Enfield KITE Brings 'Play' Home for Parents and Educators

On Saturday, Nov 3rd, over 65 parents and educators attended KITE’s inaugural PlayFAIRE conference. Carol LaLiberte, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Asnuntuck Community College, and Dr. Peg Oliveira, Executive Director Yale’s Gesell Institute of Child Development kicked off the morning with an interactive, hour-long discussion on the importance of play which included information on executive function, self-regulation and benefits of imaginative play. Participants then moved to breakout sessions that included Mindfulness through Play & Yoga, Sensory Play and Playful Music. Attendees walked away with a better understanding of child directed play and the impact it has on brain development as well as new ideas to implement at home and the classroom.

*pictured:

Left to right: Malissa Griffith-KITE Play Ambassador, Dr. Peg Oliveira-Yale's Gesell Institute, LeAnn Beaulieu-KITE Chairperson, Carol LaLiberte-Asnuntuck, Jennifer Moncuse-KITE Project Coordinator