If you spend time with children, you’ve probably seen them take an ordinary object and turn it into a magical play scenario. From empty boxes to natural objects, children can make-believe with any number of things. Imaginative play comes naturally to young children, and for good reason: it’s one of the most important tools they…

If your family is feeling stuck inside after months of social distancing, it’s time to branch out. Luckily, there are many Phoenix-area attractions that have opened with safety precautions. There are plenty of family-friendly activities open right now in Phoenix, whether you’re looking for virtual, indoor, or outdoor fun. We’re proud to have served Arizona…

Understanding and communicating emotions is an important milestone for children. Adults play a big role in teaching children how to use their words to explain their feelings. But teaching a child to express their emotions can feel like a daunting task. Here are some simple ways to help children better understand their emotions and communicate…

If you want to raise kids who are confident in their individuality, you have to consider their character. Kids who have a strong sense of right and wrong are more likely to be comfortable in their own skin. Families can help by teaching positive character traits to their children. When kids know they are making…

Every caregiver wants to instill healthy habits in their children. But promoting healthy eating and good sleep habits is hard to do day in and day out. By incorporating these habits into your family’s routine, you can help set your child up for success as they grow. Make healthy habits part of your family’s everyday…

There are many buzzwords used to describe early-childhood education. One of the most common is “high-quality preschool.” When looking for a preschool in Phoenix, most families would agree that choosing one described as high-quality is ideal. It sounds great, but what does it really mean for a preschool program to be high-quality? Here are some…

When it’s time to send your child to preschool, it can feel overwhelming for families. Choosing the right preschool for your family in Phoenix can feel daunting. Unlike high school or college, most adults don’t remember their own experiences with preschool! Without personal experience to draw from, it can feel like you’re starting from scratch.…

For many, December is a month of celebrations. Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or just enjoys celebrating winter with festive traditions, there are lots of ways to include children in the celebrations. Below are some ideas for making holiday memories that are kid-friendly and bring the whole family together. We’re proud to have…

There’s no doubt Christmas looks different than normal this year for everyone. If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids over the holidays, we’ve got you covered! Read on, grab your supplies, and create some family memories! With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you and the kids can make…

Being at home more doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun! Most classic kids’ science experiences can be done with simple materials you already have at home. Below are some great experiments to try as a family. Whether you’re interested in cooking, something quick and simple, or something messy, there’s an experiment your…

Halloween is the start of the fall and winter holiday season and this year, it’s going to be different. Perhaps you’re expecting a season of disappointment, without the traditional family celebrations. After all, what’s Halloween without trick-or-treating? But there’s actually lots of family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween safely this year. You don’t have to build…

Has your family enjoyed the outdoors lately? Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor time. As the weather begins to cool down in Phoenix, it’s wonderful to spend time as a family outside. Playing outdoors offers so many benefits for young children. From gross motor development to a greater understanding of their senses, outside…

As a parent, you may have found yourself asking the ever-popular question, “do kids need preschool?” We’re so glad you asked and you’ve come to the right place! Preschool is an important first step in a child’s academic journey. Children who attend high-quality preschool experience numerous benefits. They learn important early literacy skills, social skills,…

How To Incorporate Loose Parts Play Into Your Home Everyone is spending more time at home these days. For many families, that means becoming overwhelmed by their children’s toy situation. Perhaps you’re having one of these common problems: -Your home is overrun by plastic, noisy toys.-Your children quickly lose interest in their new toys.-Expensive, store-bought…

Five quick and healthy snacks toddlers love! Getting enough food into your toddler can be a surprisingly frustrating task. They have small mouths and the younger children have limited ability to chew, so everything has to be small enough to eat without choking. Paradoxically, toddlers will get cranky if you miss a snack time but…

What Does Play-Based Learning Look Like? At Valley Childcare and Learning Centers, our early learning programs are “play-based.” For many parents, this may seem counter-intuitive. Shouldn’t learning and play be two separate things? For young children, the best way to learn is through play! That’s why at Valley Learning Centers, children spend their days developing…