What is Ecological Developmental Models

Children present in the hospital with an array of previous experiences. Play specialists must learn to help children use experiences as opportunities for growth and coping and be prepared when significant life events emerge as part of a child's play. Ecological models provide a framework for understanding children's lived experiences affecting development and offering insight into children and families responses to stress. Foundational theories of play provide knowledge of children's development, interests, and understanding of themselves and the world. This chapter examines two culturally sustaining models that build on play theories viewing children and families through a strengths-based lens that includes culture, traditions, spiritual, and community support to facilitate assessments and interventions. Converging ecological models and culturally sustaining pedagogies with play deepens the play specialists' understanding and ability to identify strengths, build relationships, and discover family and community support leading to children's meaning making and resilience.