Green Lily Behavioral Health Intensive Child Care Center

If you had to defend play in your child care setting… could you?

The phrase “they’re just playing” is still one of the most misunderstood and undervalued parts of early childhood.

“Playtime” is where some of the deepest learning happens.

✨ Problem-solving
✨ Memory
✨ Focus
✨ Critical thinking

If we don’t fully understand what’s happening in those moments of play, it’s easy to unintentionally limit them, and that’s where this comes in...

Our tip sheet, How Play Promotes Cognitive Development, breaks it all down so you can clearly see the learning, support it with intention, and confidently advocate for it in your child care setting.

When we protect and foster play, we strengthen the foundation for everything that comes next in early learning.

🔥 In 30 years of CICC, this is one of our most-viewed resources. There’s a reason educators keep coming back to it.

Take a look and see why ⬇️

It’s easy to forget that children are still learning skills we’ve had years to practice.

What can look like “misbehavior” is often a reflection of where they are developmentally—not where we hope they’ll be.

These moments are part of the learning process, not a sign that something has gone wrong.

With understanding and support, children grow into these skills in their own time.

Seeing behavior through a developmental lens can gently shift how we respond and connect in everyday moments.

If this shifted something for you, you’re not alone.

You can explore gentle, science-based tools to support your child’s development here:
https://bit.ly/free-GENM-Resources

Early childhood is a time of rapid brain development when the foundations for future learning, behavior and health are laid. This week join us in celebrating our youngest residents and their amazing teachers, caregivers, families and communities who are helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April 11-17 the Week of the Young Child! See the proclamation at https://mn.gov/governor/assets/04.11.26%20Week%20of%20the%20Young%20Child_tcm1055-739430.pdf.

Creating Connections w/ Hard to Reach Students | Mobile, AL Special Offer: Get 10% off this event with your purchase of Head Start with Heart: Becoming More a Conscious Leader in Head Start extend tier. Early

All behavior is simply a means of communicating.

Quick questions to ask ourselves when faced with student behavior: What skills could be missing based on this kind of behavior? What behavior can I model ?

Explore the great outdoors with your child! What outdoor activity brings them the most joy? Share your thoughts below and let’s celebrate their favorite adventures together.

During our final week of February, we will be learning all about keeping babies safe! The children will learn about camouflage, staying close, warning calls, safe home, and protective parents. There is so much to learn and connect with their own lives!

Exclusive parenting tips and insights are just a click away. By subscribing to our email list, valuable resources will be delivered directly to your inbox, helping to support your child's growth and development.

A community of caring awaits, where every child is celebrated for their uniqueness. Enriching experiences and inclusive support empower children to thrive and grow together in a nurturing environment.

We often expect children to “calm down” without ever teaching them how to notice what’s happening inside their bodies.
Regulation begins with awareness. If this resonates, share it with someone raising or supporting children.

For free tools, a Time-In Quiz, and a step-by-step Guidebook on how to use Time-Ins effectively, visit our Linktree and explore the resources waiting for you.