ActivePlay in childcare: A new initiative for ECEs We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the ActivePlay in childcare initiative spearheaded by the not-for-profit organization Active for Life (AfL), This project aims to empower Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in adopting best practices for integrating active play into daily programming. The increased use of active play in early learning environments improves the experiences of ECEs while enriching the education of the children in their care.  Project Overview Active for Life’s mission is to empower parents and educators to foster children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through active play. With the ActivePlay in childcare project, we extend this mission to the early learning and childcare sector. Our initiative is informed by a comprehensive pilot study conducted in 2020 across 39 childcare centres, which demonstrated the numerous benefits of active play. Building on these insights, the ActivePlay in childcare project will provide free professional development, resources, and ongoing support to 200 childcare centres and post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Québec, and the Atlantic region by March 2025. What Sets Us Apart Our approach is grounded in two guiding principles:   Creating ActivePlay Habits ActivePlay Makes Our Day Better 1. Creating ActivePlay Habits: We focus on setting up environments that promote active play and making these practices an integral part of daily routines. 2. ActivePlay Makes Our Day Better: We emphasize how integrating active play can enhance transitions, strengthen relationships, and facilitate learning without disrupting play. The project offers ECEs access to professional development workshops, a dedicated web platform, and continuous support, including coaching and a wealth of resources. This initiative is designed not only to empower ECEs but also to foster a supportive community of practice. Ongoing Support Understanding the importance of continuous support, we will provide ongoing coaching, additional resources, and opportunities to connect with peers through our Communities of ActivePlay. This comprehensive support structure ensures that ECEs have the tools and resources they need to effectively integrate active play into their programming and make a lasting impact on their students’ development.  Interested in ActivePlay in childcare?We invite childcare centres and educational institutions to join us in making a difference. For more information about the ActivePlay in Childcare project or to get involved, please visit our website at www.activeplayinchildcare.com. You can also contact our project lead Angelina at angelina@activeplayinchildcare.com or call 416-684-9873. Learn more about ActivePlay in childcare Learn More about ActivePlay in Childcare Thank you for your commitment to enhancing early childhood education. Together, we can empower the educators who play a pivotal role in their lives and create an enriching, active, and supportive learning environments for our children . Sincerely, Angelina Project Lead ActivePlay in childcare |