Child Care Providers Resource Network (CCPRN)

Playdough supports many areas of early childhood development in a fun, hands-on way.

✅Strengthens hand muscles and develops the fine motor skills needed for writing
✅Improves hand-eye coordination through squeezing, kneading, and pinching
✅Encourages sensory exploration and supports emotional regulation by providing a calming outlet
✅Builds language development, early math skills, and imagination through open-ended play

⚠️ But did you know? ⚠️👇
Raw flour can carry harmful bacteria and has been linked to several recalls and outbreaks. To help reduce the risk of illness, new guidelines recommend baking the flour before using it to make playdough (even if your recipe calls for cooking the playdough on the stove) or for any other sensory materials/doughs that contain flour as an ingredient.

📌Heat treat the flour by spreading it out evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a 350F oven until the internal temperature of the flour reaches 165F (74C). Let cool and use as directed in your favourite playdough/sensory dough recipe. You can store any extra heat-treated flour in a clean, dry container for later use.

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A new month brings a fresh start and a chance to reset our goals and focus on a positive mindset.

Like a blank page, it invites us to move forward with renewed energy, gratitude, and purpose.

June is full of hope, and inspiration for growth is all around.

What motivates and inspires you?

Starting a home child care program in Ontario can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to rules, ratios, and regulations. Whether you’re affiliated with a licensed agency or operating independently, understanding these limits helps you stay compliant, confident, and focused on providing safe, quality care.
If you’re just getting started, we’ve created a FREE Getting Started Guide to support you every step of the way — with clear explanations, practical tips, and trusted information for home child care providers in Ontario.

📘Download the guide: https://bit.ly/49NM9WD
🔖Save this post to reference later
📤Share it with a provider who’s just starting out.

Supporting home child care providers across Ontario — that’s what we’re here for.

It's a beautiful morning here in Ottawa - perfect for an outdoor nature colour hunt!

Nature colour hunts invite children to slow down, observe closely, and engage with the outdoor environment in a purposeful way. As they search for different colours in leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural materials, they are building vocabulary, strengthening observation skills, and making meaningful connections through play.

Simple invitations like this can turn an everyday outdoor walk into a rich learning experience that supports curiosity, language, and early thinking skills.

Follow us for more play ideas, activity inspiration, and resources for home child care
providers.

Wishing those who celebrate a joyous Eid al-Adha filled with happiness and beautiful memories.

Late May brings more outdoor time, more movement, and more discovery.

Nature invites children to explore, take manageable risks, solve problems, and practise self-regulation.

You make this possible by creating safe conditions for real learning to happen in real environments.

What is your favourite outdoor activity to do with your group right now?

Regular disinfection in home daycare settings is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Young children with developing immune systems are highly susceptible to infections, and germs can survive for hours, or even days, on high-touch surfaces.

Bleach is an effective and inexpensive disinfectant when properly diluted - typically 10 mL bleach to 990 mL water for daily disinfecting of toys, tables, and high-touch surfaces. Allow for at least 2 minutes of contact time and air dry. Always use fresh solutions daily, ensure proper ventilation, and keep all cleaning and disinfecting products out of the reach of children.

Find the full instructions here:

https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/9665-Child-Care-Centres-Information-SheetBleach-Solutions-for-Disinfecting.pdf

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-in-child-care-centres-and-schools.aspx

Consistent disinfection stops outbreaks, protects your daycare children, and helps to keep your own family healthy too.

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If you have a slower day today, take it as permission to recharge.

Rest is not a reward. It is part of sustainability in this work.

Even small moments of renewal help you return with more patience, presence, and clarity.

What helps you recharge when you need it most?

Hope everyone is enjoying a lovely and restful long weekend!