Play: Essential for All Children. A Position Paper of the Association for Childhood Education International.

Presents position of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) regarding children and play. Discusses ACEI's fundamental beliefs about the importance of play, citing supporting research and theory. Presents guiding principles and practices for play experiences, focusing on adults' crucial role in structuring and planning the learning environment. Concludes with call for action by educators, parents, and policymakers to articulate children's need for play experiences. (KB)