Latest Blog & News
How do we build developmentally appropriate programs for young children?
06/01/2026Building a program that fits young children means planning with care, kindness, and simple steps. This short guide helps child care providers and directors set up warm, strong programs. You will find clear actions to take in your #children's day, links to helpful ChildCareEd tools, and trusted res... How do we build developmentally appropriate programs for young children?
How can child care programs support cognitive development through problem-solving activities?
07/15/2026Young children strengthen cognitive skills each time they work through a meaningful challenge—balancing a block tower, fitting puzzle pieces together, negotiating roles during dramatic play, predicting what will happen in a science activity, or determining how many plates are needed at snack. ... How can child care programs support cognitive development through problem-solving activities?
Preschool Lesson Plans for Learning, Creativity, and Growth
06/24/2026Good lesson plans help your team create calm, playful days where children learn, make friends, and try new things. This article gives easy steps, ready ideas, and links to helpful templates so you can plan with confidence. Use short goals, simple materials, and routines that let kids explore safely.... Preschool Lesson Plans for Learning, Creativity, and Growth
Can doodling and drawing build fine motor skills and creativity?
07/15/2026Young children often enter the classroom eager to scribble, doodle, and experiment with making marks. When educators guide these experiences intentionally, everyday #doodling and #drawing can strengthen hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, refine #finemotor control, and encourage imaginative... Can doodling and drawing build fine motor skills and creativity?
Crayon Activities for Preschoolers: Color, Creativity, and Fine Motor Skills
06/10/2026Crayon time is an easy, low-cost way to help children learn. In this article you will find simple ideas you can use today to build #crayons skills, #creativity, #finemotor control, #color recognition, and joyful #play in your classroom. The tips are written for child care providers and directors who... Crayon Activities for Preschoolers: Color, Creativity, and Fine Motor Skills
Ah-Choo!
01/19/2021Every early childhood educator asks themselves these questions when working with children; the role in the classroom is not solely pedagogical but also clinical and supervisory. Educators must recognize early signs of contagion, communicate with families, and implement program policies that ... Ah-Choo!
Listening and Communicating
12/01/2022Listening is one of the most important professional competencies for child care practitioners; the degree to which staff attends, reflects, and responds shapes relationships, learning opportunities, and social-emotional development. To deepen practice, consider beginning with two short courses: Open... Listening and Communicating
What Communication Skills Does Every Childcare Teacher Need?
05/08/2026Good teaching starts with good #communication. Teachers who listen and speak clearly help #children learn, feel safe, and grow. Great teachers use simple words, kind tones, and tools so every child and family can join in. This article gives friendly, practical steps for child care providers and dire... What Communication Skills Does Every Childcare Teacher Need?
How can we safely take toddlers on nature walks in Minnesota?
05/19/2026Many toddlers light up outdoors. Nature walks give little ones big chances to move, learn words, and calm down. This article helps child care providers and directors plan safe, simple nature walks in #Minnesota that meet learning goals for #toddlers and honor #safety and #supervision. State requir... How can we safely take toddlers on nature walks in Minnesota?
How can New York providers host effective parent-teacher conferences?
07/08/2026Parent-teacher conferences are one of the best ways to build trust with families, share clear information about a child, and set simple next steps everyone can try. For guidance on creating long-term, strength-based partnerships that make conferences more effective, see building strong parent–teac... How can New York providers host effective parent-teacher conferences?
