One of nine competency-based training modules for personnel preparation in early childhood special education, this guide focuses on the importance of play and learning in preschool programs. All modules are adaptable for use with a general audience, direct service personnel, or administrators and are based on the following principles of the Ohio Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood Education: developmentally appropriate practice; integration of children with disabilities with typically developing peers; collaborative relationships with families; attention to individual needs; and provision for and valuing of diversity among young children and their families. Modules are intended to be used in whole or in part, in groups or for self-instruction. Each module comprises goals; competencies (knowledge, skill, and values and attitudes); and objectives, with a matrix for each objective identifying enabling activities, resources, and leader notes. Relevant handouts, forms, and readings are provided for each objective. This module provides participants with four major goals: to (1) recognize the characteristics of play in young children and its relationship to developmentally appropriate practice; (2) comprehend the significance of play in the development of young children; (3) understand the correlation between play and learning-related activities; and (4) become familiar with relevant teaching techniques associated with play. (Contains approximately 50 references.) (DB)