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 in their care. Precious Stones Preschool in Sedona is one of those programs. As a
Category: Health and Nutrition
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 will impact their health for the rest of their lives. Here are tips and ideas
Tools to reduce preschool expulsions
Did you know that preschoolers are three times more likely to be expelled than children in kindergarten through 12th grade? In many cases, preschoolers are suspended or expelled due to challenging behaviors that educators feel unequipped to handle. When faced with behavior challenges in your classroom or care group, it’s important to know you are
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 understanding of nutritious foods. The more experiences young children have, the more likely they will
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 children to nature. “My passion is to provide the highest quality early childhood program possible,
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 that provide services for young children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten) and their