The internationally recognized need to improve the quality of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) has created a steady interest in children’s play, both from researchers’ and practitioners’ point of view. Play, despite its popularity as a pedagogical tool in ECEC, remains a complex issue that does not translate easily in practice. Teachers and parents talk about its importance but, as research suggests, they are often uncertain as to how they can best support it.
The EDUPLAY project is dedicated to enhancing the use of play in ECEC settings throughout Europe. EDUPLAY focuses on building the knowledge and capacity of in-service and pre-service ECEC teachers to make effective use of play and promote children’s early knowledge and skills. It aims to promote learning through play by involving a wide range of practices that pre- and in-service ECEC teachers need to adopt so that children are afforded quality experiences and increased opportunities for developing their skills in dynamic ways.
Structured around three key phases, the project aims to conduct extensive field research to understand the current state of play in ECEC and identify challenges teachers face in incorporating play into education. Based on the findings, it will create a tailor-made training package including a comprehensive teacher guide and training courses for ECEC teachers, offering practical strategies, pedagogical tools, and theoretical knowledge to effectively integrate play into their curricula.
A pan-European network and learning community for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to share resources, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions for integrating play in ECEC settings will be established. Through EDUPLAY activities, policy recommendations will be derived in an effort to inform and guide educational policymakers to promote play in all-day ECEC settings across Europe.
