Gryphon House Inc.

Fathers play a critical, yet often overlooked, role in the early education of their children. Author Jawan Burwell, EdD, addresses the barriers that prevent many fathers-particularly Black and other fathers of color-from participating fully in early childhood programs. Drawing on research and the author's direct experience, this book provides educators with actionable strategies to create more inclusive classrooms and foster authentic partnerships with fathers. With a focus on practical implementation, Burwell highlights the importance of understanding family dynamics, challenging societal assumptions, and reshaping engagement practices to reach all caregivers.Discover how to:Identify and dismantle common barriers to father engagementBuild inclusive family-engagement practices that value children's important adultsConnect father participation to improved child outcomesCreate welcoming classroom environments for fathers of all backgroundsRecognize and address societal and cultural assumptionsPromote trust and sustained father involvement through communication and outreachEngaging Fathers is your go-to guide for fostering equitable, inclusive relationships with fathers in early childhood education settings.

The pressure to accelerate academics in kindergarten has led to rigid schedules, seated classwork, and a decline in joyful learning. Rediscovering Kindergarten: Embracing Play & Joy in Learning offers a powerful call to reimagine kindergarten as a place where play-based learning and challenging academic content go hand in hand. Author Laura Bornfreund-education policy expert and nationally recognized voice in early childhood-argues for developmentally appropriate practice that supports the whole child. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this book shares ideas for teaching that nurtures curiosity, social-emotional development, and equity. For educators, leaders, and advocates, this is a practical and inspiring guide to reclaiming kindergarten from push-down academics to restore it to what it was always meant to be: playful exploration full of rich learning.Discover how to:Create a classroom environment where play supports rigorous learning Build developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned curriculumSupport social-emotional learning as foundational to academic successEngage families and administrators in advocating for changeUnderstand the research behind early learning and achievement gapsPosition kindergarten within the pre-K-3 continuum of learningRediscovering Kindergarten is a guide for building a learning environment that fosters curiosity, equity, and joyful growth-without sacrificing academic excellence.

Comment créer une classe inclusive où chaque enfant, quelle que soit sa langue maternelle, se sent accueilli et épanoui ? *Many Languages, One Classroom 2nd ed.

Transformez l'apprentissage de la lecture en aventure ludique avec Ready to Read ! Ce guide pratique propose des activités innovantes et des jeux éducatifs pour éveiller la curiosité des enfants et poser les bases solides de la lecture.

Through play-based activities, science experiments, and creative provocations, this book will help you connect children to the wonders of water while fostering an understanding of its essential role in our world.

Learn how self-regulation and executive function skills work together to support attention and focus. Discover ways to create a calm and supportive learning environment that fosters concentration, helps children ignore distractions, and promotes learning.   

Tired of keeping up with behavior charts and doling out rewards and punishments that never seem to work? Ready to ditch the "good job" stickers and the dreaded time out spot? Thinking Outside the Prize Box offers a fresh, research-based approach to supporting children and fostering positive classroom behavior.What You'll Learn:Why traditional challenging-behavior management doesn't result in long-term changeHow relatedness, autonomy, and competence are keys in addressing challenging behaviorWays to build a classroom community in which children are excited to explore and learn Strategies to understand and address challenging behaviors without resorting to intimidation Discover how to transform your classroom into a place where children thrive and where you can teach with joy and confidence. With Adam Holland's trademark humor, hilarious real-world examples, and actionable advice, Thinking Outside the Prize Box will have you chuckling as you learn effective ways to create the classroom community you've always hoped for.

Do children in your class struggle with holding writing tools comfortably? Cutting with scissors accurately? Completing self-care tasks such as dressing and using eating utensils?This practical guide, written by a pediatric occupational therapist, equips you with the tools to empower children's fine motor development! Inside, you'll discover:Age-specific milestones: Gain insight into typical fine motor skill progression for children from toddlers to preschoolers to early elementary students.Ready-to-use activities: Integrate engaging, developmentally appropriate exercises into your lessons to address key skills such as grasping, writing, and visual perception.Differentiation strategies: Tailor activities to meet individual needs.Classroom adaptations: Learn how to modify seating, tools, and tasks to create an inclusive learning environment that supports all abilities.Collaboration tips: Partner with families and therapists to provide seamless support for children's development.Perfect for early childhood educators and special-education teachers, Fine Motor Foundations includes valuable resources for toy recommendations, skill-based activity lists, and downloadable materials to empower children, build their confidence, and develop their skills.

Imagine a learning space infused with life, where curiosity thrives and imaginations bloom. Loose Parts Alive invites you to unlock the extraordinary potential of living loose parts: plants, animals, and even your bodies!Beyond blocks and buttons, discover how:the movements of a fish can spark STEM explorations.sun-soaked leaves can inspire vibrant artwork and investigations of light and shadow.a caterpillar's metamorphosis can nurture wonder and language.This transformative guide, grounded in developmentally appropriate practice, Reggio Emilia's child-led explorations, Montessori's hands-on learning, and reverence for nature, empowers you to:integrate living loose parts seamlessly and confidently.embrace open-ended play, fostering critical thinking and creativity.nurture a deep connection with nature in children.witness the joy of child-led discovery unfolding organically.Filled with field-tested activities and inspiring examples, practical tips, and stunning photography showcasing real-life implementation, Loose Parts Alive is an invitation to step outside the ordinary, embrace the boundless wonder of nature, and witness the magic of learning.

Witness the magic of open-ended exploration and the wonder of learning through play.  As a nurturing caregiver, you have precious opportunities to ignite curiosity in the infants, toddlers, and twos you care for. Let Curated Moments be your guide to unlocking the possibilities of the Reggio Emilia approach for your littlest learners. Transform your space into a sensory wonderland overflowing with joyful inquiry. Inside, you’ll discover: the art of curating moments: Craft irresistible invitations with “intelligent materials” that spark exploration. how to design experiences that intrigue: Find step-by-step guidance on creating playful experiences to nurture curiosity, thinking, collaboration, and communication. how to notice the big ideas and concepts that children are exploring and use your observations to ask questions and develop next steps. real-life examples: Witness the magic of provocations in action, specifically tailored for infants, toddlers, and twos. Every experience matters for developing minds. By curating intentional moments, you cultivate a foundation for learning and a love of exploration that last a lifetime.

New technologies and digital-communications channels are changing the way parents and caregivers discover child-care centers and decide where to enroll. In response, center administrators have to rethink the traditional paths to enrollment. The Basics of Growing a Child-Care Business shows you how to stand out from the competition. The book offers clear strategies for growth:Charm: Grab the customer's attention. Create a solid foundation for your marketing strategy.Advise: Establish yourself as an expert and set your sales goals.Delight: Design your customer experience, and create an ongoing sales pipeline.Track: Gather data, measure your results, and adjust your approach.The third in the Basics of Child Care series, The Basics of Growing a Child-Care Business includes information on understanding your ideal customer, writing a marketing plan, creating a responsive service system, and tracking your performance. With key terms, case studies, key questions, and exercises to help you apply the concepts, this book will set you on your way to growing and strengthening your child-care business.

Child care supports every industry in our nation, but the current model simply isn't working. Child-care businesses are failing, early childhood professionals are not paid living wages, and expenses are rising. The primary funding source is families, but families cannot afford the true cost of child care. Does this mean that all early childhood programs must fold into the public school system? Will private child care soon be extinct?In Bridging Gaps: Implementing Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Early Education, author Sarah Taylor Vanover dispels the myths and explains the opportunities of a mixed-delivery system. Discover the benefits and challenges of child-care partnerships such as Early Head Start with private and family child-care settings and private child-care programs with state-funded preschools. Explore how to address credentialing, professional development, and implementing IDEA, and learn the differences between mixed delivery and universal pre-K.

Creating an inclusive early learning program can be a challenge for site leaders who lack knowledge about special-education laws, struggle to create policies and accommodations that meet the needs of all children, and find it difficult to support staff and collaborate with families and the community. With its step-by-step approach, real-life examples, and expert perspectives, Including All Children: Transitioning to an Inclusive Early Learning Program provides everything site leaders need to make their programs truly inclusive. You’ll learn how to draft a powerful vision and mission statement, navigate the legal landscape of special education, and create policies and accommodations that meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Gain a deeper understanding of special education laws. Learn how to create policies and accommodations that meet the needs of all children. Discover how to support staff and collaborate with families and the community. Create a truly inclusive environment that benefits every child. With personal perspectives from experts in the field, Including All Children offers a unique and insightful perspective on how to create a truly inclusive environment. Whether you’re a site leader, an educator, or a parent, this book is the ultimate resource for anyone who wants to make a real difference in the lives of children.

As an early childhood educator, you want every child to thrive, regardless of their abilities or learning style. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework for designing learning experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all children. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to apply UDL principles to your early childhood environment to create a welcoming, engaging, and effective learning environment for every child. From designing flexible learning spaces to using technology to support diverse learners, you'll discover practical strategies and tips for implementing UDL in your classroom.With real-world examples, this book shows you how to:create a classroom culture where children feel safe and comfortable.design and adapt materials for different learning styles and needs.collaborate with families and colleagues.use technology to enhance learning for all children.incorporate UDL principles into your daily routines and activities.Whether you're new to UDL or looking to deepen your understanding and practice, this book will empower you to unlock the potential of every child in your early learning environment. Get ready to transform your teaching and create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective environment for all!

In today's world, it's crucial that we equip our children with the tools they need to stay safe. Yet, many caring adults simply don't know where to begin.Written for educators and parents by a prevention education expert, Body Safety for Young Children is the comprehensive guide you need to navigate this complex and sensitive issue. Author Kimberly King takes the fear out of sexual-abuse prevention and makes it child-friendly and approachable, so you can confidently communicate with children and protect them from harm.Packed with extraordinary stories, prevention skills, talking points, and what-if scenarios, this compassionate resource book is the ultimate toolkit for educators and families looking to prevent child sexual abuse. From body-safety lessons to social-media safety, the practical guide covers everything you need to know to keep children safe and informed. The tips, themes, shareable resources, and book suggestions will help you build a strong foundation of body-safety skills and provide simple safety strategies that work.Learn who typical child sexual abusers are. (Hint: It's almost never the "man in the van.")Discover how to create safety circles of trusted adults.Learn how to teach child-friendly body-safety techniques and code words.Find out why using correct "doctor words" for body parts is so important.Discover how to arrange a classroom for safety.

Learn how to rethink discipline policies, strengthen team spirit, and implement policy changes with Developing and Implementing Effective Discipline Policies, the workbook companion to the award-winning book Effective Discipline Policies. Written for early childhood administrators and principals, trainers, coaches, and consultants, this book can help guide your policies to success!Using the five-step model, discover how to use the data gained from the unique Teaching and Guidance Policy Essentials Checklist (TAGPEC) tool to:build teamsrethink discipline approachesdevelop young children's social-emotional competence to reduce challenging behaviorstrain staffimplement school-wide policiessupport continuous quality improvement effortsSuccessful behavior-guidance approaches in early childhood programs aren't only possible, they are also highly successful! With this book you can ensure your students get the best guidance possible under thoughtful discipline policies aimed toward skill development and growth.

Equity means individuals get what they need to succeed. As early childhood classrooms and programs become increasingly more culturally and linguistically diverse, educators need ideas for connecting with families to learn what children need. The more families are engaged, the better the outcomes for children. Early childhood administrators and teachers can collaborate to create equitable and inclusive learning environments where children and families feel welcome.Building Equitable Early Learning Programs: A Social-Justice Approach gives educators the facts, examples, strategies, and approaches needed to create and sustain programs and practices that can best serve our communities.Learn how to adapt culturally inclusive educational practices beyond cultural-awareness months and holidays.Discover how to use professional learning communities, honest discussions, and reflection to inform real action.Find ways to engage authentically and strengthen relationships with the children and families you serve.Learn practical strategies to promote inclusivity in your classrooms and programs.

Maltreatment during the first three years of life is of utmost concern. Not only are the numbers of harmed infants and toddlers staggering, maltreatment during this vulnerable period alters children's development in such a way that it robs them of reaching their full human potential. As an infant-toddler child-care provider, you are a "first responder" to this national crisis, playing a key role in the early identification of maltreatment and unhealthy patterns of development. You can be a gateway to healing.In Trauma-Sensitive Care for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year Olds, discover practical advice and strategies to nurture harmed children and start them on the path to healing.Create spaces that communicate safety.Provide predictable routines.Nurture connectedness and attachment.Use rhythm to support brain development.Nurture healthy social-emotional development.Use play to encourage self-regulation and self-confidence.Care for yourself so you can care for children. To recover and develop resilience in the face of adversity, infants and toddlers need fully present, playfully engaged, calm, and invested caregivers. There is no margin for error.

Based on census and population data, it is likely that one or more gender-expansive or LGBTQIA+ child is enrolled in every early education program in the country. Transgender youth and gender diversity is an area of burgeoning research and resources are multiplying by the year.Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education is a starting point-a primer-for early educators who are interested in learning more about working with and supporting young children who are gender diverse and their families. With a focus on understanding children's gender development, this groundbreaking guide reflects the voices of those you are learning about and connects readers with useful resources to improve teaching and programs.Explore new ways of thinking about genderExpand your understanding of gender-identity developmentDiscover practical strategies to navigate conversations about gender with confidenceHelp support families who have children who are gender creativeSet the values and tone for a classroom culture that ensures all children feel welcome.Supporting gender diversity in the classroom should be a regular part of best practice for early educators. Begin your journey of learning today!

Did you know play supports children's skill building, from language and literacy to memory and math? Through play, children can experiment with words and concepts, express emotions and ideas, and make connections. Playful Activities for Reading Readiness offers purposeful, play-based activities to develop the foundational literacy and language skills young children need to succeed in school.Learn research-led tips to guide children to play their way through enhancing critical components of early language and literacy instruction, including:Oral language,phonological awareness,the alphabetic code,word recognition,foundational fluency,comprehension,vocabulary,concept knowledge, andearly writing.Full of hands-on, use-tomorrow activities, ideas for extended practice in centers, literacy connections, and real-life classroom examples, Playful Activities for Reading Readiness will help pre-K and kindergarten teachers provide children a firm literacy foundation. These expert-approved tips are correlated to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and kindergarten Common Core State Standards.

Children are the heart of meaningful family engagement and the inspiration for positive family-provider relationships that promote healthy child development and learning.  School-to-Home Connections is bursting with ideas for early childhood educators. Inside, you'll find simple ways to explain developmentally appropriate practice to parents, ideas on partnering with them on their child's journey to school readiness, and tips for nurturing families' active involvement in the school community. Along the way, you discover information on:Understanding the power of playEncouraging children's individuality and uniquenessCelebrating diversitySupporting children's development across key domainsNurturing in natureAddressing challenging behaviorsTransitioning to a new class or schoolEach chapter includes suggestions for connecting parents with the classroom, the program, and the wider school community. When parents and teachers partner, children thrive!

Loose parts. You have heard the term, probably in the context of promoting engaging play with open-ended, natural, and manufactured materials that can be manipulated with limitless possibilities. In this book, discover how a loose parts mindset promotes active learning in the early elementary classroom, enhancing curriculum and ensuring connection to state standards.Offering inspiration and guidance on developing, applying, and teaching a loose parts mindset, the authors break down common myths of using loose parts for learning and walk you through getting started in the classroom and on the school grounds. Examine your role as an educator, address safety concerns, and explore how you might evaluate and assess loose parts in the classroom.The inspiring photographs in this book showcase ways to apply the loose parts mindset to science, technology, reading and literacy, engineering, art, and math lessons. Use this book as a smorgasbord of ideas-pick and choose ones that work for you, your students, and your community. None of us is too old for a little loose parts play!

What can you add to your early childhood classroom that will immerse children in rich learning, reduce challenging behaviors, and develop confidence as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills? A makerspace!Filled with colorful photographs taken in real early childhood settings, this book will guide you step-by-step in making a makerspace that invites young children to boldly explore materials and create something only they can imagine. Discover how to:Draft a plan and gather materialsSet up your makerspaceGarner administrator and parent buy-inFocus on goals and support specific skill developmentFacilitate children's learning to deepen understanding

Whether you are a teacher looking for ways to strengthen the math learning in your early childhood classroom, an educator in a community of practice who wants to learn more about teaching math in developmentally appropriate ways, or a teacher-educator who wants to offer students an easy-to-use reference and guide for helping young children develop their math competencies and skills, The Path to Early Math will help you make math learning a fun and worthwhile activity in your setting.Filled with photographs of children engaged in real experiences that demonstrate specific math concepts, chapters follow a developmental order.One-to-one correspondenceForming setsObject countingPatterningMeasurementTwo- and three-dimensional geometric shapesParts and wholesComputation

Thoughtfully created learning centers are bubbling with opportunities for active learning. Dr. Jean, beloved author of dozens of books and songs, and coauthor Carolyn Kisloski bring you a collection of practical ideas and tips to inspire engagment and spark learning in your classroom centers—and, importantly, keep children coming back for more. Children learn best through play. Discover how you can help them thrive in your learning centers. The Possibilities of Play brings expert tips for selecting and managing materials, facilitating explorations, and challenging children to:explore on their own time and at their own level,engage in hands-on discovery,solve problems and use critical-thinking skills,practice emerging skills across domains,share and get along with others,develop language, andrealize their own sense of creativity.

The child-care industry—essential to American families and to the American economy—is at risk of complete collapse. Before COVID-19 struck, the child-care industry faced funding issues and staffing dilemmas, while families struggled to find—or simply afford—quality child care. The reality is that COVID-19 has only exacerbated the challenges of the already-fragile child-care ecosystem. America’s Child-Care Crisis takes a hard look at the current state of the industry and explores how to save this critical service by:Identifying the systemic changes neededAltering public opinion of the fieldSecuring state and federal dollars for the private sectorPrioritizing the growth of family child-care homesEducating parents on quality care and helping them access itObtaining business supportChild-care is a system that is too critical to fail—we cannot survive without it. Together, we can reimagine the child-care industry for all Americans whose livelihoods depend on it.

Now that you've identified the market need for high-quality child care and you've taken the first steps to building your practice, what's next? How do you ensure quality care? How do you create a culture of growth and stem turnover?The Basics of Leading a Child-Care Business, the second book in The Business of Child Care series, explains how to develop and lead a high-quality program where children can play and learn in the care of a well-educated, committed, and trained workforce. Explore key questions that shape understanding:What are the root causes of turnover?How do you set the culture of your organization?How can you build the best team for your organization?How do you construct professional-development plans for sustained growth?

You may have noticed out-of-school-time care is burgeoning. As more families have two working parents, states and school districts are swooping in to provide supervision of children before and after school, during school breaks, and during the summer. And, as these programs grow, they continue to adapt to new approaches of out-of-school learning. Gone are the days of board games and swing sets!School's Out: Challenges and Solutions for School-Age Programs will cover all bases of creating a quality program:What quality school-age care looks likeForms of out-of-school-time careStandards, credentials, accreditation-what they are, and how to get themLicensing, regulations, health, safety, risk management, supervision and nutritionRoles of the teachers and administrators

In the United States, the number of children who come from homes where they speak languages other than English is rising. Despite the common misperception that dual language learners are slower learners or have special needs, research shows that they have better executive function and cognitive skills. Their brains are doing double duty!Strength in Diversity: A Positive Approach to Teaching Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood offers teachers context, practical advice, and strategies to help young dual language learners thrive. Teaching dual language learners isn't just about classroom methods. It's about empathy, perspective, patience, and high expectations.In this book, you'll learn:Who young dual language learners areThe basics of second-language acquisitionEffective teaching strategies and principles of instructionHow to honor a home language as you support English learningWays to engage the families of dual language learners

The early years are a magical time when curiosity and creativity blend into learning and discovery. And yet families and educators face unprecedented pressures to remove the very pillars that make children feel safe, joyful, confident, and competent.The Power of Presence: A Guide to Mindfulness Practices in Early Childhood offers insight and information to help you transform your teaching by learning how to pause, notice your surroundings, and simply be. Learn ways to spark joy, elevate well-being, and promote a deeper sense of inquiry, both personally and with others-young and old. Learn ways to consciously plant seeds of mindfulness at home, in the classroom, and around the world. Explore:developing and fostering your own awareness,cultivating a culture of mindfulness and climate of joy in your classroom,creating an inclusive classroom that accepts and encourages all children, andways to nurture and support equitable practices of justice, respect, and dignity.A more peaceful, present learning environment will help children to reclaim their safe, joyful, confident, and competent approach to learning. The adults in the children's lives, whether families or educators, will also thrive in this mindful approach with more patience, focus, and confidence. Together, they'll be able to breathe in blue skies and reach new heights of learning.

Preschool is a time of wonder when curiosity, development, and learning intersect. While the new sights, routines, and experiences can make preschool exhilarating, what about children who struggle? Perhaps they exhibit odd behaviors: chewing on clothing, covering their ears, avoiding certain textures, refusing to sit with peers, screaming when frustrated, hitting, kicking, or biting. Wired Differently will help you to decode what may seem like everyday challenging behaviors. It's possible that these children are struggling with sensory processing disorder (SPD).Differentiate between everyday challenging behaviors, and those that could signify something much moreUnderstand what sensory processing disorder (SPD) is and how it can interfere with a child's learningLearn how to include sensory processing strategies as part of a typical classroom routine, and why they're important for all childrenEffectively communicate with families about SPD behaviors and helpful learning techniques

Finding the right people to staff your center is challenging! Have you ever hired someone you thought was perfect, only to have her leave after a few months? Have you filled a position with a "warm body" to maintain the adult-child ratio because you couldn't find a more qualified candidate? Recruiting is an ongoing process that requires reflection, dedication, and importantly, a solid plan. But the plan isn't always easy to craft, especially when you're understaffed!Build Your Dream Team will help you take the first step to creating your plan and will remain your right-hand guide as you hire, onboard, and nurture your new all-stars. Learn how to: master effective recruiting techniques,craft effective job posts,conduct data-based interviews,make job offers more attractive,onboard new employees to make them part of your team,think strategically to plan for growth,work with a diverse staff, andtrain staff for continual professional growth