The main purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of preschool teachersrntowards play based instruction. In order to achieve the objectives, a mixed researchrndesign was employed. Random sampling and purposive sampling techniques werernused to select the sample size from the population. Data was collected from 44rnpreschool teachers, through questionnaire, interview and observation. Thernquantitative data obtained from questionnaire were analyzed in SPSS softwarernversion 20 by using descriptive (mean and standard deviation). On the other hand, the qualitative data obtained through interview and observation were analyzedrnqualitatively in narrative form and used to supplement and/or triangulate thernresponses. Accordingly, from the findings of the study, it would appear that thernsample of preschool teachers surveyed endorse the importance of play basedrnapproach in preschool education. However, many teachers did not integrate play intorntheir activities to support teaching and learning process, even though they agree thatrnchildren love to play. Apparently, factors such as time allocation for play activities, limited and unsuitable space for play, lack of knowledge and skills required tornimplement play based instruction and poor support from administrators, are the mainrnreasons the teachers cited for minimizing play. Hence, it is recommended that thernWoredas Education Of ice, Guji zone Education of ice and Oromiya EducationalrnBureau with dif erent pertinent stakeholders shall work in a coordinated manner tornprovide stimulation programs for preschool teachers so as to enhance their capacityrnfor ef ective implementation of play based instruction.