Nutrition for Young Infants

Right from the start our goal as parents is to set up a healthy relationship with food. Bottles and breastfeeding are forms of nutrition and comfort for young children but we want children to develop healthy habits from the start. These practical tips will help you start off on the right foot with your baby’s…

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3 Things that are Undermining Your Family’s Healthy Eating

You’re stressed: Children are affected by your stress around food. For many families stress surrounding what and how much their children eat starts very early. Families that vigilantly track and time infant feeding then fret over what and how much their toddlers eat are more likely to have a challenge with food. Our world is…

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What is a High Quality Early Childhood Program?

High-quality early childhood education is garnering media attention, but figuring out what quality is can be hard for families. The research into what leads to great early childhood experiences is mixed; lower child-to-teacher ratios, stringent teacher credentials, and beautiful environments don’t necessarily equal a high-quality program. The best measure of quality in early childhood programs…

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Understanding Accreditation and Regulation in Early Childhood

Each state has their own requirements for operating a child care center. There is no uniform child care regulations so it is important to understand the regulations in your state. Virginia – Child Care Licensing In Virginia, child care centers are licensed by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Licensing regulates basic health and safety…

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Learn what to ask and what to look for when touring an early childhood program

There are lots of articles about questions to ask and what to look for when you’re touring a preschool program. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation about what high-quality early childhood education really looks like. The research into what leads to great early childhood experiences is mixed; lower child-to-teacher ratios, stringent teacher credentials, and…

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What is your plan for children’s days away from home?

Consistency is more important than time. We believe that ideally the child should attend 4 or 5 days a week, in a row, for no less than 3 hours and no more than 9 hours. Children use routines to understand their world and feel safe so the care must be consistent in both caregivers and…

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Would an early childhood program suit your needs?

Benefits You get to be part of a larger school community. You and your child get to make lifelong friends. Your child learns to negotiate with friends, share, build relationships, and be independent. The school will help make your child’s learning visible. The program will support and challenge you and your child to learn and…

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Is a nanny a good choice for your family?

Benefits A nanny may be a less stressful option for children and parents. Some families feel more comfortable with someone being in their own home. You can talk with your nanny to set rules and make decisions about food, diapers, and toys. You get to choose the schedule that works best for your family. The…

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Prepare for a successful transition back to work after baby

When should I go back to work? There are many opinions out there about when and if parents should go back to work after having a child. The only right thing is what is right for your family but we can share our experiences. Based on our extensive work with infants, toddlers, and families, I…

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