A guest article by Marisa CraneApproximately 20% of children and adolescents are affected by mental health conditions. Mental health challenges among young people require...
Learning Math with Music
Music is one of the first ways kids experience math. Without thinking, our bodies react to music: we rock our babies, clap along, and even look toward the source of the...
Managing Meltdowns
Meltdowns happen, it’s a fact of life with kids. And while they can be emotionally draining - for you and for them - with the right approach, you all can handle the hard...
Because They’re Hungry Now
Try these healthy, energizing snacks to help get your kids from pick up time to dinnertime!You can download this resource HERE.Nut Butter, Strawberry, & Banana...
Supporting Risky Play
Risky play is an important part of growth and development, and instrumental in lifelong learning.You can download this resource HERE.When kids engage in risky play, they...
Learning Through Guided Play
Guided play combines play that is kid-led with gentle instruction or suggestions from adults. It allows kids to be in control of the way they are playing, while adults help...
Why It’s Important to Communicate with Your Kids
A good foundation of communication between you and your kids is important for developing positive, healthy relationships, and it will create a safe space for you to talk as...
Self-Love & Young Kids
Self-love means appreciating yourself and treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Self-love means accepting yourself for who you are.You can download this...
Tips for Communicating with Babies & Kids
Communicating with your kids goes beyond developing language skills. It helps them feel safe and secure in their relationships, which is the foundation for learning and...
3 Things Parents and Caregivers Can Do to Strengthen Social Connections
Parents and caregivers play an important role in shaping the experience of social connection. Recognizing that strong, secure attachments are protective and a good...
4 Simple Rules for Healthy Interactions & Relationships
Kids learn about relationships and how to interact with others from the adults in their lives – adults are their most powerful models. Use these four simple rules to...
Supporting Kids in Transition Times
Transitions are hard. For young kids, feelings of anxiety or worry that pop up during transition times can lead to whining and stalling, tantrums and meltdowns – behaviors...
Kid-Friendly Healthy Recipes
Whether it’s time for breakfast or snack time, toast is a hearty, healthy, warm, and fun choice. These kid-friendly recipes will be fun for you to make and eat together!You...
4 First Steps to Becoming an Active Family
Though it can be difficult to squeeze an extra activity into an already busy schedule, making time to move together is important because active parents raise active kids....
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...
What is the Preschool Development Grant?
You can download this infographic HERE.Want to know more about what we’ve accomplished with the preschool development grant so far? Learn more here.
Tips For Helping Kids Build Relationships
You can download this infographic HERE.Relationship-building is the process of establishing emotional connections with others that are based on trust and intimacy. Through...
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...
Receptive and Expressive Language
Language is an important part of development, and it’s not just about the ability to say words. Expressive and receptive language skills are both required for effective...
Meaningful Learning Experiences
Learning new things is easier for kids when the new part connects to something they already know a little bit about. When kids can connect their own experiences and...
Benefits of Family Style Meals and Snacks
You can download this infographic HERE.“Family style” is when kids and adults sit together for a meal or snack. Food and drinks are served from shared plates, pitchers, etc....
Supporting Kids Who Are Slow To Warm Up
You can download this infographic HERE.Many kids are “slow to warm up,” meaning they are uneasy or cautious in new situations or with unfamiliar people. As babies,...
Facilitating Learning Experiences
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning experiences build on existing knowledge (something familiar) and invite children to extend their thinking in a way that...
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...
Learning at Home
You can download this infographic HERE.Emotional and physical environments matter because they affect how we feel, how we relate to others, and our ability to focus on...
10 Things Kids Learn Playing With Blocks
You can download this infographic HERE.Blocks are both a great learning tool and toy for kiddos!
Early Childhood Care and Education Settings
You can download this infographic HERE.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...
Tips For Transitioning Your Baby To Solid Foods
You can download this infographic HERE.Transitioning your baby to solid foods is an adorably messy and exciting milestone. There can be a lot to think about when the time...
Starting Baby on Solid Foods
You can download this infographic HERE.Starting your baby on solid foods can be an intimidating transition. This overview of new foods to try and when to add them to your...
Accessible Environments for Little Learners
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning happens when kids feel welcome and comfortable in their environment, and when they have easy access to all the tools they...
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
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning to recognize the emotions they are feeling will help your kids understand how to handle them – within themselves and with...
Helping Big Kids Adjust to a New Baby
You can download this infographic HERE.Bringing a baby home is a huge transition for an older sibling. Before your baby is born, read books together about new babies,...
Transitioning Home With A New Baby
You can download this infographic HERE.Don’t be surprised if you have mixed emotions about bringing your baby home. It’s OK to be nervous, and normal to feel uncertain...
Building Authentic Relationships
You can download this infographic HERE.Children learn about relationships from the adults who care for them. Being genuine in what you say and do creates honest, authentic...
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
You can download this infographic HERE.Starting kindergarten can feel like a big transition for both kids and parents. There are many things you can do to get your kids...