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Early childhood

Blog Posts

child with headphones on watching a tablet
Read article: Tech time for young children
Tech time for young children
We use technology in many ways during everyday routines, and young children don’t want to be left out. The University of Illinois...
caregiver holding child
Read article: Five ways to support foster parents
Five ways to support foster parents
A little less than a year ago, I received a phone call from a friend who eagerly said that a foster child was on the way to their home. I was beyond...
Child sits appearing sad.
Read article: How to help the child whose parent lives with mental health challenges
How to help the child whose parent lives with mental health challenges
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to discuss something that hits very close to home for me. The...
grandfather holding up a smiling infant
Read article: Five tips for grandparents raising grandchildren
Five tips for grandparents raising grandchildren
Often grandparenting means a weekend with grandchildren every now and then, an evening babysitting, a summer vacation, or chats on the phone and...
the word family written out in baking flour
Read article: Starting a family as LGBTQ+ parents
Starting a family as LGBTQ+ parents
During my first year of college, I had a professor in the middle of the adoption process with her partner. I will never forget the day she shared the...
family with children and baby smiling at each other
Read article: Helpful hints for unifying a blended family
Helpful hints for unifying a blended family
While conflict is bound to happen in all family structures, blended families encounter many unique challenges. Knowing what to expect can help...
mother hugging her child
Read article: Helping children cope with disasters
Helping children cope with disasters
Natural disasters, such as the recent tornadoes, wildfires, and floods along with other traumatic events like mass shootings and even the pandemic...
four people outside laughing in the snow
Read article: Making the holidays memorable and meaningful
Making the holidays memorable and meaningful
Every year the adults in my family have a Christmas gift exchange. Around October we draw names with wish lists to prepare for the exchange. A couple...

News Releases

Babysitting Clinics
  Take care of the kids in your neighborhood when their parents can't be with them! University of Illinois Extension will be offering a babysitting clinic this summer. Interested youth may choose to attend the clinic on June 4 at Prince of Peace Church, Rockton, ...
Wellness, nutrition education training for early childcare providers
URBANA, Ill. – Positive habits for children start with healthy, happy, and empowered childcare providers. Early childcare professionals and education centers interested in learning how to maintain and reinforce healthy choices within a childcare work environment will learn strategies to build...