Gesell Institute of Child Development

06/12/2026

For those unfamiliar with play-based learning as a primary approach to classroom pedagogy, play may seem trivial. In this short video, Peg Oliveira, PhD, Gesell Executive Director, distinguishes between play-based learning and free play, and demonstrates the proven benefits of both.

For those unfamiliar with play-based learning as a primary approach to classroom pedagogy, play can seem like an "extra" that doesn't serve as a valuable approach to learning. In this short video, Peg Oliveira, PhD, Gesell Program Director at the Yale Child Study Center, distinguishes between play-b...

06/10/2026

New Product! Gesell's Ages and Stages Gift Bundles are perfect for the little ones and caregivers in your life. These bundles include one book for the child, one book for their caregiver, and an age-specific toy. We offer bundles for newborns/baby showers, infants and toddlers, two-year-olds, and pre-schoolers! Order today.

06/08/2026

Join us for our July GDO-R 2.5-6-Year-Old virtual workshop! GDO-R trainings prepare early childhood professionals to understand and better meet the unique needs and abilities of young children. Registration closes 06/24.

Upcoming Events WORKSHOP - GDO-R 2.5 - 6 - Deerfield, MA WORKSHOP - GDO-R 2.5 - 6 - High Point, NC WORKSHOP - GDO-R 2.5-6 - Phoenix, AZ WEBINAR - GDO-R 6-9 Cer

06/05/2026

What makes stability so crucial for the developmental environment? Read this paper from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child to learn more!

Explore how stability in children’s environments can enhance their health and find evidence-based policies and strategies to promote stability.

06/03/2026

Happy June from Gesell! This month's newsletter has just been sent out, but in case you missed it, you can also view it here! Be sure to stay up to date on Gesell events, reminders, and information by signing up for our mailing list.

Happy June from Gesell! In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find free resources, information on upcoming events, recertification reminders, links to purchase materials for the 2026/27 school year, and more! Wishing you a wonderful summer.

06/01/2026

Need an assessment tool for next school year? Try the Gesell Early Screener. The GES provides a quick, concise snapshot of a child’s development. No training is required, but the GES workshop webinar is available to provide support. https://secure.touchnet.net/C20510_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=93&CATID=311&SINGLESTORE=true

05/29/2026

Child Care Aware® of America just released its 2025 Child Care in America: Price and Supply Report. Here is what it found:

1. The national average annual price of child care is $13,184.
2. For a single parent, that is 33% of their median income.
3. In all states with data, the price of care for two children in a center exceeds median rent, and in most states, exceeds mortgage payments.
4. Across all four regions of the country, child care for a two children in a center is more expensive than in-state public college tuition, transportation, food, and health care.
5. At best, the current supply of licensed child care centers is stagnant from prior years, maintaining the barriers families face to find care.

A new report from CCAoA, Child Care in America: 2025 Price & Supply, found a small decrease in the number of child care centers from 2024 to 2025

05/27/2026

Host a GDO-R Workshop with the Gesell! Perfect for schools, districts, and early childhood centers ready to dive deeper into developmentally informed teaching.

Host a PRIVATE HYBRID or PRIVATE ONLINE GDO-R Workshop: Often schools and early childhood centers prefer to hold a private group workshop for their staff only. This could be as a team building PD experience, because it is more cost efficient than to pay for travel for multiple people, or because our...

05/27/2026

We believe that curiosity should be fostered at all ages! Join us for a FREE Q&A on May 27th at 6:30 EST! We’ll discuss the GES and GDO-R, updates in the latest manual editions, training opportunities for 2026, and how to become a National Lecture Staff trainer, and more.

05/25/2026

Join us for a casual Q&A this Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 ET! Whether you’re new to Gesell or have been with us for years, we’ll discuss the differences between GES and GDO-R, updates in the latest manual editions, exciting new training opportunities for 2026, and how to become a National Lecture Staff trainer, along with more helpful insights. Register today! https://www.gesell-yale.org/pages/events