Lunch & Learn

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

Reducing Challenging Behaviours Without Increasing Staff Burnout

Supporting Inclusion Without Losing Your Team Inclusion needs in childcare programs are rising—and so is staff stress. Many centres are working hard to support children with more complex needs while also trying to protect educator wellbeing and prevent burnout. In this ChildFriendly Lunch & Learn, we explore practical strategies childcare operators and leaders can use […]

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Reducing Challenging Behaviours Without Increasing Staff Burnout

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Supporting Inclusion Without Losing Your Team Inclusion needs in childcare programs are rising—and so is staff stress. Many centres are working hard to support children with more complex needs while also trying to protect educator wellbeing and prevent burnout. In this ChildFriendly Lunch & Learn, we explore practical strategies childcare operators and leaders can use […]

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Supporting Inclusion Without Losing Your Team Inclusion needs in childcare programs are rising—and so is staff stress. Many centres are working hard to support children with more complex needs while also trying to protect educator wellbeing and prevent burnout. In this ChildFriendly Lunch & Learn, we explore practical strategies childcare operators and leaders can use […]

If you’ve ever felt like PD funding is something you manage rather than something you leverage, this session is for you. In this Alberta-focused Lunch & Learn, we move beyond the paperwork and into strategy. PD Funding Focus — Turning Training into Stronger Teams is designed specifically for childcare operators who want their professional development […]

Lunch & Learn

February 18, 2026

PD Funding Focus — Turning Training into Stronger Teams

In this Lunch & Learn, Krystal Churcher breaks down why some child care centers remain full while others experience enrollment dips, even within the same region. You’ll learn what’s actually influencing family decisions — and how to build a more consistent, confident enrollment experience without compromising your values. In this session, we cover:• Why enrollment […]

Lunch & Learn

February 6, 2026

Standing Out Without Selling Out

Staying compliant doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this Lunch & Learn, Krystal Churcher breaks down the highest-impact regulation areas that support safe, high-quality care and consistent program practices. Watch the recording to learn how to translate regulatory requirements into practical, real-world systems your team can actually follow. Whether you’re preparing for inspections, onboarding staff, […]

Regulations Refresher: Start Strong, Stay Compliant

Lunch & Learn

January 22, 2026

Strong educators are the foundation of high-quality childcare — and supporting them goes far beyond one-time training. In this January Lunch & Learn session, we explore why training that sticks, competency-based support, and ongoing professional development are critical for educator success in 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re a childcare owner, director, or leader, this session […]

Blog, Lunch & Learn

January 8, 2026

Setting Educators Up for Success: Why Training, Support, and Competency Matter

On December 10, ChildFriendly co-founder and childcare operator Laura Bancroft unveiled our brand-new Curriculum & Planning Suite—a modern solution designed to help centers showcase quality, support intentional teaching, and keep enrollment high. If you missed the live session, the full recording is available below along with next steps and upcoming learning opportunities. Watch the full […]

Blog, early learning, Lunch & Learn, Webinar

December 10, 2025

How ChildFriendly’s New Curriculum & Planning Suite Helps Centers Stand Out

Navigating the Affordability Grant audit process can feel overwhelming for childcare centres—but it doesn’t have to be. In our November 24th Lunch & Learn session, we sat down with Irfanali Moledina, Managing Partner at RMI LLP Calgary, to break down exactly what centres need to know to stay compliant, organized, and audit-ready. From documentation best […]

Audit Success: Understanding the Affordability Grant Process with Expert Irfanali Moledina

Blog, Lunch & Learn

November 27, 2025

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 […]

Blog, 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 […]

Blog, Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

Building Stronger Relationships with Families: Parent Communication & Connection

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). […]

Smart Business for Dayhome Operators: Stand Out & Succeed

Blog, Lunch & Learn

October 6, 2025

Raising the Bar: Professionalism, Policies, and Quality in Childcare — Watch the replay to learn how stronger policies, contracts, and communication systems drive enrollment, retention, and parent trust. Krystal Churcher breaks down practical steps for staff professionalism, documentation, and consistency. 📄 Grab the Parent Contract & Handbook Implementation Checklist. Sign up for the next Lunch […]

Blog, Lunch & Learn

September 23, 2025

Raising the Bar in Childcare: Professionalism, Policies & Quality

Recorded September 3, 2025 (11:30 AM MT). In this Lunch & Learn, pediatric occupational therapist Jennifer Collett (Sensory Integration & Child Development Specialist) shares practical, budget-friendly ways to support children’s self-regulation and sensory needs—without overhauling your whole program. Hosted by Krystal Churcher, this session covers how lighting, noise, and seating affect regulation; simple tools like […]

Blog, Lunch & Learn

September 4, 2025

Supporting Self-Regulation & Sensory Needs in the Classroom