You work every day helping children learn, grow, and feel safe. This short guide is for child care providers and directors who want clear, practical ideas to build school readiness for the children in your care. We will explain the most important skills preschoolers need, easy classroom routines you... What skills do preschoolers need to be ready for school?
Temperament is a child’s natural way of reacting to people, places, and things. Knowing a child’s temperament helps teachers and directors make better plans for learning and care. This article explains what temperament looks like, why it matters in Minnesota programs, practical steps pro... How Does Temperament Affect How Minnesota Children Learn and Behave?
Working through the toddler “no” phase is one of the most common, emotionally charged, and teachable moments you’ll face as a # caregiver in early childhood settings. This article gives Michigan child care directors and providers a practical, research-informed roadmap for understan... How Can Michigan Child Care Providers Support Toddlers Through the “No” Phase?
What is Space Exploration Day and why does it matter for early childhood educators? Space Exploration Day (observed July 20) commemorates the Apollo 11 lunar landing and offers early childhood professionals a structured occasion to integrate inquiry-driven STEM, observational protocols, and... Space Exploration Day
Combining #sand, #space, #science, #sensory exploration, and #preschool play creates rich opportunities for curiosity, language development, motor growth, problem-solving, and early STEM learning. With thoughtfully selected materials and simple prompts, children can investigate how sand changes with... How can we explore sand, space, and science with young children in preschool settings?
National Ice Cream Day is a fun, low-cost chance to make summer special for the children in your care. A simple celebration can bring smiles, learning, and community events that fit your daily schedule. Use this guide to plan easy activities, connect them to learning goals, and follow rules so famil... How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Your Center
Valentine-themed cooking and printables offer concrete learning moments for young children: sensory exploration, measuring and early math, vocabulary development, and social-emotional practice. If you're planning center activities, start with the principles taught in our Chef's in the Classroom cour... Valentine's Day Activities
Young children in Michigan need hands-on chances to practice both small and big movements. This article helps directors and child care providers pick simple activities, set up safe spaces, and include all children. You will find easy ideas to use tomorrow, ways to track progress, and links to truste... How can Michigan preschool programs build strong fine and gross motor skills?
Heat-wave days can be hard for children and staff. This short guide gives easy, low-prep indoor ideas and clear steps you can use today in your New York child care program. It focuses on staying cool, keeping kids hydrated, and giving teachers useful activities that support learning and calm. You ... What indoor activities help New York child care programs stay safe and happy during a heat wave?
National Ice Cream Day is a fun way to bring play, learning, and sweet memories into your child care center. Preschoolers love hands-on activities, and an ice cream theme is easy to connect to math, science, language, art, and social skills. For ready-to-use ideas and step-by-step center plans, s... National Ice Cream Day: Sweet Activities for Preschoolers