Discover helpful articles, podcasts, blogs & webinars here

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

Imagination & Storytelling | Learning Session

In Explore, Create, & Build: Imagination & Storytelling, Krystal Churcher walks educators through three hands-on experiences that turn everyday play into rich storytelling: Story Basket Discovery, where children build vocabulary through books, props, and puppets; Character & Puppet Studio, where they create their own characters and story props; and Story World Builders, where they construct […]

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Imagination & Storytelling | Learning Session

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In Explore, Create, & Build: Imagination & Storytelling, Krystal Churcher walks educators through three hands-on experiences that turn everyday play into rich storytelling: Story Basket Discovery, where children build vocabulary through books, props, and puppets; Character & Puppet Studio, where they create their own characters and story props; and Story World Builders, where they construct […]

Learning Labs

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In Explore, Create, & Build: Imagination & Storytelling, Krystal Churcher walks educators through three hands-on experiences that turn everyday play into rich storytelling: Story Basket Discovery, where children build vocabulary through books, props, and puppets; Character & Puppet Studio, where they create their own characters and story props; and Story World Builders, where they construct […]

Wondering if your child is ready for kindergarten? Discover practical school readiness tips, essential skills, and fun activities to help children build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for kindergarten success.

Child Development, Blog, Early Childhood Education, health & wellness, parenting, tips

July 22, 2026

School Readiness: Prep Kids for Kindergarten Success

kindergarten readiness skills and checklist

Explore the wonders of water and weather in this engaging Learning Lab designed to support children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Through sensory exploration, creative art experiences, and hands-on building challenges, educators will discover practical ways to encourage observation, prediction, scientific inquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving. Watch the July 9 Learning Lab recording to […]

Blog, Learning Labs

July 13, 2026

Water, Weather and Wonder: July Learning Lab Recording

In this June Learning Lab, Move, Make & Build: Learning Through Music and Movement, we explored how music, movement, and whole-body experiences can become powerful tools for learning in early childhood programs. This session walks through three easy-to-implement activity setups: Sound & Movement Exploration, Ribbon & Movement Art, and Obstacle Course Builders. Educators will learn […]

Move, Make & Build: Learning Through Music and Movement

Blog, Learning Labs

June 12, 2026

Preschool graduation may seem like a small event, but for little learners and their families, it’s a pretty big deal. It marks the end of a year filled with growth, friendships, new skills, and countless memorable moments. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished. Explore these fun preschool graduation activities and celebration ideas that will make the day extra special.

Classroom ECE, Blog, childcare, parenting

June 5, 2026

Preschool Graduation Celebration and Activities

Fun and easy preschool graduation celebration and activities ideas

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 […]

Blog, Learning Labs

May 18, 2026

Wild & Wonder: Exploring, Creating & Building with Nature | Learning Lab

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.

Why Biting Happens in Early Childhood (and What It Really Means)

Blog, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, health & safety

April 24, 2026

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 […]

Blog, Learning Labs

March 13, 2026

Turning Simple Activities into Powerful Learning: Watch Our Learning Lab for ECEs

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 […]

Blog, early learning, Lunch & Learn, Webinar

December 10, 2025

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

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 […]

Small Group Activities for Preschoolers

Blog, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education, preschool education, Teacher Resources

November 14, 2025

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. […]

Blog, Child Development, childcare, Classroom ECE, Early Childhood Education

November 10, 2025

The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

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 […]

Blog, Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

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