The importance of play to young children's healthy development and learning has been documented beyond question by research. Yet play is rapidly disappearing from kindergarten and early education as a whole. We believe that the stifling of play has dire consequences-not only for children but for the future of our nation. This report is meant to bring broad public attention to the crisis in our kindergartens and to spur collective action to reverse the damage now being done.

This report from the Alliance for Childhood by Edward Miller and Joan Almon talks about how play builds competence, discusses how Kindergarten has changed, and outlines the long-term implications and importance of striking a healthy balance. CLICK HERE to download the full report.