This is a hybrid event; a Zoom link will be provided following registration for those attending virtually.
Engagement is the cornerstone of effective early childhood education, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation for future success. This session highlights how the Playful Learning model combines research and hands-on practices to create classrooms that captivate and inspire young learners, while preparing them for success as they transition into Kindergarten and the K-12 environment.
We’ll explore:
• Instructional strategies that promote active engagement and participation
• Classroom design that supports creativity, focus, and meaningful exploration
• Building strong family partnerships to support child development
Designed for researchers, educators, and decision-makers, this presentation offers practical tools and actionable strategies to transform early childhood classrooms into spaces where engagement leads to meaningful outcomes.
Mariah Douglass Bruehl is the founder and CEO of Playful Learning, which operates a play-based preschool in Long Island, New York. It is here that Mariah and her team have developed a play-based method and curriculum specifically designed for the early childhood years. Bridging the world of research and practice, Playful Learning shares curriculum, professional development, and support with teachers, schools, and families worldwide seeking to implement guided-play programs.
An educator, curriculum developer, and advocate for meaningful early childhood education, Mariah has over 30 years of experience as a teacher and leader. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Bank Street College and is the author of two books: Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder and Real Life Rules: A Young Person’s Guide to Self-Discovery, Big Ideas, and Healthy Habits. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering educators, children, and families to create enriching learning environments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery.
The Early Childhood Initiative seeks to bring together scholars to address early childhood challenges and produce world-class scholarship that will help maximize the potential of all children during their early years.