Bonnie Hamilton, is currently a stay-at-home mom of an almost three-year-old, living in Lander, WY. In this post, Bonnie reflects on her first thousand days as a mom.

Julia Eastes offers great ideas for exploring the wonders of winter with young children.

Wyoming's inspirational and practical new vision of early childhood quality offers the way forward in providing every child in Wyoming the quality learning experiences they deserve.

WY ECPLC Facilitator Tyler Gonzales shares how a recent experience with her son challenged her to be brave and respond to his question rather than setting it aside. Her experience, and her new approach in response, is the result of her efforts to grow as an anti-bias early childhood educator and parent.

Julie Eastes pauses to celebrate the joy of a toddler learning to walk, and reminds us of the obligation we have as adults to providing responsive, affectionate, consistent care, as the foundation to support their exploration and learning.

Voices from the Village is a new podcast from the WY ECPLC. Listen to your Wyoming early childhood colleagues discuss ideas shared by well-known authors and presenters from around the country.

Professional Learning Facilitator Kara Cossel shares an example of the positive impact early childhood educators can have when supporting children and families during a challenging transition.

What makes a good day for you? This question, inspired by the children's book Daniel's Good Day, can lead to wonderful and insightful conversations with young children. It is also a useful reflection tool for the adults who love and care for them. Enjoy this post from Julia Eastes and have a good day today.

Julie Eastes shares her excitement about the statewide virtual early childhood conference taking place this Friday and Saturday. All early childhood educators working with children and families birth-age 8 are invited to attend this free conference. Registration information is available.

WY ECPLC collaborator Julia Eastes discusses the importance of supporting children and families through transitions, such as the transition to kindergarten, and shares excellent resources from NAEYC.

Nikki Baldwin from the University of Wyoming shares a new resource from the National Association for the Education of Young Children along with insights gained in her work with kindergarten teachers from around Wyoming.

As the transition to kindergarten is drawing closer for many parents and children, and concerns about children's "readiness" increase, Professional Learning Facilitator, Kara Cossel, shares her confidence in young children's ability to learn the things they need to learn in the timeline that is appropriate for them.

In this timely post, Julie Eastes, a friend and WY ECPLC collaborative partner, shares special memories of reading with her young son. She describes how book reading with young children supports not only literacy, but healthy social and emotional development. During these unsettling times, shared book reading offers an an important opportunity to connect and help children feel a sense of safety and belonging.

Professional Learning Facilitator Liz Goddard, in follow up to last week's post, shares lessons learned from her one-year-old daughter. Even the youngest children not only need opportunities for risk and challenge, they demand it!

Professional Learning Facilitator, Jennifer Zook, shares her insights as a mother and early childhood professional on the importance of trusting young children to take healthy risks.

Professional Learning Facilitator, Char Norris, shares memories of a very special summer when her children were young, and ideas on how to create a summer to remember this year.

Nikki Baldwin shares how early childhood educators have developed a specialized set of skills that can help our communities heal and provide needed leadership during this challenging time.

Professional Learning Facilitator Kara Cossel shares how cultivating an appreciation of differences in her son as a young child has had a profound influence on his life and led to a special lifelong friendship.

Professional Learning Facilitator Tyler Gonzalez shares an important lesson she learned about the differences between child and adult expectations when a recent family camping trip did not turn out as planned.

The future of early childhood education emerges from our responses to the challenges of today. Early childhood educators must hold onto our values as we emerge from the COVID-19 closures. We can draw strength from each other during this uncertain time, and fully embrace our leadership role as we reimagine early childhood programs in Wyoming.