Relating to play-based learning in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten

This bill relates to play-based learning in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten. The bill defines “play-based learning” as a pedagogical approach that emphasizes play and child-directed experiences in promoting learning and that includes developmentally appropriate strategies that can be integrated with existing learning standards. The bill requires school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to incorporate at least minutes of play-based learning during each half school day and at least 180 minutes of play-based learning during each full school day into the prekindergarten program. Schools are required to incorporate at least minutes of play-based learning each school day into the kindergarten program. The bill also requires preschools that operate under Code chapter 256C (statewide preschool program) to provide for at least minutes of play-based learning during each half school day and at least 180 minutes of play-based learning during each full school day.