Maria Vernon ⁽⁵⁾

Insights from the Classroom Ever wonder what your child is really like when they’re away from you? Or wish you had a crystal ball to understand what helps them thrive in a group setting? Preschool teachers don’t have crystal balls—but they do have a front-row…

Brain & Development Facts "A preschooler's brain makes about 1 million new neural connections every second! No wonder they're exhausted by naptime." "Children's brains don't finish developing until they're about 25 years old. So when your 4-year-old makes questionable decisions, remember—their executive function center is…

If your stomach twists every time you walk away from your preschooler at daycare—especially when they cry, cling, or say, “Don’t go!”—you’re not alone. That wave of guilt? It's heartbreakingly common. Many parents wonder if they're doing the right thing or fear they’re “dumping” their…

“It must be nice to get paid just to play with children all day!” If you’re an early childhood (EC) teacher, chances are you’ve heard that line—often said with a chuckle, as if what you do is somehow less real, less skilled, or less important…

It usually comes out in the middle of something small: your toddler refuses to eat the peas, you gently guide them away from a tantrum, or you explain instead of punish—and then it drops: “You’re too soft.” Whether it’s said with a smile, a sigh,…