FirstDay Learning

We had a great first session at the NISHDA conference working with educators on strategies to improve engagement and readiness for children with Autism. They were on their feet, sharing stories, sharing ideas. We cannot thank them enough--we learned so much from them and from their experiences with their programs!

We are so excited to be part of the annual National Indian Head Start Directors Association Conference in Costa Mesa, CA this week! We will be working with teachers, coaches, and leaders in our Autism Strategies and Family Engagement Workshops. We can't wait to hear from programs from across the country--it's going to be an exciting week!

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights the work that educators, researchers, and advocates are doing to improve early childhood outcomes across the country.

In Colorado, the state’s universal preschool program continues expanding early education access, serving 70% of the state’s eligible children.

During a TIME100 Panel discussion this spring, four experts highlighted the significant role of early childhood education and proposed strategies for increasing our investment in these programs.

In Michigan, a team of researchers studying chronic absenteeism found that intentional and time-intensive home-visits may play a role in increasing student attendance.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Colorado: https://governorsoffice.colorado.gov/governor/news/colorado-universal-preschool-expands-access-while-providing-quality-early-childhood-0

TIME100:
https://time.com/collection/time100-summit-gala/2026/rethinking-early-education/

Michigan:
https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-michigan-absenteeism/

We've had a great time working with educators during the Georgia Head Start Association Spring Conference. We loved hearing from teachers, coaches, and leaders from across the state - a fantastic couple of days!

Georgia Head Start Association, Inc.

We are so excited to be presenting at the Georgia Head Start Spring Conference this week in St. Simon's Island, GA! They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Georgia Head Start Association with the theme Alignment in Action.

We will be working with educators during:

- The morning Plenary, speaking on Understanding Autism
- A breakout session, speaking on Family Engagement
- Meetings with Program Directors to understand their individual needs

If you're here too, come see us!

Happy Friday! Our quarterly newsletter is launching soon, and it's not too late to get the spring edition sent straight to your inbox! Sign up here: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights organizations across the country taking intentional steps to encourage creative play, cultivate meaningful learning spaces, and support educators.

In California, an early learning center recognizes the importance of exploratory play, replacing its asphalt lot with an interactive learning garden.

In Iowa, policy-makers show support for educators throughout the state, officially passing legislation that provides free childcare for childcare workers who qualify for the program.

In Pennsylvania, an organization creates inspiring community play spaces that spark curiosity and encourage intentional intergenerational play.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

California: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-27/preschool-playground-game-changer-learning-play

Iowa:
https://www.the74million.org/article/house-passes-bill-to-codify-pilot-program-on-child-care-aid-for-child-care-workers/

Pennsylvania:
https://www.the74million.org/zero2eight/how-pittsburgh-is-promoting-intergenerational-play-to-support-early-learning/

Did you miss our Winter Newsletter? Don't worry! Spring is right around the corner. Sign up here to receive our quarterly newsletter straight to your inbox: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Sending a HUGE shoutout to Dana Ferguson, recipient of The Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award presented by the Childcare Network of Evanston (IL)! Dana is a Preschool for All teacher whose creativity, care, and commitment make her a stand-out educator. In Dana's words, "Teaching young children is both a responsibility and a privilege. Being able to shape early experiences and model kindness, patience, and empathy is one of the most meaningful parts of this profession." You inspire us, Dana! Keep up the amazing work. CNE - Childcare Network of Evanston

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights three organizations that are finding creative ways to support child development and wellness.

In Finland, several preschools are furnishing schoolyards with more dirt, mud, and trees, aiming to increase creative playtime outdoors to support the health and development of the children (and teachers) they serve.

In Illinois, the Erikson Institute is committed to finding creative solutions to modern policy challenges, focusing especially on collaborating to support local education and behavioral health outcomes.

In Minnesota, an Indigenous Food Systems organization will begin providing traditional meals prepared with indigenous ingredients to local tribal schools and colleges, aiming to reconnect the community with their heritage and culture.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Finland: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/29/soil-sandpit-children-dirty-biodiversity-finnish-nurseries-research-microbes-bacteria-aoe

Erikson Institute: https://www.erikson.edu/blog/working-together-deepening-our-behavioral-health-impact-in-illinois/?_gl=1*1u74tf7*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTMxOTU0OTkzMi4xNzY1OTA2NzUy*_ga_P0YW3VSGW3*czE3NjU5MDY3NTEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjU5MDY3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw

Meals for Native Institutions (MNI): https://wordpress-974875-5850379.cloudwaysapps.com/meals-for-native-institutions-mni-program/