As the application of authentic assessment (AA) in early childhood education (ECE) programs is emerging, the demand for professionals who understand the fundamental elements of AA and can incorporate them into their practices is increasing. However, teaching professional competencies and providing opportunities to put theory into practice, specifically in online courses, is challenging. While technology-based learning is becoming increasingly common in education, the utilization of simulation-based technology in higher education is still emerging. This reflection on practice describes the development and implementation of a specially designed, simulation-based learning widget called the Play-Based Assessment Widget (PBAW). The PBAW was used to assist undergraduate students in practicing professionalism, including communication and collaboration skills, as they simulate interaction with a family in a web-based instructional tool called widget. Instructors’ findings indicate that the PBAW is a proper tool for imitating real-life scenarios, connecting theory with practice, and evaluating students’ content knowledge. (author abstract)