Play is the highest form of research.
– Albert Einstein

The entire Winter edition of Exchange magazine, which will be larger than usual, is being devoted to the vital issue of “Protecting Play.” Even if you don’t typically receive the printed copy of the magazine, we think you’ll want to order this one as a resource to refer to often. It will provide inspiration and information to share with staffs and families. This comprehensive collection of articles by highly respected, knowledgeable educators, college professors and researchers can also serve as a great tool for advocacy. Here’s the line-up of writers:

• Stacy Benge, author of The Whole Child Alphabet; international presenter
• Rebecca Berlin, President of Gryphon House; SVP of Intellectual Property at Kaplan
• Heather Bernt-Santy, college instructor; author of Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood; “That Early Childhood Nerd” podcast host
• Mike Browne, Senior Director of Community Engagement for Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington
• Richard Cohen, college professor; international motivational speaker
• Sierra Dinges, assistant professor of early childhood education, Red Rocks Community College;  Lori Ryan, professor of early childhood education, University of Colorado Denver
• Karen Foster-Jorgensen, early childhood consultant; co-leader of the World Forum Foundation Working Group on Joyful Organizations
• Carol Garboden Murray, author of Illuminating Care; Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School, Vassar College
• Stephanie Goloway, author of Happily Ever Resilient; professor emerita
• Lauren Guilmartin, Music Together Worldwide
• Kimberlee Hendricks, early childhood consultant; previous managing director of McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
• Dan Huber, video producer specializing in early learning; founder of the advocacy organization, Let Us Play
• Mike Huber, Director of Curriculum at the Rise Early Learning Center; author; “Teaching with the Body in Mind” podcast host
• Lisa Kuh, Program Director of the Sheva Center; Iris Chin Ponte, Director of the Henry Frost Children’s Program; co-authors of Complementary Curriculum.
• Kisa Marx, author; Founder of The Play Lab Foundation
• Michele Pullen, professor at the University of Louisville
• Nicol Russell, Chief Academic Officer for Teaching Strategies
• Jen Selbitschka, Director of the Teacher Education Program at Boulder Journey School; with five educators: Charlotte Hunt, Bella Monk, Louise Goeke, Marie Pascual and Mayra Tubac
• Susan Stacey, early childhood consultant; author of Pedagogical Documentation in Early Childhood
• Dean Tagawa and Ranae Amezquita, recently retired and current Executive Director for the Early Childhood Education Division of the Los Angeles Unified School District; Kirsten Haugen, Research Director and Education Specialist for Dimensions Educational Research Foundation

And be sure to register now for the inspiring, important (and playful!) “Protecting Play” online conference where you’ll gain important tools and insights from all of these amazing play advocates. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this valuable gathering, on December 5, 2025, from 12-4 pm Eastern U.S. time, is free of charge. Secure your spot now.