April 21st marks the birth of Friedrich Fröbel, the educator who named and shaped the kindergarten model emphasizing play, materials and child-centered activity. National Kindergarten Day is an opportunity for child care professionals to reflect on play-based pedagogy and its continuing... National Kindergarten Day
Starting kindergarten is exciting — and a little scary for children and families. This article helps child care providers and directors focus on the simple, high-impact skills that matter most for school success. You will find practical, play-based ideas you can use in the classroom and shar... What Skills Really Matter for Kindergarten Readiness (and Why Worksheets Aren't the Answer)?
Starting as a new kindergarten teacher can feel exciting and expensive. This guide shows where to find #grants, #free #resources, and supports for #teachers beginning in #kindergarten. Links below point to helpful sites and practical steps you can use today. 1) What grants and free resource... Grants and Free Resources for New Kindergarten Teachers
Starting kindergarten is a big step for children and families. As a child care provider or director you help families know what matters and how to practice it. This short guide explains the key skills, simple classroom and home activities, when to screen or refer, and ways programs can share a cle... What Kindergarten Readiness Skills Do Children Need?
Starting kindergarten is a big step for children and families. Child care providers and directors can help by focusing on simple, practical skills that matter most. This short guide explains what to watch for and how to build skills in the classroom and with families. It is based on practical chil... What Kindergarten Readiness Skills Should My Program Build?
Starting kindergarten can feel big for children and families. This article gives clear, practical steps for child care directors and providers in New York to help children move to school with confidence. You will find easy classroom ideas, ways to work with families and schools, tips to avoid common... How can we prepare children for the transition to kindergarten in New York?
California’s Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) opens new chances for children, families, and programs. This article explains, in clear steps, how #providers can use the TK expansion to strengthen the whole early learning pipeline. We include practical actions, partnership ideas, and way... Can California’s Universal TK Expansion Make the Early Learning Pipeline Stronger?
Childhood Stress Childhood stress is common and, when prolonged, can alter developmental trajectories. This article explains causes, neurobiological mechanisms, and practical steps caregivers and programs can take to reduce toxic stress and build resilience. Two ChildCareEd courses that sup... Addressing Childhood Stress: Nurturing Resilience for a Thriving Future
As a Michigan child care leader, you keep kids safe. This short guide helps you help your #children stay #calm during #severe #weather in #Michigan. It mixes simple steps for planning, calming activities, family communication, and recovery tips. State requirements vary - check your state licensing a... How can Michigan providers help children stay calm during severe weather?
Big changes—new siblings, parental separation, or moving—show up in the daily life of any early childhood program. As a child care provider or director you are uniquely positioned to buffer stress, teach coping skills, and partner with families so young children can keep learning and f... How can child care providers support children through big changes like new siblings, divorce, or moving?