Connecticut § 10-24f - Play-based learning.

§ 10-24f. Play-based learning.

Sec. 10-24f. Play-based learning. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Free play” means unstructured, voluntary, child-initiated activities that are performed by a child for self-amusement and have behavioral, social and psychomotor rewards, except “free play” may be structured to promote activities that are child-directed, joyful and spontaneous.

(2) “Guided play” means learning experiences that combine the child-directed nature of free play with a focus on learning outcomes and adult guidance.

(3) “Play-based learning” means a pedagogical approach that emphasizes play in promoting learning and includes developmentally appropriate strategies that can be integrated with existing learning standards. “Play-based learning” does not mean time spent in recess or as part of a physical education course or instruction.

(4) “Recess” means the time during the regular school day for each student enrolled in elementary school that is devoted to physical exercise of not less than twenty minutes in total pursuant to section 10-221o.

(5) “Mobile electronic device” has the same meaning as provided in section 10-222d.

(6) “Instructional time” means the time of actual school work during a regular school day.

(b) Each local and regional board of education shall provide for play-based learning during the instructional time of each regular school day for all students in kindergarten and any preschool program offered by the board. Such play-based learning shall (1) be incorporated and integrated into daily practice, (2) allow for the needs of such students to be met through free play, guided play and games, and (3) be predominantly free of the use of mobile electronic devices.

(c) Each local and regional board of education shall permit a teacher to utilize play-based learning during the instructional time of a regular school day for all students in grades one to five, inclusive. Such play-based learning (1) may be incorporated and integrated into daily practice, (2) shall allow for the needs of such students to be met through free play, guided play and games, and (3) shall be predominantly free of the use of mobile electronic devices.

(d) Any play-based learning utilized under this section shall comply with the individualized education program or plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended from time to time, for any student.

(e) A school employee may only prevent or otherwise restrict a student's participation in play-based learning if such prevention or restriction is in accordance with the policy developed by the local or regional board of education pursuant to section 10-221o.

(P.A. 23-101, S. 20; 23-159, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 23-101 and P.A. 23-159 effective July 1, 2024.