Clements, Fiorentino, and their contributors focus on the right of every child to experience the joy and developmental benefits derived from play. The volume brings together national and international specialists in the areas of early childhood and play leadership as well as playground manufacturers, parks and recreation directors, architects and landscape architects, child care providers, child life specialists, movement and physical educators, and parent advocates of play. Clements and Fiorentino offer readers contemporary thoughts from more than 60 national and international specialists in the areas of early childhood and play leadership, brain research and educational psychology, as well as playground specialists, child life specialists, movement and physical educators. All works reflect the contributors' commitment to the belief in education through play or play for its own sake. The contributors also confirm the belief that play, along with the basic needs of nutrition, health, shelter, and education is vital to the development of all children. This collection is divided into five parts: Part One addresses topics of special interest to parents and caregivers concerning definitions and the importance of play. Part Two offers information concerning curriculum development, programming, and several academic teaching issues. Topics reflecting the child's props, playthings, and play environments are blended together in Part Three. Part Four offers indepth chapters linking current research connecting brain and learning with play. Part Five contains an overview of the importance and right of all children to play.

Play is important for cognitive, emotional, and physical development of children. Use the four components experts have identified for safety: supervision, age-appropriate design, fall-surfacing that contains approved materials, and equipment maintenance. This handbook is what you need to maintain an existing, or to create a new, pleasing, and challenging playground that is safe, but not boring. Heather M. Olsen, EdD, is executive director of the National Program for Playground Safety. Susan D. Hudson, PhD, has been an educator, consultant, and practitioner in the field of leisure, youth, and human services for over thirty-nine years. Donna Thompson, PhD, founded the National Program for Playground Safety.