Latest Blog & News
Read Across America
03/10/2023What is Read Across America and why does it matter for early childhood programs? Read Across America is a national literacy initiative led by the National Education Association (NEA). It positions reading as a gateway to language development, equitable access to diverse books, and stronger family e... Read Across America
Starting an In-Home Daycare in Texas: Requirements and Tips
05/28/2026Thinking about starting an in‑home care program in #Texas? This short guide helps you plan a safe, legal, and loving #daycare. It covers steps, rules, daily tasks, and helpful links to ChildCareEd resources. Keep notes, use checklists, and remember state requirements vary - check your state licens... Starting an In-Home Daycare in Texas: Requirements and Tips
Daycare Center Requirements in Texas
04/28/2026Running a daycare in Texas means following rules that keep kids safe and your program legal. This short guide answers the big questions directors and providers ask. Read each section for clear steps, checklists, and links to helpful resources. Remember: state requirements vary - check your state lic... Daycare Center Requirements in Texas
Texas Home Daycare Licensing Standards
06/18/2026Running a home daycare in #Texas means you care for children and follow rules to keep them safe. Why it matters: families trust you with their children. Meeting the rules protects kids, your program, and your business. Good systems make days calmer and help you pass inspections. For a clear starti... Texas Home Daycare Licensing Standards
Texas Child Care Compliance: Understanding Minimum Standards
06/08/2026Working in child care is a big job. This article helps Texas child care providers and directors understand the main rules in plain language. You'll see simple checklists, what inspectors look for, and steps you can do today to stay ready. For a full guide to the rules, start with Texas Minimu... Texas Child Care Compliance: Understanding Minimum Standards
How Many Kids Can You Watch Without a License in Texas?
06/23/2026Thinking about watching a few neighborhood kids in your home? This short article answers a common question for child care staff and directors: how many children can you watch in #Texas before you must get a permit? Why it matters: families want safe care and you want to protect your business and you... How Many Kids Can You Watch Without a License in Texas?
How can reading aloud build literacy in New York toddler rooms?
05/15/2026Reading aloud in toddler rooms is one of the easiest, highest-impact ways to build #reading and #language skills every day. This short guide helps New York child care providers and directors use simple routines that fit a busy toddler day. Why it matters: When toddlers hear stories again and again... How can reading aloud build literacy in New York toddler rooms?
Storytime as a Survival Strategy: How Georgia Providers Can Use Early Literacy to Stand Out While Costs Rise
06/26/2026Rising costs are squeezing families and programs in Georgia. But a strong, simple #storytime can help your program stand out, keep families returning, and build the school-readiness that DECAL and local partners want. Use short, repeatable read-alouds plus family partnerships and a few funding tri... Storytime as a Survival Strategy: How Georgia Providers Can Use Early Literacy to Stand Out While Costs Rise
Can we build early literacy skills through play in high-quality child care?
07/16/2026Play is not a break from learning—it is one of the most effective ways young children build early reading and writing skills. This article gives child care providers and directors practical strategies for strengthening oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, storytelling, print awar... Can we build early literacy skills through play in high-quality child care?
How can child care providers support name recognition and letter awareness effectively?
07/16/2026Helping children recognize their names and notice letters is one of the most meaningful ways child care programs can strengthen early literacy. This article gives providers and directors practical, evidence-informed strategies for building name recognition, letter awareness, print knowledge, and eme... How can child care providers support name recognition and letter awareness effectively?
