Category: Health and Nutrition

Information and inspiration for early care and education professionals.

How will you respond? Preparing for a positive case at your program

As an early education professional in today’s environment, you spend significant time and effort on preventing the spread of germs in your environment. As important as it is to take action to prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19[...]
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Caring for Infants and Toddlers During COVID and Beyond

As you work to provide safe and healthy early learning environments for young children, including infants and toddlers, you may find yourself wondering how to adapt for the youngest children in your care. Certain COVID safety recommendations may not apply[...]
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How to provide physical distancing in the early education setting

When planning to provide care for young children during COVID-19, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to find reliable advice. On a daily basis, you face critical decisions such as: how should you screen for an illness;[...]
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New Routines to Protect Children’s Health

The foundation of quality early childhood programs is providing a healthy environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged and raised the stakes for programs statewide. Early childhood educators across Arizona are creating enhanced procedures to protect the health of the children[...]
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Take it outside: Learning in the great outdoors

You probably know all about the benefits of outdoor play for young children’s physical health. Outdoor spaces provide a natural setting for active physical play, helping children gain bone and muscle strength and supporting a healthy weight (Physical Activity Advisory[...]
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Building Healthy Handwashing Habits

Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs in a group care setting. By taking the time to teach correct handwashing to the children in your care, you help build a habit that[...]
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Nurturing a love of nutrition

From the hands-on examination and exploration of a watermelon, a pumpkin, corn on the cob, apples and applesauce, to color-themed food parties, children love to explore and discover different foods. Research shows that experiences like food tastings support an early[...]
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Outdoor classroom is fertile ground for learning

Plants, mud, bugs – the outdoors can be a wondrous place for children to explore and try gardening. Early educators, like Kelly Simmons, understand the importance of kids getting grass under their feet and are making deliberate choices to connect[...]
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Find early childhood programs in communities across Arizona

A new online tool can connect Arizona parents and families with a variety of no-cost early childhood programs to help them nurture their child’s learning and healthy development. First Things First supports programs across Arizona through grants to community organizations[...]
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