Latest Blog & News
How Much Outdoor Play Do Preschoolers Need Each Day?
09/21/2026Preschoolers need more than an occasional trip outside—they need frequent opportunities to move, explore, and recover throughout the day. For practical guidance on balancing active, creative, and quiet periods, explore Balancing Active Play in Child Care, which can help providers strengthen sc... How Much Outdoor Play Do Preschoolers Need Each Day?
What Should Teachers Know About Screen Time in Child Care?
09/21/2026Screen use in child care can support learning, but only when it protects the relationships, movement, play, and rest young children need most. Technology as a Classroom Tool helps providers understand media’s developmental effects and apply intentional classroom strategies. For a complementary... What Should Teachers Know About Screen Time in Child Care?
When Should a Child Care Provider Be Concerned About Speech Development?
09/21/2026When a child uses few words, is difficult to understand, or becomes frustrated while communicating, providers need a thoughtful plan—not panic or premature labels. Language Development in Early Childhood offers practical strategies for supporting verbal and nonverbal communication while helpin... When Should a Child Care Provider Be Concerned About Speech Development?
How Can You Teach a Handwashing Routine Young Children Can Follow Independently?
09/21/2026When children can manage handwashing with fewer reminders, daily transitions become calmer and self-care becomes a meaningful part of learning. Begin with the practical strategies below, and consider Supporting Children’s Independence to strengthen your understanding of scaffolding, self-regul... How Can You Teach a Handwashing Routine Young Children Can Follow Independently?
Why Is Outdoor Play Important in Early Childhood Education?
09/21/2026Outdoor play is not a break from learning—it is one of the richest settings for children to move, investigate, communicate, and build confidence. Explore practical ways to make outdoor experiences intentional and inclusive, then deepen your planning skills through Creating the Natural Outdoor ... Why Is Outdoor Play Important in Early Childhood Education?
How Much Screen Time Is Appropriate for Preschool Children?
09/21/2026How can providers protect preschoolers’ play, sleep, language, and relationships while still using technology thoughtfully? A developmentally informed media plan can help, and Technology as a Classroom Tool offers focused professional development on how media affects children’s growth an... How Much Screen Time Is Appropriate for Preschool Children?
What Should Child Care Staff Check Before Outdoor Play?
09/21/2026Outdoor play supports movement, exploration, social learning, and healthy risk-taking—but only when staff complete a purposeful safety check first. Use the Playground Safety Made Simple: Daily Outdoor Play Checklist as a practical routine to identify potential hazards, review outdoor areas bef... What Should Child Care Staff Check Before Outdoor Play?
How Can Sink-or-Float Water Play Become a Meaningful Science Investigation for Preschoolers?
09/21/2026What looks like a simple tub of water can become a rich laboratory for young investigators. A thoughtfully planned sink-or-float experience strengthens prediction, observation, language, classification, and problem-solving; Basic Science in Early Childhood can help you extend those practices into in... How Can Sink-or-Float Water Play Become a Meaningful Science Investigation for Preschoolers?
How Can a Feelings Chart Help Preschoolers Build Self-Regulation?
09/21/2026When a preschooler cannot yet explain “I’m overwhelmed,” a picture can provide a powerful bridge to communication and calm. A feelings chart gives educators a concrete way to build emotional vocabulary, practice co-regulation, and guide safer choices; for deeper professional learni... How Can a Feelings Chart Help Preschoolers Build Self-Regulation?
What Questions Should You Ask Families Before a Preschooler’s First Day?
09/21/2026A thoughtful conversation before a preschooler’s first day can transform uncertainty into trust and help teachers provide responsive care from the beginning. For practical tools that strengthen two-way communication and family partnerships, explore Family Voices Matter: Tools for Meaningful Co... What Questions Should You Ask Families Before a Preschooler’s First Day?
