The Children's Courtyard Blog

The way we, as parents and caregivers, respond to children’s questions and worries will help them through difficult times and teach them to cope during future challenges.  We wanted to provide you with information to help you recognize signs of stress in children and offer you suggestions for helping children manage stress.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Children’s Courtyard! Have your little ones fill out these special Valentine’s Day Cards to share their love with the ones who matter most!

We’re making healthy lifestyles a priority in all of our schools, which is why we’re introducing a fun way for children to get up and get active – the Grow Fit Dance Break! At all of our schools, children take a break once a day to stop what they’re doing to dance and celebrate! It’s […]

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, now in its eighth year, is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for high-quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a record for the largest shared reading experience. This year, children, teachers, parents and more will all read the book Otis by Loren […]

In his 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama called for national expansion of prekindergarten programs through the “Preschool for All” initiative. Two reports issued since then – good news and bad news – have added substance and urgency to the debate over the President’s proposal. The good news came in March, when a […]

One of our own favorite moms, Harmony Faust, recently became a mother to the adorable Henry, and she’s learned very quickly some of the trials and tribulations of being a parent. Check out her “Mom”ent to see why being a mom is sometimes more of a “poopy” job than one expects. My friends with babies […]

While vacations are a great time to experience new things and bond as a family, they can also present a new variety of family challenges. Here are five tips to help you, and your family, cope: Start Early: Begin the day’s activities after a quick breakfast. Crowds will be light and your children’s energy will […]

Spend time with your little ones having fun and creating these simple Mother’s Day gifts, from Kaboose.com and Spoonful.com*: Transform a plain paper plate into a delightful card for Mom. Use craft sticks, glue, and colorful beads to create a jewelry box Mom or Grandma will love. These adorable Mom ‘n’ Me Wooden Spoon Dolls […]

Both Teacher and Provider Appreciation Days are celebrated in May. During this month, thousands of communities will take time to honor their teachers and caregivers and acknowledge the role they play in instilling a love of learning in the children in their care. Looking for an inexpensive yet heartfelt way to say “thank you” that […]

If you are like most of us, you are vigorously working, busy keeping schedules, and enthusiastically trying to be the best caregivers of your children, homes, perhaps pets, and even partners. When you are immersed in the day-to-day routine of raising a child, it is hard to believe that time is passing so quickly; the […]

with Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg When it comes to making sure your children are ready for Kindergarten, there is a lot to consider. When is the best time to enroll her? How soon is too soon, and how late is too late? How will I know if she is adjusted socially to […]

Every year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors the Week of the Young Child, seven days devoted to celebrating early childhood education. The 2013 Week of the Young Child is happening April 14-20 and this year’s theme to celebrate is Early Years Are Learning Years.  We invite you and your […]