January 17, 2019
Dancing Bananas Part 2
Dancing Bananas, the sequel. Last week we set the imaginary play scene and talked about how, as adults, it’s hard not to intervene. But, if we can take a step back and enjoy the view – it’s pretty magical. So, why do children need uninterrupted imaginary play? How does it help them grow? Let’s dive in. Read More »
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2019
Dancing Bananas: Part 1
Contributed by: Jennifer Horner, Director of Education Development Imaginary play is one of THE most fascinating phenomena of our human existence (my opinion) and I am always awestruck when I get to witness it. The idea that young humans regularly use imaginary play to work towards and surpass developmental milestones is both perplexing and astounding Read More »
Read MoreDecember 28, 2018
How I Did NOT “Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups”
Contributed by Emma Hartman, Program Coordinator (Mars, PA center) Had I found the time to read our previous article on How to Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups, I probably wouldn’t feel the need to write this today. My daughter is a funny, strong willed passionate 2 ½ year old. This year, for the first Read More »
Read MoreDecember 21, 2018
Handling the Holidays: How to Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups
Contributed by Alison Tweedie, Education Specialist If your family is anything like mine, you’ve already had one weekend of holiday celebrations with more to come — plus Christmas Day itself. Children are particularly aware of the feelings floating through the air this time of year. They are in tune with the pleasant feelings of excitement, Read More »
Read MoreDecember 13, 2018
GIFT GUIDE: [mostly] Handmade Gifts for Teachers
Contributed by Lana Diaz, Recruitment & Advancement Specialist As a parent, I find myself feeling stuck each year, around this time, on just what to give my child’s teacher to express my gratitude for all they do year round. I always wonder, what is it that would mean the most to them? So, this year, Read More »
Read MoreDecember 11, 2018
5 Ways to Involve Young Children in the Holiday Hustle & Bustle
Contributed by: Jennifer Horner, Director of Education Development Have you had one of those (fleeting) moments when the holiday season moves like a peacefully, drifting snowflake taking its time to nestle in a blanket of glittery snow? In that moment, you have time to take a deep breath, snap a mental picture, and embrace its beauty. Read More »
Read MoreDecember 4, 2018
Meet Katerina Walek: December Employee of the Month
In the final month of 2018 (wait, what? How did we get here?), we feel honored to recognize an incredible, talented member of our team. She’s the whole package, guys. A #1 teammate and cheerleader, the most loving teacher, and an innovative, passionate early childhood professional. Miss Kat is a Lead Preschool Teacher at our Read More »
Read MoreNovember 21, 2018
A Thanksgiving Focused on Gratitude
Contributed by Lauren Wierzbicki, Education Specialist Growing up, most of us celebrated a happy story about the first Thanksgiving — Pilgrims and Native Americans peacefully coming together for the colony’s first successful harvest! Over the years, we’ve discovered that the story we all learned was one perspective told by European colonists which became widely popularized as Read More »
Read MoreNovember 19, 2018
The “After”: Finding Beauty When Things Don’t Go As We Planned
Contributed by Alison Tweedie, Education Specialist I whirled through Target like a short-term sprinter, enthusiastically collecting the items that had been described on the Mommy blog I’d read earlier that day. My sons and I were going to make dishcloths. They would color on a piece of sandpaper and I would use the iron to Read More »
Read MoreNovember 8, 2018
Every Moment is an Opportunity to Learn.
Contributed by Toni Berrafato, Program Evaluation Specialist Childhood is a developmental journey of amazement and wonder. The simplest experiences are the most fascinating, and every moment is a moment to learn. Just the other day, I watched my little one quite literally discover her hand. Her hand! They’ve been attached to her since birth, and Read More »
Read MoreBook a Tour Today
There’s no way to understand the Doodle Difference like experiencing it yourself. Sign up for a tour of your nearest facility today! We can’t wait to show you and your family exactly how play-based learning, beautiful classrooms and an emphasis on safety, wellness and security can lead to happy children, happy parents and happy teachers.