Today, the Detroit Free Press published an article on the importance of play for young children.  What I've found is that parents and other adults have one of two reactions:  1) "But of course, let children be children!" or 2) "What? Children need to study, have structure, rules, etc."    I submit that play falls in between these two beliefs.  What might generally not be known is that play fosters learning.  It also promotes confidence and social skills.  All of these characteristics are required for children to be successful in school and in life. 

At United Way, we are working to ensure that parents and caregivers of young children understand the importance of play and how to incorporate it into caregiving settings.  Through the Early Learning Communities, we are providing training, networking and other support to providers -- both formal and informal -- caring and educating our most disadvantaged children.  Training topics include:  Partnerships with Children:  Playing & Learning Together, Learning Through Play:  The Active Learning Way, and Look What I Can Do:  Understanding Preschool Development. 

Through the Reading Village, we are working with parents to create learning rich home environments -- crucial to the early learning development of our young children.  Linked to Reading Navigators, parents are given the knowledge and tools they need to read daily and foster everyday learning with their children. 

As more parents, child care providers and teachers incorporate playing into their care and education settings, the children in our region will be well on their way to school and life success.