The Play Lab

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood is working to develop transformational systems that support families and child care providers across the State of Illinois.

Over the last year, they have been listening to families and providers across the state express their desire for a more cohesive system for all their child care needs.

To stay connected with their work, sign up for their monthly newsletter, which shares updates on their seamless transition, technology rollouts, and more!
https://us8.list-manage.com/survey?u=9e81193c5351b0d33f857f399&id=5297e9bf67&attribution=false

Teach Plus Illinois Applauds Passage of House Bill 4577 that Defines Play-Based Learning - Teach Plus - Leadership Opportunity Springfield, IL May 27, 2026—Teach Plus Illinois applauds the State Legislature for passing House Bill 4577. Authored by Teach Plus Policy Fellows, this legislation establishes a clear definition for play-based learning and protects the use of play in Illinois classrooms. “This critical legislat...

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Thankful to Journalist Makiya Seminera and Chalkbeat Chicago for helping to positively shape the public narrative on play-based learning! Children of all ages deserve to find learning joyful and engaging. Their brains are wired for it and the research is available to back it up! As a play advocate, practitioner, and Doctoral Researcher, I truly appreciate you asking my perspective. There is so much work to be done, but this is a positive step in the right direction for Illinois!

I want to thank all the Play Advocates who tirelessly fight for children’s right to play in all aspects including daily play, recess, physical education, outdoors, in childcare and school. Play IS learning! Play is a Right!

The Play Lab The Play Lab Hub The Play Lab Family Centered Early Intervention International Play Association (IPA) International Play Association - USA Illinois AEYC Teach Plus Illinois Teach Plus McCormick Institute for Early Childhood Illinois Action for Children Governor JB Pritzker Juliana Stratton The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) National Louis University Chicago Underground Chicago Hip Hop Alliance Against Violence 1 Luv Back 2 School Jam Christ Lutheran Church, Chicago

Illinois will be one of the only states defining play-based learning. Does it help students? This educational approach may look like just fun and games to an outsider — and it partially is. But incorporating play in the classroom is harder than it looks.

🌟 Join Us at the ILAEYC Growing Futures Conference! 🌟

We're excited to spotlight an incredible session that will be offered at the 2026 Growing Futures Conference!

Whether you're an educator, administrator, faculty member, family child care provider, student, or advocate, you'll find practical strategies, new ideas, and meaningful connections to support your work with young children and families.

✅ Gateways Registry Approved
✅ ISBE Approved
✅ Networking Opportunities
✅ Inspiring Speakers
✅ Exhibitors & Resources
✅ Professional Development You Can Use Right Away

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with early childhood professionals from across Illinois and beyond!

📅 October 15-17, 2026
📍 Crowne Plaza | Springfield, IL

🔗 Register today: https://illinoisaeyc.org/conference/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DF51k7Wjw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

☀️ SAVE THE DATE! ☀️

Join ILAEYC for our Virtual Self-Care Summer Summit on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 PM!

Take an evening to focus on self-care, wellness, healthy habits, and mental health while connecting with early childhood professionals from across Illinois.

More details coming soon!

Registration here:
https://www.eventbee.com/v/summer-summit/event?eid=278827083