Spring brings warmer weather and more opportunities for outdoor play. With changing conditions, it’s important to keep health and safety top of mind.

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small moments of rest and connection can strengthen your ability to care for your children and community.

As little ones explore and grow, simple indoor and outdoor safety habits help keep them protected every day. Discover easy tips to create safe spaces for young children.

Explore CACFP-aligned Indigenous recipes and cultural food resources created by the ONIE Project. NICCA served on the Community Advisory Board to help ensure the materials reflect the needs of Tribal early childhood programs.

As young children explore their world, safety is key. From securing furniture indoors to practicing sun and water safety outdoors, caregivers can create safe, nurturing environments that let children grow, explore, and build confidence while staying protected every day.

Providers play a key role in spotting early vision problems that often go unnoticed. By watching for warning signs like squinting, eye rubbing, or sitting too close to books and screens, you can help families seek early eye care that supports children’s learning, confidence, and development.

Family meals don’t have to be perfect to make a big difference. Research shows that even three shared meals a week can help children eat healthier, perform better in school, and build stronger emotional connections. Mealtime is about more than food — it’s a chance to slow down, talk, and strengthen family bonds that last a lifetime.

From the first coos and smiles, children seek connection. Early attachments shape how they feel safe, explore, and build relationships. Consistency, care, and cultural context all play a vital role in fostering trust and healthy development.

Packing a healthy lunch for picky eaters can feel like a challenge, but with a little creativity, it’s possible to make meals both fun and nutritious. From colorful shapes to theme days and simple family involvement, these strategies help ensure children get the fuel they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Cooking with children is about more than making meals—it’s a way to build healthy habits, teach lifelong skills, and strengthen family and cultural connections. From washing vegetables to sharing stories around the stove, every moment in the kitchen is a chance to learn, grow, and create lasting memories together.