Latest Blog & News
How to Write a Parent Handbook for an Illinois Child Care Program
04/09/2026A good parent handbook helps families and staff know what to expect. It protects children, saves time, and makes licensing visits easier. A clear #handbook builds trust, improves #communication with families, and keeps everyone safer by writing down the rules. What must I include in an Illin... How to Write a Parent Handbook for an Illinois Child Care Program
Staff Onboarding in Nevada Child Care: What to Train in Week 1
04/09/2026This quick guide helps Nevada child care directors and providers know what to teach new hires in Week 1. It focuses on the must-do trainings, how to schedule them, and how to keep good records. Use short lessons, a mentor (buddy), and clear checklists so new #staff finish the first week confident an... Staff Onboarding in Nevada Child Care: What to Train in Week 1
How can I truly “follow the child” when I have 10+ kids in one room?
04/08/2026Lots of teachers say “follow the child,” but it can feel impossible when you have 10+ children in one space. This short guide gives realistic, practical ideas you can try tomorrow. It focuses on watching, choosing small wins, and designing the room and day so each child gets noticed wi... How can I truly “follow the child” when I have 10+ kids in one room?
What Skills Really Matter for Kindergarten Readiness (and Why Worksheets Aren't the Answer)?
04/08/2026Starting kindergarten is exciting — and a little scary for children and families. This article helps child care providers and directors focus on the simple, high-impact skills that matter most for school success. You will find practical, play-based ideas you can use in the classroom and shar... What Skills Really Matter for Kindergarten Readiness (and Why Worksheets Aren't the Answer)?
Should Preschools Use Worksheets?
04/08/2026Worksheets are a hot topic in early childhood. Some families ask for them. Some classrooms use them every day. But what is the real value of worksheets for young children? This article helps directors and child care providers think clearly about worksheets, play, and strong early learning. You wil... Should Preschools Use Worksheets?
Free California Child Care Training Options, Including CECO
04/08/2026Many directors and providers ask: where can we find good, free training in #California that counts for staff and keeps classrooms safe? This short guide shows clear places to look, how to check if a course counts, and simple steps to keep good records. Free options like #CECO and #ChildCareEd can he... Free California Child Care Training Options, Including CECO
North Dakota Child Care Grants and Supports: Where to Look and What to Prepare Before You Apply
04/08/2026Finding money and supports in North Dakota can feel hard. This short guide helps child care directors and #providers know where to look, what to prepare, and steps to take before you apply. You will see simple lists, links to helpful pages, and easy steps you can use this week. What grants ... North Dakota Child Care Grants and Supports: Where to Look and What to Prepare Before You Apply
What Toddler Milestones (12–36 Months) Are Typical — and When Should I Be Concerned?
04/07/2026Working with little ones every day, you see big changes fast. This guide helps childcare providers and directors know which skills most 12–36 month olds usually reach, which signs are warning flags, and what to do next. It uses easy steps, short lists, and links to trusted resources so you can... What Toddler Milestones (12–36 Months) Are Typical — and When Should I Be Concerned?
What preschool milestones (ages 3–5) should I watch for in my program?
04/07/2026Why it matters 1) Early noticing helps children get support before challenges grow. The sooner a child gets the right help, the better the results. See the CDC milestone pages for clear age-based examples: 3 years, 4 years, 5 years. 2) Regular observation helps your team plan learning that matches... What preschool milestones (ages 3–5) should I watch for in my program?
How can I use what I already have to teach Practical Life activities to toddlers?
04/07/2026You work hard every day caring for children. You can turn the things in your classroom or home into real learning tools for little ones. This article helps child care providers and directors plan simple, low-cost Practical Life activities for #toddlers using items you already have. The ideas are s... How can I use what I already have to teach Practical Life activities to toddlers?
