Scientists and parents know that young children’s brain development is critically important—and researchers learn more every day. Children experience their most profound cognitive, social, and emotional growth in the first eight years of life. By the time children reach their third birthday, their brains are 80...
Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. Just as a weak foundation compromises the quality and strength of a house, adverse experiences early in life can impair brain architecture, with negative effects lasting into...
The way children are treated by caregiving adults shapes their development in important ways, so it is crucial to find a childcare professional who both understands and nurtures children’s learning through the everyday moments they share. For example, does the caregiver talk to your baby...
Is loving and responsive One who hugs, rocks, cuddles, seeks eye contact and enjoys the child…who responds to the baby’s smiles and emerging skills and interests…who finds ways to expand upon children’s play to help them learn new skills…who is sociable and interested in children. One...
When the weekend comes, parents need time to relax, catch up with a friend, work around the house, or simply talk to their partner. They may also need one-to-one time with another child and siblings should learn to respect that. So, how can you encourage your child...
Child Care Resources recognizes the positive impact of parent partnerships. Our Parenting Village is designed to be an integrated approach that provides on-going opportunities for parents to engage with their children, connect with other parents, and gain insight on parenting and their child’s development. This kind...
Do you struggle to find a balance between spending time with your children versus focusing on your own activities? During the summer or on weekends, guilt may build if you feel you can’t spend as much one-to-one time with your children as you would like...
While parents are away at work, their little ones are learning some very useful things: Give and Take. Being in a group setting leaves no other choice but to share. Caregivers often introduce the concept of taking turns by giving a child a few minutes to play...
The years of toddlers should be some of the most joyful years for you and your child. These children grow by leaps and bounds—walking, talking, laughing, singing, helping, and gaining new life experiences every day. Your child now has foods she loves and favorite toys;...
It’s important that you put your children with a childcare provider you can trust. You want to make sure the people caring for your child up to 40 hours a week are responsible and well-trained. You should be able to spot the warning signs right...
A new childcare experience can be overwhelming. The tips below will help you prepare your child for this experience and help you establish a good working relationship with your childcare provider. Some children adjust to a new childcare situation almost immediately, others might take several months. Follow...
Supporting brain power in children is easy! Children will show you windows of opportunity through their curiosity; pay attention to signals and help them to explore. By age 3, toddlers know more than 1,000 words! By age 3, the brain is equipped to juggle multiple tasks like...
Now that the kids are out of school, remember that play is essential to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play as a family weaves the ties of love and connection that bind family members together. Make sure your child...
Quality early childhood programs provide experiences that optimize each child’s development, learning and health, engage families and communities in partnerships and cultivate life-long learners and productive members of society. What does this mean for families? Early childhood programs refer to any program or service related to young...
When it comes to parenting, a mother’s love is important and special, but having an active father figure plays an equally important role in the healthy development of a child. Here are 5 important ways fathers impact child development: 1. Increase Intellect. An active father can help increase your...
• Create a healthy, safe, welcoming, and caring environment for children to learn and grow. • Share resources and materials that are responsive to the culture and language of families. • Learn more about the cultures and languages of families. • Build relationships with parents that honor their...
Family well-being includes the safety, health, and financial stability of all family members. Safe, healthy, and financially secure families are more likely to reach the goals they set for themselves and their children. Early childhood professionals can contribute to the well-being of families and their...
The work isn’t over when you find good care for your child. Building a strong relationship with your provider will help your child’s learning and development. Look for ways to exchange information about your child and have conversations about caregiving and your child’s learning. Here are...
Quality child care providers make health and safety issues a top priority. Use the questions below as general guidelines, and contact Child Care Resources for more information. � Are diapering, sleeping, food preparation and play areas separate? � Are there clearly written sanitation procedures specific to each area?...
Unstructured outdoor play is essential for a variety of reasons, among them: Physical play increases overall fitness, builds healthier bodies, and helps prevent childhood obesity. Children need to develop large and small motor skills along with cardiovascular endurance. Time outdoors raises vitamin D levels, helping...