Dramatic play—also called pretend, sociodramatic, or role play—gives young children meaningful opportunities to explore identity, language, relationships, emotions, and the social rules they encounter in everyday life. This article gives child care providers and program directors practic... How Can Dramatic Play Be Used to Support Learning?
Types of Preschool Curriculum There are a variety of Preschool Curricula administrators and educators have to choose from but sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming and confusing when deciding which one is the best fit for your program. Let's take a look at Connect4Learning (C4L). Connect4Le... Preschool Curriculum for Educators to Choose
Nap time is a big job. This short guide helps directors and providers teach staff to protect sleeping babies. Training keeps staff calm, confident, and consistent. Use clear rules, practice with checklists, and talk kindly with families. Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensi... How can child care staff be trained to keep babies safe during sleep?
Sleep is a big part of babies' days. This short guide helps directors and teachers plan fair, safe, and flexible nap and sleep schedules in North Dakota childcare programs. You will find simple steps for making a room rhythm, keeping sleep safe, helping children who won’t nap, and working well... How should sleep schedules for infants and toddlers work in North Dakota childcare programs?
Why it matters: Sleep time is one of the most important parts of caring for babies. Each year too many infants die from sleep-related causes. Following clear rules helps keep babies breathing and alive. The CDC and AAP give steps we must follow to reduce risk; local training and checklists help sta... How do infant teachers keep babies safe during sleep?
Every child care leader knows that nap time is high-stakes: families trust you with their most vulnerable infants, and consistent practice saves lives. This article translates current evidence and practical program steps into tools you can use immediately to protect babies in care. 1. What ... Infant Safe Sleep Training: Understanding SIDS Prevention
Strong, steady relationships help children feel safe and ready to learn. In this article we cover simple habits, ways to support feelings and behavior, family partnerships, and common pitfalls you can avoid. Why it matters: secure bonds lower stress, improve classroom routines, and help children try... How can we build strong teacher-child relationships?
Moving from elementary to middle school is a major developmental, academic, and logistical transition—and child care providers can play an important role in helping children approach it with confidence. This article gives providers and program leaders practical, evidence-informed strategies fo... How can child care providers best support children during the transition to middle school?
A consistent #hydration plan helps keep #children safe during #outdoorplay, supports physical health and attention, and gives #staff clear routines they can follow throughout the day. Rather than waiting for children to say they are thirsty, providers can schedule regular water breaks, keep drinking... How can child care providers keep kids hydrated with simple daily habits?
Simple kitchen activities can teach young children valuable real-world skills while making learning active, social, and memorable. Teacher-led cooking and no-cook food projects can introduce early math through counting and measuring, science through observing changes in ingredients, language through... Can simple kitchen activities teach valuable skills to young children in child care settings?