News and Insights

The dining table in your child care program is an opportunity for so many positive interactions from practicing social cues through conversation, to trying new foods, to children learning responsibility with a job like setting the

Put on some sunscreen, make sure everyone has enough water, and enjoy these activities for summer fun with

Cooking with children can be both fun and exhausting! Despite the time and patience required, making snacks or meals with your kids pays off for everyone

Making physical activity fun ensures that your kids will enjoy the benefits of being active throughout their

Add a little bit of homegrown flavor to your child care program’s kitchen

What could be better than riding a bicycle on a beautiful, sunny day? Besides being a whole lot of fun, biking is great exercise and reduces stress. Plus, you can do it together as a

Recent research and professional development topics for early childhood professionals revolve around the importance of playful learning within the context of building relationships as key to later academic success.

By Elizabeth Burger, Senior Program Officer, Sunflower Foundation Originally published in the Fall 2021 Issue of Kansas Child Magazine. “Every child needs nature. Not just ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not just those of certain economic class or culture or set of abilities.

By Samantha Sulsar, Coordinator, Child Care Aware of Kansas I can’t help but smile every time I open the silverware drawer.  The spoons and forks that rattle and clank when the drawer is pulled open are far more than just simple utensils used for boring everyday tasks, these spoons are

By Diana Floyd, RD, LD, Kansas State Department of Education Originally published in the Summer 2020 Issue of Kansas Child Magazine Getting children to try new foods can be challenging Children can be picky eaters and consume less than the optimal variety of foods each day. Parents and

By Jeannie Evans & Janelle Balarashti, Early Care & Education Team, The Family Conservancy Originally published in the Summer 2020 Issue of Kansas Child Magazine As we face this time of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more critical that we make sure our