Latest Blog & News
Be a Kid Again Day: Play-Based Learning Ideas for Teachers
07/13/2026Take a breath, invite curiosity back into your day, and plan one joyful pause: National Be a Kid Again Day (July 8) gives staff permission to model childhood play, reduce adult pressure, and lead #play with purpose. This article offers practical, research-backed ideas for directors and providers who... Be a Kid Again Day: Play-Based Learning Ideas for Teachers
What are age-appropriate Fourth of July activities for daycares?
07/15/2026Short, thoughtfully planned celebrations can keep young children safe, included, engaged, and learning during the Fourth of July. This guide helps directors and providers create a calm, meaningful holiday experience for #preschoolers using low-mess crafts, sensory choices, movement breaks, concrete ... What are age-appropriate Fourth of July activities for daycares?
Pre-K Ideas for Play, Learning, and Development
05/27/2026Welcome, colleagues. This quick guide gives friendly, easy ideas to support young children through play. Put these tips right into your #preschool room so #play turns into #learning and strong #development. You can even add simple #STEM moments during free play. What simple play activities buil... Pre-K Ideas for Play, Learning, and Development
How can child care providers manage holiday excitement and big emotions in young children?
07/16/2026The holidays often bring joyful disruptions—extra visitors, bright decorations, unfamiliar traditions, schedule changes, and increased sensory stimulation. For young children, that excitement can quickly become fatigue, anxiety, overstimulation, or challenging behavior. Child care directors an... How can child care providers manage holiday excitement and big emotions in young children?
Mexican-Themed Activities That Teach Culture and Creativity
06/11/2026Mexican-themed activities can be a joyful way to help young learners explore art, music, food, and history while building skills like fine motor work, vocabulary, and teamwork. Use short, respectful lessons and invite family voices when possible. How do Mexican-themed activities help childr... Mexican-Themed Activities That Teach Culture and Creativity
Winter Holiday Fun STEM Activities
12/08/2023Winter Holiday Fun STEM Activities This collection of developmentally-appropriate, low-cost STEM projects is designed for child care professionals seeking purposeful winter activities that align with learning goals in science, mathematics, fine motor development, and executive function. Two ... Winter Holiday Fun STEM Activities
Professional Development Plans
11/10/2023Professional Development Plans in the Group Admin Did you know? ChildCareEd programs include a Group Admin Training Plan feature that lets program leaders export individualized Professional Development Plans (PDPs) showing assigned and completed learning, issued certificates, and renewal dates. Use... Professional Development Plans
How Can Oklahoma Early Educators Turn Daily Observations into Better Classroom Support?
05/22/2026Every day in your program gives clues about what each child needs next. This article shows simple steps Oklahoma teachers and directors can use to turn short, factual notes into better classroom supports. Read this as a friendly how-to for busy staff. In your #Oklahoma program, use #observation to s... How Can Oklahoma Early Educators Turn Daily Observations into Better Classroom Support?
Indoor and Outdoor Activities for School-Age Programs
07/20/2026School-age children need a balance of active play, creative projects, quiet choices, and opportunities to work with others. ChildCareEd’s online Lesson Planning to Meet School Age Needs course helps educators choose appropriate activities while considering children’s interests, abilities... Indoor and Outdoor Activities for School-Age Programs
How can we plan fun, safe outdoor activities for school-age daycare programs?
07/03/2026Outdoor time is one of the best parts of the day for #schoolage kids and the adults who care for them. This article helps directors and providers plan simple, learning-rich outdoor activities that build muscles, friendships, and curiosity. You will find easy activity ideas, safety steps, schedule ... How can we plan fun, safe outdoor activities for school-age daycare programs?
