FirstDay Learning

We've had a great time working with educators during the Georgia Head Start Association Spring Conference. We loved hearing from teachers, coaches, and leaders from across the state - a fantastic couple of days!

Georgia Head Start Association, Inc.

We are so excited to be presenting at the Georgia Head Start Spring Conference this week in St. Simon's Island, GA! They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Georgia Head Start Association with the theme Alignment in Action.

We will be working with educators during:

- The morning Plenary, speaking on Understanding Autism
- A breakout session, speaking on Family Engagement
- Meetings with Program Directors to understand their individual needs

If you're here too, come see us!

Happy Friday! Our quarterly newsletter is launching soon, and it's not too late to get the spring edition sent straight to your inbox! Sign up here: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights organizations across the country taking intentional steps to encourage creative play, cultivate meaningful learning spaces, and support educators.

In California, an early learning center recognizes the importance of exploratory play, replacing its asphalt lot with an interactive learning garden.

In Iowa, policy-makers show support for educators throughout the state, officially passing legislation that provides free childcare for childcare workers who qualify for the program.

In Pennsylvania, an organization creates inspiring community play spaces that spark curiosity and encourage intentional intergenerational play.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

California: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-27/preschool-playground-game-changer-learning-play

Iowa:
https://www.the74million.org/article/house-passes-bill-to-codify-pilot-program-on-child-care-aid-for-child-care-workers/

Pennsylvania:
https://www.the74million.org/zero2eight/how-pittsburgh-is-promoting-intergenerational-play-to-support-early-learning/

Did you miss our Winter Newsletter? Don't worry! Spring is right around the corner. Sign up here to receive our quarterly newsletter straight to your inbox: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Sending a HUGE shoutout to Dana Ferguson, recipient of The Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award presented by the Childcare Network of Evanston (IL)! Dana is a Preschool for All teacher whose creativity, care, and commitment make her a stand-out educator. In Dana's words, "Teaching young children is both a responsibility and a privilege. Being able to shape early experiences and model kindness, patience, and empathy is one of the most meaningful parts of this profession." You inspire us, Dana! Keep up the amazing work. CNE - Childcare Network of Evanston

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights three organizations that are finding creative ways to support child development and wellness.

In Finland, several preschools are furnishing schoolyards with more dirt, mud, and trees, aiming to increase creative playtime outdoors to support the health and development of the children (and teachers) they serve.

In Illinois, the Erikson Institute is committed to finding creative solutions to modern policy challenges, focusing especially on collaborating to support local education and behavioral health outcomes.

In Minnesota, an Indigenous Food Systems organization will begin providing traditional meals prepared with indigenous ingredients to local tribal schools and colleges, aiming to reconnect the community with their heritage and culture.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Finland: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/29/soil-sandpit-children-dirty-biodiversity-finnish-nurseries-research-microbes-bacteria-aoe

Erikson Institute: https://www.erikson.edu/blog/working-together-deepening-our-behavioral-health-impact-in-illinois/?_gl=1*1u74tf7*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTMxOTU0OTkzMi4xNzY1OTA2NzUy*_ga_P0YW3VSGW3*czE3NjU5MDY3NTEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjU5MDY3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw

Meals for Native Institutions (MNI): https://wordpress-974875-5850379.cloudwaysapps.com/meals-for-native-institutions-mni-program/

This week’s Good News in Early Education celebrates a new scholarship program for childcare centers and two education institutions investing in the success of early childhood educators.

In Ohio, Toledo Day Nursery offers a unique scholarship program designed to serve families experiencing sudden or unexpected financial stress.

In Pennsylvania, the Avon Grove School District launched a learning lab that allows high school students interested in a career in early childhood education to complete coursework and get hands-on experience working with preschoolers.

In Louisiana, an LSU professor noticed the challenges teachers are facing in the classroom and conducted an Oral History Project seeking to amplify the voices of the dedicated educators in the community.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Scholarships: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/child-care-scholarships-help-families-143000659.html?guccounter=1

Learning Lab: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/avon-grove-school-district-launches-early-learning-lab-to-inspire-future-educators/ar-AA1Oulmi

LSU: https://www.lsu.edu/chse/news/2025/lect-ohp-reaches-100-interviews.php

This week’s Good News in Early Education highlights the crucial role of research in the field of early childhood education.

In Taiwan, a cross-species research study conducted at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) found that teaching children self-control leads to an increase in prosocial behaviors like sharing, waiting patiently, and helping others.

The Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research is celebrating ten years of conducting and supporting research to improve the experiences and educational outcomes of children and schools.

In Sweden, 15 years after a heavy introduction of digital resources in classrooms, schools are returning to the use of rich print materials to boost literacy rates and support students’ mental health.

For more Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Read More:

Taiwan: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/research-at-nthu-finds-that-kindness-can-be-taught-1035243786

Nebraska: https://news.unl.edu/article/early-childhood-research-team-celebrates-10-years-of-collaboration

Sweden: https://magazine.1000libraries.com/sweden-spent-over-100-million-bringing-books-back-to-classrooms-heres-why/

This week’s Good News in Early Education celebrates the impact of indigenous education and highlights state and national initiatives that will make childcare more accessible to all.

In Wisconsin, the College of Menominee Nation’s Teacher Education Department hosted a community-wide event designed to share about and honor local indigenous culture and traditions.

The state of New Mexico has launched a universal child care program that provides no-cost childcare for all families, affirming the significant role of early childhood education and expanding access for all.

Senators in Washington, DC proposed a bill that will make childcare more affordable and address gaps in childcare access throughout the nation.

For Good News in Early Education, practical tips and resources, and upcoming training dates, sign up for our newsletter: https://www.firstdaylearning.com/ -form-ns

Read More:

New Mexico:
https://www.denver7.com/us-news/new-mexico-becomes-first-state-to-offer-no-cost-child-care-to-every-family

Wisconsin: https://collegefund.org/blog/our-programs/indigenous-early-childhood-education/indigenous-education-is-a-ceremony-honoring-our-youngest-learners/

Washington, DC: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/bipartisan-child-care-funding-bill-released-senate-rcna228860