[Gazelle Hudspeth]

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps early learning providers in several important ways: Helps Track Progress, Informs Planning, Supports individualization, Improves Communications, Identifies Red Flags Early, and Strengthens Relationships..

[Gazelle Hudspeth]

I feel like screen time can rob the idea of playing and exploration. Unless it is a learning material that children can benefit from, but still limit their use of it. Children can easily get suck into brain stimulation easily. Sometimes they show more excitement when it’s screen time than when playing outside. Research shows the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen media (television, computer games, videos, DVDs, etc.) for children two and younger. Older children should see no more than 1-2 hours per day. So, I think this is clear that there are big effects that can cause damage to babies exposed to screen time. We must always check ourselves as Childcare providers and start making better decisions in keeping the kids busy, active, and happy without screen time.

[Gazelle Hudspeth]

Serve and return is how young children learn best—through warm, responsive back-and-forth interaction with the people who care for them. Peek-a-boo is a very common serve and return activity.

[Gazelle Hudspeth]

Working through the WACs showed me how thoughtfully they’re crafted to support best practices—ensuring safe, dignified, and developmentally responsive learning environments. They’re not just policy—they form the backbone of consistent, high-quality care every day.