A child’s favorite corner, toy, or pretend scenario can offer clues about how they explore ideas, communicate, and connect with others. Use Make Parent Communication Easy: All About My Preschooler to gather family insights about favorite toys and activities, then compare those details with wha... What Can Preschool Teachers Learn from a Child’s Play Preferences?
When a child says “moon” begins with /b/, their answer gives you a reason to look more closely at how they understood the task. With the Task Cards – Beginning Sounds, start by asking the child to name the picture, then listen together for the fi... What Can a Wrong Beginning-Sound Answer Tell a Preschool Teacher?
An after-school project feels more manageable when children know what they are working toward and the steps fit their time and energy. Try using the State Research Worksheet: Explore & Discover for a short investigation, agreeing together on a finish line such as finding three inte... How Can You Plan an After-School Project With a Clear Finish Line?
A preschool activity can have one shared learning goal and several meaningful ways to participate. Children exploring a story, for example, might describe what happened, arrange picture cards, or act out a scene. Use the Simple Daily Lesson Plan Template for Early Childhood Educators to identify you... How Can One Preschool Activity Offer Three Meaningful Ways to Participate?
Choosing toys starts with thinking about the play you want to make possible: building, pretending, investigating, or working together. Use the Classroom Supply Inventory Resource Guide to take stock of what you already have, then consider how those materials support children’s interests, abili... How Can You Choose Toys That Make the Play You Want Possible?
When a child moves between homes with different schedules, predictable classroom routines and respectful communication with caregivers can provide a steady point of connection. Offer the Home Routine Cards as an optional tool each household can arrange to reflect its own routines, helping the child ... How Can Child Care Providers Support a Child Whose Routines Differ Between Two Homes?
One thoughtful adjustment can help a child participate more fully in a classroom routine, and coaching can give a teacher the support to try it with confidence. Use the Daycare Teacher Goal-Setting & Action Plan Template to agree on a specific participation goal, choose a manageable first step, ... How Can You Coach a Teacher Through One Inclusive Classroom Change?
Mexican-themed activities can be a joyful way to help young learners explore art, music, food, and history while building skills like fine motor work, vocabulary, and teamwork. Use short, respectful lessons and invite family voices when possible. How do Mexican-themed activities help childr... Mexican-Themed Activities That Teach Culture and Creativity
In Maryland, the Child Care Credential Program recognizes professionals who invest in ongoing learning, experience, and improvement in their practice. This voluntary credential complements state licensing by rewarding eligible staff and administrators for approved training, professional activity, an... Learn How To Become Credentialed
When the last ten minutes before lunch fill with rushing, waiting, and repeated reminders, take a closer look at how cleanup, handwashing, and meal preparation fit together. Use the Classroom Schedule Templates: Plan Your Day with Ease to map out the sequence, then notice where children wait and whe... Why Do the Last Ten Minutes Before Lunch Keep Falling Apart?