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

Emotional Regulation Around the Holidays – Strategies for a Calm, Connected Daycare

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 […]

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Emotional Regulation Around the Holidays – Strategies for a Calm, Connected Daycare

read more

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 […]

Child Development

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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. […]

Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education

November 10, 2025

The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

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 […]

Admin & Operators, business, childcare, health & safety, holidays, organization, seasonal activities

November 4, 2025

Winter Gear Must-Haves for Children in Canada

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 […]

Inspired Learning: Montessori, Reggio, and Emergent Approaches in Action

Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

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 […]

Lunch & Learn

September 4, 2025

Supporting Self-Regulation & Sensory Needs in the Classroom

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 […]

Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, parenting

August 29, 2025

Exploring the Montessori Approach to Childhood Education

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 […]

Elevating Your Childcare Environment: Simple Changes with Big Impacts

Lunch & Learn

August 22, 2025

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 […]

Lunch & Learn

July 17, 2025

Sensory Success: Practical Ideas for Engaged and Calm Classrooms

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

Summer is fast approaching and with this season comes camp! We have compiled 7 amazing and unique summer camp themes for daycare. For many children, they may be apprehensive about camp or nervous if they don’t know anyone. However, camp is the perfect opportunity to make new friends, share new experiences, and gather new skills, all […]

7 Fun Summer Camp Themes for Daycares

Early Childhood Education, educational activities, outdoor education

June 9, 2025

The holiday season is a magical time, but for parents and childcare providers, it often comes with a unique set of challenges. Between attending festive events, shopping for gifts, and managing daily responsibilities, keeping kids safe, engaged, and happy can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a daycare director juggling seasonal activities or a parent balancing holiday […]

Classroom ECE, educational activities, holidays, parenting, seasonal activities

December 10, 2024

Holiday Tips for Better Childcare Management

When it comes to your little one’s growth, every milestone is monumental. From those first wobbly steps to the day they master the art of using scissors without accidentally giving their hair an unexpected trim, every achievement counts. But how can you keep track of all these moments without feeling like a haphazard historian? Enter […]

childcare, Classroom ECE, parenting

November 7, 2024

Tracking Your Child’s Growth With A Preschool Report

preschool progress report