Lunch & Learn

Strong communication doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through clarity, consistency, and intentional leadership. In this ChildFriendly Lunch & Learn, we explore practical strategies that help childcare leaders communicate more effectively with both staff and families. Whether you’re navigating difficult conversations, setting expectations, sharing updates, or building stronger relationships, clear communication is one of the most […]

Running a childcare center can feel overwhelming—especially when staffing shortages, daily stress, and leadership demands all collide at once. In this recorded Lunch & Learn session, “Staffing, Stress & Survival: Spring Reset for Operators,” we share practical strategies to help childcare operators support their teams, navigate staffing challenges, and create more sustainable day-to-day operations. Watch […]

Mealtime in childcare settings can be one of the most challenging parts of the day. For many educators, it’s where behaviours escalate, routines feel hardest to manage, and support needs become most visible—especially for neurodivergent children. But what if those behaviours aren’t “problems” to fix… but signals to understand? Nutrition plays a powerful role in […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]