So you have been working as an early childhood educator in a long day care or centre based early learning environment and now you are thinking about moving to setting up a family day care in your home instead. But what does that really entail and how do you know it is the right move for you? Setting up and running…
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Playful Tubs and Trays for Toddlers
It can be a challenge setting up activities for toddler play – they have short attention spans, love to scoop, dump and leave a trail of treasure in their wake and activities never seem to go to plan! My big tip for parents and educators planning for toddler play is to keep it simple! And develop a love for trays and…
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Natural Outdoor Play Areas – Part 2 Design & Create
I’ve noticed a gradual return to more natural outdoor play areas for children across the past few years which is wonderful but I know it can seem overwhelming when it comes to designing or revamping the outdoor environment when you can’t afford a landscape designer or huge labour costs. For those that can afford to work with a landscaping team and…
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Gardening with Children – Make a Sensory Plant Tower!
Gardening with children can help to encourage a connection with the senses and a love of nature while also providing many opportunities to learn new skills, gain confidence and develop responsibility. And best of all…it’s fun and gives them another reason to enjoy some active play outdoors! Even if you don’t have a green thumb or lots of space for gardens…
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Fizzing Fine Motor Trays
Setting up opportunities for open ended sensory and fine motor play doesn’t need to be difficult or overly complicated. The activity I’m sharing today is one that evolved after my girls pulled out the box of pebbles and gems along with a *ahem* small container of milk container lids. I often read comments on social media telling other educators that they…
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Marketing Strategies for Child Care Services
Putting in place a child care marketing strategy is often thought of as a time consuming and expensive process that educators, leaders and directors often only want to focus on 1 or 2 times a year …then complain when nothing seems to work and the vacancies remain!To keep your family day care service or early learning centre viable, enrolments consistent,…
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