Beacon Heights Early Education program serves children between the ages of 2½ to 5½ who have been identified with developmental delays. The children in the program have been diagnosed with a severe developmental delay or two moderate delays in the following areas: cognition, communication, gross motor, fine motor, self-help and socialization/play.

Beacon Heights school staff believes that inquiry, play-based learning meets the varied and diverse needs of all young children. Within the Early Education program, children and teachers are co-constructors of their learning as the adults closely observe the growth and development of each child and create appealing spaces that invite exploration.

The environment invites children to explore, create and question. Through play, children learn concepts and skills that contribute to their overall emotional, social, physical and cognitive development, which are the foundation for later success in school. The involvement of therapists is embedded into daily routines and activities to ensure children's learning needs are met in the most natural environment.

• Why is play important for a child's growth and development?
• How is play turned into authentic learning?
• How do you respond to parents who believe that their child is not learning if they are "playing?"

• What does it mean to be co-constructors in learning?
• How does play-based learning help to support the diverse needs of children?
• What strategies can be used to help parents understand the importance of play in their child's learning?
• How can you foster an environment where children are able to take risks in their learning?
• What assessment strategies help to determine the learning needs of young children?