Jackie Mader/Early Ed Reporter

Parents and educators intuitively know the many benefits of singing and music for young children. It’s why children learn the alphabet through song, Daniel Tiger sings to teach emotional regulation, and lullabies are used to lull babies to sleep. But not all kids have access to musical experiences, which can have widespread benefits for children. Read more at the link in my bio. #earlyed #musiced #prek

Some organizations are trying to help with various initiatives designed for home-based providers. Espinal is one of 50 Bronx-based child care providers who benefited from a guaranteed income pilot program called the Thriving Providers Project, a national program run in six states by the nonprofit Home Grown, which supports home-based child care. Beginning in June 2024, Espinal received $1,000 monthly, paid out every two weeks for 18 months, which she could use with no restrictions. She used the funds to buy supplies, like books, paint, and a sand and water sensory table for the children in her care, and paid electricity bills, which in the past she’d had to put on her credit card. “It gave me peace of mind,” said Espinal. “I have the money, so your mind is focusing on what you need to, [like] training and teaching these kids to develop their skills and the foundation,” she said. “You’re in peace of mind, so you are projecting a more peaceful and a better environment to the kids.” #childcare Read more: /home-child-care-providers-new-york-city-child-care-system/

Teachers! A lot of the recent #edtech edtech and #chromebook articles covering the growing digital debate have focused on the parent movement. I’d love to hear from more educators about how you feel about devices in your classroom for upcoming articles. Are they helpful? Distracting? A little of both? What policies do you want to see as districts scrutinize their tech use? Feel free to reach out if you’re open to sharing your perspective! #firstgrade #teacher #secondgrade

Earlier this month, we published a story on parents (and teachers) pushing back against excess screen time, especially for entertainment and non-academic purposes, in elementary school classrooms. I heard dozens of stories I couldn’t include in my story while reporting, and many responses after. What would you want to add or share? You can read a longer compilation at the link in my bio. #edtech #screentime #kindergarten #firstgrade

Parents around the country say their kids are getting too much non-academic screen time at school. In many states, parents are starting petitions and pushing back on entertainment media in early elementary classrooms—with varying success. Read more about the battle over school screen time in schools at the link in my bio. Published in partnership with The New York Times.

Teachers have an immensely stressful job, and many can't control which edtech products they must use in their classrooms. But as tech use in schools has become commonplace, many parents and experts say there is too much screen time for entertainment or simply to keep kids quiet. This screen time is not directly related to academics and is nearly impossible to track. Some teachers are concerned  about the time on screens, as well. #edtech #education /ipads-in-kindergarten-youtube-videos-at-snack-time-parents-are-pushing-back-on-screen-time-in-the-early-grades/

It’s becoming markedly more expensive to run a child care business. And as public funding fails to keep up with inflation, those costs are getting passed on to families that in many cases can’t afford to pay more. These findings from a recent survey of providers add to growing concerns around the stability of the child care industry post-pandemic. In anticipation of federal funding cuts to programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, some states are making up for a budget shortfall by slashing state funding for child care. More than half of program leaders who were surveyed recently said they have seen consequences from raising tuition, including an increase in families leaving their programs. Sixty-one percent of respondents said their programs are underenrolled because so few families can afford to pay. Read more at the link in my bio. 📸: @camillafortesilva

TEACHERS: What challenging student behavior are you experiencing in your classroom, and what’s working for you? We want to share your stories and ideas. Let us know in the comments below ⬇️ or via this form: https://forms.gle/A6rcRmbPHQ8Gq6HA6 #earlyed #behaviormanagement #elementaryschool #firstgrade #kindergarten

Whether it’s the pandemic, screen time, parenting practices, less recess, more challenging academics, or all of the above, teachers say classroom behavior continues to be a challenge and there’s a need for more support. Dealing with disruptive kids makes it harder to teach and harder for kids to learn, whether they are the ones with the behavioral challenges or the ones watching it all unfold in their classroom.  That’s why experts say as we talk about improving academic achievement, we can’t ignore the social, emotional and behavioral needs of kids— or the needs of teachers. Read more at the link in my bio. #elementaryschool #behaviormanagement #prek #firstgrade

Elementary teachers nationwide say they’re seeing the same trend: worsening — and increasingly severe — behavior problems in young children. Students are more disruptive. They sometimes lash out physically at classmates and teachers. They’re more defiant. It’s pushing many teachers and schools to try new methods to bring classrooms under control, with districts and states sharply divided over the right approach. Read the story. Link in bio. /biting-kicking-teachers-classroom-misbehavior/

Housing instability is dire for anyone, but particularly for young children, whose brains are rapidly growing and developing. Studies show that young children who are homeless often lag behind their peers in language development and literacy and struggle to learn self-regulation skills, like being able to calm themselves when feeling angry or sad or transition calmly to new activities. They also may experience long-term health and learning challenges. Early childhood programs could provide a critical source of stability and developmental support for these children. But SchoolHouse Connection found only a fraction of homeless children are enrolled in early learning programs, and the percentage who are has decreased over the past few years. “It’s not just incredibly tragic and sad that infants and toddlers are experiencing homelessness,” said Rahil Briggs, national director of the nonprofit Zero to Three’s HealthySteps program, which works with pediatricians to support the health of babies and toddlers. The first few years are also a “disproportionately important” time in a child’s life, she added, because of the brain development that’s happening. The rise in housing insecurity among young children has created more demand for programs created specifically to meet the unique needs of children who are experiencing instability and trauma. Many of these programs offer support to parents as well, through what is called a “two-generation” approach to support and services. ✍️ & 📷: @jackiemaderwrites

A state that embraced free child care, a city that embraced play and more family-friendly policies. Check out my roundup of #goodnews that happens in early Ed last year (yes there was some!), as well as predictions from experts on what 2026 will bring. Link in profile! #earlyed #childcare #ece