Project Play is recruiting the participation of parents/caregivers and of professionals.

We still need to recruit approximately 12 preschoolers whom are receiving special education services and who are turning 3½, 4, and 4½ years old. If you are a parent/caregiver who would like to participate with your child, please see the “parents/caregivers” tab below.

We are also looking for professionals who would like to learn how to administer the professional version of the Developmental Play Assessment (DPA-P). Training will include participation in an on-line training program on how to give the DPA-P. A certificate of completion will be issued to those who successfully complete the training.

Who can participate?

Professionals who work in early intervention or early childhood and preschool programs, i.e.;

  • Early Intervention Specialists
  • Childcare Providers
  • Preschool Teachers
  • (Early) Head Start Providers
  • Any other professionals who work with children between the ages of 8 months to 60 months, with or without disabilities, delays, or risks for delays

What does participation involve?

  • Learning how to administer the DPA-P by completing an interactive online training program. This program can be completed on your own time using your home computer.
  • Administering the DPA-P to 10-20 children. For each administration, you will watch and score the child’s natural play for 30 minutes.

Where will administration of the DPA-P occur?

The observations will be collected in a setting that is familiar to the child and the child’s caregiver:

  • Child’s home
  • Child’s program or school
  • Child’s childcare setting

What will I receive for participating?

  • Free training in play assessment using the DPA-P as well as a certificate of completion for the training
  • $25 for each of the DPA-P administrations requested by the Project Play team
  • Reimbursement for travel expenses
  • A set of DPA-P toys for the centers/schools from which you were recruited
  • Knowledge of how to use the information from the DPA-P to serve children on an individual basis and in playgroups

How can I sign up to participate, or get more information?

Please fill out the form below:

  • At this time, we are only accepting applications for professionals working in the Boston metropolitan area.
  • Employment Information