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

Play-based learning is powerful—but sometimes it can be difficult to clearly explain the why behind everyday activities. For early childhood educators, the challenge isn’t just setting up engaging experiences for children—it’s also recognizing the learning happening in the moment and confidently communicating it to families. In this Learning Lab session, childcare leader Krystal Churcher shares […]


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 […]
Engaging small groups of preschoolers can sometimes feel like trying to corral a bunch of bouncy kangaroos. Thankfully, we’ve got just the right antidote! With these activities, you can keep your little learners entertained, engaged, and eager for more. Whether you’re navigating a sea of giggles or initiating the next Einstein, these small group activities […]

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. […]


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 […]
Burnout among teachers and early childhood educators is very real. These professions, without proper support, often see high rates of fatigue and turnover, especially among daycare workers. There are many actions you can take, as an employer or supervisor, to help decrease the stress in your environment and support your employees. Here are some simple […]

Imagine a classroom that’s less of a classroom and more of a little artist’s studio. Picture: kids with paint-splattered smocks, mats for rolling around, and shelves filled with natural items like pinecones, seashells, and colorful glass beads. This may sound like an artist’s dream or even a fairy tale scene, but it’s not. It’s often […]


Circle time is the heartbeat of any daycare routine. Gathering together in a circle acts as a communal gathering that fosters a sense of belonging and interaction. That being said, to keep this part of the day fun and exciting, circle time needs to be engaging and dynamic. Today we’re sharing some amazing interactive circle […]
Autumn is a wonderland for the senses, especially for preschoolers. The crisp air, the vibrant colors, the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice wafting through the air… there is no better time to introduce new engaging activities to capture this beautiful season. Here are some wonderful and fun autumn sensory activities for preschoolers that will […]

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 […]
