It is widely accepted in the Early Childhood Education field that children learn best through play, yet many programs struggle with defending this practice. Understanding current research, having skills for communicating its importance as well as the conviction to implement is key. Increasing pressure for academics to be introduced at younger and younger ages, has many educators feeling the tension to compromise best practices. This interactive workshop will help participants discover the valuable processes and outcomes that happen when children are allowed the freedom to direct their own learning through play.