developing Brain in Early Childhood Education
EDUC X 25
This online course provides a contemporary, research-based perspective of learning through play in early childhood settings and how this supports optimal brain development and executive function skills.
Typically Available
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Duration
As few as 8 weeks
Units
4.5
Current Formats
Online
Cost
Starting at $609.00
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What you can learn.
What you can learn.
Create high-quality, cognitive and social learning through play experiences
Learn the latest research on play and brain development
Learn to articulate the benefits of play-based learning
Enhance executive function skills and intellectual development in your classroom
Understand the neurological connections between relationships and brain development
Evaluate development by observing play
About This Course
This online course provides a contemporary, research-based perspective on learning and inquiry through play in early childhood settings and explains how play supports optimal brain development. Students learn about historical and contemporary perspectives of the critical role of play in early learning and development. Students explore play as an optimal medium for social and cognitive learning, executive function skills and brain development in the context of current developmental theory. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for creating play-based learning environments, hands-on experiences and multi-cultural inclusiveness. Students observe, document and explore ways to integrate play throughout the curriculum. Observations of young children are required.
Winter 2026 Schedule
Date
Details
Format
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Online
Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Spring 2026 Schedule
Date
Details
Format
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Online
Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
This course applies toward the following programs
certificate
Gain the essential knowledge needed to become a Lead Teacher or Master Teacher in a preschool or child-care setting, for children ages birth to five. This online certificate, when combined with our ECE Associate Teacher certificate, meets the 24 ECE/CD semester units needed for advanced Child Development teaching permits and Transitional Kindergarten ECE units.
Gain the essential knowledge needed to become a Lead Teacher or Master Teacher in a preschool or child-care setting, for children ages birth to five. This online certificate, when combined with our ECE Associate Teacher certificate, meets the 24 ECE/CD semester units needed for advanced Child Development teaching permits and Transitional Kindergarten ECE units.