Course Description:

Play today does not look like what it did even 10 years ago for American children. These changes have affected children developmentally, socially, and academically and have played a role in mental health changes. Pediatric therapists should be leaders in the field of promoting and preserving play as the best way to help children learn and maintain health and wellness. In this course, therapists will learn the societal factors that have led to the change in play trends and the associated effects. Evidenced-based benefits of play in each developmental domain and for academic learning, sensory regulation, and mental health promotion are identified. Concepts and terms associated with research and theory around play are identified and applied to therapeutic settings by using video examples to guide the learner through identifying milestones and planning play-based intervention that encourages growth in multiple developmental domains. By sharing types of play, and toys by purpose and age/stage, therapists will be empowered to become play advocates in both their own practice setting and in their communities.