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Watch the recording of our Learning Lab with Krystal Churcher and discover simple, nature-based activity ideas, creative classroom inspiration, and practical strategies for early childhood educators. Looking for fresh ways to bring nature into your classroom without adding extra prep or overwhelm? In this ChildFriendly Learning Lab, Krystal Churcher shares practical, hands-on ideas that help […]

Biting is one of the most concerning behaviours for both parents and early childhood educators. While it can feel alarming, it is also a common and developmentally appropriate behaviour, particularly between the ages of 12 and 30 months. Learn why biting happens in early childhood and how daycare educators can help children who bite.

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. […]

As temperatures drop and snow blankets Alberta and the rest of Canada, childcare providers face the annual challenge of ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for the cold. Winter weather brings plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also requires preparation to keep kids safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the winter season. This […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]