• Describe whether you agree or disagree with the following initial plans to support the child and address the scenario.
• If youagree, share an additional strategy or idea to help the child with an additional resource (article, research, etc.) that supports their plan.
• If youdisagree, share the reasoning behind your stance with an additional resource (article, research, etc.) that supports your reasoning to persuade your peer to see your point of view.

The scene that caught me the most of guard is the following 'The family of Regina, who is 7, has requested that you do not allow her to participate in any free play activities after school so she can focus on her academic learning (homework)'. So often parents only care about a child's academic goals that they forget that they are a child. This breaks my heart. That they need breaks to help regenerate and help their mental health. Also, free play activities can teach skills that may not be learned from just reading or studying. A child can play with magnets and learn how agriculture skills (how to build something and make it stable). They can play with play do and learn many things (learn how to be creative, can learn to draw their letters, can use letter cutters to make words, and so much more). Lastly, they could play with a ball outside by shooting hoops and learn major physic skills. A child learns even when they are playing.

How I would address this is by talking to the family. I would reassure them that I respect their beliefs however they should do some thinking about their choices. That forcing a child to only do academic work can hinder them from social/emotional skills. It can cause mental health issues, they can rebel, they might not develop key skills that a child gets from playing with toys, and there will be behavioral issues. I would hand them articles to read at home that show how good play is and the benefits of not having it. Articles such as the one from Unicef (https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play) and Pentagon (https://www.pentagonplay.co.uk/news-and-info/why-free-play-is-crucial-for-early-years-children#:~:text=Free%20Play%20Reinforces%20Classroom%20Learning,a%20child%20as%20a%20whole.). Unicef wrote an article called 'What is free play and why should you encourage it at home?'. This article helps parents understand what free play is, why it is important, and ideas on how to do it at home. Pentagon wrote an article called 'Why Free Play is Crucial for Early Years'. This one talks about free play and its importance but it also talks about how free play still needs boundaries. Rules still need to be set to show children that they have freedom but in a safe manner and teach them how to follow basic rules. Once I finish handing them the articles, I would go into hearing them out for the reasoning of no free play after school. After that I would end with a comprise. I would ask them if Regina can finish her homework and read a book (read to someone or someone read to her) could she get free play time. If they are wanting more learning on top of that then what could be worked out is that her free play time has activities in it that focus on learning but are fun or if they are ok with it, once her homework is done could she have about 15 to 20 min of free play. After that, she could be offered a worksheet or some one-on-one learning to help build on skills that she may be struggling with for about half an hour then back to free play. Hopefully, the parents would be ok with one of the options.

Three ideals or principles that will guide my work moving forward for this scenario are 'to recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child', 'To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful', and 'To ensure that each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program'. All a family is trying to do what they think is best for the child. We should not be tearing them down but instead, support them and help guide them just like the children. But that I mean offering resources such as conferences, videos, articles, etc. to help them learn about different tips to do with children or learn about how important something really is. Sometimes they don't know that what they are doing is wrong. However, there are times when a parent will get the research but still stand strong on their beliefs. The best we can do is see if we can come to a middle ground that will do the best for the child.

Unicef. (2023).What is free play and why should you encourage it at home?https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play

Homan, Emma. (2016, September 20).Why Free Play is Crucial for Early Years. Pentagon. https://www.pentagonplay.co.uk/news-and-info/why-free-play-is-crucial-for-early-years-children#:~:text=Free%20Play%20Reinforces%20Classroom%20Learning,a%20child%20as%20a%20whole.

NAEYC. (May 2011).Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment. Position Statement. https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf