Child Development

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

Emotional Regulation Around the Holidays – Strategies for a Calm, Connected Daycare

Tis’ the season for joy, crafts, and…emotional disregulation? Holidays can be filled up with joy, but this season of activities and busyness can also bring a plethora of other emotions, especially for little ones. Children can pick up on the increased speed of the adults around them, the possible stress that can accompany this time […]

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Emotional Regulation Around the Holidays – Strategies for a Calm, Connected Daycare

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Tis’ the season for joy, crafts, and…emotional disregulation? Holidays can be filled up with joy, but this season of activities and busyness can also bring a plethora of other emotions, especially for little ones. Children can pick up on the increased speed of the adults around them, the possible stress that can accompany this time […]

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Tis’ the season for joy, crafts, and…emotional disregulation? Holidays can be filled up with joy, but this season of activities and busyness can also bring a plethora of other emotions, especially for little ones. Children can pick up on the increased speed of the adults around them, the possible stress that can accompany this time […]

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. […]

Blog, Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education

November 10, 2025

The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

Emotional regulation is a life-long learning game. We can help set up children for success in learning how to regulate and manage their emotions by supporting them from the very beginning. Children experience a multitude of big feelings every day. This is where free emotion cards come in very handy! When it comes to daycare […]

Admin & Operators, Blog, Child Development, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education

September 12, 2025

Free Emotion Cards for Daycare & Preschool

When you walk into a Montessori classroom, it might look a little different from what you imagine when the word school comes to mind. There are no rows of desks with teachers at the front of the room. There are also no rigid schedules dictating every moment of a child’s day. Instead, what you’ll see […]

Exploring the Montessori Approach to Childhood Education

Blog, Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, parenting

August 29, 2025

What are Daycare Environments? In childcare, the environment is the “third teacher.” It shapes behaviour, learning, and relationships. For children, the goal is to create a space that they feel is a safe, engaging place where they belong. A childcare environment is so much more than decor – environments influence how smoothly your day runs, […]

activities, Admin & Operators, Blog, Child Development, Classroom ECE

August 26, 2025

Setting Up Engaging Daycare Environments – What Works and What Doesn’t

If you’ve ever visited the enchanted forest of early childhood education, you’ve likely stumbled upon the mystical concept of “emergent curriculum.” While it might sound like something that sprouts organically from the ground, emergent curriculum is all about child-led learning and spontaneous discovery. Let’s journey into the essentials of emergency curriculum for daycare and learn […]

Blog, Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, education

August 18, 2025

Essentials of Emergent Curriculum for Daycare

Sensory activities for children are one of the most beneficial activities you can incorporate into your childcare setting. The setup and materials are normally minimal, yet the benefits of sensory play are massive. What Is Sensory Play? Sensory play is any activity that stimulates the senses: Hearing, Touch, Sight, Smell, and Taste. This type of […]

Water and Bubble Sensory Activities for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

activities, Blog, Child Development, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education, early learning, educational activities, preschool, special education, Teacher Resources

July 25, 2025

The great outdoors! There’s a special quality to it that’s particularly enchanting for little explorers, especially preschoolers. With limitless opportunities, the outside world is the very best playground for kids. Along with providing physical exercise, outdoor play also helps with both social and cognitive development. Let’s dive into some fun and engaging outdoor activities for […]

activities, Blog, Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education, outdoor education, personal development, preschool

July 22, 2025

Fun and Engaging Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers

The holiday season in Alberta is nothing short of magical, with sparkling lights, festive markets, and snowy adventures. For daycare centers, it’s the perfect time to plan outings that bring joy and wonder to the children in your care. From the dazzling Zoo Lights in Calgary to family-friendly skating rinks and holiday train rides, here’s […]

Admin & Operators, Blog, Child Development, Classroom ECE, community support, cultural activities, holidays, seasonal activities

November 26, 2024

Calgary Zoo Lights and Holiday Outings for Alberta Daycares

When selecting a daycare, the childcare curriculum plays a critical role in shaping your child’s early experiences. A childcare centre’s curriculum can easily set the stage for lifelong learning and development. To ensure you’re choosing the best environment for your child, here are five key questions to ask about a childcare center’s curriculum. 1. What […]

5 Key Questions to Ask About Childcare Curriculum

Child Development, Blog, community support, Early Childhood Education, parenting

October 26, 2024

The transition to kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and parents. While academic skills like recognizing letters and numbers are essential, true school readiness encompasses a broader range of developmental areas, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Preparing children kindergarten goes beyond just the basics—it’s about equipping them with the confidence and […]

Child Development, Blog, Early Childhood Education, health & wellness, parenting, tips

October 22, 2024

School Readiness: Prep Kids for Kindergarten Success

As educators, caregivers, and parents, creating an environment where preschoolers feel confident to express themselves and explore their creativity is essential. One of the best ways to foster this development is by asking open-ended questions for preschoolers. Unlike yes-or-no questions, open-ended questions for preschoolers encourage them to elaborate, reflect, and think independently. This in turn […]

Classroom ECE, Blog, Child Development, childcare, Early Childhood Education, early learning, Teacher Resources, tips

October 7, 2024

Top Open-Ended Questions for Preschoolers