Latest Blog & News
How can childcare providers and families keep children safe around water?
07/15/2026Water play and pool days can be exciting learning experiences for young children, but they require careful planning, constant supervision, and reliable emergency procedures. This article gives child care directors, family child care providers, and staff practical guidance for creating strong water-s... How can childcare providers and families keep children safe around water?
Earning Your CDA Through ChildCareEd: A Path to Professional Excellence
07/17/2024Earning Your CDA Through ChildCareEd: A Path to Professional Excellence The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized certification that marks a significant milestone in an early childhood educator's career. Earning your CDA through ChildCareEd offers a streamlin... Earning Your CDA Through ChildCareEd: A Path to Professional Excellence
Daycare Activity Ideas for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
06/24/2026Working in child care means planning simple, safe activities that help little children grow. This article gives quick, practical ideas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. You can use these right away with your team. Links point to ready lesson plans and safety guidance from ChildCareEd and othe... Daycare Activity Ideas for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
How Can We Support Toddler Independence Without Overwhelming Them?
07/15/2026Supporting toddler independence is a daily balancing act: children need meaningful opportunities to practice new skills without being overwhelmed by too many choices, difficult expectations, or excessive sensory input. This article helps child care directors and providers create calm routines, acces... How Can We Support Toddler Independence Without Overwhelming Them?
When Play Gets Messy: Why Does the Best Learning Often Look Like Chaos?
07/22/2026Have you ever worried that paint-splattered smocks and sand on the floor mean kids aren’t learning? That apparent chaos is often where the deepest learning happens: children test ideas, manage feelings, and build skills through open-ended exploration. If you want practical ways to supp... When Play Gets Messy: Why Does the Best Learning Often Look Like Chaos?
How can I create engaging learning centers in my classroom?
05/12/2026As a fellow child care provider, you know that well-planned learning centers help children choose, explore, and grow. This article gives simple, practical steps to plan, set up, and run centers that spark curiosity and meet learning goals. You’ll find checklists, tips on materials, how to su... How can I create engaging learning centers in my classroom?
How can child care providers support early self-help skills in toddlers?
07/16/2026Supporting early self-help skills helps toddlers build confidence, independence, coordination, and a stronger sense of belonging in the classroom. This guide gives child care providers and directors practical, classroom-ready strategies for teaching dressing, handwashing, feeding, toileting, cleanup... How can child care providers support early self-help skills in toddlers?
Having a Heart-to-Heart
04/13/2021Communication in early childhood settings includes collaborating with colleagues, conferring with administrators and providers, exchanging information with parents and guardians, and building relationships with families. Communication combines language, tone, intent, and—when in person—b... Having a Heart-to-Heart
Maryland Tax-Free Week: August 11-17, 2024 is a great opportunity to save on essential back-to-school supplies
08/15/2024This time of year can often bring financial stress as #parents strive to equip their children with the necessary clothing and supplies for the academic journey ahead. However, Maryland offers a beacon of hope in the form of its annual sales tax holiday, a strategic opportunity for families t... Maryland Tax-Free Week: August 11-17, 2024 is a great opportunity to save on essential back-to-school supplies
How Can I Bring the World Cup into a Multicultural Preschool Classroom in New York?
06/17/2026Many preschool classrooms in New York will feel the buzz of the World Cup — flags, songs, and family stories. You can use that excitement to teach kindness, geography, and pride without turning culture into a costume. This short guide gives practical, respectful activities you can start tomorr... How Can I Bring the World Cup into a Multicultural Preschool Classroom in New York?
