Resource Books

Zen Parenting offers practical insights into using the Zen practice of non-judgmental awareness to deal with the day-to-day chaos and joy of parenting.The short story format allows readers to easily grasp and apply Zen concepts in their own lives. 144 pages.

This tri-fold laminated sheet is a handy reference for users of the CLASS® Infant observation tool. Available in convenient packages of 5, this sturdy quick-sheet shows evaluators what to look for while observing each of the CLASS® Infant dimensions and scoring the tool. Set of 5.

Every day, 250 children are suspended from school. Many are children of color, deprived of opportunities to experience learning at the same rate and quality as white children. Many families don't feel heard or respected in their child's schools. Don't Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms leads early childhood professionals to explore and address issues of bias, equity, low expectations, and family engagement to ensure culturally responsive experiences. Importantly, this book will challenge… More »

This tri-fold laminated sheet is a handy reference for users of the popular CLASS® Toddler observation tool. Available in convenient packages of 5, this sturdy quick-sheet shows evaluators what to look for while observing each of the 8 CLASS® Toddler dimensions and scoring the tool. This product is part of CLASS®, the bestselling classroom observational tool that measures interactions between children and teachers -- a primary ingredient of high-quality early educational experiences.… More »

This manual provides caregivers of infants and toddlers knowledge about the creating and implementation of loving, playful, developmentally appropriate experiences for infants and toddlers. ISBN 978-088076-794-1.

This helpful teacher resource will guide you through creating an equitable environment for children ages 3 - 5. This book features a variety of topics that will help support conversations about identity, bias and preschool environment. Paperback. 160 pages.

Energize your classroom with lively literacy lessons based on more than 70 popular children's books. Includes over 150 activities, theme connections, lesson objectives, vocabulary list, concept list, and related music for hours of fun. 232 pages.

These dimensions guides are great for teachers and anyone interested in understanding why classroom interactions matter and how they can be improved with the CLASS® tool. WIth this guide you will be able to explore CLASS® Infant domains and dimensions, find clear explanantions of effective interactions, and learn practical strategies for improving interactions. Choose English or Spanish version.

A beginner's primer to providing professional child care for infants! The elements of a quality learning environment are not the same for every age. What works for preschoolers does not always work for toddlers, and what might be appropriate for toddlers is not necessarily the best arrangement for infants. Complete with tips for creating a developmentally appropriate environment and experiences that stimulate infants' muscles and minds, Focus on Babies gives you the tools to craft a quality learning… More »

Infants and toddlers need caring adults to help them learn emotional competence-how to understand, express, and manage emotions. By supporting their development in the early years, educators can create a strong foundation that will give young children important life skills and resilience. Paperback. 152 pages.

Introduce teachers to the 8 dimensions of the CLASS® Toddler tool with this concise quick-guide, which includes practical teaching tips for strengthening each of the areas assessed with the popular observational tool. This guide is used with the bestselling CLASS® observational tool that measures interactions between children and teachers -- a primary ingredient of high-quality early educational experiences. With versions for toddler programs and PreK and K-3 classrooms, the reliable and… More »

A young child's brain is uniquely sensitive to the effects of stress and trauma, which can have detrimental, long-term developmental impact. "Helping Them Heal" provides answers, ideas, and specific classroom strategies to move trauma-affected children in positive directions. Educators will learn ways to help children build resilience, self-regulation, and self-competence using this sensitive, supportive, and practical guide. Paperback. 192 pages.

When teachers implement the project approach to learning, young children can follow their own real-world interests to gain deeper understanding. Children wonder about a topic, formulate their questions, and then figure out the answers for themselves in their own way. The project approach helps children dig deeply into intellectual and social experiences that can help them see meaningful benefits of the skills they are acquiring. "Picturing the Project Approach" will lead teachers every… More »

Sing and play along with your children using this engaging The I Can't Sing Book for Grownups Who Can't Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag. Who says you need an opera singer's voice to teach music to young children? These fascinating, easy activities help even the most tone-deaf adult show children the wonder and magic of making and hearing music. Children will love following along as they take in music and rhythm learning. 192 pages. Paperback.

Feel confident and competent when it comes to choosing and implementing the most appropriate technology tools for your early childhood classroom!

<br />  

The highly anticipated toddler version of the CLASS® tool is here -- providing early childhood programs with an accurate, reliable way to assess effective classrooms. For use with children from 15 - 36 months, this standardized observation tool measures the effectiveness of interactions between teachers and children, a primary ingredient of early educational experiences that prepare children for future school success. Spiral-bound, 80 pages.

A positive, strengths-based leadership system is the key to transforming the quality of early childhood programs. Inspiring Early Childhood Leadership lays out strategies designed to support program leaders in finding new ways to reduce the levels of stress on themselves and their staff, and move into a unified, engaging system for leading with passion, intention, and purpose. Author Susan MacDonald's goal is to take leaders past their challenges with a vision of new possibilities so they can ensure… More »

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… More »

This book has been written for all teachers and directors who work with infants, toddlers, and twos, including special educators and educators working with typically developing children. It specifically addresses the needs of children with developmental delays, as well as those children at risk for developing special needs. Each chapter includes experiences and activities that are common to settings where infants and toddlers learn. The strategies provided are easy to use and apply to all children.… More »

Filled with developmental games based on the latest brain research. Divided into 4 chapters, each representing a 3 month period. Each chapter has a chart that helps anticipate the development milestone for those months. Games and activities reinforce the skills babies need to reach those milestones. Paperback.

Storms, flooding, earthquakes, epidemics, tornadoes, fire. You hope it never happens, but you know you need to be ready. "Preschool Preparedness for an Emergency," the second book in the Preparing for the Unexpected Series, will train you for a worst-case scenario. While this may seem like a daunting task, it's easier when you break it down. Emergency-preparedness expert Andrew Roszak will teach you how to: reduce potential harm or damage; develop and test emergency action plans; empower… More »

This block play guide enhances the classroom block corner with over 50 great activities. Clear description of what children learn by playing with blocks accompany the activities. Each suggestion encourages problem solving, fine-and-gross motor development, the development of math, science, language, and social skills.

This full-color illustrated poster addresses parents' and teachers' concerns about children's reading readiness and progress. Includes milestones and warning signs indicating that children might be at risk for reading challenges from birth through age six. By tracking children with this simple map, parents can be sure their children are keeping up with their peers, and intercede if they begin to notice warning signs. Available in English and Spanish. Set of 20 maps.