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


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 […]
If you’ve ever visited the enchanted forest of early childhood education, you’ve likely stumbled upon the mystical concept of “emergent curriculum.” While it might sound like something that sprouts organically from the ground, emergent curriculum is all about child-led learning and spontaneous discovery. Let’s journey into the essentials of emergency curriculum for daycare and learn […]

The great outdoors! There’s a special quality to it that’s particularly enchanting for little explorers, especially preschoolers. With limitless opportunities, the outside world is the very best playground for kids. Along with providing physical exercise, outdoor play also helps with both social and cognitive development. Let’s dive into some fun and engaging outdoor activities for […]
