Choosing the right daycare or childcare program for your child is a big decision — and one of the most important factors is the people caring for your little one each day. A great childcare teacher can make all the difference in your child’s early learning experience, helping them feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

As an early childhood educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a nurturing and skilled teacher can be. Whether you’re touring a daycare for the first time or already enrolled and getting to know the staff, here are some key characteristics to look for in a high-quality childcare teacher.

1. Warmth and Nurturing Personality: Children thrive when they feel safe and loved. Look for teachers who are gentle, kind, and responsive to children’s needs. A warm smile, calm voice, and genuine affection go a long way in building trust and emotional security — especially for infants and toddlers.
2. Patience and Understanding: Young children are still learning how to communicate, regulate their emotions, and navigate the world. Great childcare teachers approach challenges with empathy, staying calm during tantrums and offering guidance with a steady hand. Patience isn’t just a nice trait — it’s essential in early childhood settings.
3. Strong Communication Skills: Good teachers keep parents informed and involved. They share daily updates, answer questions openly, and listen to families’ concerns. A great teacher can communicate well with children and adults, building strong partnerships between home and childcare.
4. Knowledge of Child Development: Early childhood educators should have a solid understanding of how children grow, learn, and develop socially and emotionally. Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, great teachers recognize age-appropriate milestones and know how to support learning through play and exploration.
   

   

5. Creativity and Enthusiasm: Young children are naturally curious — and great teachers feed that curiosity with engaging activities, songs, stories, and games. Look for a teacher who brings energy and creativity to the classroom, turning everyday moments into opportunities for learning and joy.
6. Dependability and Professionalism: You want to know your child is in reliable hands. A great teacher arrives on time, communicates professionally, and follows safety and health protocols consistently. In a daycare or childcare setting, consistency builds stability for both children and families.
7. Positive Classroom Management: Rather than harsh discipline, high-quality childcare teachers use gentle guidance and clear expectations to help children learn self-control. They set boundaries with kindness and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
8. A Love for Children: This one might seem obvious, but it’s the most important of all. The best childcare teachers truly enjoy working with young children. They delight in small moments — a baby’s first steps, a toddler’s silly joke, a preschooler’s big question — and see each day as an Opportunity to make a difference.

Trusting Your Instincts 

 

When visiting a daycare or speaking with your child’s teacher, pay attention to how they interact with children. Are they down at eye level, engaged in play, and responsive to each child’s needs? Do the children seem happy, comfortable, and connected? These everyday moments reveal a lot about the heart of a teacher.

At the end of the day, a great childcare teacher is someone who will care for your child with compassion, guide their early learning, and celebrate their growth alongside you. It’s a big responsibility — and a beautiful calling.

Whether your child is just starting out in daycare or transitioning to a new classroom, knowing what to look for in a teacher can help you feel confident in your childcare choice — and assured that your little one is in good hands.

In today’s digital age, technology is part of early childhood development. From interactive educational apps, to all of the media used around us on a daily basis to make our lives better. However, without proper guidance, these tools can also pose risks such as overuse, exposure to inappropriate content, and the potential for developing unhealthy screen habits. This is where parental involvement and actively engaging with your children’s tech use by setting clear guidelines, and choosing high-quality content– YES, you can create a balanced and safe digital environment that enhances learning and development. Whether at home or in daycare, childcare, or preschool settings, parental involvement is key to fostering healthy technology habits in young children.

The Role of Parental Involvement in Technology Use

Guiding Technology Choices

One of the most important roles parents play is selecting appropriate digital content for their children. Not all screen time is equal! The quality of the apps, games, or videos that children consume makes a significant difference in their development. Educational apps that encourage interactive learning, problem-solving, and creativity can enhance cognitive development, while passive or inappropriate content will have negative consequences.

• Age-Appropriate Content: Preschool content should focus on foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning.
• Interactive and Engaging: Look for content that encourages active participation. Apps that involve children in problem-solving, storytelling, or creative expression are more beneficial than those that only require passive watching.
• Monitor and Co-View: When possible, parents should co-view or co-play with their children. This allows them to guide the learning process, answer questions, and reinforce the educational value of the content.

Setting Screen Time Limits

Another critical aspect of parental mediation is setting healthy boundaries around screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 2 to 5 years old should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, consisting of high-quality, educational content. Establishing clear limits on screen use helps children develop a balanced relationship with technology, ensuring they have plenty of time for physical play, social interaction, and hands-on learning.

• Create a Screen Time Schedule: Establish a daily or weekly screen time schedule that includes both tech-based and non-tech activities. This could involve allocating specific times for educational apps or shows while prioritizing outdoor play and social interaction.
• Encourage Tech-Free Zones: Designating certain areas of the home as tech-free zones, such as bedrooms or dining areas, can help reinforce healthy screen habits. This also encourages children to engage in other activities, such as reading or creative play.

Promoting Balance with Real-World Activities

While technology offers many benefits, young children still need hands-on, real-world experiences to develop important social, emotional, and physical skills. Parents play a vital role in ensuring that screen time is balanced with activities that promote active play, creativity, and social interaction.

• Encourage Physical Play: Physical activity is essential for a child’s overall development. Parents should prioritize activities that get children moving, whether it’s playing outside, engaging in sports, or simply running and jumping. This is especially important in daycare, childcare, or preschool settings where children need opportunities to play and explore their physical environment.
• Foster Creativity: Creative play is essential for cognitive development. Activities such as drawing, building with blocks, or engaging in imaginative play help children develop problem-solving skills and fine motor coordination. While some digital tools support creativity, real-world experiences remain irreplaceable.

Teaching Digital Literacy and Safety

In addition to curating content and setting limits, parents must also take an active role in teaching their children digital literacy and online safety. Even in early childhood, it’s essential for children to begin developing an understanding of how to navigate technology safely.

• Teach Online Safety Basics: For older preschoolers, parents can start introducing simple concepts about online safety. This can include discussing the importance of not sharing personal information and understanding that not all online content is appropriate for children.
• Model Healthy Behavior: Children learn by observing the adults around them. Parents who demonstrate healthy screen habits, such as taking breaks, balancing screen time with other activities, and avoiding screen use during family time, set a positive example for their children to follow.

Managing Exposure to Inappropriate Content

One of the biggest concerns with unmonitored screen time is the risk of children being exposed to inappropriate content, including violent or harmful media. Parental mediation is essential for ensuring that young children are only exposed to safe and age-appropriate content.

• Use Parental Controls: Most digital devices and streaming platforms have built-in parental control features that allow parents to filter content, set time limits, and monitor what their children are watching or playing.
• Co-View and Discuss: By co-viewing and discussing the content with their children, parents can reinforce positive lessons and clarify any confusing or concerning themes. This is especially important in early childhood education, where young children may not fully understand the content they are consuming.

Benefits of Parental Mediation in Early Childhood Education

Parental involvement and mediation in children’s use of technology benefit not only the child’s development but also their overall well-being. Here’s how:

• Enhanced Learning: With guidance from parents or caregivers, children are more likely to engage in meaningful learning experiences with technology. Parents can help their children understand and apply what they’ve learned from educational apps or programs.
• Better Social-Emotional Development: Balanced screen time with face-to-face interactions fosters stronger social and emotional skills. This is especially important in daycare, childcare, and preschool settings, where children need opportunities to develop empathy, communication, and cooperation.
• Fostering Independence and Critical Thinking: Parents who encourage interactive and problem-solving digital activities can help children develop critical thinking and independent learning skills, laying the foundation for future academic success.

Parental involvement and mediation are essential for ensuring that young children benefit from digital tools while avoiding the potential harms of overuse or exposure to inappropriate content. By guiding their children’s tech use, setting clear limits, and promoting a healthy balance of screen time and real-world activities, parents and caregivers can support their children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. In the context of early childhood education, whether in daycare, childcare, or preschool, parental mediation plays a crucial role in fostering positive digital habits that will benefit children well into the future.

Regular well-child checkups are a crucial part of keeping your child healthy, especially in the early years when growth and development happen rapidly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), well checks play a key role in early detection of health issues, which can lead to better outcomes. Statistics show that children who receive regular well checks experience fewer emergency room visits and lower rates of serious health issues as they grow.

Why Well Checks Matter

• Growth and Development Monitoring: In early childhood, growth happens quickly. Well checks allow pediatricians to track height, weight, and head circumference, ensuring your child is on a healthy growth path.
• Preventive Care: The CDC reports that regular checkups help prevent childhood diseases and conditions through vaccinations and screenings. These visits are an opportunity to stay up-to-date on vaccines that protect against diseases like measles, whooping cough, and more.
• Developmental Screenings: Well-child visits include screenings for developmental milestones, such as language, motor skills, and social behavior. Catching delays early leads to timely interventions that can support a child’s development.

How Often Should Your Child Visit the Pediatrician?

The AAP recommends a series of well checks starting shortly after birth and continuing through adolescence. For young children, the schedule typically includes:

• Newborn: First week of life
• Infant (1-12 months): At 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months
• Toddler (1-3 years): At 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months
• Preschool Age (3-5 years): Annual visits

By sticking to this schedule, you help ensure that any health or developmental issues can be addressed early on. According to the CDC, early intervention has been shown to significantly improve a child’s long-term health and developmental outcomes.

What to Expect at a Well Check Appointment

A well-child visit includes a range of assessments to get a comprehensive view of your child’s health:

1. Physical Exams: Your pediatrician will examine your child’s vital signs and perform a head-to-toe physical assessment.
2. Growth Tracking: Measurements of height, weight, and head circumference help track healthy growth.
3. Developmental Milestone Review: The doctor will ask about your child’s abilities, like language use, motor skills, and social interactions, to assess developmental progress.
4. Vaccinations: Staying on track with vaccinations is important for preventing diseases.  Don’t forget to ask for a copy to bring to Brookshire Learning Center!
5. Parent Consultation: These visits are also an opportunity for you to ask questions about sleep, nutrition, behavior, and any other concerns.

A Healthier Future for Your Child

By staying consistent with well checks, you’re giving your child a healthy start. These appointments are invaluable for monitoring growth, catching potential issues early, and building a strong foundation for lifelong wellness. If you have any questions about your child’s well check schedule or what to expect, feel free to reach out to us or your child’s pediatrician.

As parents, we all want to provide the best environment for our children to grow, learn, and thrive. One way to ensure your child’s development remains on track is by keeping them in childcare year-round. Consistent childcare offers numerous benefits for children of all ages, from infants to preschoolers.

Benefits for Infants (0-12 Months)

 

Infants experience rapid growth and development in their first year. Consistent childcare provides:

1. Stable Routines: Predictable daily schedules in childcare help infants feel secure and develop a sense of trust in their caregivers.
2. Sensory Stimulation: High-quality childcare programs offer age-appropriate sensory activities that promote brain development, including tummy time, music, and exploration.
3. Social Interaction: Even at an early age, exposure to other children and caregivers fosters early social skills and helps infants become more comfortable with new faces.
4. Experienced Caregivers: Professional caregivers understand infant milestones and can support motor skill development, language emergence, and emotional bonding.

Benefits for Toddlers (1-3 Years)

The toddler years are filled with curiosity and exploration. Year-round childcare provides:

1. Language Development: Regular interaction with peers and caregivers helps toddlers expand their vocabulary and improve communication skills.
2. Social Skills: Childcare environments teach toddlers how to share, take turns, and collaborate with others, essential for emotional and social growth.
3. Motor Skills: Activities like climbing, painting, and dancing enhance both fine and gross motor skills.
4. Structure and Boundaries: Daily routines and consistent rules in childcare settings teach toddlers self-regulation and provide a sense of security.

Benefits for Preschool Children (3-5 Years)

For preschoolers, year-round childcare sets the stage for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond. Key benefits include:

1. School Readiness: Many childcare centers offer educational curriculums that introduce literacy, math, and science concepts, ensuring children are prepared for formal schooling.
2. Social Confidence: Interacting with peers in group settings builds confidence, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills.
3. Creative Expression: Activities like art, music, and pretend play encourage creativity and critical thinking.
4. Cognitive Growth: Structured learning experiences support problem-solving, memory, and concentration skills.

Why Year-Round Matters

1. Consistent Learning: Breaks in childcare can lead to disruptions in learning and development, making it harder for children to retain skills and knowledge.
2. Emotional Security: Regular attendance helps children build strong relationships with caregivers and peers, fostering a sense of belonging and stability.
3. Routine Maintenance: Year-round childcare ensures children maintain healthy routines, including meal times, naps, and educational activities.
4. Parent Peace of Mind: Knowing your child is in a safe, nurturing environment year-round allows you to focus on your work and other responsibilities without worry.

Choosing the Right Year-Round Program

When selecting a childcare program, consider one that offers age-appropriate curriculums, experienced staff, and a safe, engaging environment. Communication between parents and caregivers is also key to ensuring your child’s unique needs are met.

By keeping your child in childcare year-round, you’re providing them with a stable, enriching environment that supports their growth and prepares them for future success. For more information about our program offerings and how we tailor our approach to your child’s developmental stage, feel free to reach out to us or visit our website.

Early childhood education is a critical foundation for a child’s future learning, development, and success. During these formative years, children’s brains are developing rapidly, and the experiences they have play a significant role in shaping their cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. As a working parent, selecting the right childcare option is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child.

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

Research has consistently shown that early childhood education provides children with lasting benefits, including:

1. Cognitive Development: Quality early education helps children develop language, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
2. Social Skills: Interaction with peers and educators fosters collaboration, empathy, and communication skills.
3. Emotional Regulation: Structured environments help children learn how to manage their emotions and develop resilience.
4. Academic Success: Studies, including those conducted by organizations like the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) indicate that children who attend quality early education programs perform better academically throughout their school years.

Daycare: A Popular Choice

Daycare centers are a common choice for working parents, offering structured environments and professionally trained staff. The benefits of daycare include:

• Learning Opportunities: Many daycares incorporate educational activities tailored to different age groups, preparing children for school.
• Socialization: Daycare provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, building social and emotional skills.
• Reliability: Most daycare centers operate on fixed schedules, which can provide consistency for working parents.
• Qualified Staff: Licensed daycares often employ caregivers trained in child development and first aid.

However, not all daycare centers are created equal. When choosing a daycare, consider the following: Licensing and accreditation, Staff-to-child ratios, Curriculum and daily routines, Safety measures, and Reviews and references from other parents.  You can visit resources like Child Care Aware to find licensed daycare centers in your area.

Comparing Other Childcare Options

While daycare is a popular choice, parents may also consider other options, such as nannies, relatives, or cooperative childcare arrangements. Each comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.

1. Nannies:
   • Pros: One-on-one attention, personalized care, flexibility.
   • Cons: Higher cost, dependency on a single caregiver.
2. Relatives:
   • Pros: Trust and familiarity, typically low cost.
   • Cons: Lack of formal education or training in child development, potential for blurred boundaries.
3. Cooperative Childcare:
   • Pros: Community-driven, shared costs, socialization.
   • Cons: Requires parental involvement, less structure than traditional daycare.

Making the Best Choice for Your Family

The best childcare option depends on your family’s needs, values, and budget. When choosing a daycare or any other childcare arrangement, always remain true to what is in your child’s best interest. You can visit the facility or meet the caregiver in person. Ask about their policies on discipline, emergencies, and communication. Ensure the environment is safe, clean, and engaging. And check credentials, licensing, and background checks.

Investing in your child’s early education is one of the most impactful decisions you can make as a parent. Daycare centers offer a structured, educational, and social environment for children while providing peace of mind for working parents. By carefully evaluating your options and prioritizing quality care, you can set your child on a path to lifelong success.