Lunch & Learn

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

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

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 […]

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

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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 […]

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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 […]

Lunch & Learn

November 27, 2025

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

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

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

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. đź“„ Grab the Parent Contract & Handbook Implementation Checklist. Sign up for the next Lunch […]

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 […]

Supporting Self-Regulation & Sensory Needs in the Classroom

Lunch & Learn

September 4, 2025

This week’s Lunch & Learn explored how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in creating engaging, supportive environments for children. We were joined by Tammy Adams, Regional Manager – Alberta at WinterGreen Learning Materials, who shared valuable insights on how high-quality resources can transform classrooms into functional, inspiring spaces. If you’d like to […]

Lunch & Learn

August 22, 2025

Elevating Your Childcare Environment: Simple Changes with Big Impacts

New childcare regulations were issued in Alberta on June 25—are you up to date? In this free Lunch & Learn replay, Krystal Churcher (childcare advocate, operator, and policy leader) breaks down what these changes mean for your center. âś… Clear guidance on Bill C-25âś… Practical tips to stay compliantâś… Live Q&A with actionable insights 🎥 […]

Lunch & Learn

August 7, 2025

Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Alberta’s New Child Care Regulations (Bill C-25)

August 6th Lunch and Learn

In this July Lunch & Learn replay, we explore easy and effective sensory strategies to help childcare providers create calmer, more engaging environments. Hosted by Krystal Churcher and featuring guest expert Kathryn Babowal—childcare operator, ACE board member, and advocate for inclusive practices—this session dives into low-cost sensory activities that support child development, emotional regulation, and […]

Sensory Success: Practical Ideas for Engaged and Calm Classrooms

Lunch & Learn

July 17, 2025

This session tackled one of the most critical (and often confusing) parts of running a childcare center: financial audits and reporting for the Affordability Grant Program. Special guest Irfanali Moledina, Managing Partner at RMI LLP, broke down what operators need to prepare for audits, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what accurate reporting really looks […]

Lunch & Learn

July 8, 2025

Navigating Audits & Reporting for the Affordability Grant Program

In this inspiring session, guest speaker Tim Aylesworth, Territory Manager at Park N Play Design, joined us to explore how childcare centers can foster inclusive, welcoming environments for all children—starting with play. We also took a deep dive into Alberta’s new Inclusive Spaces Grant, including what it covers, how to apply, and how it can […]

Lunch & Learn

July 8, 2025

Play for All: Creating Inclusive Spaces in Childcare