Latest Blog & News
Creativity & Logic Activities
12/30/2022Mazes are a versatile, low-cost modality for building problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and visual-motor integration in young children. In both center and family child care settings, intentionally designed maze activities scaffold sequencing, planning, and sustained attention and give children rep... Creativity & Logic Activities
Rethinking Your Classroom Arrangement
07/28/2022How should preschool teachers rethink classroom arrangement to support learning? With the new school year quickly approaching, early childhood educators are planning classroom layouts that better support play-based learning, supervision, and child development. What worked previously may need adapta... Rethinking Your Classroom Arrangement
How can California child care providers create safer classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers?
05/07/2026Keeping babies and young children safe is part skill, part planning, and part habit. This short guide helps California child care directors and providers make simple, smart choices to lower risk and build calm, #safe classrooms for #infants, #toddlers, #preschoolers, and staff. You will find clear s... How can California child care providers create safer classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers?
Organized Classrooms: Why Layout, Design, and Space Matter
06/23/2026Your #classroom is more than shelves and chairs. The way you arrange the room sends a message to children and staff. An organized space helps kids feel safe, focus, and learn. Small changes in design and space often make big changes in behavior and teaching time. For research and ideas, see How Doe... Organized Classrooms: Why Layout, Design, and Space Matter
Building Independence
06/13/2022How can educators foster independence in young children while keeping them safe and supported? Building independence helps children develop self-esteem and agency. It supports executive function, resilience, communication, and curiosity. This article synthesizes classroom strategies and family partn... Building Independence
How can childcare programs encourage independence and responsibility in young children?
07/16/2026Encouraging independence and responsibility is central to a strong early learning program. This article gives child care providers and directors practical, evidence-informed strategies for creating routines, interactions, and accessible environments where children can make choices, complete meaningf... How can childcare programs encourage independence and responsibility in young children?
Promoting Language Development
06/15/2022Children learn language by listening to others talk and watching how people interact. They observe gestures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues and learn new words as they listen to the adults around speak. This article summarizes evidence-based classroom practices and everyday routines th... Promoting Language Development
🌪️Fire Drills, Flashlights & Fast Thinking: Why Emergency Preparedness Is a Must
07/08/2025🌪️Fire Drills, Flashlights & Fast Thinking: Why Emergency Preparedness Is a Must Let’s face it—kids bring surprises every day. But when the unexpected gets serious (think: wildfires, tornados, power outages, or #heatwaves), child care providers need more than just flexi... 🌪️Fire Drills, Flashlights & Fast Thinking: Why Emergency Preparedness Is a Must
I’m Hungry, I’m Bored
09/14/2022I’m Hungry, I’m Bored We all feel this way sometimes, even children! Separation anxiety, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, illness, and a variety of other factors can affect a child’s mood from day to day. When childcare providers are able to determine the needs of... I’m Hungry, I’m Bored
How can we effectively teach children to wait, share, and take turns?
07/17/2026Teaching young learners to wait, share, and take turns is one of the highest‑leverage skills you can teach in early childhood settings. These behaviors support safe play, stronger peer relationships, and productive classroom routines. In this article you will find concise, classroom‑ready strate... How can we effectively teach children to wait, share, and take turns?
