Latest Blog & News
CACFP Certification Training for CCNP and CMP Applicants
05/29/2026Are you working toward your CACFP Child Nutrition Professional (CCNP) or CACFP Management Professional (CMP) certification? ChildCareEd offers online training that may help you document continuing education hours for certain CACFP certification specialty areas. The CCNP and CMP certifications are a... CACFP Certification Training for CCNP and CMP Applicants
What Is Play-Based Learning in Preschool and How Do We Do It Well?
06/18/2026Play-based learning means children learn by playing. When we protect time for play, children practice talking, solving problems, and working with friends. This article is for child care providers and directors who want simple steps to plan great days. You will read about what play-based learning is,... What Is Play-Based Learning in Preschool and How Do We Do It Well?
Can play-based learning and academic readiness work together for New York educators?
05/14/2026Child care leaders: this short guide helps you answer a big question for your program. We explain how #play and intentional teaching support #learning and #readiness for school. We write for #teachers and directors in #NewYork and link simple research and New York guidance so you can act confident... Can play-based learning and academic readiness work together for New York educators?
How does play shape brain development in children under 5 — what do Minnesota educators need to know?
05/15/2026This short guide shows how #play shapes the #brain and #development of #children in #Minnesota. It is for child care providers and directors who want clear, practical steps to support children under 5. Read on for simple science, hands-on ideas, common pitfalls, and ways to explain play to familie... How does play shape brain development in children under 5 — what do Minnesota educators need to know?
What Does Toy Story 5 Teach Us About the Power of Imaginative Play?
07/15/2026Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is more than a family film—it offers educators an engaging starting point for exploring why imaginative play matters. By placing meaningful play, rather than passive screen consumption, at the center of children’s emotional growth and peer relationships, the fil... What Does Toy Story 5 Teach Us About the Power of Imaginative Play?
How Does Guided Play Build School-Ready Skills in New York Preschoolers?
07/06/2026Guided play is a gentle way teachers help children learn while they are playing. This article explains how guided play grows the skills children need for kindergarten, especially in New York programs. You will find clear steps you can try, links to useful resources from ChildCareEd and others, and p... How Does Guided Play Build School-Ready Skills in New York Preschoolers?
CDA Scholarships: How to Find Funding for Your Child Care Credential
05/13/2026Getting your Child Development Associate (CDA) can open doors for you and improve care for the children you teach. Many child care providers say cost is a big worry. The good news: there are many places that help pay for your #CDA, #training, and other costs. Use the steps below to find scholarships... CDA Scholarships: How to Find Funding for Your Child Care Credential
How to Find CDA Scholarships and Grants
06/23/2026Getting a Child Development Associate (CDA) can feel big and confusing. This guide helps child care directors and #providers find money to pay for CDA courses, fees, and the portfolio. Read the short steps, use the links, and pick ideas that fit your program. The 5 most important words in this artic... How to Find CDA Scholarships and Grants
How to Get an ECE Certificate in Georgia
04/27/2026Working toward an early childhood education certificate can feel big, but you can do it step by step. This guide helps #providers and directors in #Georgia know what to do, where to find approved courses, how to keep proof, and how to pay for bigger credentials like a #CDA. Why it matters: trained s... How to Get an ECE Certificate in Georgia
Project based learning
12/30/2021Project-based learning (PBL) lets young children explore meaningful problems and create real products while developing executive function, language, and social skills. The method supports deeper learning and retention by situating concepts in authentic, motivating contexts. To help programs implemen... Project based learning
