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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 […]

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 […]

When selecting a daycare, the childcare curriculum plays a critical role in shaping your child’s early experiences. A childcare centre’s curriculum can easily set the stage for lifelong learning and development. To ensure you’re choosing the best environment for your child, here are five key questions to ask about a childcare center’s curriculum. 1. What […]

Emergent literacy in early childhood refers to the early stage of learning to read and write, beginning when children first start to engage with text, symbols, and language. For childcare providers, promoting these skills in a classroom setting is crucial for preparing children for future academic success and helping them build the foundation for lifelong […]

The transition to kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and parents. While academic skills like recognizing letters and numbers are essential, true school readiness encompasses a broader range of developmental areas, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Preparing children kindergarten goes beyond just the basics—it’s about equipping them with the confidence and […]

Engaging families in your childcare program is essential for fostering strong connections between children, parents, and educators. When families are involved in their child’s early education, it promotes a positive learning environment and strengthens the bridge between home and school. Here are 10 family engagement activities for daycares to implement to help create meaningful, lasting […]

Daycare separation anxiety is a common experience for both children and parents when starting childcare. For children, it’s an emotional adjustment as they enter a new environment, while parents often face their own concerns about their child’s well-being. This natural anxiety can make the first few days or even weeks of daycare challenging for everyone […]

As educators, caregivers, and parents, creating an environment where preschoolers feel confident to express themselves and explore their creativity is essential. One of the best ways to foster this development is by asking open-ended questions for preschoolers. Unlike yes-or-no questions, open-ended questions for preschoolers encourage them to elaborate, reflect, and think independently. This in turn […]

Play is often seen as a fun and carefree activity for preschoolers, but it is much more than just a way to pass the time. In early childhood education, play is a critical component of development and serves as a powerful tool for learning. Play-based learning is an educational approach that uses play as the […]

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for young children, marking the beginning of their formal education. However, kindergarten readiness involves more than just preparing the child—it impacts the entire family. Ensuring a child is ready for this transition means addressing cognitive, social, emotional, and practical aspects of starting school, creating a foundation for success that benefits […]

In a childcare setting, keeping a toddler’s attention can be a challenge. With their natural curiosity and high energy levels, toddlers often find it difficult to focus on one activity for an extended period. However, developing a child’s attention span is crucial for their future learning and overall development. At ChildFriendly, we believe that learning […]