Child development takes place simultaneously across every domain; they all support one another. Physical health, which we call Strong & Healthy Bodies, exists very...
Foundations for Social Development
Your kids will demonstrate they are developing their social skills and building authentic relationships by: Recognizing and labeling others’ emotions Expressing care and...
Language for Validating Feelings
Careful listening helps kids feel heard. Language that communicates careful listening when kids have strong emotions is similar to paraphrasing, but in a way that signals...
Tips For Helping Kids Build Relationships
Relationship-building is the process of establishing emotional connections with others that are based on trust and intimacy. Through relationships, kids discover who they...
Interpreting Baby’s Body Language
Your baby’s body language can tell you how they are feeling and what they may need. Responding to their body language helps your baby feel safe and seen, which also supports...
Exploratory Learning Experiences
Exploratory learning experiences are all about curiosity! They engage kids in hands-on investigation of materials, ideas, and concepts. During these experiences, kids get to...
Benefits of Family Style Meals and Snacks
“Family style” is when kids and adults sit together for a meal or snack. Food and drinks are served from shared plates, pitchers, etc. When kids eat family style, they learn...
Supporting Kids Who Are Slow To Warm Up
Many kids are “slow to warm up,” meaning they are uneasy or cautious in new situations or with unfamiliar people. As babies, maybe they didn’t like being held by just...
Facilitating Learning Experiences
Learning experiences build on existing knowledge (something familiar) and invite children to extend their thinking in a way that balances safety and risk (curiosity). ...
Reciprocal Relationships
In a reciprocal relationship, each person is equally respected and valued. The relationship is balanced so that both people feel seen and heard. When you engage in a...
What Confidence Looks Like in Kids
What Does Confidence Look Like in Kids? Developing self-confidence begins at birth, and it starts with building trust. When babies feel safe and secure, they trust the...
Curiosity Leads to Confidence
Confidence comes from who we believe and know ourselves to be, and what we believe and know we can do. This belief and this knowledge come from having experiences, and by...
10 Things Kids Learn Playing With Blocks
Blocks are both a great learning tool and toy for kiddos! Here are a few things they learn when they play with blocks: Imagination Self-Esteem Science Skills Math...
5 Ways to Play in the Mud
Help your kids connect to their world – by playing in the mud! Mud may be messy, but it's also a raw, everyday material that offers unique, hands-on sensory...
Early Childhood Care and Education Settings
Families have many options for where their children learn and grow when they are not at home. It's important to get to know the differences and similarities between the...
Benefits Of Water Play
There are so many benefits to playing in water for kids! Here are a few reasons why! You can download this printable HERE.
Tips For Transitioning Your Baby To Solid Foods
Transitioning your baby to solid foods is an adorably messy and exciting milestone. There can be a lot to think about when the time comes, so here are some quick tips to...
Starting Baby on Solid Foods
Starting your baby on solid foods can be an intimidating transition. Here is an overview of new foods to try and when to add them to your baby's diet. You can download...
Curious Minds Domain
When kids are curious, they are eager to explore and learn. The Curious Minds Domain of Development encompasses concepts, skills and actions that help kids explore,...
Accessible Environments for Little Learners
Learning happens when kids feel welcome and comfortable in their environment, and when they have easy access to all the tools they need. Accessible environments are designed...
Responsive Interactions
When you give kids what they need in the moment – like a smile, a hug, or some help – you are responding to their actions and words in a positive and respectful way....
Raising Humane Humans
Learning to recognize the emotions they are feeling will help your kids understand how to handle them – within themselves and with empathy for others.You can download...
Helping Big Kids Adjust to a New Baby
Bringing a baby home is a huge transition for an older sibling. Before your baby is born, read books together about new babies, siblings, big brothers and big sisters and...
Building Authentic Relationships
Children learn about relationships from the adults who care for them. Being genuine in what you say and do creates honest, authentic relationships built on trust. This is...
Early Transitions: Learning to Walk
It starts with rolling, and then crawling, and before you know it your baby is walking … and running! You can support your baby through mobility transitions by encouraging...
Early Transitions: Learning to Crawl
It all starts with rolling. Whether your baby rolls from tummy to back or back to tummy, or does a half-roll to the side, this means your baby is officially mobile! You can...
8 Great Things to Know about Child Development
In recent years, researchers have learned a lot more about how early experiences shape children. Here are 8 great things to know and remember when it comes to early child...
3 Mindfulness Activities to Try with Your Kids
Mindfulness allows us to observe our surroundings, thoughts, and feelings, and to develop self-awareness. Mindfulness can teach your kids to focus, help them regulate their...
Serve & Return
“Serve and return” is about the everyday, back and forth interactions you have with your kids. It’s the practice of noticing and responding to their cues with eye contact,...
Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician
It’s important to feel comfortable with your pediatrician and to have an open line of communication. Well checks are a perfect time to talk about how your baby is growing...
Easing Baby into their First Child Care Setting
Taking your little one to child care can be a difficult decision and an emotional experience. Here are a few ways to ease the transition. Here are a few ways you can help...
Domains of Development: Strong & Healthy Bodies
Developing strong and healthy bodies has to do with the food children eat, the physical activities they participate in, their ability to help themselves meet basic needs,...
Early Transitions: Moving into an Early Education Environment
Whether your kids are entering from a child care setting or coming from home, you can help them smoothly transition into their next early learning experience! Talk about the...
Domains of Development: Sense of Self & Relationships
Sense of Self & Relationships refers to the social and emotional development children go through during which they begin to understand who they are, what they are...
Taking Baby to Child Care for the First Time
Taking your little one to child care can be a difficult decision and an emotional experience. Here are a few ways to ease the transition from being at home together to being...
Domains of Development: Communication
Communication is the ability and desire to connect with others by exchanging ideas and feelings, both verbally and non-verbally. The Communication Domain of Development...