Discover helpful articles, podcasts, blogs & webinars here

Ideas and inspiration to help you run an amazing early education center.

The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

Picture a room filled with toddlers, each immersed in their own little world. One carefully stacks blocks while another child is fixated on finding the perfect clothes to dress their doll. From the view of an adult looking in, it might seem like these kids are each in their own little bubble of solitary place. […]

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The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

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Picture a room filled with toddlers, each immersed in their own little world. One carefully stacks blocks while another child is fixated on finding the perfect clothes to dress their doll. From the view of an adult looking in, it might seem like these kids are each in their own little bubble of solitary place. […]

childcare

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Picture a room filled with toddlers, each immersed in their own little world. One carefully stacks blocks while another child is fixated on finding the perfect clothes to dress their doll. From the view of an adult looking in, it might seem like these kids are each in their own little bubble of solitary place. […]

As temperatures drop and snow blankets Alberta and the rest of Canada, childcare providers face the annual challenge of ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for the cold. Winter weather brings plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also requires preparation to keep kids safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the winter season. This […]

Admin & Operators, business, childcare, health & safety, holidays, organization, seasonal activities

November 4, 2025

Winter Gear Must-Haves for Children in Canada

How can educators design programming that truly reflects children’s interests, encourages exploration, and supports intentional learning? In this session — Inspired Learning: Montessori, Reggio, Emergent + ChildFriendly Unveiled — we explore how these educational philosophies intertwine to create powerful, child-centered environments. Watch the recording to discover actionable ways to enhance your program using intentional learning […]

Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

Inspired Learning: Montessori, Reggio, and Emergent Approaches in Action

Strong family relationships are the foundation of every thriving childcare program. In this Lunch & Learn session, Parent Communication & Connection, we explore how educators can foster deeper trust, empathy, and engagement with families through intentional communication. Watch the full recording below to discover practical strategies and real-world examples for strengthening your parent partnerships. Watch […]

Building Stronger Relationships with Families: Parent Communication & Connection

Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

Preschoolers are naturally curious. They absolutely love to explore the world around them. Integrating science activities into your daycare or preschool curriculum can help to spark this curiosity and set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! While you’re having fun learning, don’t forget to record the activities […]

Early Childhood Education, education, educational activities, preschool, preschool education, STEM

October 30, 2025

Engaging Preschool Science Activities

Our parent app just got better! ChildFriendly is thrilled to announce the launch of re-vamped parent app. The brand new updated parent app provides a great overall experience for parents and all users, with a few key new features: Modified Parent App  With a brand new look-and-feel, our ChildFriendly parent portal provides a better user […]

Admin & Operators, childcare management systems, Classroom ECE, Uncategorized

October 27, 2025

Parent Communication Made Even Better! Announcing Our New Parent App, Push Notifications and More

If there’s one thing that becomes crystal clear after working in the daycare industry, it’s that health and safety aren’t just boxes to tick—they’re the bedrock upon which tiny humans thrive. So, take notes, or save or this blog post, as we dive into the essential health and safety guide for childcare centers. It’s full […]

Essential Health and Safety Guide for Childcare Centers

Admin & Operators, childcare, health & wellness, health and safety

October 23, 2025

Burnout among teachers and early childhood educators is very real. These professions, without proper support, often see high rates of fatigue and turnover, especially among daycare workers. There are many actions you can take, as an employer or supervisor, to help decrease the stress in your environment and support your employees. Here are some simple […]

Admin & Operators, professional development, training

October 18, 2025

How To Prevent Burnout in Child Care Educators 

prevent burnout in childcare educators

Ah, the world of daycare and preschool! It’s a world filled with giggles, story time, and fingerprints. Yet, nestled among the action and fun, there’s a less whimsical aspect: possible difficult conversations with parents. Parent complaints are one of the very things daycare educators and directors dread the most. Unfortunately, they are a normal part […]

Admin & Operators, childcare, education standards, professional development, teacher development, Uncategorized

October 15, 2025

How to Handle Parent Complaints in Daycares

Imagine a classroom that’s less of a classroom and more of a little artist’s studio. Picture: kids with paint-splattered smocks, mats for rolling around, and shelves filled with natural items like pinecones, seashells, and colorful glass beads. This may sound like an artist’s dream or even a fairy tale scene, but it’s not. It’s often […]

Exploring the Reggio Emilia Approach for Daycare

childcare, Classroom ECE, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, early childhood development, Early Childhood Education, early learning, teaching methods

October 8, 2025

Running a dayhome is more than caring for children—it’s running a business. In this replay, you’ll learn simple, low-cost marketing ideas, how to showcase your unique strengths, and practical steps to present your program professionally so you can fill empty spaces and attract the right families. Featuring guest insights from Lore Perez (ACE Dayhome Liaison). […]

Lunch & Learn

October 6, 2025

Smart Business for Dayhome Operators: Stand Out & Succeed

Operating a home daycare isn’t just about finger paints, snack time, and nap schedules. There’s a large financial side to it as well. If you’re running a daycare out of your home, understanding and leveraging tax deductions is key. It’s a necessary component to maximizing your earnings and keeping your business financially healthy. There are […]

Admin & Operators, business, childcare

October 1, 2025

Tax Deductions for Home Daycare Businesses in Canada