Blog
From Overwhelmed to Confident: Your 30-Day Inclusion Plan
Professional growth doesn’t always look like a promotion. Sometimes it’s a strategy that finally works. As a child care professional, it might look like a conversation with a family that changes how you see a child. Or a colleague sharing something they’ve learned. For professionals working with children and youth, learning happens alongside the work…
How to Handle Toddler Biting in the Classroom
Understanding why toddlers bite can help early childhood professionals respond in ways that keep children safe while building the skills they need to communicate, cope, and connect with others. Is Toddler Biting Normal? Yes. Biting is a common behavior among infants and toddlers, particularly when children are still developing language, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. As…
Signs of Autism in Girls: The Myths That Keep Them From Getting Support
The signs of autism in girls often don’t match the stereotypes many of us have learned. For staff in out-of-school-time settings, understanding those differences can be the first step toward creating environments where every child feels supported. If you work with children and youth, you’ve probably encountered this scenario before. There’s a girl in your…
The Difference Between Individual Skills and Program-Wide Inclusion
Many child and youth programs use professional development to help staff better support children with a range of needs. These learning opportunities help build knowledge, increase confidence, and introduce new strategies that staff can apply in their daily practice. But there is an important distinction between building individual skills and building program-wide inclusion. Both matter,…
Why Outdoor Time Can Feel Harder for Some Children in Spring
Spring is a time of rejuvenation. The grounds are thawing, flowers are blooming, and there are more opportunities to spend time outside. But what does that mean for children in early childhood programs? For some, these seasonal shifts can change the way they experience their environment, routines, and interactions with peers. As the weather warms…
Why Leadership Matters in Before & After School Programs
The day doesn’t end for everyone when the last school bell rings. It shifts. Between 3:00 and 6:00 PM, after-school programs step in to support millions of children. These hours can quickly become the most challenging part of the day without strong leadership and effective after-school program staff training guiding the environment, expectations, and staff.…
Supporting Behavior at Summer Camp: Why Staff Training Matters
Summer camps are built on energy, movement, and connection. But along with campfires, games, and group activities, staff must also navigate responding to challenging behavior: a camper refuses to join an activity, two kids argue during a game, repeated teasing during free play, or a child shutting down during a busy transition. For many staff,…
3 Staff Training Challenges Every Summer Camp Leader Faces
Summer camp is one of the most rewarding environments for children, but running a successful program depends on your staff. Staff training challenges for summer camp typically center around preparing staff to support all campers and navigate difficult moments with confidence. Here are three common challenges camp leaders face, with practical approaches to help your…
Supporting Regulation in Early Childhood Classrooms
Many early childhood classrooms are noticing an increase in children who have difficulty staying focused, jump quickly between activities, or rely on big body movements when overwhelmed. These patterns highlight a growing need for thoughtful, proactive approaches to supporting regulation in early childhood classrooms. Why Regulation Is a Growing Focus Young children are still developing…
I Can Be Inclusive: Online Training for Child and Youth Professionals
The I Can Be Inclusive eSeries gives youth development professionals practical skills to support children with disabilities and create programs where every child feels welcome and included. The series is made up of five courses, each focused on a key aspect of disability inclusion: Inclusion 101 – Learn the basics of disability inclusion, how the…