Latest Blog & News in English
Fun Straw Activities
02/24/2023This short collection of low-cost, high-engagement activities uses drinking straws to support fine motor development, bilateral coordination, early STEM thinking, and self-regulation in toddlers and preschoolers. Two ChildCareEd courses that help providers translate these play ideas into development... Fun Straw Activities
What are fun, practical school-age daycare activity ideas for teachers?
07/03/2026Working with big kids is fun — and busy. This short guide gives clear, ready ideas you can use today in your #schoolage program. You will find simple stations, a sample weekly flow, ways to include movement and STEAM, tips to adapt for mixed ages and abilities, and quick ways to share wins w... What are fun, practical school-age daycare activity ideas for teachers?
Literacy Instruction
04/13/2023The 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
How can preschoolers make their own comics to boost storytelling and drawing skills?
07/15/2026Young 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?
Why Easter Baskets?
09/23/2022This 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 in the Classroom: A Kind Approach for Early Learners
02/23/2026Good 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
How Can Minnesota Childcare Providers Plan a Week of Activities for Mixed-Age Groups?
06/04/2026Planning 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
09/23/2022May 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
How can Florida child care centers run a simple, safe first-week staff onboarding plan?
06/24/2026Starting 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?
California Child Care Ratios and Group Sizes by Age: Home Daycare Guide
07/10/2026Running 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
