Learn more about evidence based Teaching PLAY:

• Teaching PLAY, (TP) is a school-based version of The PLAY Project’s Autism Early Intervention model (PLAY), a parent-implemented intervention program for young children on the autism spectrum.   

• In Teaching PLAY, the 7 Circles of The PLAY Project are adapted to the school setting. Instead of teaching parents, certified Teaching PLAY Consultants (TPC) train teachers and school staff to focus on engagement and social interaction with students on the autism spectrum. 

• Without disrupting classroom routines, TP is designed to be practical and efficient in teaching pre-school and kindergarten school staff to playfully engage children ASD in order to address the social challenges of these students that hinder true integration into the inclusive classroom. In Teaching PLAY, we believe that, for children with ASD, “Engagement leads to educational readiness.”

• There are 3 Teaching PLAY training options: 1.) Teaching PLAY: A Short Course, for school personnel interested in learning the basics. 2.) Teaching PLAY: Teacher Certification, an extended study in PLAY Project methods for the classroom; and 3.) Teaching PLAY for Schools. In this program, PLAY Consultants, specially trained in TP, will consult with the schools to implement the highest standard TP program in the school setting.

• The ‘Teaching PLAY for Schools’ program has been piloted in dozens of schools with very positive results. TPCs make 6 visits to the classroom, videotape interactions, and coach school personnel in Teaching PLAY principles, methods, techniques, and activities.  IEP goals that promote the child’s functional development are recommended. Parent involvement is highly recommended.

• Richard Solomon MD, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, is the medical director and founder of The PLAY Project and Teaching PLAY programs.

• For more information visit our website at www.playproject.org or call 734-585-5333

About our Teaching PLAY Trainer, Diana Holderman.

Diana Holderman has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio, and certified in Trauma Responsive Care. She currently has a private practice – Strategies for Behavior Management: Consulting and Counseling, LLC, and provides behavior support services, counseling, staff training, and PLAY/Teaching PLAY services in a variety of settings. She is certified as a P.L.A.Y Project and Teaching PLAY Consultant. She is a PLAY Project Supervisor, a Teaching PLAY Mentor, and is also a Master Trainer for the PLAY Project. Diana was actively involved in the Teaching PLAY pilot projects and was the co-recipient of the Mick Katshor Leadership Award in 2016. She has specialized in the area of working with dually diagnosed (MI/ID), aggression management, and those on the Autism spectrum for 35 plus years using eclectic mental health and ABA models, working with interdisciplinary and psychiatric teams and families. Diana developed the Awaken Respite program through Strategies to serve challenging kids needing holistic, integrated services. She received the Ed Comer Award for excellence in service to individuals with co-occuring mental illness and intellectual disability in 2011. She is a Master Level CPI Instructor and Strategies is a Licensed PLAY Project agency. Diana lives in Englewood, Ohio and enjoys her home, family, friends, church and staying physically active.

Groups of 3 or more receive a discount rate. Email Jenicam@childhoodleague.org for more information.

~ If you do what the child loves, the child will love to learn. ~ Dr. Richard Solomon

Register Now!