Future Events

The Importance of Play: Support Learning During Routines at Home

with Michelle Oliver, MS, ECSE
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
2:00pm-4:00pm (PDT) | Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn, especially during everyday moments with familiar caregivers. This session will explore how families and early childhood providers can support learning for children ages 0–5 through playful interactions embedded in daily home routines and using items most families have at home.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical ideas for helping families recognize that learning does not require special toys, worksheets, or extra time. Meaningful learning happens naturally through relationships, routines, and play.

More Information | Register Today

Announcements

Budget Updates

Federal Updates: The President released his budget-2027

Posted: May 5, 2026

Good news is that an additional $50 million is a proposed increase for Part C. The but is that there are proposed changes to IDEA - elimination of Preschool 619 program, and the 5 Part D IDEA grants - State Personnel Development,Technical Assistance and Dissemination, Personnel Preparation, Parent Information Centers and Educational, Technology, Media and Materials. These programs are to be combined into a " single state formula grant"- Part B Section 611 State Grant Program.
The budget request contains $15.4 billion for IDEA Part Grants to States over the current $14.2 billion in 2026. It calls for the consolidation of programs at the state level. The goal "to return education to the states by streamlining funding and expanding flexibility for States".

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NAEYC Advocacy in Action - Higher Ed "Do No Harm" Provision Explainer

Posted: May 5, 2026

Your Field. Your Voice. A proposed federal rule could make it harder for ECE degree programs to survive, and the Department of Education is accepting public comments through May 20. NAEYC is hosting a free webinar on May 8 from 1:00–2:00 PM EST to break it all down: what the rule actually means, why it matters for the field, and exactly how to submit your comment. No policy background needed.