Blog

Information and inspiration for early care and education professionals.

Help is Here: New System Supports for Arizona’s Early Childhood Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant losses and serious challenges to Arizona’s children and families. It also highlighted the needs of early childhood providers around the state. Fortunately, new funding made possible by federal and state investments are providing much-needed relief[...]
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Keeping Children Active and Safe in Summer Weather

As an early childhood educator, you recognize the importance of outdoor physical play on children’s development. At the same time, Arizona’s summer sun can make outdoor play uncomfortable and at times, unsafe. So, how can you provide the active, physical[...]
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It’s Time to Eat: Tips for Mealtime Mastery

As an early childhood educator, you know that meal and snack times offer a rich opportunity for learning. At the same time, you want to make sure the best health practices are being followed and a clean environment is maintained.[...]
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Engaging Families in Your Quality Improvement Process

Quality improvement involves reflecting on your practice, developing plans for improvement, taking action toward your goals and making adaptations along the way. Whether you are a business owner, program director, classroom teacher or caregiver, how you involve families in your[...]
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Cozy, comforting and clean: Providing softness in today’s early learning settings

The early learning environment is a hub of excitement and energy that includes spaces for young children to actively learn through different types of play. As important as it is to include a variety of stimulating activities for children, it’s[...]
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Caring for Yourself, So You Can Care for Others

How are you feeling this very minute? Take a moment to pause and assess your mind and heart. What is the first word that comes into your thoughts? Was it good, fine, happy or content? Or was it exhausted, worried,[...]
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Child Care Health Consultants help your program achieve healthier environments for children

It’s not easy maintaining a healthy environment for young children. As a child care director or owner, you may need additional support to achieve best health and safety practices in your program. As a Quality First participant, you have access[...]
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Making the most of your informal assessment feedback

The Quality First Assessment team provides informal assessment to offer objective feedback using the updated, third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) tools. This opportunity is available to licensed child care providers, including family child care and center-based programs[...]
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