Latest Blog & News
Icy Activities
12/23/2022What makes ice a useful learning material for preschoolers? Ice is more than a cold surface: it's an accessible medium for hands-on exploration of states of matter, temperature, measurement and vocabulary. In an early childhood classroom, short, supervised ice explorations support observation skill... Icy Activities
How can North Dakota classrooms build toddler fine motor skills with simple activities?
05/15/2026This short guide helps child care providers and directors in North Dakota plan easy, playful fine motor work for #toddlers in your #classroom to build #fine #motor skills through #play. The ideas are low-cost, tested in child care settings, and link to ready-to-use resources from ChildCareEd and oth... How can North Dakota classrooms build toddler fine motor skills with simple activities?
How can we help children reach new heights—from the Space Needle to the preschool classroom?
06/11/2026From the Space Needle’s tall view to a child stacking blocks, reaching new heights is about space, support, and steady steps. This article is for #preschoolers teachers, directors, and child care providers who want simple ideas to help children grow in movement, thinking, and confidence. You... How can we help children reach new heights—from the Space Needle to the preschool classroom?
How Can Child Care Programs Use Easy Nature‑Based Activities for Every Season?
07/21/2026Want simple, low‑prep nature activities you can run all year and that build real learning? Seasonal invitations to explore—planting in spring, water science in summer, leaf math in fall, and ice investigations in winter—help your team meet curriculum goals while supporting regulation, ... How Can Child Care Programs Use Easy Nature‑Based Activities for Every Season?
How to Become Certified to Work in Before and After School Care
07/02/2026Working in before- and after-school programs is a great job. You help kids stay safe, finish homework, and have fun. This guide tells directors and child care providers clear steps to get #certified to work with school-age children. It explains which courses, clearances, and records you need. It als... How to Become Certified to Work in Before and After School Care
How Can Washington After-School Providers Support Homework, Social Skills, and Family Stability?
07/02/2026After school can be more than a chair and a snack. In Washington, programs can help children finish #homework, practice #socialskills, and support #families so busy parents can keep working. This short guide is for directors and providers. It gives simple steps you can use right away, links to helpf... How Can Washington After-School Providers Support Homework, Social Skills, and Family Stability?
Why Does the 3 PM Safety Gap Make Florida After-School Programs So Important?
07/02/2026The hours after school are a big time for working families and for children. Many kids leave school at about 3 PM and head to places that may not be set up for safe, caring supervision. This article explains the safety gap, the benefits of quality after-school programs, and practical steps Florida p... Why Does the 3 PM Safety Gap Make Florida After-School Programs So Important?
How to Become a Childcare Worker in Utah: Requirements and Steps
07/13/2026Becoming a childcare worker in Utah is more than meeting requirements—it is the first step toward creating a safe, caring, and high-quality learning environment for children. This guide breaks down the key steps for new providers, staff, and directors, including required paperwork, training, b... How to Become a Childcare Worker in Utah: Requirements and Steps
How can Texas providers use after-school (OST) programs to improve attendance and behavior?
07/02/2026Out-of-school time (OST) programs can help children feel safe, learn more, and come to school more often. This article is for Texas child care directors and program leaders. It shows simple steps you can use to boost #Texas children’s #attendance and #behavior in your #afterschool program whil... How can Texas providers use after-school (OST) programs to improve attendance and behavior?
90-Hour Child Care Certification: A Guide for Maryland Providers
06/24/2026If you work in a child care center or want to run one in #Maryland, the 90-Hour Certificate is a key step. This guide explains what the certificate is, who needs it, how to finish the required hours, where to take approved courses, and tips to avoid common mistakes. We use clear steps and links to t... 90-Hour Child Care Certification: A Guide for Maryland Providers
