It is Black History Month, and we are celebrating Early Childhood Black Educators.  Rita Pierson, Ed. D., born in Houston, Texas, was a child of educators. After graduating with her teaching degree from Elmhurst College, she began her career in 1972, teaching in elementary, junior high, and special education over the years. She also served as a school counselor, assistant principal, testing coordinator, and consultant. From the time she started, she was an advocate for children in every role she held. Many of our core values here at LeafSpring, community, leadership, and ownership, were s ..read more

Happy Valentine’s Day! And nothing says “I love you!” like crafting with your little ones! Have a child who loves butterflies? We are sure they will enjoy this sweet butterfly craft.  As you work on this craft together, you can help your child take ownership of their work and make it a learning activity too! Some questions or prompts to ask might include: What supplies do you think we need? Can you find the… (and list the supplies as you go)? Which color do you want your butterfly to be? Please show me how you hold scissors safely.  How many googly eyes should we add? Let’s count it ..read more

Getting messy is an essential part of children’s early childhood development. In fact, if you reflect on your own childhood, playing in the mud or jumping in rain puddles is probably one of your favorite memories. Here are just a few reasons you should embrace messy play in the classroom: Messy play provides hands-on learning experiences. Reading about something is a very different thing than actually seeing something in person and having the opportunity to touch and observe it. For example, you can read about rain in books, watch it fall, and measure how much rain has fallen, but you ca ..read more

This time of the year is filled with anticipation and excitement. Anticipating the holidays and all the fun (and sometimes stress) that comes with it. Excitement for the special traditions and gift-giving and receiving. Looking toward the new year can bring about those feelings as well. We reflect on the past year and look toward what a new year may bring. It also may be a time where you set New Year’s resolutions for yourself. What if this year you included your kids? In an article written for the American Academy of Pediatric’s website, HealthyChildren.org, Dr. Lanre Omojokun Falusi, a Washi ..read more