Facilitating Play for Young Children

A New Week-Long Program
June 16 - 20, 2008

Sarah Lawrence College — a leader in child development and early childhood education — is offering a new program on the overarching importance of play in the life of the child.

Participants will explore uses of play in learning and therapeutic contexts as well as approaches to serving as a “playworker” in a range of settings, including outdoor parks, children’s museums, and hospitals. Sessions on campus will be complemented by field observations of children at play.

By combining theoretical perspectives with practical field experiences, students will examine play across a wide spectrum of social contexts and environments. The program provides:

• Exposure to the world of play, including history, culture, development, sociology, advocacy, and practical applications
• Exploration of methods for working directly with children in both community and therapeutic play environments
• Timely, challenging, and rewarding educational experiences
• Close interaction with respected faculty and professional peers
• A relaxing small-college campus atmosphere
• Close proximity to New York City (30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan)

The program is designed for professionals and graduate students who serve as:

• Social workers
• Early childhood educators
• Play therapists
• Child-life specialists in hospitals
• “Playworkers” in outdoor parks, playgrounds, and children’s museums  
• Specialists in other areas of child development and education

Organized around the developmental importance of play, this summer intensive features:

• Lectures, discussions, case studies, hands-on seminars, and field-based observations
• An interdisciplinary approach to play
• Multiple perspectives offered by faculty and practitioners

Students will be expected to read a set of articles in advance of the program (provided), and to prepare for seminar and workshop activities as required. All participants who complete the program will receive a letter certifying attendance.

Fees

The cost for the week is $750, including lunch and materials.

To Apply

To apply to the June 2008 program, download and complete the application form. Although the initial deadline was April 4, 2008, there may be a couple of spaces remaining for the June program. If interested, please inquire via email or telephone (914-395-2630). Completed applications should be submitted to the Child Development Institute, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708; or by fax to (914) 395-2631.