The Power of Play:
Developing and Implementing a Play-Based Curriculum
Presentation of a Reggio-inspired curriculum for children aged 15-months-33 months published by Neighborhood Villages that responds to an unmet need in ECE. It was piloted in existing early education programs in the Boston area as part of ‘The Neighborhood’, a pilot district-level model for early care and education. Guided by the principles of playful learning, co-created by educators, families and experts in the field, and aligned with the local K-12 school district, the project brings a unique anti-bias, child-centered lens to learning through play. This session will focus on how this curriculum provides early educators with flexibility and scaffolding and the importance of strong documentation practices to guide teaching and learning in the classroom. Participants will engage in experiencing playful learning and practice strategies for using documentation to make learning visible & plan for future experiences for children. Discussion on the relationship between documentation and curriculum to support educator planning of play-based learning experiences.
Who is Joe Pinsonneault?
Joe Pinsonneault
Joe (he/him) is a highly-skilled professional with extensive experience as an executive leader, program administrator, leadership coach, management systems expert and education specialist in a wide range of organizations.
Joe is passionate about helping individuals and programs become the best they can be, always focusing on a true growth mindset. The unique aspect of Joe’s approach is the importance he places on building a partnership of trust, honesty and open communication. Establishing these foundational beliefs creates a safe place for deep discussion and transformative change to occur.
Since 1999, Joe has provided a broad spectrum of services that include consultation, leadership coaching, training and technical support for non-profit organizations and programs that provide education and care services for young children. He has worked with nonprofit and for-profit agencies, early childhood education programs, private and public schools, and state and federally funded programs.
In addition to his vast experience, Joe holds undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, and Management and Leadership from Fisher College in Boston. He also earned an MBA in Nonprofit and Public Administration from Endicott College in Beverly, Mass. Joe is the treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children (RIAEYC). Joe is also an instructor, ECE Mentor and Support Services Specialist for the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), in the Rhode Island Early Childhood Education & Training Program (RIECETP).
In his spare time, Joe enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, particularly his animal companion Bentley, a Boston Terrier. A lover of the great outdoors, Joe is an avid walker and gardener, and spends much of his free time exploring nature and supporting causes that focus on protecting and preserving the environment. Additionally, he enjoys cooking and is often found reading a new cookbook and trying out new recipes with his family and friends. Joe is a supporter of high-quality education and care for young children, animal rights, the LBGTQ+ community, as well as environmental and social justice causes. A transfer from Massachusetts, he currently resides in Providence, Rhode Island.