The holiday season is a time of celebration, filled with traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. However, ChildCareEd believes amidst the festive cheer, #parents often face the challenge of ensuring their children maintain #healthy-eating habits.&nbs... Candy Canes vs. Carrot Sticks: Fun Ideas for Healthy Holiday Snacks
Choking prevention and safe mealtime supervision are everyday priorities for child care directors and providers. This article offers clear, practical, and research-informed steps programs can use immediately to reduce risks, strengthen staff confidence, and protect children during meals and snacks. ... How can childcare programs prevent choking and keep mealtimes safe?
National Popcorn Day - January 19th POPCORNT.ORG - January 19th is National Popcorn Day, a day bursting with goodness and good taste. National Popcorn Day celebrates one of nature’s most extraordinary foods: popcorn! Popcorn has the unique ability to literally turn itself inside out... National Popcorn Day
Scavenger Hunt, Anyone? Never too old or too young for a good scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are a great way to assess concepts and skills such as color recognition, improved observation skills, and pre-literacy skills to name a few. Here are a few idea starters to get the creativity flo... Scavenger Hunt January
Fall is a wonderful time to use pumpkins, leaves, and apples for hands-on learning. These materials are cheap, seasonal, and full of learning power. This short guide helps child care providers pick easy activities, keep children safe, and build skills in a #playful way. Try one idea, notice what chi... Pumpkin, Leaves, and Apples: Fall Activities for Preschoolers
Autumn is a cozy time to bring simple, joyful learning into your program. This article gives quick ideas you can use in a classroom or family child care setting. You will find easy #fall choices for inside and outside, simple crafts, sensory setups, and ways to add counting or science. Use small gr... Autumn Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Outdoor learning in Texas is a big chance to help young learners grow. When children are outside, they move, ask questions, and use all their senses. This article gives clear ideas, safety tips, and easy lessons for child care teams who want to bring wildlife and outdoor discovery into daily play an... How can Texas childcare providers use wildlife and outdoor discovery to teach young children?
As a caring colleague you want fun, simple plans for your #schoolage group. Good activities mix learning, movement, and friendship. Use both #indoor and #outdoor time each day to help kids grow their bodies, brains, and social skills. Short play bursts and hands-on projects work best for busy schedu... Indoor and Outdoor Activities for School-Age Children
February is #Black_History Month! Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate Black people’s achievements and contributions throughout history. Children of all ages notice physical differences like skin color. Fortunately, children are never too young to learn about the beauty of... February is Black History Month
Welcome! This short guide helps child care leaders and providers make families feel safe, seen, and included. Many children in Minnesota grow up in Somali, Hmong, or Spanish-speaking homes. When we welcome families well, children learn better and families trust our programs. This work is about respe... How can Minnesota child care programs welcome Somali, Hmong, and Spanish-speaking families?