Bethe Almeras, MS
Center DirectorI can sum up what I do in two words: Play Evangelist. I love to work with "grown-ups" (educators, parents, policy makers – you name it!) to promote the importance of play, time in nature and the role of joy in childhood. I share this passion through presentations and trainings, educational resources, blogging and social media outlets, eLearning experiences – and any other way I can think of! I have worked with individuals from "cradle to grave," and also specialize in inclusive education for children with disabilities. I truly believe that play and time in nature is the best way to reach and teach everyone, regardless of age or ability. You can follow my pro-play platform at The Body Smart Blog, The Grass Stain Guru and on Twitter @HSBS_Play. See ya outside!
On a national level, I have found a number of organizations that attest to the critical value of play in early childhood, and beyond. The Boards of Directors boast high ranking academics, physicians, and a large number of psychologists. What has been discovered and published about play screams to the public of the need for a return to this vanishing value to save our societies from ruin. The National Institute for Play was founded by Dr. Stuart Brown, and is committed to gathering research about play and bringing it into public life. Dr Stuart discovered a pattern of play's absence in a study of homicidal young males. I can identify with this method of discovering the value of a thing only in its absence in my work with children with special needs. He is also a member of The Alliance for Childhood, an organization that "promotes policies and practices that support children's healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living." (Alliance for Childhood, n.d.). In The Crisis in Early Education (Almon & Miller, 2011) the Alliance speaks out to educators and parents that lack of play in education is counterproductive, and offers the science behind the claim. These organizations offer credible support to my recommendations and strategies to child care providers I serve in my work, and to school board and city officials to whom I appeal. They will become a part of my community of practice as I prepare my plan of action to improve play opportunities in my home community. The role I discovered in my research for national organizations to which I feel most connected is that which Center Director Bethe Almeras names "Play Evangelist". Bethe has a job that I have done, that I am qualified to do, and which I had enjoyed immensely. Her bio appears on the website for Head Start Body Start, a program of the National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. She is the adult educator of the center, a role that I intend to continue to grow into. Another job at this center is Education and Outreach Coordinator, held by an individual who majored in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. This Center resonated with me because it is research in action, and manned by people of many backgrounds, not specifically Early Childhood Education. As Bronfenbrenner's model illustrates, the greatest influences in the life of a child are family, school personnel, and a myriad of adults in the immediate neighborhood that create opportunities for joy (Lepuschitz, 2011).
The job opportunities that interest me are those that allow me to be a Play Evangelist, and teach children, parents and family, and all community members that play is necessary for a happy life. It is not an "extra". All may access the science of play in carrying out the mission of supporting playful childhoods.
References:
Almon, J. & Miller, E. (2011). The crisis in early education: A research-based case for more play and less pressure. Retrieved from http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/
Lepuschitz, J. K. (2011). Brofenbrenner's ecological systems theory. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD.
Resources:
http://www.aahperd.org/headstartbodystart/about/staff.cfm
