Spokane Child Development Center,LLC

"Thanks for being an early childhood educator" does not adequately express the deep appreciation we have for our teachers and what they do here at SCDC. This attached blog post from Circle of Security really puts their work into greater perspective. Please thank an early childhood educator today!

www.circleofsecurityinternational.com

The SCDC Children's Art Show is always a family favorite. As children work on their art pieces they are learning math, science and language skills. When we use the phrase, "Tell me about this..." we can help instill in chilcren that their process and thinking matter most.

We have current openings in our toddler and preschool classrooms. Call us for a tour and see why a play-based education is the best way to help children grow.

"In our rush to enrich our children, we may have forgotten the value of doing nothing at all." H. Marano

“I’m Bored!” What Parents Should Do Instead of Entertaining Their Kids | Dr. Becky Lizzie Assa Your kid whines, “I’m so bored!” and suddenly you feel like you have to fix it. Dr. Becky and independent play expert Lizzie Assa reframe boredom as a good t...

We recently had some visitors to our classrooms! The Challenger classroom is doing a Bug Study, so we invited Jim Gowan (of Gowan's Pest Control) come talk to the kids about BUGS and where they live and what they do. Each child got to take home a resin packed bugl

The toddler classrooms are doing a "Things That Go" study. Some firefighters from the Spokane Valley Fire Department came to our site and brought a big truck. The firefighters showed the toddlers their equipment, with a hug emphasis on "we wear this to keep safe, but inside, it's still just me".

We are thankful these community partners are willing to take some time for children!

Early childhood researchers are increasingly examining how sensory input shapes developing brains. Recent discussions focus on whether frequent entertainment through toys, music, or screens may influence infants’ ability to regulate themselves. The concern centers on overstimulation rather than the use of these tools in moderation.

Experts note that babies naturally learn by observing their environment. Quiet moments allow them to process information, build attention skills, and develop internal soothing mechanisms. When stimulation is constant, some researchers suggest that an infant’s brain may adapt to expect continuous activity. This adaptation could make stillness feel unfamiliar.

Developmental studies show that sensory balance matters. High stimulation activates reward pathways that respond to novelty and sound. When activated constantly, these pathways may increase preference for fast paced input. Scientists caution that this does not indicate harm but highlights how habits form early in life. Patterns created during infancy can shape expectations later.

Parents often feel pressure to keep their baby entertained. However, professionals emphasize that calm environments provide valuable learning time. Observing a room, listening to subtle sounds, or simply resting in a caregiver’s arms supports neurological organization. These moments help build resilience and foundational emotional regulation.

Screen exposure remains a particular area of debate. Pediatric guidelines generally recommend avoiding screens for infants because rapid visual changes may be difficult for developing brains to manage. Balanced guidance encourages engagement through touch, voice, and real world interaction while allowing for normal household noise.

Ethical communication requires acknowledging that many caregivers use toys and songs to bond and soothe. These tools are not inherently problematic. The key distinction lies in frequency and intensity. Occasional enrichment supports development while uninterrupted stimulation may limit opportunities for quiet processing.

Ultimately, researchers advocate for a thoughtful rhythm that alternates stimulation with calm. Creating predictable pauses may help babies strengthen focus, emotional steadiness, and sensory comfort.

When kids say “I’m bored,” it’s tempting to jump in with ideas or screens — but pause.
Boredom builds creativity, resilience, and confidence. Kids learn to entertain themselves, think independently, and explore their interests.

A little boredom is a gift.

This morning, Ms. Emily read a few fun pumpkin stories with the toddlers and then brought in real pumpkins for them to explore. They couldn’t wait to dig in — literally! Tiny hands reached inside to scoop out all the slimy, stringy pumpkin guts.

Sensory play like this isn’t just messy fun — it helps toddlers:
🧡 Build coordination and motor skills
🧡 Explore new textures and sensations
🧡 Learn new words as they describe what they feel
🧡 Stay calm and focused through hands-on play

Who knew pumpkin guts could do so much good? 🍂🎃

Such a powerful reminder... and now you can display it!
👉 https://shop.mrsdscorner.com/products/when-you-writing-sticker

🌱 Children grow through play, not pixels.
Screens might soothe or entertain, but they don’t teach social skills, problem-solving, or emotional regulation.
💡 Swap a tablet for art, stories, or movement, and watch curiosity bloom! ✨