Ivy Tech Community College–Lafayette announces that Heather Bernt-Santy, Program Chair of Early Childhood Education, has published a new book with Teachers College Press titled Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood.
The book introduces schema play theory as a way for educators and caregivers to better understand and support children’s play as an essential part of learning. Bernt-Santy outlines how recognizing patterns in children’s play can guide teaching practices and promote meaningful exploration in early learning settings.
Free play is disappearing from the lives of children in their before-school years, leaving them vulnerable to negative outcomes for their physical, mental, and intellectual health. I wanted to write a book that would empower adults raising or working with children birth to 5 years old to see the value of letting children play freely, and to connect that play with positive developmental and academic outcomes. It’s more than ok to let them play!
– Heather Bernt-Santy
In addition to her role as Program Chair of Early Childhood Education at Ivy Tech, Bernt-Santy is a National Advisor with Defending the Early Years (dey.org) and Co-President of the U.S. chapter of the International Play Association (ipausa.org). Through these roles, she contributes to national and global conversations on play, equitable access to early childhood education, and developmentally appropriate practice. Her work bridges classroom practice with advocacy, offering research-based strategies for supporting children’s learning through play and advancing policies that prioritize the needs of young children and early educators.
Bernt-Santy also hosts the podcast That Early Childhood Nerd, where she discusses current issues in early childhood education and play-based learning with practitioners and researchers from across the field.
“We are proud to celebrate Heather’s publication and the expertise she brings to Ivy Tech,” said Aaron Baute, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Lafayette. “Her work underscores the importance of play in early childhood education and supports our mission to prepare thoughtful, effective educators.”
Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood is available through Teachers College Press, Amazon, and other major book retailers.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
