Latest Blog & News
How Can Child Care Providers Help a Child Put the Phone Away at Drop-Off?
10/09/2026When a child arrives absorbed in a phone, moving into classroom life can be difficult for everyone involved. Agree on a predictable handoff with the family, then use the Morning Arrival Routine Cards to show what comes next, such as putting belongings away and choosing a familiar activity. Acknowled... How Can Child Care Providers Help a Child Put the Phone Away at Drop-Off?
How Can Home-Language Words Enrich Shared Reading?
10/09/2026Shared reading can help children see that their family language belongs in the classroom. Try sharing Emergent Readers – Fruits, inviting families to contribute familiar fruit names and pronunciations, and welcoming children’s home-language words without putting them on the spot to trans... How Can Home-Language Words Enrich Shared Reading?
How Can You Turn a Preschool Science Video into Hands-On Learning?
10/09/2026A short science video can spark an investigation when preschoolers have opportunities to test, touch, compare, and talk about what they saw. Adapt selected prompts from the Think Like a Scientist: Observation & Experiment Recording Sheet for teacher-led conversations, recording children’s ... How Can You Turn a Preschool Science Video into Hands-On Learning?
How Can Child Care Programs Connect an Absence Record to the Follow-Up Staff Actually Need?
10/05/2026An absence record becomes useful when it helps staff understand what the family has shared and what needs to happen next. The Child Absence Note gives families a way to provide an absence reason, expected return date, and special instructions; pair that information with a clear staff assignment for ... How Can Child Care Programs Connect an Absence Record to the Follow-Up Staff Actually Need?
How Do Genes and Everyday Experiences Shape Toddler Development?
10/09/2026A toddler’s development unfolds through the ongoing interplay of genes and everyday experiences, with each child bringing their own interests, responses, and pace of learning. Use the All About My Toddler: Family Information Form to learn about familiar routines, communication, and preferences... How Do Genes and Everyday Experiences Shape Toddler Development?
What Should Substitutes Demonstrate Before Supervising Infant Sleep?
10/09/2026When a substitute steps into an infant room, safe sleep routines need to remain consistent through busy shifts and unexpected staffing changes. Use the Safe Sleep Checklist for Infants alongside your program’s procedures to guide a review and demonstration of sleep-space preparation, infant po... What Should Substitutes Demonstrate Before Supervising Infant Sleep?
What Should You Do When a Rechargeable Classroom Toy Is Damaged?
10/09/2026A cracked or unusually hot classroom toy needs prompt attention, especially when it contains a rechargeable battery. Use the Daily Toy Inspection Checklist for Child Care to document concerns and track follow-up, alongside your program’s procedures and the manuf... What Should You Do When a Rechargeable Classroom Toy Is Damaged?
How Can You Check Food Allergies Before a Classroom Cooking Activity?
10/09/2026A cooking activity can become a memorable lesson in math, language, and cooperation, with careful preparation to support safe participation. Before choosing ingredients, review each child’s Allergy & Emergency Information Form alongside their current allergy action plan, and confirm any up... How Can You Check Food Allergies Before a Classroom Cooking Activity?
How Can Child Care Programs Update Emergency Contacts Before Holiday Travel?
10/09/2026Holiday travel can change who is reachable, who is available for pickup, and how quickly a family can respond in an emergency. Before schedules shift, use the Emergency Contact Sheet to review contact information with families, then confirm pickup permissions and urgent care details through your pro... How Can Child Care Programs Update Emergency Contacts Before Holiday Travel?
Need Professional Development?
04/29/2021Professional development gives Maryland child care educators opportunities to strengthen their practice and plan their next steps. ChildCareEd’s Getting on the Right Path to Teaching is a three-hour online course listed as approved in Maryland. It explores meaningful professional development c... Need Professional Development?
