Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S. Named President and Lead Facilitator of the FLAEYC Play Chapter
I have some wonderful news to share...
A few weeks ago, at the FLAEYC Annual Conference, I was named President and Lead Facilitator of the FLAEYC Play Chapter.
The FLAEYC Play Chapter exists to keep play at the center of early childhood education in Florida and beyond. As President and Lead Facilitator, I get to help lead that work: bringing FLAEYC members together to share practical, hands-on ideas educators can use tomorrow, and advocating for time, space, and respect for play in every program.
What This Means for You
Nothing about my work changes in the best way — and everything gets a little bigger. Training is still available across the United States, not just in Florida — on-site at your facility, and virtually from my professional training studio. Keynotes have been delivered in Florida and across the United States, in person and virtually.
You will keep getting usable ideas: loose parts you already have, language that builds learning without taking over, and permission to protect play time.
The FLAEYC Play Chapter works to strengthen the same mission we talk about in training: a clear philosophy, a playful environment, and a team that stays.
Child-led play is how children learn, and I will keep making that case, plainly and with joy.
I am pictured here with my mentor and dear friend, Dr. Walter F. Drew, Ed.D., at a FLAEYC conference where this naming took place. Dr. Drew is the founder of the Institute for Self-Active Education, the creator of Dr. Drew’s Discovery Blocks (named Best Toy of the Year by the Parents’ Choice Foundation in 1982), and co-author of the NAEYC book From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers’ Play with Children’s Learning.
For more than 40 years, he has led hands-on play experiences with open-ended materials — the same child-led, self-active play that shapes my work today. He is also the founder of the FLAEYC PLAY Chapter itself, which makes stepping into this role especially meaningful: I am carrying forward work my mentor began.
I am carrying forward work my mentor began.
I am grateful for the educators who trust me with their teams, for the children who remind us every day why play matters, for Dr. Drew’s mentorship and friendship, and for a chapter community that believes, as I do, in inspiring minds to impact our world.
Thank you for being part of this work. I would love to hear from you: What does play look like in your classroom, your program, or your home right now?
Forever Playful,
Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S.
President and Lead Facilitator, FLAEYC Play Chapter
Inspire to Impact Consulting — inspiretoimpact.net
FAQ
Quick answers about the FLAEYC Play Chapter and this new role.
What is the FLAEYC Play Chapter?
The Play Chapter of the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC), a community focused on play in early childhood education.
Who was named President and Lead Facilitator?
Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S., of Inspire to Impact Consulting, named at the FLAEYC Annual Conference a few weeks ago (as of October 30, 2026).
Does Juelie Perry-Schwartz offer training outside Florida?
Yes. Training is available across the United States — on-site at your facility anywhere in the U.S., and virtually. Keynotes have also been delivered in Florida and across the United States.
How can I book Juelie for training, consultation, or speaking?
Contact Inspire to Impact Consulting at inspiretoimpact.net or 772.473.4994, or info@inspiretoimpact.net, to discuss training, consultation, or a speaking/keynote engagement.
Bring Play-Based Learning to Your Team
Contact Juelie to discuss training, consultation, or a keynote — on-site at your facility or virtually from her professional training studio.