If you’re touring childcare centers for your little one, you’re probably asking yourself one big question: Who will be caring for my child every day? Choosing the right childcare teacher is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to your child’s early education. At The Gingerbread House, we understand how deeply parents care about finding a safe, nurturing environment — and it all starts with the people in the classroom.

Here’s what to look for in a high-quality early childhood educator when you’re touring daycare or childcare centers.

1. Warm and Welcoming Personality: The best early childhood teachers create a sense of comfort and connection from the very beginning. During your tour, observe how teachers greet children and interact with families. Are they kind, gentle, and smiling? Do they get down on the child’s level and engage with them warmly? A loving, patient demeanor helps children feel safe, seen, and supported — especially during the early stages of separation from home.

2. Experience and Training in Early Childhood Education: A strong childcare teacher understands the unique needs of young children. Ask about their background in early childhood education — do they have a degree, certification, or specialized training? Great teachers know how to support developmentally appropriate learning through play, routine, and hands-on activities that meet children where they are.

3. Clear Communication Skills: You want a teacher who not only connects with children but communicates well with adults too. Look for teachers who provide updates, answer questions respectfully, and show interest in your child’s personality and needs. At The Gingerbread House, we believe in open, two-way communication between families and educators — because partnership is key to your child’s success.

4. Positive Guidance and Behavior Support: How do teachers respond when a child is upset or acting out? High-quality early childhood educators use gentle guidance strategies — not punishment. Ask about how they handle conflict, encourage kindness, and teach social-emotional skills. You’re looking for a teacher who helps children learn how to express themselves, manage emotions, and build friendships.

5. Engaged and Playful Approach to Learning:  In early childhood education, play is learning. A great teacher creates an engaging environment where children can explore, create, move, and imagine. During your tour, look for classrooms filled with age-appropriate toys, books, sensory materials, and artwork. Do the teachers join in on play, read stories with excitement, or lead fun songs? Enthusiasm is contagious — and it fosters a love for learning.

6. Consistency and Professionalism: Children need reliable, steady care. A dependable teacher shows up on time, follows classroom routines, and maintains a clean, safe, and organized environment. Don’t hesitate to ask about staff turnover, teacher-to-child ratios, and how often your child will see the same caregivers each day.

7. A True Love for Children: Finally — and most importantly — look for a teacher who genuinely enjoys being with children. Do they talk about their work with passion? Can you tell they see each child as a unique individual? A great early childhood educator isn’t just doing a job — they’re investing in your child’s growth and well-being.

Final Thoughts from The Gingerbread House

Touring childcare centers can feel overwhelming, but trust your instincts. When you meet a great teacher, you’ll feel it — in the way they interact with your child, the questions they ask, and the care they show. At The Gingerbread House, we’re proud to have a team of compassionate, highly trained early childhood professionals who are committed to nurturing young minds and hearts.

Looking for more resources on choosing quality childcare? Visit our blog or schedule a tour with us today — we’d love to show you what makes The Gingerbread House a trusted place for little learners to grow.

Every year on April 25, people around the world waddle to celebrate World Penguin Day.  It is important to raises awareness about these adorable, flightless birds and the need to protect their natural habitats. For parents and early childhood educators, this day offers a playful and educational opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of wildlife and environmental care.

Penguin Dress-Up and Movement Play

Encourage children to wear black and white clothing, or even make simple penguin headbands using construction paper and cotton balls. Turn the playroom into an “iceberg adventure” where kids can waddle like penguins, slide on their tummies (with supervision), and balance beanbags on their feet like penguin eggs.

• Supports: Gross motor development and imaginative play

Penguin Story Time

Books are a great way to introduce penguins to young minds with vibrant illustrations and fun facts. Recommended reads include, “Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere!” by Bob Barner; “Tacky the Penguin” by Helen Lester; “If You Were a Penguin” by Wendell and Florence Minor

• Supports: Early literacy and listening skills

Penguin Crafts and Sensory Play

Let creativity take a penguin slide with crafts like Footprint Penguins  or Penguin Sensory Bins.  Penguin Snow Tracks is a simple project done by exploring the effect ice has on black paper after you sprinkle it with salt. (Hint: It makes snowflakes!)

• Supports: Fine motor skills and sensory exploration

Learn About Penguin Habitats

Use a globe or map to show where penguins live (hint: not all penguins live in Antarctica!). Watch short videos that show how penguins move, eat, and care for their young. Try these resources: National Geographic Kids – Penguins  or PBS Kids – Animal Games & Videos

• Supports: Early geography and science curiosity

Sing Penguin Songs and Rhymes

Add penguin-themed music to circle time or sing-alongs. Try: “I’m a Little Penguin” (to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”) or “Have You Ever Seen a Penguin Come to Tea?”

• Supports: Language development and rhythm

Penguin-Themed Learning Stations

Set up stations with age-appropriate activities like Math: Count and sort penguin figurines. Science: Freeze and melt “icebergs” (ice cubes with toys inside). Art: Create snowflake or iceberg collages

• Supports: Early STEM skills and hands-on learning

Why It Matters

World Penguin Day is more than just a chance to celebrate cute animals. For children in daycare or early childhood education programs, it offers rich opportunities to build empathy, curiosity about nature, and early learning skills through themed, play-based activities.  By making this day fun and meaningful, you’re helping children learn about the environment and the importance of caring for animals — all while having a blast!

When it comes to your child’s safety, few things are as important as proper car seat use. Whether you’re headed to childcare, visiting family, or simply running errands, understanding the different types of car seats and when to use them can make all the difference. At our early childhood center, we want to partner with families to help keep children safe both in and out of our care — and that includes on the road.

Types of Car Seats & When to Use Them

Car seats are designed to protect children of various ages and sizes, and choosing the right one for your child’s stage of development is key.

1. Rear-Facing Car Seats (Infant and Convertible):
   These are for newborns and young toddlers. Experts recommend keeping children rear-facing as long as possible — ideally until at least age 2, or when they reach the height and weight limit for their rear-facing seat. Rear-facing seats offer crucial head, neck, and spine support in the event of a crash.
2. Forward-Facing Car Seats (Convertible and Combination):
   Once a child outgrows the rear-facing limits, they can move to a forward-facing seat with a harness. This typically happens between ages 2 and 4, depending on the child’s size. The harness system keeps children secure and should be used until they reach the maximum weight or height limit (usually around 40–65 pounds).
3. Booster Seats:
   When children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they transition to booster seats. Boosters help position the vehicle’s seat belt correctly over the child’s chest and lap. Most children will need a booster until they’re about 4 feet 9 inches tall — typically between ages 8 and 12.
4. Seat Belts:
   Once a child is big enough for a seat belt to fit properly — the lap belt across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest — they can graduate from a booster. Even then, kids under 13 should always ride in the back seat.

Stay Up to Date on Car Seat Guidelines

Car seat safety recommendations can change as new research becomes available, so it’s essential for parents to stay informed. Check for recalls, expiration dates (yes, car seats expire!), and updated guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or your local child passenger safety technicians. It’s also a good idea to periodically check the fit and installation of your child’s seat, especially during growth spurts.

Moving Car Seats Between Vehicles and Leaving Them at Childcare

If your family uses multiple cars or carpools, moving a car seat between vehicles may be necessary. Be sure the seat is reinstalled correctly every time — even small mistakes can reduce effectiveness. Consider using a second car seat if moving it often becomes a hassle or leads to improper installation. If you plan to leave a car seat at our early childhood center for pick-up or emergency use, please make sure it’s clearly labeled and that we’re aware of any special instructions for its use.

A Shared Commitment to Safety

As childcare providers, we take your child’s well-being seriously — and that extends to helping ensure they’re safe during travel. By choosing the correct car seat, staying current with safety guidelines, and ensuring proper use every time, you’re giving your child the best protection possible.

If you ever have questions about car seats or transporting your child to and from daycare, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help guide you to reliable resources or connect you with local car seat safety checks.

Grandparents have always played a special role in a child’s life, offering love, wisdom, and support. Their presence can have a profound impact on a child’s development, creating lifelong bonds that are cherished by both generations.  With changes in family dynamics, work schedules, and technology, grandparents today are finding new and creative ways to stay involved in their grandchildren’s lives—especially when those children are in daycare.

The Evolving Role of Grandparents

Fifteen years ago, many grandparents played a traditional role of providing occasional childcare and being a source of family stories and traditions. However, today’s grandparents are more actively involved in daily routines and caregiving than ever before. Some key changes include: 

• More Grandparents as Caregivers – Many families rely on grandparents for daycare drop-offs, pick-ups, or even full-time care when parents work long hours.
• Long-Distance Grandparenting – With families moving for job opportunities, grandparents often stay connected through video calls, online storytime, and virtual visits.
• More Engaged Grandparents – Today’s grandparents are often healthier and more active, allowing them to be more hands-on in their grandchildren’s lives.
• Technology-Savvy Grandparents – With smartphones and social media, many grandparents are staying connected by sharing photos, sending messages, and keeping up with their grandchildren’s daycare activities online.

Ways Grandparents Can Support Their Grandchildren in Daycare

Even if they don’t see their grandchildren every day, grandparents can still play a vital role in their early learning and development. Here are some meaningful ways they can stay involved:

1. Participate in Daycare Activities: Many daycare centers have special days where family members can visit, such as Grandparents’ Day, reading time, or holiday events. If possible, grandparents can attend these events to show their love and support.

2. Read and Tell Stories: Reading to children is one of the best ways to encourage early literacy. If grandparents live far away, they can schedule video calls to read bedtime stories or send recorded messages with their favorite tales.

3. Share Family Traditions and History: Grandparents can pass down family traditions, songs, and cultural stories, helping children feel connected to their heritage. A simple activity like baking a special family recipe or sharing old photos can create lasting memories.

4. Help with Daycare Transitions: For children who struggle with daycare drop-offs, a grandparent’s familiar face can make the transition easier. If they are involved in pick-up or drop-off routines, they can help reassure the child with a loving presence.

5. Provide Emotional Support: Even young children benefit from knowing they have a grandparent who loves and supports them. Whether it’s through small notes in a lunchbox, a quick phone call, or a weekend visit, grandparents can be a source of comfort and encouragement.

6. Offer Parents a Helping Hand: Grandparents who are able to help with occasional childcare, meal preparation, or errands can provide parents with much-needed relief. This support allows families to spend more quality time together without the stress of daily responsibilities.

Grandparents: A Lasting Influence

No matter how their role has changed, one thing remains the same—grandparents provide unconditional love, wisdom, and a sense of security that helps children thrive. Whether they live nearby or far away, their involvement in a child’s life fosters emotional resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of family connection.

Let’s continue to celebrate and nurture this special relationship in our daycare community!

St. Patrick’s Day is known for leprechauns, shamrocks, and the color green, but it is also a holiday with deep roots. Taking the opportunity to teach children about the real meaning behind the day can help them appreciate the culture and history of Ireland while still having fun with festive traditions.

A Simple St. Patrick’s Day History

Explaining history to young children can be challenging, but breaking it down into simple, engaging ideas makes it easier to understand. Here’s how you can tell a four-year-old about St. Patrick’s Day:

“A long, long time ago, there was a boy named Patrick who lived in a place called Britain. When he was young, he was taken to Ireland, where he worked very hard taking care of animals. After many years, he was able to go back home, but he decided he wanted to return to Ireland to help people and teach them about kindness and love. The people in Ireland liked him so much that they made him a saint! Now, every year on March 17th, people all over the world remember him and celebrate Ireland’s history and culture with music, dancing, and wearing green!”

Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Meaning

To make the holiday more than just wearing green, here are some engaging activities that bring history and Irish culture into your celebration:

1. Read a St. Patrick’s Day Story

Books are a great way to introduce historical events in a kid-friendly way. Some great St. Patrick’s Day books include:

• Patrick: The Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola – A beautifully illustrated and simple biography of St. Patrick.
• The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing – A fun, rhyming book that combines tradition with playful excitement.
• Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola – A classic Irish folktale that teaches about Irish storytelling traditions.

2. Cook Traditional Irish Foods

Cooking together is a wonderful way to experience Irish culture. Try making:

• Irish Soda Bread – A simple bread with flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt.
• Colcannon – Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, a traditional Irish dish.
• Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty meal made with meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

3. Learn an Irish Dance or Song

Irish music and dance are a huge part of the culture. Put on some traditional Irish music and encourage your child to move to the rhythm. If they’re interested, try learning a simple Irish step dance together!

4. Go on a Shamrock Hunt

The shamrock, a three-leaf clover, is a symbol of Ireland. St. Patrick was said to have used the shamrock to teach people about important ideas. Take your child on a nature walk and see if you can find clovers growing outside.

5. Start a Kindness Tradition

Since St. Patrick’s Day is about remembering a man who spread kindness and helped others, you can start a new family tradition of doing a good deed. Some ideas include: Making a card for a neighbor or grandparent; Donating food to a shelter; Doing a small act of kindness, like helping a friend clean up toys.

Bringing St. Patrick’s Day to Life

By sharing a bit of history and engaging in fun traditions, parents can make St. Patrick’s Day more meaningful for their children. Whether it’s through storytelling, cooking, dancing, or acts of kindness, celebrating the holiday in a thoughtful way will help kids understand and appreciate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day beyond just wearing green.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Four- and five-year-olds are growing rapidly and changing so quickly that as parents it is hard to keep up with what is normal and what we should be encouraging vs being concerned about at this new stage. When you look at you child’s cognitive abilities, social skills, language, and motor coordination and wonder if they are ‘on track’ that is a benifit for you and them. At this stage, children are preparing for school and becoming more independent and socially aware. Below are four key developmental milestones for four- and five-year-olds, along with activities to help them progress and resources for further information.

• Advanced Language and Communication Skills: By age four, children’s language skills flourish. They can typically speak in full sentences, describe events, tell stories, and express ideas clearly. They also start to understand and use complex grammar and more nuanced language.
  • • Activities to Help:  Encourage your child to tell stories from their day. This practice helps them organize thoughts and build vocabulary! It is completely on to help them with prompts like, “Did you and Jane play in the kitchen today?” as this helps your child think about a specific event.
• Developing Fine Motor Skills: Your child is gaining improved hand-eye coordination and muscle control. Many chilren can begin to write letters, draw more detailed pictures, and cut with scissors. Fine motor skills are essential for school readiness.
  • • Activities to Help:Offer crayons, pencils, and markers for drawing and writing letters or shapes. Encourage them to practice their name and experiment with shapes and letters.  If your child does not want to pick up a writing tool- try playdough or stinging beads! Both do a great job building those hand muscles.
• Learning Social Skills and Cooperation: Four- and five-year-olds are learning social rules, such as sharing, empathy, and cooperation. They start to form friendships, engage in group play, and understand the importance of taking turns and following rules.
  • • Activities to Help: Playdates, Childcare, Preschool are all places that encourage your child to engage with other children their age so they can practice sharing, cooperation, and empathy.  As a parent, try playing pretend games such as “school” or “store” allows children to practice social roles and understand others’ perspectives.
• Cognitive Skills: This includes problem-solving and memory in your child. Children become curious about how things work, ask many “why” questions, and start to grasp basic concepts like time, counting, and sorting.  Allow your child to explore
  • • Activities to Help:Puzzles and building toys like blocks or LEGO improve spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.  As well as, Engage in activities that involve counting objects, sorting by color or shape, and recognizing patterns to strengthen early math skills.

Supporting your child’s milestones at four and five years old helps prepare them for the next steps in social, cognitive, and physical development. As each child develops at their own pace, providing a supportive environment is key.  Remember you are not alone. Your child’s teachers at The Gingerbread House are here to help you and answer any questions you might have. Embrace the learning journey with your child, encouraging them as they grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity about the world around them!