The goal of emergent literacy instruction in preschool is not to teach children to read connected text (sentences) or even whole words. The objective is to teach the fundamentals that will provide children with the foundation they need to become proficient readers in subsequent grades. Print knowled... Literacy Instruction
Young children naturally enjoy creating sequences—a smiling face, a tumbling block, or a silly sound that makes their friends laugh. Turning these moments into a simple #comic allows #preschoolers to create short, shareable stories while strengthening language, sequencing, imagination, social ... How can preschoolers make their own comics to boost storytelling and drawing skills?
This article explains the cultural origins of Easter baskets and offers concrete, developmentally appropriate approaches for child care programs that want to include baskets in classroom celebrations. For professional development that supports culturally responsive and family-engaged holiday p... Why Easter Baskets?
Good Friday can feel like a “big” topic but in early childhood, it can be gentle, calm, and caring. In many Christian families, Good Friday is a day of remembrance. In childcare settings (especially mixed-faith programs), the kind approach is to focus on values kids understand: love, kin... Good Friday in the Classroom: A Kind Approach for Early Learners
Planning a clear, kind week of activities for a mixed-age group can feel big — but you can do it step by step. This short guide is for Minnesota #providers who run programs with toddlers and preschoolers. It shows simple ways to design a weekly plan, set up centers, keep everyone safe, and inc... How Can Minnesota Childcare Providers Plan a Week of Activities for Mixed-Age Groups?
May Basket Day celebrates giving small cones or baskets of flowers, notes, or treats to neighbors and friends. This article explains the tradition and gives child care providers step-by-step, developmentally appropriate ways to bring May baskets into classrooms. For practical training that pairs wel... May Basket Day
Many providers ask one clear question: how many children can I watch in Virginia before I need a formal license? The short answer: it depends on the type of care and how often you care for children. Occasional babysitting for neighbors is different from running a regular paid home program. In Virgin... How Many Kids Can You Watch Without a License in Virginia?
Starting a new team member in your Florida child care program can feel busy. This short guide gives a clear, friendly Week 1 plan directors can use. It focuses on quick wins so new #staff feel safe, useful, and calm. The plan pairs short lessons, hands-on practice, and simple tracking. Use trusted r... How can Florida child care centers run a simple, safe first-week staff onboarding plan?
Running a family child care home is important work. This guide gives clear, simple steps for California home daycares (FCCHs) so you can meet the rules, keep kids safe, and make day-to-day choices easier. You will see the main ratios, how to count staff and children, why rules matter, and ways to st... California Child Care Ratios and Group Sizes by Age: Home Daycare Guide
This short guide helps directors and providers understand the main rules to run a daycare in #Virginia. It is written for people who lead programs and want clear steps. Read the numbered lists and links, and remember state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency. What are the basic ... Daycare Center Requirements in Virginia