Welcome to the Play Connection Network
Connecting Communities Through Play
About AECPCN – The Play Connection Network
The Play Connection Network strives to advocate for Play by connecting our community of passionate early childhood educators, teachers, families and community members to understand, experience and embrace the power of Play.
Our Story
The Play Connection Network (AECPCN) was founded in 2023 by Tina Geers, an early childhood educator and passionate play advocate with over 20 years of experience in the field of early learning and education. Throughout her career, Tina has witnessed the powerful role play holds in children’s learning, wellbeing, and development—and the growing need to protect and advocate for it. From an initial vision rooted in Alberta’s local communities, our reach has expanded across Canada. Play remains at the heart of our work—driving connection, learning, and collective advocacy.
From this passion, a simple but meaningful vision was created: to build a community where early childhood educators, early education teachers, families, communities and professionals can connect through play, deepen their understanding of its importance in the early years, and raise a united voice for play advocacy. At a time when play is often misunderstood or undervalued, the Play Connection Network exists to remind our communities that play is essential—not optional—to children’s holistic growth and development.
As our community has grown, so has our collective passion for play. By bringing educators, organizations, and advocates together, the Play Connection Network has become a space where ideas are shared, professional voices are strengthened, and play is experienced—not just discussed. This growing momentum continues to shape who we are as an organization and fuels our vision for what’s possible.
Looking ahead, the Play Connection Network is committed to expanding opportunities for connection, learning, and advocacy that elevate play in child care and early education. Together, we are building a future where play is valued, protected, and celebrated—today and for generations of children to come.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to advancing play advocacy in the early years, across child care and early education (K–3), while building community awareness about the vital role play plays in children’s holistic growth and development. Grounded in the belief that play is a fundamental right, we actively advocate for the Rights of the Child to Play as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, Article 31).
By bringing our community together, we amplify a united voice that champions children’s rights and affirms play as essential to meaningful early childhood experiences. We believe that to truly understand the power of play, it must be experienced—through hands-on, joyful, and reflective opportunities that reconnect educators, families, and communities to its purpose and impact.
Objectives
To build and sustain a connected community dedicated to play advocacy in the early years, supporting early childhood educators, teachers and early learning professionals through shared learning, collaboration, and a unified voice for children’s right to play.
To design, host, and support a diverse range of play-focused events and learning opportunities — including webinars, workshops, professional learning opportunities, community and social events, play programs, and curated resources — that foster connection, professional growth, hands-on experiences, and advocacy for play across child care and early education (K–3).
Structure
AECPCN is a not-for-profit organization that is governed by a small board of directors. All work is done by volunteers.
Board of Directors
President
Tina Geers
Edmonton, AB
Treasurer
Patrick Geers
Edmonton, AB
Vice-Chair
Sharon Ness
Calgary, AB
Secretary
Hester Laubscher
Calgary, AB
Contact Info
Play Resources
Looking for some ideas of where to start your journey with Play?
Increase your knowledge of Play advocacy with these resources.
“Nothing lights up a child’s brain like play.”
Dr. Stuart Brown, M.D.
AECPCN 