April 7, 2016
In the STEM and STEAM educational movements, teachers are being challenged to emphasize science, math, and the arts in children’s play. Brain researchers are uncovering evidence that shows that musical experiences enhance children’s thinking and executive function. What better way to tap into these movements than by making a habit of singing about science and math as children play, discover, and explore?
March 10, 2016
At some point almost all early educators work with a child who receives or needs early intervention (EI) services. Early intervention consists of services and supports designed to help children who have a developmental delay or special need, and their families. Through collaboration with families and related service providers, supportive practices for infants and toddlers who receive EI services can be implemented within existing routines and across environments.
February 22, 2016
When a child misbehaves, the first (and perhaps only) thing adults may think of is to use time-out. Time-out has become the most used, and possibly the most misused, strategy to respond to a child's behavior.
February 3, 2016
Preschool Foundations: Environments and Routines that Work!; Smart from the Start: Teacher Training for Pre-K Wellness Curriculum
January 13, 2016
Families with busy schedules can struggle for time to put a home-cooked meal on the table, much less find time to include young children in cooking activities. What was once considered a life skill is becoming, for some, a dying art as convenience and processed foods become the norm. Yet, children can learn much more than healthy food choices through early experiences with cooking and there are benefits for families as well.
December 9, 2015
An experienced adult who works effectively with a group of school-age children and youth can be inspiring. The adult seems to have control of the group, while also encouraging and engaging the youth. This is not as easy as it may look. An educational background in teaching or child development is a big help, and experience enhances the adult’s confidence. What about the adult without this type of background? How can adults coming from different backgrounds prepare themselves to interact positively with children and youth in out-of-school settings?
December 1, 2015
Parents often ask why time-out doesn’t work for long with their children. It tends to stop misbehavior in the short run but not for any length of time. Is time-out really an effective discipline strategy? The answer is that it all depends on the outcome parents want.
October 7, 2015
A solid understanding of milestones and developmental pathways across each domain of children’s development can benefit child care providers in several ways.
October 6, 2015
Nutrition Links: A Food and Nutrition Program for Low-income Families; Fresh Harvest: Children Grow in the Garden
September 10, 2015
“As an early childhood educator, you must continually look forward and look back, even as you stay focused on the real children in front of you and the context of their lives.” (Curtis and Carter 2011)
September 9, 2015
Foundations of Child Development (available for Child Care Center Teachers & for Family Child Care Providers); Rock Solid: Building Positive Relationships, Birth – 3 years Parts 1 & 2; Go Healthy! It All Begins With You
July 15, 2015
Summer is here and hopefully everyone is more active: playing sports, gardening, walking, swimming, and bicycling. With increased physical activity, it is important to remember to protect your head. A blow to the head happens quickly and easily for young children and can cause long term, serious, and permanent damage even to adults. Bumps, blows, hits, and falls can cause a concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
June 24, 2015
Our move was a success, and Better Kid Care has a new location! Update your records with our new mailing address.
June 22, 2015
The mention of autism disorder strikes fear in the hearts of families with young children. It may generate thoughts of silent children sitting alone in a room spinning dishes, staring into space, and rocking for hours.
May 7, 2015
Many people rejoice with the return of the warm sun after a cold, gray winter. But with the spring and summer sun comes the need for extra vigilance about sun safety and biting insects. How can sunscreen and insect repellent be used together safely and effectively?
April 7, 2015
All children can learn math and all adults can facilitate math, given appropriate training and support. It’s no longer “some people are born good at math and some people are not.”
April 5, 2015
Warmer temperatures are often the first sign of spring’s arrival. Shortly afterwards a common six-legged pest also may let you know spring has arrived by making an appearance inside your building.
March 5, 2015
In the era of STEM and STEAM programming, music and the arts are being highlighted in a stronger way in early care and youth programming. Research has strongly indicated that children who participate in musical instruction benefit academically.
February 5, 2015
Children and nature have always been connected.
January 23, 2015
iLook Out for Child Abuse is an online learning module that uses interactive videos to help prepare Early Childhood Professionals to be responsible mandated reporters for suspected child abuse.
January 8, 2015
Food allergies in children have increased significantly in recent years though the reason why is not yet clearly known. Understanding how to manage food allergies in the child care setting is essential for keeping children safe and for helping parents to feel confident about the ability of other caregivers to know what to do, especially in the event of a food allergy emergency.
January 7, 2015
Happy 2015! Why not start off this new year with a clean, uncluttered space? The wind is blowing and it’s cold outside, so now is a good time to dust off those shelves and reduce the collection of clutter from the last year.
This month, our spotlight is on after school programs and all the amazing out-of-school time (OST) professionals who invest in children and youth every day, day in and day out. We salute the 75,826 of them who have spent time on their professional development in Better Kid Care’s On Demand system, learning new things and refining their skills to provide the most engaging, safe experiences possible for the children who depend on them.
