Latest Blog & News
Why Does the 3 PM Safety Gap Make Florida After-School Programs So Important?
07/02/2026The hours after school are a big time for working families and for children. Many kids leave school at about 3 PM and head to places that may not be set up for safe, caring supervision. This article explains the safety gap, the benefits of quality after-school programs, and practical steps Florida p... Why Does the 3 PM Safety Gap Make Florida After-School Programs So Important?
How to Become a Childcare Worker in Utah: Requirements and Steps
07/13/2026Becoming a childcare worker in Utah is more than meeting requirements—it is the first step toward creating a safe, caring, and high-quality learning environment for children. This guide breaks down the key steps for new providers, staff, and directors, including required paperwork, training, b... How to Become a Childcare Worker in Utah: Requirements and Steps
90-Hour Child Care Certification: A Guide for Maryland Providers
06/24/2026If you work in a child care center or want to run one in #Maryland, the 90-Hour Certificate is a key step. This guide explains what the certificate is, who needs it, how to finish the required hours, where to take approved courses, and tips to avoid common mistakes. We use clear steps and links to t... 90-Hour Child Care Certification: A Guide for Maryland Providers
How to Become Certified to Work in Before and After School Care
07/02/2026Working in before- and after-school programs is a great job. You help kids stay safe, finish homework, and have fun. For ideas about program goals, daily activities, and how high-quality environments support social and academic growth, see our overview of school-age programs. This guide tells direct... How to Become Certified to Work in Before and After School Care
How can Texas providers use after-school (OST) programs to improve attendance and behavior?
07/02/2026Out-of-school time (OST) programs can help children feel safe, learn more, and come to school more often. This article is for Texas child care directors and program leaders. It shows simple steps you can use to boost #Texas children’s #attendance and #behavior in your #afterschool program whil... How can Texas providers use after-school (OST) programs to improve attendance and behavior?
How Can Washington After-School Providers Support Homework, Social Skills, and Family Stability?
07/02/2026After school can be more than a chair and a snack. In Washington, programs can help children finish #homework, practice #socialskills, and support #families so busy parents can keep working. This short guide is for directors and providers. It gives simple steps you can use right away, links to helpf... How Can Washington After-School Providers Support Homework, Social Skills, and Family Stability?
School Age Programs
02/01/2023Quality afterschool programs provide a safe, nurturing place of supervision for school-age children where there are opportunities to reinforce learning from school, teach social skills and encourage good citizenship. Being involved in an afterschool program helps youth avoid unsafe situations and be... School Age Programs
Building Cooperation and Problem-Solving Skills with a Classroom Directory
09/29/2023A new school year is just beginning. Teachers and students are in the process of acclimating to a new #classroom-community which means learning about the group of new people. One way that can help the class come together as a community is to create a classroom directory. The directory is a c... Building Cooperation and Problem-Solving Skills with a Classroom Directory
How can North Dakota providers celebrate America’s 250th in age-appropriate ways?
06/11/2026America’s 250th is a big chance to celebrate with children in simple, kind, and learning-rich ways. This article helps North Dakota child care providers and directors plan age-appropriate activities that are safe, respectful, and fun. Use short activities tied to one clear goal each time. For ... How can North Dakota providers celebrate America’s 250th in age-appropriate ways?
How can friendly-monster crafts teach children about feelings?
07/15/2026Friendly, goofy creatures made from paper, felt, paint, clay, or dough can be much more than an entertaining craft theme—they can become approachable tools for helping children identify emotions, express difficult feelings, practice calming strategies, and develop stronger social skills. By cr... How can friendly-monster crafts teach children about feelings?
