What’s New

‘Nature breeds curiosity; it helps to grow explorers rather than robots. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger. It grounds us, calms us.’-Ben Palmer Fry

Spring is on its way and with it comes the opportunity to observe nature changing before our eyes. Get outside with children and be part of the transformation!

It doesn’t matter if the days are bright and sunny, rainy, snowy, warm or cold. Outdoor play is always worth the effort. As long as it is safe, outdoor play can be fun, purposeful, full of opportunities to explore and provide endless learning experiences for children. Read More about Nature Breeds Curiosity and Learning! »

Although it’s hard to imagine thinking about the next school year when this academic year is barely half over, that’s exactly what families with children entering kindergarten next year are doing as the kindergarten registration process is kicking off in school districts throughout the region.

But getting children ready for kindergarten isn’t something that just begins at registration or even in preschool—it really begins at birth!

By the time a child is three years old, the areas that are foundational for later school success and learning are set. So when thinking about kindergarten readiness it’s important to look at the whole child because there’s much more involved than the child knowing letters, numbers and colors. While those things are important, so too are social-emotional, language, cognitive, literacy and physical development.

Read More about Kindergarten Readiness: It Starts at Birth »

“Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistically, and ultimately livable.” – Horace

Families today have busy schedules. The “busyness” of our lives can sometimes sway us to make not so healthy food choices. It is easy to stop for fast food as families run from one event after another. But too much of one thing isn’t beneficial to any of us, especially when it comes to food.

Children need healthy foods and a diverse diet to best meet their growth and development needs. Eating healthy isn’t something children readily choose—oftentimes the things they like best are not the healthiest! So they need to be taught healthy eating habits. Read More about New Year’s Resolution: Healthier Eating »

“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” — Randy Rausch

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! At the center of this holiday is celebrating all that we have in our lives and all that we have received. It’s a time to express our gratitude and give thanks for the kindness of others. Read More about Developing an Attitude of Gratitude »

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” -Frederick Douglass

Social emotional development is a child’s ability to understand the feelings of others, control their own feelings and behaviors and get along with peers. It provides them with a sense of who they are in the world and teaches them how to establish quality relationships with others. Read More about What Is Social Emotional Development Anyway? »