Latest Blog & News
At What Age Do Children Start Playing Together?
09/18/2026When children seem to ignore one another during play, providers may wonder whether they are ready—or expected—to play together. Social play develops gradually, and understanding its stages helps educators respond with realistic expectations and purposeful support. For practical guidance ... At What Age Do Children Start Playing Together?
How Can You Create a Sensory-Friendly Child Care Classroom?
09/18/2026A classroom can be welcoming yet overwhelming when noise, light, clutter, or unpredictable transitions exceed a child’s capacity to participate. Thoughtful, low-cost changes can improve comfort, engagement, and inclusion; for practical guidance on intentional layouts, explore Classroom Setup f... How Can You Create a Sensory-Friendly Child Care Classroom?
What Should a 2-Year-Old Be Learning at Daycare?
09/18/2026Two-year-olds learn through relationships, routines, movement, language, and hands-on exploration—not worksheets or formal lessons. To strengthen your understanding of age-appropriate goals, explore Baby Steps to Milestones ONLINE, which can help you connect developmental knowledge to daily cl... What Should a 2-Year-Old Be Learning at Daycare?
What Should a 3-Year-Old Be Learning at Preschool?
09/18/2026What should a 3-year-old actually be learning at preschool—and how can providers offer meaningful growth without turning the day into worksheets? A strong program builds the whole child through play, relationships, routines, and intentional experiences; Emergent Learning & Development can ... What Should a 3-Year-Old Be Learning at Preschool?
What Should a 5-Year-Old Know Before Kindergarten?
09/18/2026What does a five-year-old really need before entering kindergarten? A balanced view can help providers guide families without turning readiness into a high-pressure test. For practical strategies on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional preparation, explore Are They Ready for Kindergarten?, a fo... What Should a 5-Year-Old Know Before Kindergarten?
When Should a Child Care Provider Be Concerned About Development?
09/18/2026When a child’s development seems different from expected patterns, your careful observations can become the bridge to timely support rather than a source of alarm. The Developmental Screening in Early Childhood course can strengthen your ability to distinguish monitoring from screening, docume... When Should a Child Care Provider Be Concerned About Development?
What Should a 4-Year-Old Know Before Pre-K?
09/18/2026What does a four-year-old truly need before entering pre-K—and how can adults support that growth without turning childhood into a checklist? A strengths-based understanding of development helps providers plan responsive experiences, and Are They Ready for Kindergarten? offers focused professi... What Should a 4-Year-Old Know Before Pre-K?
What Gross Motor Skills Should Children Develop at Each Age?
09/18/2026Children build strength, balance, coordination, and confidence through everyday movement, but knowing what to look for can make planning and observation more intentional. Explore the age-by-age guide below, then consider Balancing Physically Active Play in Child Care to deepen your ability to combin... What Gross Motor Skills Should Children Develop at Each Age?
What Should Child Care Providers Look For in Fine Motor Skills by Age?
09/18/2026Are you wondering whether a child’s grasp, scribbles, or scissor use reflects expected development—or signals a need for closer observation? This guide translates age-related fine motor patterns into practical classroom observations, adaptations, and family conversations. For deeper prep... What Should Child Care Providers Look For in Fine Motor Skills by Age?
Can a Child Come to Daycare With a Fever?
09/17/2026A fever at drop-off can create a difficult decision for any child care professional: protect the group while responding compassionately to one child and family. Illness, Medication, and Allergies in Child Care can deepen your knowledge of illness signs, exclusion decisions, and health-related proced... Can a Child Come to Daycare With a Fever?
