Play Under Pressure: How Thinking Like a Play Scientist Turns Pressure Into Playful Possibilities

Early childhood educators are carrying a great deal right now. Compliance demands, documentation, limited time, challenging behaviors, and the daily pressure to do more can take a real toll on both educators and children. That is exactly why Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S. is presenting a timely free webinar called “Play Under Pressure: How thinking like a play scientist turns pressure into playful possibilities.”

In this interactive, research-informed session, Juelie invites participants to step into the role of a “Play Scientist” and examine an important question: what happens when pressure rises and play decreases? The webinar explores how those conditions can affect learning, connection, well-being, educator patience, and children’s outcomes. It also points participants toward practical ways to restore engagement and bring more joy back into the work.

Why This Webinar Matters for Early Childhood Professionals

Too often, play is treated like an extra. Juelie’s webinar pushes back on that idea. The session makes the case that play is essential, not optional, and that small intentional moments of play can support regulation, motivation, engagement, and classroom connection without requiring more time or more resources. That message is especially relevant for teachers, directors, program leaders, and early childhood teams trying to do meaningful work under constant pressure.

This webinar is also highly practical. Attendees will explore how stress affects the brain, including the impact of cortisol on patience and connection, while also learning how play supports dopamine, motivation, and deeper learning. Rather than adding another heavy layer of strategies, this session is designed to help educators think differently so they can work more intentionally and effectively.

What Participants Will Learn

• Examine how current pressures in early childhood education affect educator well-being, relationships, and child outcomes
• Describe how stress and play influence the brain
• Recognize how decreases in play can compromise regulation, connection, and deeper learning
• Identify small intentional moments of play that can be embedded into daily routines
• Apply practical "play smarter, not harder" strategies to support engagement, regulation, classroom connection, and educator joy

A Timely Topic from Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S.

Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S. is featured on the event page as “The Play Coach & Keynote Storyteller” with Inspire to Impact Early Education Training and Consulting. This webinar aligns closely with her broader work in early childhood education, especially around play, connection, reflective practice, and helping educators create more meaningful learning environments.