By Erin DelRegno Attachment can be defined as the emotional bond that forms between a child and their parent and primary caregiver. Relationships like these are an important aspect of everyone’s life, and children start to build these relationships from birth. A healthy or secure attachment develops gradually over time and impacts how children build...Read More

Patty Carroll Many child care facilities struggle with taking infants outside. They wonder why it is so important and included as part of the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale. During the first few years of life, infants are trying to make sense of their world. One of the ways they do this is by soaking...Read More

Amy Hoffman The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) created a Code of Ethical Conduct to help early childhood educators understand their ethical responsibilities to children, families, coworkers, and the community. The Code can be used to help teachers and directors make decisions concerning ethical dilemmas. Maybe you’re asking, “What is an...Read More

Beth Simon The term Program Observation Instrument or POI for short is a new term that you will see in the revised Keystone STARS Standards. In case you haven’t heard, the new Keystone STARS Standards went into effect last month. The new standards refer to various “Program Observation Instruments (POI)” that can be used for...Read More

Beth Simon  The above is often a response heard from child care providers when asked, “Do you use sand and water play in your classroom?” Although it’s the typical response, it does not mean it’s the developmentally appropriate response. Sand and water play can be messy and is probably the main reason why child care...Read More

Megan Pittsinger “What is CACFP?” you may ask. CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program. CACFP provides aid to programs for the provision of nutritious foods. For information on how to apply for CACFP please visit United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Current CACFP Guidelines (until October 1, 2017) The...Read More

Regina Wright The education of young children is extremely important. To help children learn and grow, parents must take an active role in what their children are learning and how their brain is developing. The younger the child starts learning, the better. A large part of what a child knows is learned during his or...Read More

Michelle Long Picture yourself sitting on bleachers. How is your posture? Are you wishing this game was at a stadium equipped with seats with backs? Picture yourself at a crowded café. The only stool left is missing the rungs. Are you having trouble trying to find a spot for your feet to rest? Are you...Read More

Bobbi Philson The authors of the Environment Rating Scales assess the safety of playgrounds using information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The information is condensed and easily understandable in the document Playground Information to Use with the Environment Rating Scales, available at www.ersi.info. Click on Quick Links for one of the ERS scales...Read More

Leah Zabari Mud pies, hide and seek, climbing trees, grass stains, and ripped jeans. Oh! The fun childhood memories when freedom to explore the world through adventures and imagination went on from sun up to sundown. But sadly, with computer, TV and the push for more developmentally inappropriate academics in early childhood, these adventures seem...Read More