Supporting Behavior
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…
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,…