All posts in Early Learning

Aug 11, 2020

Can playing in the dirt boost my child’s immune system?

If you’re like most parents and caregivers, you’ve spent a good deal of time teaching your young child the importance of proper hygiene. From taking nightly baths to scrubbing those little hands before mealtime to rubbing on the hand sanitizer, we all work hard to ensure our kids are staying as clean and germ-free as possible. But what if our kids are too clean for their good?

Aug 4, 2020

How do I prepare my child to start daycare?

Separation anxiety - it’s a term that children and their parents/caregivers know all too well when it comes to the first day of daycare. That monumental day is when a child ventures off alone into their first independent life experience and it’s an important developmental milestone. But when it comes to sending your little one off to daycare for the first time, there are steps you can take to make it an easier transition for both you and your child.

Jul 21, 2020

How do I choose an age appropriate toy for my child?

In the world of children, “play” is considered part of the “workday.” When children play, they are learning new skills, asserting themselves as individuals, and practicing relationships with others and the world-at-large. As part of the development aspects of play, a good toy can help a child learn and grow. However, one quick trip to a toy department and a parent or caregiver can quickly be overwhelmed with the variety of toy choices and have difficulty deciding what defines a “good” toy. Even though most toys come with age classifications and development definitions, not all toys are beneficial for a child.

Mar 31, 2020

How do I make my home safer for my children?

As any new parent or caregiver knows, there is nothing more special than bringing home a new baby. But as safe and secure as a new home may seem, there are many safety dangers hiding in nearly every room of the house. From electrical outlets to cabinets full of cleaning chemicals, here are some things to safeguard against when prepping your home for a little one.

Jul 23, 2019

What are the characteristics of a high quality child care provider?

Whether searching for a large child care provider, a faith-based center, or a smaller in-home program, the one common trait you should always seek in all options is the center's quality. Unfortunately, it can be hard to recognize quality — especially if you're searching for child care for the first time. To help families with this sometimes-difficult search, ABC Quality provides a quality checklist of what to look for in a child care program to make sure a potential option offers a safe, stimulating environment and one that will allow your child to thrive.