It’s normal to worry about your child’s development, especially during the early years when so much is happening for the first time. While each child grows at their own pace, there are markers pediatricians suggest children should reach by a certain age. Dr. Ruth Letizia, a pediatrician with Banner Health Center in Mesa, AZ, stated,… Read More
A new daycare opened its doors in Exton, PA on Monday, January 17th. The brand-new, state-of-the-art childcare center focuses on educating and nurturing children through classroom models and learning plans designed with specific age groups in mind from infants to kindergarteners. Ducklings Early Learning Center emphasizes learning through exploration and play to help children develop… Read More
New Year’s is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate with your little ones than to establish a New Year’s routine? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s all about making time to spend with one another and evolving together. You can create fun activities with your kids the whole family… Read More
Even if a reputable daycare center provides a welcome reprieve for working parents, it can still be difficult to consider dropping off little ones for the day. However, numerous studies have found children can receive long-term emotional, academic, and physical health benefits by attending high quality early learning programs. Here’s more information on the positive… Read More
Searching for kid-friendly activities this Halloween? Go beyond decorating pumpkins and try something new with your little ones. Read on to explore tasty treats and simple, yet fun crafting ideas the whole family can enjoy. Spooky Snacks to Make With Your Kids From savory to sweet, here are some fun, kooky snacks to make with… Read More
Transitioning back to daycare or school can be tough on families. However, by planning and exercising patience, parents can help their kids adjust to daycare to make it a rewarding experience. If you’re wondering how to help your little one adapt, read on to see the best tips for getting back to your daycare schedule…. Read More
Ducklings Early Learning Center – Spring City received a coveted Keystone STARS 4 certification. Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is Pennsylvania’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) under Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The system focuses on assessing and improving the quality of education provided by an… Read More
Physical movement is an important part of a healthy life, especially in childhood. Physical activity impacts our health in many ways, but did you know that one specific type of physical movement can impact a child’s cognitive and emotional development? “Crossing the midline” requires both sides of the brain to communicate and work together. Picture… Read More
Everyone can agree high-quality preschool experiences are extremely beneficial for young children. Children attending these programs have greater academic gains and the socialization leads to stronger social and emotional skills (check out our October 12th blog post: The Value of Socialization). But, did you know these benefits actually stretch throughout the child’s lifetime? In October,… Read More
Our theme this week is Children’s Literature and as our Ducks dive into all kinds of books, we thought we’d share some tips with parents. There are some simple strategies you can use to bring your story time from so-so to SUPER! The New York Times recently published an article entitled, “How to Tell a… Read More
It has been a strange and stressful few months for everyone but as families begin sending their children back to childcare and schools begin to reopen, we thought we’d shine a light on the value of school, even for our youngest learners. Back in July, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) made the case for… Read More
Describing the brain as “complex” is a true understatement. Understanding the structure and functions of the mind can even be a challenge for doctors and scientists. However, there are some basic concepts in brain science that can help humans with emotional regulation, social interactions, and learning. Young children are more than capable of grasping these… Read More
Since the pandemic began, one of the toughest things to face has been social isolation. This has been especially true for senior citizens. As one of the populations with the highest risk, seniors have been missing their loved ones for months. Many nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living facilities have requested messages from “pen… Read More
Don’t underestimate the value of outdoor learning! Today, we’ll focus on the SCIENCE of outdoor learning. We all know fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are benefits of playing outside. But, did you know outdoor learning can impact all areas of development? According to the North American Association for Environmental Education, “Previous research has demonstrated positive… Read More
Times are strange and the lack of normalcy can be extremely challenging. Many parents are homeschooling their children and this can be a struggle for everyone involved. Our advice is don’t get too wrapped up in academics the way many of us know them- flash cards, worksheets, etc. Learning happens everywhere and in lots of… Read More