Standard 1 of the NAEYC Standards for early childhood educators states that candidates should have a deep background knowledge about the basis of child development and how children learn. This includes being able to recognize the characteristics and needs of children and knowing where they are in their development in order to promote effective learning. Educators should be able to create a classroom community that is healthy, teaches respect, and provides a supportive and challenging environment.

Sub-Standard 1c is aimed at the idea that educators need to be skillful in creating healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments. By creating an environment where students feel safe and challenged, they are better able to succeed according to their abilities. Through the use of these basic concepts, educators can create a healthy classroom community and learning environment.

The ISearch Theory of Play is a critical look through the theories and research of John Dewey. This paper provides a look at theories that may allow an educator to create a healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environment. The act of playing in children teaches them the life skills they need in order to interact properly in their community. This critical look of John Dewey's theories allows educators to decide on what they believe will create the optimal environment for learning in a classroom community.