Latest Blog & News
Winter Wonders: Incorporating Seasonal Science in Preschool Curriculum
12/17/2024The winter months not only invite curiosity about the physical properties of snow and ice but also encourage discussions about the adaptations of wildlife in colder climates. By weaving these captivating themes into the #preschool curriculum, #educators can inspire a sense of wonder and foster a lov... Winter Wonders: Incorporating Seasonal Science in Preschool Curriculum
How can we create screen-free activities that truly engage older children?
07/16/2026Creating engaging screen-free experiences for older children means offering the independence, challenge, choice, and social connection they increasingly need. This article gives child care directors and providers practical, low-preparation strategies for planning hands-on projects, movement challeng... How can we create screen-free activities that truly engage older children?
❄️ What Outdoor Activities Work Well for Illinois Kids in Every Season? 🌷🍂
11/26/2025Outdoor #play is a vital component of #early-childhood #development, promoting #gross-motor-skills, #sensory integration, and cognitive #growth. For children in Illinois, embracing #outdoor activities year-round is essential, despite the state's extreme #weather shifts—from hot, humid #summers... ❄️ What Outdoor Activities Work Well for Illinois Kids in Every Season? 🌷🍂
Science in Classroom
04/17/2023Teach your little ones about the power of soap with this easy science activity. This simple demonstration supports early scientific thinking — prediction, observation, and cause-and-effect — and gives children concrete evidence that invisible forces (surface tension, hydrophobic ... Science in Classroom
Children with Special Needs
07/13/2023Child care professionals who serve children with special needs and who seek evidence-informed accommodations and instructional modifications will find that ChildCareEd offers targeted professional development for educators, including Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion and Supporting Skill Dev... Children with Special Needs
How Can We Encourage Good Behavior in the Classroom?
06/04/2026Good behavior helps every child learn and feel safe. This article gives easy, practical ideas for child care providers and directors. You will find steps you can try tomorrow, quick lists to share with staff, and links to helpful resources. We use simple words so everyone can use these ideas right... How Can We Encourage Good Behavior in the Classroom?
How can DC early childhood educators use simple classroom management tips in busy preschool rooms?
05/20/2026Busy DC preschool rooms need simple, practical ideas that work right away. This short guide gives clear steps for directors and teachers who have little time but big hearts. You will find quick routines, room set-up tips, ways to guide behavior with respect, and steps to bring families and staff tog... How can DC early childhood educators use simple classroom management tips in busy preschool rooms?
Child Care Resource Center in Virginia: What Is It and How Can It Help?
05/05/2026Child care providers and directors often ask: what is a Child Care Resource Center and can it really help my program? A Child Care Resource Center in #Virginia is a local place (sometimes a phone line or website) that gives practical help to #providers and #families. These centers share facts about ... Child Care Resource Center in Virginia: What Is It and How Can It Help?
How to Modify Activities for Children with Special Needs
06/24/2026All children deserve to join in and learn. This article gives simple, practical ideas you can use today to change activities so children with special needs can participate with confidence. You will see quick steps, tools, and ways to work with families and specialists. Remember: state requirements ... How to Modify Activities for Children with Special Needs
Fun Straw Activities
02/24/2023This short collection of low-cost, high-engagement activities uses drinking straws to support fine motor development, bilateral coordination, early STEM thinking, and self-regulation in toddlers and preschoolers. Two ChildCareEd courses that help providers translate these play ideas into development... Fun Straw Activities
