Risky Play Bucket Fillers:
Supporting Confidence, Regulation, and Resilience
with Joanna Spotts, EdD, of Spotlight on Early Learning
Supporting Confidence, Regulation, and Resilience This interactive session explores how developmentally appropriate risky play builds confidence, self-regulation, and resilience. Participants engage in playful, hands-on activities while learning practical strategies for supporting “safe enough” risk in inclusive early childhood settings.
Who is Joanna Spotts?
Joanna Spotts, EdD is the founder of Spotlight on Early Learning and an early childhood consultant, curriculum coach, researcher, and presenter. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she combines classroom expertise with research to create practical, engaging professional development that educators can immediately apply in their own programs. A sought-after speaker at state and regional conferences, Dr. Spotts specializes in risky play, observation and documentation, emergent curriculum, high-quality interactions, and nature-based learning. Known for her approachable style, practical strategies, and enthusiasm for empowering teachers, Dr. Spotts is passionate about transforming research into meaningful, everyday practice that supports both children and the professionals who teach them.