Men are underrepresented in early childhood education, yet their presence enriches learning environments. Hear from five Arizona educators on what men bring to the classroom, the challenges they face, and how we can better support gender diversity in ECE.
Category: Child Care
Thank You, Heroes of Early Childhood
Dear Early Educator, May 9 is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the First Things First Board and staff. Thank you for your continued commitment to Arizona’s youngest learners. You know, better than most, that the first five years shape a child’s future.
Celebrate, Learn & Connect During Week of the Young Child
The Week of the Young Child™ (WOYC) is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Since 1971, this annual event has recognized the importance of early care and education, while shining a spotlight on the needs of young children and their families. WOYC is a joyful, week-long
A Warm Welcome: Tips for welcoming new children and families
Four tips to help you warmly welcome new children and their families to your early learning setting.
Child Care Provider Appreciation: 5 Ways to Say Thanks
Did you know Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is Friday, May 10, 2024? This national day is celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day, and is designed to recognize the early educators, family child care providers, and caregivers of young children. As a program leader, how will you recognize the early childhood providers, teachers, and staff
Tips for Making Materials Accessible to All Ages
Early childhood educators know children learn best through hands-on experiences. You can see the excitement of learning in an infant’s face when rattling a toy or as preschoolers splash at the water table. Your program’s daily routines, transitions and activities can either promote or hinder children’s access to materials. Here are a few tips on
Returning to Child Care: Big Feelings, Common Behaviors and Practical Strategies for Teachers
By Lara Scott, M.Ed., LPC It’s August, which means many young children and teachers across Arizona are returning to child care centers and home programs after extended time away during the pandemic. Others are coming to the early learning setting for the first time. These transitions often result in an array of feelings such as
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 to this kind of help. Quality First offers you the services of Child Care Health
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; what do you need to change in your child care space; what should you do
Director’s network provides support during challenging times
Managing a center-based or home-based early childhood education program is a demanding job—and can feel isolating at times. Some of Arizona’s program directors have formed director’s networks to build support for themselves. These groups are comprised of early childhood program leaders, directors and administrators within a local geographic region. The groups provide an informal venue