Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: define and describe the developmental value of play across infancy through early childhood, including benefits, obstacles, and types of play at various developmental stages; design and evaluate developmentally appropriate play-based curricula for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, incorporating sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional learning through classroom environments and activity planning; apply theoretical frameworks such as Maslow, Piaget, and Vygotsky to the design and justification of play-based activities and inclusive classroom strategies; demonstrate the ability to plan and implement intentional, play-based learning experiences that include clear objectives, materials, differentiated strategies, and assessment plans; and conduct and reflect upon a structured observation of children’s play, making connections to developmental theory, types of play, and the role of the educator as observer and facilitator.