Preschool classrooms thrive when children learn to plan together, share materials and roles, solve disagreements, and enjoy working toward common play goals. This practical guide gives child care directors and providers research-informed strategies for encouraging sustained cooperative play through ... How can child care providers encourage cooperative play among preschool children?
Teaching conflict resolution in school-age programs becomes more manageable when children are given short scripts, predictable routines, and repeated opportunities to practice solving problems. This article gives teachers, providers, and program leaders practical strategies for helping children calm... How Can School-Age Programs Teach Conflict Resolution That Actually Works?
As the #summer break draws to a close, the excitement and anxiety of a new school year begin to fill the air. For children, this time marks a significant transition, filled with opportunities for #growth, learning, and new friendships. However, the prospect of entering a new classroom or mee... Preparing Your Child for a New School Year: Social Skills and Independence
Play-based learning is how young children learn when they play. For child care providers and directors, this approach helps children grow language, thinking, social skills, and confidence. In your #classroom you can arrange materials, time, and teacher moves so #children lead learning through play... How can play-based learning help preschool teachers and programs?
Introduction — How can early childhood programs mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in ways that build empathy, civic understanding, and inclusive practice? In early childhood settings, celebrations that center MLK's legacy should do more than entertain: they should introduce children to the... MLK Activities
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a good time to help young children learn about kindness, fairness, and caring for others. Child care providers and directors can use simple, hands-on activities to teach these ideas in a way that feels safe, playful, and meaningful. These ideas work well for preschool, ... Creative Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities for Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten
Environment Day is a great chance for child care programs to teach kids about caring for our planet. Simple, hands-on activities help children practice skills and feel proud when they help. Below you will find easy ideas you can use in the classroom, outside, or to share with families. For family-fo... Green Activities for Kids: Celebrate Environment Day
Hands-on activities help school-age children learn, move, and feel proud. This short guide is for child care providers and directors who run after-school and school-age programs. Read on to get simple activity ideas, a weekly plan, tips for staff, and ways to include families. Remember: state requ... What Hands-On Activities Work Best for School-Age Child Care?
July 12th marks Eat Your Jell-O Day — a sensory, seasonal moment that many child care programs use for nutrition conversations, sensory play, and light STEM exploration. For program-level guidance on safe menu choices and managing food in group care, see our Health and Nutrition and Food Prepa... Jello-O Day!
Fall circle time can be cozy, short, and full of learning. Use these ideas to refresh your #preschool day with a calm gathering that builds skills, connection, and joy. Try to keep circle moments short (5–15 minutes) and change activities when children lose interest. These tips will help yo... Fall Circle Time Ideas for Preschool and Daycare