The Impact of Play in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Date: July 10th, 2025
Time: 10am-11am CST/ 11am-12pm EST
Description: In this session, we will explore the critical role of play in children's development and how educators can effectively incorporate it into learning experiences. Participants will learn about the importance of play in fostering growth and development, how to use serve-and-return interactions to strengthen connections, and the various stages of play that children engage in. Throughout the session, we’ll highlight the crucial role of caregivers in providing a secure, supportive environment that encourages children to explore and learn through play. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies for integrating play in a way that supports children's development and enhances their learning experiences.
*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): Mandy Royston, B.S., IECMH®
My name is Mandy Royston, and I am the Technical Assistance and training Coordinator with AIMHiTN. With a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Tennessee State University and an IMH-E® endorsement, I am excited to combine my passion for serving children and families with my education and experience to contribute to the team’s mission of promoting the early relational health of infants, young children, and families.
Over the past 20 years, my professional journey is marked by diverse roles that have allowed me to serve children and families in many capacities. I began my career in the classroom, nurturing elementary and middle school students, with a special focus on intervention for those requiring extra support. In the realm of community engagement, I spent over a decade coaching a community swim team, fostering camaraderie and excellence among 70-100 young swimmers. In 2017, I redirected my focus towards early intervention, serving as a Developmental Therapist and then later as a Service Coordinator for Tennessee Early Intervention System. My tenure in this field further solidified my commitment to supporting children and families across various developmental milestones.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, I am thrilled to align myself with AIMHiTN's visionary approach to serving infants, children, families, and early childhood professionals. I see AIMHiTN's mission as a conduit for effecting lasting change in Tennessee's youngest population and the generations to come.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy serving alongside my husband in ministry, watching our three teenagers chase their dreams, and spending time with the amazing circle of friends I am blessed to have.