It’s easier than you think to fill your preschooler’s summer days with playful learning experiences. In fact, with some basic activities, you’ll be providing opportunities for your child to develop, grow, and learn. And the best part is these activities don’t cost a fortune or require too much preparation. 1.    Pretend Play Encourage your child […]

I listen to the hushed murmurs of my youngest daughter, Jemma. Her small hands move her toy people as they “talk” to each other. The long hallway is a busy cardboard city. Currently, her attention is on the children in the school area. They’re busy rehearsing a play and festively attired in costumes of tape, […]

It’s one thing to say that you want your children to experience challenges, but it’s quite another to sit tight while they struggle through difficult times. Recently our family made a cross-country move that landed my 10- and 8-year-old sons 2,500 miles from home, in a new house and a new school. I had to […]

Both Teacher and Provider Appreciation Days are celebrated in May. During this month, thousands of communities will take time to honor their teachers and caregivers and acknowledge the role they play in instilling a love of learning in the children in their care. Looking for an inexpensive yet heartfelt way to say “thank you” that […]

Your children are strong. Stronger than you might be led to believe by the headlines screaming about the latest parental panic point. Resilience is the best kind of strength to have: It’s the ability to bend, not break, under pressure – and  emerge stronger for it. Resilience is hugely important. It leads to happier, longer […]

Every year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors the Week of the Young Child, seven days devoted to celebrating early childhood education. The 2013 Week of the Young Child is happening April 14-20 and this year’s theme to celebrate is Early Years Are Learning Years.  We invite you and your […]

Every day, we learn how important it is to Grow Fit™ – with plenty of daily exercise and a healthy diet. So on March 20, we’re rolling out a rainbow of healthy colors in honor of National Nutrition Month! That day, everyone is coming to school dressed in the color of their favorite or “secret” […]

What works for you during bath-time? Share in a comment below!

What is the best piece of advice you can offer for traveling with small children?

Dear Friends, As both a mother and CEO of more than 900 schools committed to educating and caring for children across the country, my heart breaks for those impacted by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. Our deepest condolences go out to the students, parents, teachers and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary and […]

Learning is best when it’s fun, meaningful – and incognito! With a little help from technology, you can cleverly disguise important school readiness skills to help prepare your child this year. Here are some helpful tech tips to give your young child a jump start on five important early literacy skills they’ll need for school. […]

I figured both my kids would love reading since I did. Not so much. It was a humbling blow when my first daughter didn’t want to sit still for an entire story. Apparently kids aren’t born readers. So, what’s a parent to do? Anything to raise a reader, including standing on your head. (It won’t […]