Discover helpful articles, podcasts, blogs & webinars here

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

Water, Weather and Wonder: July Learning Lab Recording

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 […]

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Water, Weather and Wonder: July Learning Lab Recording

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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 […]

Learning Labs

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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 […]

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 […]

Blog, Learning Labs

June 12, 2026

Move, Make & Build: Learning Through Music and Movement

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 […]

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

Blog, Learning Labs

May 18, 2026

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.

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

April 24, 2026

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

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 […]

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

Blog, early learning, Lunch & Learn, Webinar

December 10, 2025

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 […]

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

November 14, 2025

Small Group Activities for Preschoolers

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 […]

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

Blog, Lunch & Learn

October 31, 2025

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 […]

Admin & Operators, Blog, professional development, training

October 18, 2025

How To Prevent Burnout in Child Care Educators 

prevent burnout in childcare educators

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 […]

Blog, childcare, Classroom ECE, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, early childhood development, Early Childhood Education, early learning, teaching methods

October 8, 2025

Exploring the Reggio Emilia Approach for Daycare