Alliance for Childhood

The Alliance for Childhood is a U.S.-based nonprofit advocacy organization founded in February 1999. Its mission is to support children's healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living by promoting policies and practices that foster these goals. The organization is dedicated to safeguarding childhood and advocating for a more just, democratic, and ecologically responsible future.

History and Focus

Established in Maryland, the Alliance for Childhood began its work focusing on several key issues during its first decade. These included:

• Defending Child-Initiated Play: The organization has consistently argued for the importance of open-ended, child-initiated play both in and out of school settings. This includes advocating for outdoor nature play, loose parts play, and adventure playgrounds[1].
• Challenging Technology Overuse: The Alliance questioned the excessive use of computers in education and the proliferation of electronic entertainment in children's lives. Publications like Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood sparked national discussions on the topic[1].
• Standardized Testing Critique: It also critiqued the misuse of standardized high-stakes testing in education, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to assessment[1].
• Commercial-Free Childhood: Collaborating with groups such as the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, the Alliance worked to end marketing targeting children[1].
• Promoting Physical Activity: The organization raised awareness about childhood obesity and promoted active play as a solution[1].
• Education for Peace: Additionally, it promoted education as a tool for peace[1].

Current Priorities and Strategies

The Alliance for Childhood's current priorities include:

• Play and Playwork: The organization prioritizes child-directed play across all age groups, focusing on intrinsic motivation and active engagement. It supports playwork as a valuable role in early childhood education[2].
• Outdoor and Open-Ended Play: Emphasis is placed on outdoor nature play and providing opportunities for open-ended, freely chosen activities that reduce stress and increase joy in children[2].
• Strategic Partnerships: The Alliance partners with existing networks to amplify its impact, providing strategic support and leadership development opportunities to advance its goals[2].

Publications and Impact

The Alliance has produced influential reports. Crisis in the Kindergarten: Why Children Need to Play in School highlighted the lack of free play in early education settings, sparking significant public debate[1]. Through its publications and advocacy efforts, the Alliance continues to shape public awareness and policy discussions around children's development and well-being.