SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills and cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to advance new legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.
“As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success.”
House Bill 4577 would define “play-based learning,” “guided play,” and “student-initiated play” in state law, providing clearer guidance to schools and educators as they implement developmentally appropriate instruction for young learners.
Current state law already requires daily unstructured, child-directed play for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The newly proposed legislation would build on that requirement by aligning classroom practices with the state’s Early Learning and Development Standards, which emphasize exploration, discovery and hands-on engagement as key drivers of student growth.
"This critical legislation underscores a commitment to developmentally appropriate instruction by providing clear, field-tested, and standardized definitions for “play-based learning” within the state’s school code,” said Aubry Stapleton, ECE policy manager at Teach Plus. “By formally defining both guided and student-initiated play, this bill ensures that educators have the necessary framework to implement intentional, high-quality, and research-backed learning environments for our youngest students in both full-day and half-day kindergarten.”
“This legislation will ensure that young children are given the proper tools to thrive in school,” said Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake). “Play-based learning is essential in helping children develop strong cognitive and social-emotional skills that help prepare them for early learning grades. We want our children to succeed, and that means incorporating the best teaching style possible for their age.”
House Bill 4577 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
###
