As children go back to school and the summer draws to an end, it is a time of bitter sweetness. Children say farewell to the long summer days of playing outside with their friends and enter the school year with much anticipation of what is to come. This month's FITT column highlights a new article on the importance of play for all children and is authored by Joan Almon. Joan is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Childhood, a nonprofit organization that works on early childhood education. The Alliance for Childhood promotes policies and practices that support children's healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living.

To read more, go to: http://www.ncpad.org/fitt/fact_sheet.php?sheet=908.