Latest Blog & News
How Do Minnesota Winters Affect Young Children's Mental Health?
05/21/2026Minnesota winters are long, cold, and dark. For child care providers and directors, those seasons change how kids play, sleep, and feel. This article explains what winter can do to young children’s minds and hearts. It also gives clear steps your program can take to help. Remember: state requi... How Do Minnesota Winters Affect Young Children's Mental Health?
The First Weeks of Child Care: Building Trust with Children
05/13/2026Starting child care is a big moment for children and families. In the first days you can build a strong base of #trust that helps your #children learn, play, and feel safe. Work with #families at drop-in and use steady #routines so everyone knows what to expect. For ideas you can use right away, se... The First Weeks of Child Care: Building Trust with Children
How can we ease separation anxiety when routines change?
07/15/2026Changes in classrooms, schedules, staffing, or familiar routines can increase the likelihood that a child will experience separation anxiety or distress. For directors and #providers, the goal is to help children feel secure, strengthen families’ trust, and give staff practical, consistent ste... How can we ease separation anxiety when routines change?
How Can North Dakota Childcare Providers Support Children Who Have Never Been in a Group Setting Before?
05/25/2026Starting group care for the first time is big for a child and for your program. This short guide gives clear, kind steps North Dakota directors and #NorthDakota #providers can use today to help children who have never been in a group setting. Read the quick "why it matters" below and then try one ... How Can North Dakota Childcare Providers Support Children Who Have Never Been in a Group Setting Before?
How can we help toddlers with separation anxiety?
06/30/2026Separation can be hard for little ones and for the adults who care for them. This article is for child care providers and directors who want clear, kind, and practical ways to help #toddlers through separation #anxiety. You will find simple signs to watch, routines that really work, what to share wi... How can we help toddlers with separation anxiety?
How can daily reflection transform your practice as a child care professional?
07/21/2026What if five minutes of focused thinking each day could improve classroom interactions, reduce stress, and help you plan stronger learning experiences? Daily reflection is a practical habit that turns observations into intentional change — for individual caregivers and whole programs. ... How can daily reflection transform your practice as a child care professional?
How Can I Tell When a Child Needs Encouragement Instead of Correction?
07/21/2026Are you often unsure whether to step in with a quick correction or offer encouragement to a child who’s struggling? Learning to read those moments can change how children learn, take risks, and feel safe in your #classroom. If you want a structured next step, consider Viewing Guidance ... How Can I Tell When a Child Needs Encouragement Instead of Correction?
How Can We Teach the Forgotten Skill of Being a Good Friend to Young Children?
07/21/2026What if we taught #friendship as deliberately as we teach letters and numbers? Too many early childhood programs treat friendship as a byproduct of play instead of a teachable skill — and that leaves children without the scripts and practice they need. If you want practical strategies ... How Can We Teach the Forgotten Skill of Being a Good Friend to Young Children?
How Can You Prepare Your Classroom for Fall While Prioritizing Safety, Health, and Learning?
07/21/2026Ready to welcome autumn without trading safety or learning time for decorations? Preparing your classroom for fall means updating routines, checking hazards, and turning seasonal materials into meaningful learning — all while keeping children calm and healthy. For a practical next step, explor... How Can You Prepare Your Classroom for Fall While Prioritizing Safety, Health, and Learning?
How Can Child Care Programs Help Children Transition from Summer to Structured Routines?
07/21/2026Is the end of #summer leaving children and families struggling to shift back into predictable days? Helping children move from long, free-form summers into classroom expectations reduces anxiety, preserves learning gains, and makes your program run more smoothly. For practical, field-tested ... How Can Child Care Programs Help Children Transition from Summer to Structured Routines?
