Play by Stages: From Peekaboo to Pretend
Date: July 17th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: This is a two-part training series that dives into the powerful role of play in early development—from sensory exploration in infancy to symbolic play in toddlerhood. Learn how specific forms of play align with each developmental stage from birth to age three. Explore how to recognize, support, and scaffold these natural behaviors to promote secure relationships, emotional growth, and cognitive development. Discover strategies to partner with children and families in creating playful, purposeful environments that foster resilience and connection in the earliest years.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Ramsey, Ph.D., CFLE Associate Professor, Human Ecology Assistant Director, TN Tech Center for Addiction Prevention & Support, Assistant Director
After years working in the field as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), Family Mediator, Public School Educator, Women’s and Children’s Ministry Director, and Developmental Specialist, Dr. Ramsey is Associate Professor at Tennessee Technological University in Human Ecology and serves as the Assistant Director of TN CAPS. Dr. Ramsey’s areas of research include Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); the training and education of foster parents; substance misuse/ abuse prevention and support in emerging adult populations; social health education in public school systems; implementation of Trauma Informed Care in helping professions; the mitigation and prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)– abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction; and building resilience in children and families who have experienced ACEs and/or trauma.