Articles
These articles about child development will help you understand the many ways kids grow and learn, and how you can support, encourage, and have fun with them along the way! Sign up for our monthly newsletter and be the first to receive new articles, activities and updates!
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What is the Preschool Development Grant?
In 2019, Wyoming was awarded a Preschool Development Grant. With the funds, through a network of early childhood partners, the state is strategically building on existing…
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…
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…
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…
Cold Weather Safety
It might be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play outside. There’s fun to be had and exploring to do – just bundle up!You can download this printable HERE.
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…
Learning at Home
Emotional and physical environments matter because they affect how we feel, how we relate to others, and our ability to focus on tasks. High-quality environments are free…
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…
Transitioning Home With A New Baby
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 or overwhelmed – maybe you’re even a…
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…
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
Starting kindergarten can feel like a big transition for both kids and parents. First, talk with your kids about school, and reminding them they are going to start…
Grant Writing Tips
Grant writing tips for early childhood professionals from our partners at WY Kids First!You can download this resource HERE.
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…
Self-Care to Keep You Going Strong
Caring for children is a great joy—and a great responsibility. The better you take care of your whole self, the better you’ll feel. Modeling good self-care helps kids learn…
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…
Parent Wellbeing Checklist
Parenting is demanding; it takes a lot of energy. But looking out for your wellbeing – physically, mentally, and emotionally – will help both you and your family thrive….
9 Elements of Positive Parenting
“Positive Parenting” isn’t about being perfect or always being cheerful. Instead, it gives words to what parents do every day – challenges included – and keeps the big…
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…