In today’s fast-paced world, making sure that our children receive the right nutrition can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Parents are constantly juggling work, home responsibilities, and the ever-evolving needs of their little ones. One of the most pressing concerns is always trying to figure out what you should -feed your child. Establishing a well-balanced diet is especially important when they’re at that curious daycare age, where they’re exploring the world and developing tastes. Here, we’ll explore what exactly the nutritional needs of your children are in childcare! Understanding ..read more

We are all exposed to new information and new experiences multiple times a day, just like children. Being able to absorb and process all this information is an important part of childhood development, as they are learning from everything around them all the time. Every child is different with different learning styles, which is why multi-sensory learning is an effective and inclusive way to reach every child. When looking for a childcare center it’s important to ask what learning styles they practice. This way you will have a comprehensive idea of the type of childhood education your young one ..read more

The decision to send your child to a daycare center is often fraught with worry and doubt. And while it may be an exciting milestone, it can also bring feelings of guilt which is quite normal. As you near the big day you may wonder if the benefits outweigh the stress, and the answer is yes. There are many benefits of daycare and not just for your little one, but for you too! The advantages have been researched extensively and found to have positive implications that extend far beyond a child’s day-to-day happiness. Let’s also not forget that daycare provides parents the time and space needed t ..read more

Summer is finally here! And while that may be exciting for some (fun adventures and no alarm clock!) it can cause panic in others (the routine just flew out the window!). The good news is that there *is* a way to strike a balance between ice cream for dinner and strict chore charts without feeling stressed. If you’re still using a child care center throughout the summer then a lot of your routine will stay the same. But there are long holiday weekends and spontaneous days that add to the mix. Maybe you’re starting the process and searching “day care centers near me” for the fall. Let’s make th ..read more

Studies are showing that children learn more through play than through direct instruction. That makes sense because it’s easier to pay attention and be excited about something when it’s fun and engaging. At Ducklings Early Learning Centers, we acknowledge that children are not adults, and allowing them childhood joys is what we encourage. Wonder, exploration, and student agency are the key elements of play, which is why we have ample opportunities for them throughout your child’s day. Our carefully planned curriculum is composed around play with a focus around mind, body, heart, and family. Ch ..read more

Rolling over, crawling, walking, and talking are all important milestones. Children are learning them every day whether they realize it or not. Each age has a set of milestones that are necessary for development, and it’s a good idea to make sure that your childcare center is fostering an environment that encourages these. Daycare-aged developmental milestones very depending on each child, but here at Ducklings Early Learning Center we have made sure each classroom provides growth opportunities. From our Butterfly room to our Kindergarten Katydids, every child has a chance to blossom. Infants ..read more

It’s March and approaching the end of winter–what a great time to celebrate National Crafting Month! There are so many joys and benefits to crafting with children of all ages, but especially those between 3-8 years old. That’s why we make sure our childcare education incorporates daily craft time. Not only is it fun to get creative and messy, but there are many opportunities for skill development. Positive childhood habits are important to establish early on. When arts and crafts are introduced and encouraged during preschool years, it unlocks a world of potential for your little ones. Motor S ..read more

If you’re looking for daycare centers, you might be seeing the phrase “play-based learning” pop up. Play-based learning is a type of early childhood education based on child-focused learning and open-ended play. If you’re imagining preschoolers finger painting or ‘playing house’, you’re exactly right. This type of approach is incredibly beneficial for your child for a number of reasons. Here at Ducklings Early Learning Center, we incorporate this into our Whole Child approach. Why is this important? Children are naturally wired to do the very thing that will help them learn and grow. According ..read more

The new year is a perfect time to work on some new habits, not only for parents but children as well. People can develop good habits at any age, and it’s critical to teach children while they are young. Childhood habits can stick with them throughout their life so it’s important to start out on the right foot. And with anyone, it’s not just STARTING a good habit that’s necessary, but also sticking with it that counts. Are you looking to help your child be successful with their goal-setting? Here are some great ways to nurture their childhood development while making some new habits fun and aro ..read more

As we enter the winter months and the days get shorter, playing outside might not feel as easy as it does in the summertime. That doesn’t mean it’s less important, however! For daycare-aged children being able to get outside and run around is necessary for their mental and physical health. There’s so much outdoor learning to explore and fun new outdoor play activities to enjoy. Fresh air contains high levels of negative ions that can have a positive impact on brain function, mood, and well-being. Sunlight provides Vitamin D that children need to grow strong, healthy bones. Lots of beneficial ..read more