Latest Blog & News
How Should Providers Review Loose Parts Before They Enter a Toddler Play Area?
09/24/2026Open-ended materials can give toddlers plenty to explore, but every item needs a safety review before it reaches curious hands and mouths. As part of that review, use the Daily Toy Inspection Checklist for Child Care to record material condition and flag items that need cleaning, repair, replacement... How Should Providers Review Loose Parts Before They Enter a Toddler Play Area?
How Can Child Care Providers Question Their First Interpretation of a Child’s Behavior?
09/24/2026A child’s behavior can seem easy to explain in the moment, but our first interpretation may miss something important. Before deciding why a child acted a certain way, pause to consider what you observed and what you might be assuming. The Teacher Self-Evaluation Checklist offers a starting poi... How Can Child Care Providers Question Their First Interpretation of a Child’s Behavior?
How Can You Tell Whether Coaching Changed Classroom Practice?
09/24/2026Coaching can feel successful after a thoughtful conversation, but the real test is whether new strategies show up in daily interactions with children. Start with the Daycare Teacher Goal-Setting & Action Plan Template to agree on a specific goal, choose a manageable first step, and set a target ... How Can You Tell Whether Coaching Changed Classroom Practice?
How Can You Design an After-School Schedule for Children Who Are Tired of Being Directed?
09/24/2026When children have spent the school day following instructions, a better afternoon starts with room to recover, move, and make meaningful choices. Use the Classroom Schedule Templates: Plan Your Day with Ease to map out an afternoon that leaves time for snacks, outdoor play, quiet breaks, and activi... How Can You Design an After-School Schedule for Children Who Are Tired of Being Directed?
Why Does Repeating the Rule Stop Working in a Preschool Classroom?
09/24/2026When “Use gentle hands” or “It’s cleanup time” gets repeated all day without changing what happens next, both educators and children can feel stuck. Moving beyond reminders means noticing patterns, anticipating challenges, and helping children practice what to do. Use t... Why Does Repeating the Rule Stop Working in a Preschool Classroom?
How Can You Audit Classroom Materials Against Your Actual Curriculum?
09/24/2026When classroom shelves are full, but their connection to children’s learning goals is unclear, a focused materials audit can help you see what supports your curriculum and where the gaps are. Start by taking stock with the Classroom Supply Inventory Resource Guide, then compare the materials y... How Can You Audit Classroom Materials Against Your Actual Curriculum?
What Does Active Listening Look Like at a Busy Child Care Pickup?
09/24/2026Pickup can be a swirl of arriving families, tired children, and staff managing transitions—but even a brief exchange can help a family feel heard. Active listening starts with knowing what matters to each family, and the Family Questionnaire can help you learn about their child’s routine... What Does Active Listening Look Like at a Busy Child Care Pickup?
How Can Farm-Themed Mazes Build Spatial Reasoning and Pencil Control?
09/24/2026A farm maze can turn a simple trip from field to barn into meaningful practice with planning, direction, and steady hand movements. Explore how to use the Farm Maze as part of an intentional preschool experience, and consider ChildCareEd’s Curriculum Planning course for practical support conne... How Can Farm-Themed Mazes Build Spatial Reasoning and Pencil Control?
How Can Easter Mazes Build Fine-Motor Skills Without Losing Sight of Learning?
09/24/2026Seasonal activities can be joyful and purposeful: an Easter maze invites preschoolers to guide a bunny while practicing control, coordination, and persistence. The DAP for Preschool course offers a deeper foundation for matching activities to children’s development and individual needs; it can... How Can Easter Mazes Build Fine-Motor Skills Without Losing Sight of Learning?
How Can Reading Games Build Wildlife Vocabulary in Early Childhood?
09/24/2026When children search for animal words, they are doing more than solving a puzzle: they are noticing print, connecting words with prior knowledge, and building language they can use in play and conversation. Try a short wildlife word search alongside books and discussion, and explore Assessment of La... How Can Reading Games Build Wildlife Vocabulary in Early Childhood?
