Latest Blog & News
Be a day care provider in your own home!
07/22/2014Do you want to start a new career as a day care provider in your own home? Earn your certification at ChildCareEd! If you have small children of your own and want the opportunity to be home with them, consider establishing a licensed family child care home. ChildCareEd offers a targeted ... Be a day care provider in your own home!
Can traditional child care programs add forest preschool activities without starting a new program?
07/21/2026Want to bring the benefits of a #forest preschool into your existing program without rebuilding your whole model? Integrating regular, intentional nature-based #outdoor experiences can increase children’s movement, curiosity, and resilience while strengthening classroom practice; a practical f... Can traditional child care programs add forest preschool activities without starting a new program?
What Do Children's Questions Reveal About Their Development?
07/22/2026Why do every "why" and "how" matter in your classroom? Children’s questions are a direct window into their growing minds — revealing thinking strategies, emerging vocabulary, social priorities, and the kinds of problems they are ready to explore. If you want practical ways to tur... What Do Children's Questions Reveal About Their Development?
What sensory play ideas best support babies in child care?
07/16/2026Every baby arrives ready to explore the world through touch, sound, sight, movement, and other sensory experiences. This practical guide helps child care providers and directors design brief, intentional, and closely supervised sensory activities that support infants’ brain development, self-r... What sensory play ideas best support babies in child care?
Toddler Lesson Plans for Play, Learning, and Development
06/11/2026Good lesson plans help your team feel calm and keep children learning. This short guide shows clear steps to write simple, play-based #lessonplans for your #toddlers. You will get a quick template, easy activity ideas, and tips to adapt for mixed needs. Why it matters: thoughtful plans make the da... Toddler Lesson Plans for Play, Learning, and Development
What are the most important school readiness skills for preschoolers?
06/18/2026Young children learn fast. This article helps child care providers and directors see the key skills preschoolers need to start school with confidence. You will find simple steps you can use in the classroom and ideas to share with families. Why it matters: early skills help children make friends, fo... What are the most important school readiness skills for preschoolers?
How can we teach children through play?
05/13/2026Play is not a break from learning — it is the best way young children learn. When children make, move, pretend, and solve problems, their brains grow. This article is for child care directors and providers who want easy, practical ways to teach through play. You will find steps to plan, set ... How can we teach children through play?
Why Does Outdoor Learning for Toddlers and Preschoolers Matter?
03/16/2026Introduction Outdoor learning helps our youngest children move, think, and feel calm. This article is for child care providers and directors who want simple, practical ideas. You will find why outdoor #learning matters, how to keep children safe, easy activities to try, and how to involve families ... Why Does Outdoor Learning for Toddlers and Preschoolers Matter?
How can North Dakota child care programs protect young skin with simple sun-safety routines?
06/24/2026Young children love being outside. They run, climb, and explore. That is great for learning and health. But the sun can hurt their skin. This article helps directors and providers build easy, everyday routines to keep kids safe from the sun in North Dakota. You will find practical steps, sample rout... How can North Dakota child care programs protect young skin with simple sun-safety routines?
How can I create a nurturing infant environment in my childcare program?
06/02/2026Creating a warm, calm space for little ones helps them grow, learn, and feel safe. This guide gives child care providers clear, simple steps to design a room and a routine that supports #infants with #nurturing care, strong #safety habits, secure #attachment relationships, and gentle #sensory play... How can I create a nurturing infant environment in my childcare program?
