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


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 […]
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). […]

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 […]


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 […]
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 […]

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 🎥 […]


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 […]
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 […]

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 […]
