The Play Connection Network

The Play Connection Network Connecting Communities Through Play AECPCN is a non-profit organization that is governed by a small board of directors. All work is done by volunteers.

AECPCN Objectives:
~ To develop, support and offer a connection network focused on Play for early childhood educators in Alberta
~ To establish and maintain a library of resources regarding the importance of Play in the early learning years
~ To host and support a variety of events and opportunities for networking, skill development and advocacy for Play

Our Mission

AECPCN strives to advocate fo

r Play by connecting our community of passionate early childhood educators to understand, experience and embrace Play. Our Vision

We stress the importance of Play for children and engage in discussions and Play experiences that advocate for Play. To understand Play, we feel it's important to experience, hands-on, the joy and passion that Play brings us. We provide a variety of Play experiences and resources, such as; webinars, workshops, resources, social events, learning events, community events, Play programs and more. How Our Story Began

AECPCN was founded in 2023 by Tina Geers. She had a vision of creating a community where early childhood educators can connect through Play and advocate for Play . Tina, an early childhood educator herself for over 18 years, was looking for ways to bring our community together, through a variety of learning and networking opportunities, where ECEs demonstrate and grow their professional skills in Play advocacy. Welcome to AECPCN early childhood educators!

Play is powerful. And so is your voice.If you’re considering joining us for the Illuminate Play Conference in Calgary, n...
04/28/2026

Play is powerful. And so is your voice.

If you’re considering joining us for the Illuminate Play Conference in Calgary, now is the time to step forward.

Our Early Interest Registration is now open - giving you priority access and exclusive early bird perks reserved only for those on this list.

Join a growing community of educators who are advocating, connecting, and elevating play together.

💫 Don’t miss your moment to be part of it.

https://aecpcn.org/illuminate-play-conference/

04/23/2026

We're in Kananaskis for the ECEC ATA Conference!! Let's play!

04/23/2026

In Kananaskis for the ECEC ATA Conference! Let's Play!!!

✨ Puppet Wonder in Action! ✨Last night, we had the absolute honour of learning alongside Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon ...
04/22/2026

✨ Puppet Wonder in Action! ✨

Last night, we had the absolute honour of learning alongside Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they guided our community of Play Advocates through the magic of puppetry in practice.

Their session beautifully reminded us that play is not just something we do—it’s how children connect, communicate, and make sense of the world. 💜

A heartfelt thank you to both of these incredible facilitators for sharing their knowledge, creativity, and playful spirit with us.

Some powerful takeaways from the evening:
✨ Puppets can support children in navigating the excited–calm cycle of self-regulation
✨ Different types of puppets can serve different purposes in our environments
✨ There are many levels and ways to engage with puppets in meaningful, responsive ways
✨ Puppetry can strengthen relationships—between educators and children, and among peers
✨ Puppets offer a safe space for children to express feelings, explore identity, and experience power shifts
✨ They can foster inclusion, belonging, and a strong sense of self

It was an evening filled with laughter, reflection, and a deep reminder that play is the how of learning.

💭 We’d love to hear from you—what was your biggest takeaway?

Stay tuned for our next Play Event!

NEW FREE RESOURCE!Support meaningful conversations about play with this set of beautifully designed “Did You Know?” card...
04/21/2026

NEW FREE RESOURCE!

Support meaningful conversations about play with this set of beautifully designed “Did You Know?” cards. Grounded in research and aligned with children’s rights, each card highlights the power of play in early learning, with reflective questions to inspire deeper thinking. Perfect for educators, teams, families and communities of practice.

Visit our website to download! https://aecpcn.org/

Don't Miss Out!! Last Chance to Register for our online workshop on Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and BehavioursOur vi...
04/20/2026

Don't Miss Out!! Last Chance to Register for our online workshop on Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and Behaviours

Our virtual Play events continue in April with the amazing Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they share their magical stories and strategies of puppetry in play!

Join us for this imaginative session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours.
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM (MDT)
Registration Fee: $15.00 (+GST & Eventbrite fees)

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

Prioritizing play is difficult in most early learning environments, and can be challenging for adults to comfortably and confidently engage in. Focusing on play when a child is dysregulated or uncooperative often feels like rewarding poor behaviour or giving the “wrong message”.

This presentation explores how Early Learning Educators can use play to support positive behaviour changes. Using concepts of magic, this workshop explores how adults use magical thinking in everyday situations to benefit their own behaviour, and how ECE's can use magic to help manage behaviour in their centers, day homes and classrooms! Understanding how a child experiences the world through wonder can bring clarity to challenging behaviours and offer clear solutions.

Incorporating puppets and play-based behaviour intervention allows educators to not only build meaningful relationships with students, but to explore concepts and build skills that are essential for the real-world. This presentation is written and facilitated in partnership with a Behaviour Specialist and a Child and Youth Care Counsellor who is a professional magician!

Join us for this imaginative and practical session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours into meaningful opportunities for connection, regulation, and growth.

Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

It's Almost Time!! Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and BehavioursOur virtual Play events continue in April with the amazi...
04/13/2026

It's Almost Time!! Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and Behaviours

Our virtual Play events continue in April with the amazing Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they share their magical stories and strategies of puppetry in play!

Join us for this imaginative session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM (MDT)
Registration Fee: $15.00 (+GST & registration fees)

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

Prioritizing play is difficult in most early learning environments, and can be challenging for adults to comfortably and confidently engage in. Focusing on play when a child is dysregulated or uncooperative often feels like rewarding poor behaviour or giving the “wrong message”.

This presentation explores how Early Learning Educators can use play to support positive behaviour changes. Using concepts of magic, this workshop explores how adults use magical thinking in everyday situations to benefit their own behaviour, and how ECE's can use magic to help manage behaviour in their centers, day homes and classrooms! Understanding how a child experiences the world through wonder can bring clarity to challenging behaviours and offer clear solutions.

Incorporating puppets and play-based behaviour intervention allows educators to not only build meaningful relationships with students, but to explore concepts and build skills that are essential for the real-world. This presentation is written and facilitated in partnership with a Behaviour Specialist and a Child and Youth Care Counsellor who is a professional magician!

Join us for this imaginative and practical session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours into meaningful opportunities for connection, regulation, and growth.

Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

playmatters LetsPlay

It's Almost Time!! Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and BehavioursOur virtual Play events continue in April with the amazi...
04/13/2026

It's Almost Time!! Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and Behaviours

Our virtual Play events continue in April with the amazing Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they share their magical stories and strategies of puppetry in play!

Join us for this imaginative session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM (MDT)
Registration Fee: $15.00 (+GST & registration fees)

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

Prioritizing play is difficult in most early learning environments, and can be challenging for adults to comfortably and confidently engage in. Focusing on play when a child is dysregulated or uncooperative often feels like rewarding poor behaviour or giving the “wrong message”.

This presentation explores how Early Learning Educators can use play to support positive behaviour changes. Using concepts of magic, this workshop explores how adults use magical thinking in everyday situations to benefit their own behaviour, and how ECE's can use magic to help manage behaviour in their centers, day homes and classrooms! Understanding how a child experiences the world through wonder can bring clarity to challenging behaviours and offer clear solutions.

Incorporating puppets and play-based behaviour intervention allows educators to not only build meaningful relationships with students, but to explore concepts and build skills that are essential for the real-world. This presentation is written and facilitated in partnership with a Behaviour Specialist and a Child and Youth Care Counsellor who is a professional magician!

Join us for this imaginative and practical session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours into meaningful opportunities for connection, regulation, and growth.

Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/04/2026

How do you protect play in a time where play is endangered?

🌟 Featured Keynote Announcement – Illuminate Play Conference 2026 🌟We are beyond excited to announce that Sally Fowler H...
04/01/2026

🌟 Featured Keynote Announcement – Illuminate Play Conference 2026 🌟

We are beyond excited to announce that Sally Fowler Haughey from Wunderled Teaching and Fairydust Teaching will be joining us as a Keynote Speaker for the Illuminate Play Conference 2026 in Calgary, AB on November 7, 2026.

Sally’s work has inspired educators around the world to see learning environments as places of wonder, creativity, storytelling, and possibility. Her approach to early childhood education invites us to slow down, see the magic in childhood, and design environments that truly honour children and the educators who work alongside them.

This is a keynote you will not want to miss. 💫

As we plan for 2026, we are asking our community to complete a short 2-minute survey to help us determine attendance and plan an event that is accessible and meaningful for educators.
Survey link in comments.

Illuminate Play Conference 2026 – Interest SurveyWe are currently planning the Illuminate Play Conference 2026 in Calgar...
04/01/2026

Illuminate Play Conference 2026 – Interest Survey

We are currently planning the Illuminate Play Conference 2026 in Calgary, AB on November 7, 2026, and we need your help.

Illuminate Play Conference 2026 Interest Survey:
https://forms.gle/a7MMC1buyrFNJpaJ9

Due to the recent changes to professional development funding in Alberta, we know many educators and organizations are facing new challenges when it comes to attending conferences and professional learning events. These changes impact us as organizers as well, and we want to ensure that this conference remains accessible, meaningful, and sustainable for our community.

This short 2-minute survey will help us understand if educators are planning to attend, what factors may impact attendance, and how we can plan an event that best supports the early childhood and early years community.

Your voice truly matters in this decision. The information from this survey will help us determine whether we move forward with the conference in 2026 and how we plan for the future of Illuminate Play.

Illuminate Play Conference 2026 Interest Survey:
https://forms.gle/a7MMC1buyrFNJpaJ9

Thank you for taking a few minutes to support this work and this community. We hope to see you in Calgary.

Address

Edmonton, AB

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