Project Play Children

Project Play Developmental Play Assessment

Project Play is a research project at Northeastern University focused on developments in play, given the importance of play activities for young children. A major goal is the creation of the professional version of the Developmental Play Assessment (DPA-P) for determining a child’s progress in play.

Funded By:

Department Of Education Project Play
IES Project Play

PARTICIPATE

Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers; teachers/service providers – those who work with young children

We are currently recruiting children from 8 months to 60 months of age developing with delays or disabilities, children 42 months to 60 months developing typically, and their parents or caregivers. Team members conduct the observations in the home or at the children’s day program or school. Observations consist of a 30 minute sample of the child playing with our toys, which is videotaped for later analysis. Observations include an evaluation of the child’s developmental level, using brief screening tests, in addition to some questions about the child, family, and activities at home.

We also are recruiting individuals who work with young children to take our online training program about children’s play. These personnel will learn to use the DPA-P for determining a child’s progress in play, and they will work with team members to collect play observations using the DPA-P.