How Play-Based Learning Can Save Early Childhood Education

How can early childhood educators prevent burnout and rediscover the joy of teaching?In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Dr. Marisa Macy (University of Wyoming) and Amy Reyes-Hauff (Wyoming Department of Education) to explore practical ways educators can reconnect with purpose, improve classroom culture, and build sustainable careers in early childhood education.You'll learn:✔️ Why play-based learning is essential for both children and teachers✔️ How outdoor learning improves educator wellness✔️ Practical strategies to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue✔️ Leadership tips for creating joyful classroom environments✔️ Why nature, relationships, and authentic teaching matter more than perfection✔️ The impact of digital technology on young children's development✔️ Actionable ideas educators can implement immediatelyWhether you're a preschool teacher, childcare provider, Head Start professional, administrator, or early childhood leader, this conversation offers research-backed inspiration and practical advice to help you thrive in the classroom.Featured Guests• Dr. Marisa Macy – Professor, University of Wyominghttps://www.marisamacy.com/https://www.uwyo.edu/education/faculty-staff/marisa-macy.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-macy-970b3737/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marisa-Macyhttps://scholar.google.com/• Amy Reyes-Hauff – Early Learning Specialist, Wyoming Department of Educationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-reyes-hauff-a1b15844/https://edu.wyoming.gov/https://www.facebook.com/WYOEducationIf you're passionate about early childhood education, teacher wellness, play-based learning, classroom management, outdoor education, preschool leadership, Head Start, or educator burnout prevention, this episode is for you.👍 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about early childhood education, leadership, child development, and supporting educators.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved