Play-based learning—as the term suggests—is a teaching method where children learn while playing. Children learn through free play, guided play, and structured games.
Research backs its crucial importance, too. Pretend play increased problem-solving skills in children by 20%. Imaginative play boosts empathy skills by 40% and emotional regulation by 60%.
No wonder then that there’s an increasing demand for play-based learning consultants. The job pays well, too, with $76,736/year on average.
So, are you interested in becoming a play-based learning consultant? Read on and learn how to become one, as well as your roles and career paths.
Related:
- Quick Guide to Careers and Specializations in Early Childhood Education
- What Is a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator?
- What Is a Sensory Integration and Occupational Support Specialist?
- What Is a Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialist?
- What Is a Digital Learning Specialist for Early Childhood?
What Is a Play-Based Learning Consultant?
As a play-based education specialist, you help others to integrate play-based learning strategies. Your main roles and responsibilities include:
- Design and implement a play-based learning curriculum.
- Provide teachers with support and training.
- Develop and recommend resources for play-based learning
While play is at the heart of your work, it has a positive impact on early childhood development. Play-based learning supports the cognitive, social, and emotional development in children.
As a play-based learning consultant, your role is different from a traditional teacher. You’ll provide guidance for parents, teachers, and schools to implement play-based learning. A traditional teacher teaches children in classroom settings based on a prescribed curriculum.
The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education
As an early childhood play consultant, you have the opportunity to make an impact. You may not work directly with students. But your work with teachers makes the difference.
As mentioned above, many studies support the benefits of play-based learning, too. Play is the key factor in brain development, of which 75% happens after birth.
Research also highlights:
- 20 minutes of play boosts attention span by 20%
- 70% of learning among preschoolers happens through play
- Sensory play boosts language development among children by 40%
Indeed, play is crucial in many aspects of early childhood development, including:
- Cognitive growth, including problem-solving skills and creativity
- Language development
- Emotional regulation
- Social skills
- Motor skills
- School readiness and success
So, if you’re ready to shape the future generation, be a play-based learning consultant ASAP.
Key Responsibilities of a Play-Based Learning Consultant
As a play-based learning consultant, your key responsibilities are:
- Design and implement a play-based learning curriculum. You’ll create appropriate activities and strategies for children of various ages.
- Train and support teachers and parents on play-based learning techniques. You’ll conduct training sessions and workshops for this purpose.
- Assess child development through observation and interaction. You’ll use structured and unstructured play activities to do so.
- Collaborate with schools, childcare centers, and community programs. You’ll work toward creating effective play-based learning programs.
Educational Requirements
The beauty of becoming a play-based learning consultant is that there’s no one-route-fits-all. You can choose from these routes depending on your interests and goals.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
The ECE degree focuses on child development, curriculum planning, and instructional strategies. You’re preparing to work with young children and implement play-based learning techniques.
Child Development – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
The degree covers cognitive, emotional, and social development in children. If you want to specialize in child development through play, go for it.
Educational Psychology – Master’s or Doctorate
This field explores how children learn and the psychological benefits of play. If you want to go into consulting roles and curriculum development, go for it.
Play Therapy – Certification or Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work
Both focus on play therapy in early education (i.e., play for therapeutic intervention). This is ideal for working with children who have behavioral or emotional challenges.
Special Education – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
The degree enables students to embrace play-based learning for children with disabilities. This is a useful degree for working in inclusive classrooms and therapy settings.
Montessori or Reggio Emilia Education – Certification or Degree in ECE
These are specialized programs that emphasize child-led, play-based learning. If you want to implement progressive education models, consider them.
Curriculum & Instruction with an Early Childhood Focus – Master’s Degree
The master’s degree prepares educators in the play-based curriculum development field. You’ll design and evaluate play-based curricula. Plus, it’s useful for leadership roles in educational consulting.
Top Universities for Careers in Play-Based Learning
You ask, “How to become a play-based learning consultant?” Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields. Check out the reputable colleges that offer them, too.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
The University of Florida College of Education offers comprehensive programs in ECE. These emphasize innovative teaching methods and child development.
Child Development – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
University of Nevada Las Vegas College of Education provides programs in child development. These programs prepare students for roles in educational settings.
Educational Psychology – Master’s or Doctorate
Check out UF College of Education for its advanced degrees in educational psychology. Candidates explore how children learn and the psychological benefits of play.
Play Therapy – Certification or Master’s Degree in Counseling or Social Work
West Shore Community College provides programs in early childhood education, too. The faculty members are known for their contributions to the field. These programs also offer pathways into play therapy.
Special Education – Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
UF’s College of Education also offers programs in special education. Students learn vital skills to support children with diverse learning needs.
Montessori or Reggio Emilia Education – Certification or Degree in ECE
Consider UF College of Education, too, for Montessori or Reggio Emilia Education credentials.
Curriculum & Instruction with an Early Childhood Focus – Master’s Degree
UF College of Education also offers advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction. Candidates specialize in ECE, which can lead to play-based learning careers.
Top Certifications for a Play-Based Learning Consultant
Once you’ve earned your degrees, you should consider earning a professional certification. Doing so means boosting your reliability and credibility as a play-based learning consultant.
Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Certification
It is offered by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). If you want to integrate therapeutic play into learning environments, it’s the best. Eligibility requirements include:
- Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field,
- Supervised play therapy hours
Playworker Certification
The Playwork USA and International Play Association (IPA) awards it. Educators and consultants specializing in play-based environments are the best candidates. Training in play theory, child psychology, and developmental playwork is a must.
Certified Early Childhood Nature-Based Educator
The Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) awards it. Professionals incorporating outdoor play into early childhood learning are welcome to apply. Training workshops in outdoor education, child development, and play-based curriculum are required.
Certified Play-Based Learning Educator
The Play-Based Learning Association awards it (varies by country). If you’re a teacher or consultant focusing on play as a primary teaching method, this is it. You must have coursework in play-based learning strategies, lesson planning, and child development.
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) offers it. If you’re a play-based consultant working with children with autism and special needs, go for it. You must have a bachelor’s degree, professional experience, and autism-specific coursework.
Montessori Certification (Early Childhood Focus)
You can choose from one of these organizations to earn it:
- Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
If you already use the Montessori play-based learning, consider it. You must also have Montessori and ECE training, as well as hands-on experience.
Reggio Emilia Approach Training Certification
If you’re a consultant focusing on child-led, exploratory, play-based learning, it’s the best. You must have completed the appropriate courses. Your observation skills and hands-on experience must be up to par. The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) offers it.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
Are you an early childhood educator using play-based learning approaches? If you are, consider the CDA credential. Apply at the Council for Professional Recognition. Eligibility requirements include:
- 120 hours of training
- portfolio submission
- in-classroom observation
DIRFloortime® Certification
Do you work with children with developmental delays? If yes, consider the ICDL-issued DIRFloortime® Certification. You must have:
- Training in the DIRFloortime® approach
- Completed the required courses
- Hands-on experience
Trauma-Informed Play Specialist Certification
You must apply at Starr Commonwealth or other similar organizations. If you’re a consultant working with children affected by trauma, go for it. You must have trauma-informed, play therapy training, and child psychology training.
Play-Based Learning Strategies and Techniques
Here are a few examples of structured and unstructured play activities.
- Building with blocks
- Board games
- Pretend play
- Outdoor explorations
- Free play
Storytelling, music, and movement are also popular in play-based learning. Again, play is crucial in teaching social-emotional and problem-solving skills.
Work Settings and Career Opportunities
You’ll find rewarding careers in play-based learning in these places:
- Schools and early childhood education centers
- Private consulting for families and educational institutions
- Nonprofits and community programs supporting childhood development
- Corporate roles in toy and educational resource development
Conclusion
Play-based learning strategies play crucial roles in children’s overall development. So, if you want to shape the next generation, be a play-based learning consultant. You’ll find that, indeed, there’s a bright future in play-based education.
