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In early learning settings, love is shown through consistency, care, and connection. When providers respond with warmth, encouragement, and respect, children feel safe, valued, and supported. Everyday interactions—big and small—help build trust, confidence, and a strong foundation for healthy development.

Supporting independence in early childhood helps children build confidence, responsibility, and resilience. This blog shares practical, developmentally appropriate strategies Tribal child care programs can use to foster autonomy while maintaining safe, nurturing environments.

Loose parts play uses simple, open-ended materials—often natural, found, or upcycled—to spark creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. When children explore loose parts freely, they build independence, strengthen cognitive skills, and discover countless ways to investigate their world.

At ITCN’s 51st Annual Conference, we heard “Just Playing” by Anita Wadley—reminding us that play is not a break from learning, it is learning. In Tribal child care, play helps children grow strong in identity, culture, and skill. From pretend cooking to storytelling, these moments are the foundation of who they’ll become.

Discover how Growing Up WILD connects young children to nature through hands-on activities that support learning and development.

Explore child care's rising costs, possible impacts of Trump's policies, and why play-based learning mandates are gaining attention.

Explore why play is vital for children’s development, helping them learn, grow, and thrive. Rae Pica’s Why Play? shows why play is essential