Professional Development and Training
Professional development is most effective when it is relevant, engaging, and easy to apply in real classrooms. At Play to Learn Pre-K, Ashley Brooks offers training sessions designed specifically for preschool and Pre-K teachers who want to strengthen their understanding of child development and improve their use of play-based learning strategies.
These workshops are grounded in current research and decades of classroom experience. Ashley brings warmth, insight, and clarity to each session, creating a space where educators can reflect, ask questions, and walk away with tools they can use immediately. Whether your team is brand new to early childhood education or looking to deepen their existing practice, training sessions are always adapted to your program’s goals and needs.
Current Available Trainings:
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The "Why" of Play - Understanding Types of Preschool Play and their Value & Benefits
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The "How" of Play - Reaching Social and Academic Goals through Play-Based Learning Strategies
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It's Our Favorite Time of Day - Centers! Enriching your Play-Based Center Time
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Oral Language Development through Play
All professional development workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of your program. Sessions are available in person or virtually and can be scheduled as part of a staff training day, ongoing learning series, or special event.
Ashley’s goal is to support early educators with professional development that builds confidence, strengthens classroom practice, and inspires a renewed connection to the power of play.
"Play is the highest form of research."
-Albert Einstein
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What makes Play to Learn Pre-K professional development different?We have a lot of mandatory, logistical trainings in early childhood education. Professional development from Play to Learn Pre-K provides information on play-based learning strategies that are applicable and fun, reminding us why we work with young children. Every session is grounded in child development research, filled with real classroom strategies, and designed to be practical and engaging. The focus is always on what works in real early childhood classrooms. Ashley Brooks is relatable, experienced and fun to work with.
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Who are the workshops for?Training sessions are designed for early childhood educators, birth to 8 years old, including daycare, preschool, Pre-K, and early elementary educators. Sessions can also be adapted for mixed-experience teams or early learning centers just getting started with play-based education. Administrators and coaches find professional development trainings helpful in setting expectations for their teachers.
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What topics do you cover?Current available trainings include: The "Why" of Play - Understanding Types of Preschool Play and their Value & Benefits The "How" of Play - Reaching Social and Academic Goals through Play-Based Learning Strategies It's Our Favorite Time of Day - Centers! Enriching your Play-Based Center Time Oral Language Development through Play
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How long are professional development sessions?Session length varies based on your needs. Most workshops run for 3 hours, but Ashley also offers half-day and full-day training options. She will work with you to determine what makes the most sense for your team and schedule.
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Are virtual trainings available?Yes. Ashley offers both in-person and virtual professional development workshops. Virtual sessions are interactive and designed to keep educators engaged, even from a distance. All sessions include time for discussion and reflection. On demand learning courses are coming summer 2025!