Unlocking the Power of Play: Balancing Structured & Unstructured Fun
Date: August 22nd, 2025
Time: 10am-11:30am CST/ 11am-12:30pm EST
Description: This session will take professionals through the dynamic stages and types of play that unfold in early childhood, highlighting how each stage unlocks new learning opportunities and developmental milestones. Professionals will have the opportunity to dive deep into the brain’s pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the play process, discovering how play is not just fun, but also a powerful engine for cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Professionals will explore the vibrant world of free play versus guided play, breaking down how each style nurtures different skills and allows children to explore their creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities in unique ways. Professionals will gain a clear understanding of the core skills that emerge through play, from language development and motor skills to social interactions and emotional regulation. And, most importantly, professionals will walk away with practical, hands-on strategies to promote and maximize these skills in young children, ensuring that every play session is a steppingstone toward their future success. Get ready to turn playtime into a learning adventure that’s both fun and impactful!
*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.