Live Online Professional Development for Infant & Toddler Educators

Risky play doesn't begin in preschool. Infants and toddlers are already testing their bodies, exploring uncertainty, and seeking developmentally appropriate challenges.

Risky Play from the Start examines familiar risky-play concepts through an infant and toddler lens. Participants will explore what risky play looks like for our youngest learners, consider the role of movement and sensory development, and learn practical strategies for scaffolding challenge in everyday indoor and outdoor experiences. We’ll also consider how educators can communicate the value of early risk-taking with colleagues and families.

What You'll Explore

Participants will explore:

• What developmentally appropriate risky play looks like for infants and toddlers
• How movement and the proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems connect with children's play
• Practical ways to scaffold healthy risk-taking without taking over children's experiences
• Infant- and toddler-specific examples of risky play in indoor and outdoor environments
• Strategies for talking about healthy risk-taking with colleagues and families

Who Should Attend?

This live online training is designed for infant and toddler educators, early childhood professionals, coaches, program leaders, and others interested in supporting developmentally appropriate challenge with children from birth to age three.

Previously attended a Spotlight risky play training? Risky Play from the Start revisits foundational concepts through a new infant and toddler developmental lens, with new examples, research, and opportunities for application.

Training Details

Tuesday, November 17, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM Eastern
Live Online

Presented by Dr. Joanna Spotts, EdD — “The Risky Play Doctor”
Spotlight on Early Learning