Rae Pica is an early childhood education consultant and internationally known speaker, online course creator, and author. Her book Why Play? How to Make Play an Essential Part of Early Education (Teachers College Press, 2024) explores different types of play, includes suggestions for putting theory into practice, and offers recommendations for how to help parents understand that play is not separate from learning.
Heather Bernt-Santy is a speaker, education consultant, writer, professor, and host of the internationally popular early childhood podcast “That Early Childhood Nerd.” Her book Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood (Teachers College Press, 2025) provides a framework to help educators see and support free play, explaining its benefits to children’s physical and mental health, social-emotional growth, and academic development (birth to age 5).
Together in conversation, they will explore the importance of play in the early years, share insights and experience from their respective careers, and more.
This virtual event is for teacher educators, pre- and inservice early childhood teachers, family and center childcare professionals, students, and all advocates for the importance of free play in early childhood education.
FAQ
What does the webinar cost?
This webinar is free of charge. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to order the book at an exclusive, one-time discount.
Will this webinar be recorded?
Yes, and the recording will be distributed to all registrants a few days after the webinar. That's why we recommend registering even if you aren't sure you can make this date or time.
Do you offer professional development certificates?
Sorry, we don’t issue professional development certificates for Teachers College Press webinars, though those who attend the webinar live will receive an email from Zoom confirming their attendance. The email will arrive 24 hours after the completion of the webinar.
Will there be a Q&A?
Yes—you will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.