Returning to school evokes a complex mix of anticipation and anxiety—for children and families, and particularly for early childhood educators. Planning learning environments, establishing routines, and preparing materials requires careful prioritization when staffing, time, and budgets are co... Going Back to School
Many New York child care programs worry about the "summer gap"—the learning and routine children lose when programs slow down, or families have different needs. This article gives simple, practical steps you can use all year to keep children active, safe, and learning. You will find ideas for ... How can New York providers bridge the summer gap with year-round learning?
Young children light up when they meet animals, dig in soil, and learn how a farm fits into a community. A short, well-planned Oklahoma #farm visit can teach preschoolers about animal care, food, and local life while building social skills and curiosity. This article helps child care providers and... Which Oklahoma Farms and Ranches Offer Preschool Field Trips That Teach About Animals and Community?
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?
Starting school again can feel big for you, your staff, and the children. This article gives short, clear steps you can use to get ready, teach routines, help families, and keep the day calm and safe. For a compact set of routines, activity ideas, and professional-development suggestions tailored ... How can teachers make back-to-school easier for everyone?
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?
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
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
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?
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