Latest Blog & News
MSDE Recently Updated Forms or Documents
06/29/2023Ensuring the well-being and #development of children in child care facilities is a responsibility that demands a thorough understanding of regulations and standards. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC) has recently updated thei... MSDE Recently Updated Forms or Documents
CDA Council's Early Educators Leadership Conference
09/02/2024Early learning experiences impact a child's cognitive, social, and emotional #development. The CDA Council's Early Educators Leadership Conference (OCT 16-19, 2024) emerges as a vital platform where thought #leaders, #educators, and advocates gather to discuss the future of early childhood educatio... CDA Council's Early Educators Leadership Conference
Encouraging Cooperation Instead of Compliance
10/09/2025Imagine this scene: It’s 4:30 p.m., snack time in your child care #classroom. A child tosses their cup aside. You might feel tempted to snap, “Pick that up now!” But what if instead, you invited cooperation—giving the child agency, respect, and voice? This is the heart of the... Encouraging Cooperation Instead of Compliance
What Professional Development Opportunities Does the New York EIP Scholarship Cover?
06/14/2025Is financial assistance the only thing standing between you and advancing your #career-in-early-childhood-education? For educators across New York State, the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) offers a significant opportunity to pursue professional development goals without the burden of tuition ... What Professional Development Opportunities Does the New York EIP Scholarship Cover?
Nurturing Hearts and Minds: The Critical Role of Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood
07/30/2024Nurturing Hearts and Minds: The Critical Role of Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood The #early years of a child's life, particularly from birth to age five, represent a crucial period for social-emotional #development. During this time, children undergo significant transfo... Nurturing Hearts and Minds: The Critical Role of Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood
How Family Involvement Supports Children’s Learning and Growth
01/22/2026What Does Family Involvement Mean in Early Childhood Education? Family involvement means families and educators working together to support children’s learning and growth. Families may be parents, grandparents, guardians, or other caregivers. When families are involved, they share information... How Family Involvement Supports Children’s Learning and Growth
Inclusive Care Strategies for Children with Special Needs
01/22/2026What Does Inclusive Care Mean for Children with Special Needs? Inclusive care means making sure every child feels welcome, safe, and supported, including children with special needs. Children with special needs may #learn, move, speak, or behave differently. Inclusive care focuses on strengths and ... Inclusive Care Strategies for Children with Special Needs
Managing challenging behavior without shame: a provider’s toolkit
01/21/2026What does “no shame” guidance mean in child care? “No shame” guidance means we correct behavior without hurting a child’s dignity. We don’t embarrass children, label them (“You’re a bad kid”), or use fear to control them. Instead, we: ... Managing challenging behavior without shame: a provider’s toolkit
World Kindness Day: Inspiring Activities to Promote Compassion and Kindness in the Classroom
11/07/2024World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that simple acts of compassion can have on individuals and communities. In educational settings, the role of kindness is particularly significant, as schools are not only centers for academic learnin... World Kindness Day: Inspiring Activities to Promote Compassion and Kindness in the Classroom
The Impact of Montessori Education on Early Childhood Development
08/04/2024In today's rapidly changing world, the significance of #early-childhood education cannot be overstated. The formative years of a child's life lay the groundwork for their future learning, behavior, and overall #development. As #educators and #parents seek effective methods to #nurture you... The Impact of Montessori Education on Early Childhood Development
