{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Growth Spurt Group","home_page_url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com","description":"Growth Spurt Group","author":{"name":"Growth Spurt Group"},"items":[{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/teacher-reflection-reset-ending-the-year-with-purpose","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2028%2C%202026%2C%2012_05_06%20AM.png\"/><p>As the school year comes to a close, educators carry more than lesson plans—they carry the impact of every child they’ve supported, encouraged, and guided. The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and r...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/teacher-reflection-reset-ending-the-year-with-purpose","title":"Teacher Reflection + Reset: Ending the Year with Purpose","summary":"As the school year comes to a close, educators carry more than lesson plans—they carry the impact of every child they’ve supported, encouraged, and guided. The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and r...","date_modified":"2026-05-31T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/keeping-kids-engaged-sparking-curiosity-every-day","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2027%2C%202026%2C%2011_59_00%20PM.png\"/><p>Keeping young children engaged doesn’t require constant entertainment—it requires intention. In early childhood, engagement comes from curiosity, connection, and meaningful interaction with the world around them.</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/keeping-kids-engaged-sparking-curiosity-every-day","title":"Keeping Kids Engaged: Sparking Curiosity Every Day","summary":"Keeping young children engaged doesn’t require constant entertainment—it requires intention. In early childhood, engagement comes from curiosity, connection, and meaningful interaction with the world around them.","date_modified":"2026-05-29T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/preventing-summer-learning-loss-in-early-childhood-education","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2027%2C%202026%2C%2011_53_41%20PM.png\"/><p>Summer is a time for rest, play, and family—but it can also bring a pause in structured learning. For young children, long gaps without engagement can lead to what’s often called “summer learning loss.” The good news is ...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/preventing-summer-learning-loss-in-early-childhood-education","title":"Preventing Summer Learning Loss in Early Childhood Education","summary":"Summer is a time for rest, play, and family—but it can also bring a pause in structured learning. For young children, long gaps without engagement can lead to what’s often called “summer learning loss.” The good news is ...","date_modified":"2026-05-27T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/structure-vs-freedom-finding-the-right-balance-in-ece","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2027%2C%202026%2C%2011_48_54%20PM.png\"/><p>In early childhood education, one of the most important—and often misunderstood—dynamics is the balance between structure and freedom. Both are essential, and when used effectively together, they create an environment wh...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/structure-vs-freedom-finding-the-right-balance-in-ece","title":"Structure vs. Freedom: Finding the Right Balance in ECE","summary":"In early childhood education, one of the most important—and often misunderstood—dynamics is the balance between structure and freedom. Both are essential, and when used effectively together, they create an environment wh...","date_modified":"2026-05-24T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/spring-activities-inspiring-learning-through-the-season","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2027%2C%202026%2C%2011_40_50%20PM.png\"/><p>Spring is the perfect time to bring fresh energy into early childhood learning. With longer days, warmer weather, and nature coming to life, the season offers endless opportunities for hands-on exploration and discovery.</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/spring-activities-inspiring-learning-through-the-season","title":"Spring Activities: Inspiring Learning Through the Season","summary":"Spring is the perfect time to bring fresh energy into early childhood learning. With longer days, warmer weather, and nature coming to life, the season offers endless opportunities for hands-on exploration and discovery.","date_modified":"2026-05-22T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/the-power-of-play-in-early-childhood-education","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2027%2C%202026%2C%2011_35_23%20PM.png\"/><p>Play is often seen as a break from learning, but in early childhood, it is the learning. Through play, children explore their world, test ideas, and build critical skills that form the foundation for future success.</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/the-power-of-play-in-early-childhood-education","title":"The Power of Play in Early Childhood Education","summary":"Play is often seen as a break from learning, but in early childhood, it is the learning. Through play, children explore their world, test ideas, and build critical skills that form the foundation for future success.","date_modified":"2026-05-20T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/end-of-year-reflection-celebrating-growth-in-early-childhood","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2005_48_39%20PM.png\"/><p>As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to pause and reflect on how far children have come. In early childhood education, growth isn’t always measured by test scores—it’s seen in confidence gained, friendship...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/end-of-year-reflection-celebrating-growth-in-early-childhood","title":"End-of-Year Reflection: Celebrating Growth in Early Childhood","summary":"As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to pause and reflect on how far children have come. In early childhood education, growth isn’t always measured by test scores—it’s seen in confidence gained, friendship...","date_modified":"2026-05-17T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/transitioning-to-kindergarten-helping-children-take-the-next-big","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2005_39_33%20PM.png\"/><p>  </p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/transitioning-to-kindergarten-helping-children-take-the-next-big","title":"Transitioning to Kindergarten: Helping Children Take the Next Big","summary":"  ","date_modified":"2026-05-15T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/kindergarten-readiness-preparing-children-for-a-confident-start","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2005_35_24%20PM.png\"/><p>Kindergarten readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. While early academic skills are important, true readiness reflects a child’s overall development—social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. It’...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/kindergarten-readiness-preparing-children-for-a-confident-start","title":"Kindergarten Readiness: Preparing Children for a Confident Start","summary":"Kindergarten readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. While early academic skills are important, true readiness reflects a child’s overall development—social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. It’...","date_modified":"2026-05-13T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/partnering-with-parents-in-early-childhood-education","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2005_25_16%20PM.png\"/><p>  </p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/partnering-with-parents-in-early-childhood-education","title":"Partnering with Parents in Early Childhood Education","summary":"  ","date_modified":"2026-05-10T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/teaching-self-regulation-in-early-childhood","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2004_44_39%20PM.png\"/><p>Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and impulses—and it’s a skill that must be taught, not expected. In early childhood, big feelings often come faster than a child’s ability to control them. Wh...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/teaching-self-regulation-in-early-childhood","title":"Teaching Self-Regulation in Early Childhood","summary":"Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and impulses—and it’s a skill that must be taught, not expected. In early childhood, big feelings often come faster than a child’s ability to control them. Wh...","date_modified":"2026-05-08T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/building-emotional-intelligence-in-early-childhood","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2004_34_59%20PM.png\"/><p>  </p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/building-emotional-intelligence-in-early-childhood","title":"Building Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood","summary":"  ","date_modified":"2026-05-06T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/celebrating-teacher-appreciation-week-honoring-the-heart-of-earl","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2004_20_48%20PM.png\"/><p>  </p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/celebrating-teacher-appreciation-week-honoring-the-heart-of-earl","title":"Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week: Honoring the Heart of Earl","summary":"  ","date_modified":"2026-05-03T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/why-early-childhoodeducation-matters-more-than-ever","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Apr%2021%2C%202026%2C%2004_02_24%20PM.png\"/><p>In today’s rapidly evolving world, early childhood education is no longer optional—it is essential. The first five years of a child’s life are a period of extraordinary brain development, laying the foundation for how th...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/why-early-childhoodeducation-matters-more-than-ever","title":"Why Early ChildhoodEducation matters More Than Ever","summary":"In today’s rapidly evolving world, early childhood education is no longer optional—it is essential. The first five years of a child’s life are a period of extraordinary brain development, laying the foundation for how th...","date_modified":"2026-05-01T05:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/tefa-vendor-portal-opens-december-9","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/ChatGPT%20Image%20Dec%206%2C%202025%2C%2010_59_06%20PM.png\"/><p>What Texas Early Childhood Providers Need to Know</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/tefa-vendor-portal-opens-december-9","title":"TEFA Vendor Portal Opens December 9!","summary":"What Texas Early Childhood Providers Need to Know","date_modified":"2025-12-07T05:00:58Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/celebrating-little-steps-embracing-the-week-of-the-young-child","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/stock/xqgp9aG\"/><p>In the tapestry of early childhood education, each thread—be it educators, administrators, childcare business owners, advocates, or parents—plays a pivotal role in weaving the vibrant future of our youngest learners. Thi...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/celebrating-little-steps-embracing-the-week-of-the-young-child","title":"Celebrating Little Steps: Embracing the Week of the Young Child","summary":"In the tapestry of early childhood education, each thread—be it educators, administrators, childcare business owners, advocates, or parents—plays a pivotal role in weaving the vibrant future of our youngest learners. Thi...","date_modified":"2024-04-08T15:43:52Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/the-joyful-world-of-zumbini-unleashing-creativity-and-connection","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/characters.png\"/><p>Hey there, fellow explorers of early childhood wonders! I'm diving into something close to my heart today – Zumbini. If you haven't yet heard about it, prepare for your world to be sprinkled with a bit more joy and color...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/the-joyful-world-of-zumbini-unleashing-creativity-and-connection","title":"The Joyful World of Zumbini: Unleashing Creativity and Connection","summary":"Hey there, fellow explorers of early childhood wonders! I'm diving into something close to my heart today – Zumbini. If you haven't yet heard about it, prepare for your world to be sprinkled with a bit more joy and color...","date_modified":"2024-04-08T15:20:37Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/unlocking-student-success-transformative-power-of-setting-goals","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/stock/7717\"/><p>Contributor: Danielle Whetstone Harris </p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/unlocking-student-success-transformative-power-of-setting-goals","title":"Unlocking Student Success: Transformative Power of Setting Goals","summary":"Contributor: Danielle Whetstone Harris ","date_modified":"2024-01-26T23:03:54Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/childcare-leadership-workshop","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/Childcare%20Leadership%20Workshop%20Flyer-final%20(2).jpg\"/><p></p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/childcare-leadership-workshop","title":"Child Care Leadership Workshop EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT SAVE $50","date_modified":"2024-01-19T22:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/you-make-the-difference","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/SYG%20Blog-web_image%20%20(1).png\"/><p>July is National Make a Difference to a Child Awareness Month, so we thought we would take a moment to celebrate and recognize the crucial role early childhood educators play in shaping the lives of young children. It's ...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/you-make-the-difference","title":"You Make the Difference!","summary":"July is National Make a Difference to a Child Awareness Month, so we thought we would take a moment to celebrate and recognize the crucial role early childhood educators play in shaping the lives of young children. It's ...","date_modified":"2023-07-07T06:03:44Z"},{"id":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/tickle-their-funny-bones-using-humor-in-child-care","html_content":"<img src=\"https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/1915e290-85ed-43f7-8b79-f1712fdefd3a/Untitled%20design%20(47).png\"/><p>April is National Humor Month! This is a great time to celebrate the importance of humor in our lives, especially when it comes to caring for children. As a child care provider, you know how important it is to create a p...</p>","url":"https://growthspurtgroup.com/blog/f/tickle-their-funny-bones-using-humor-in-child-care","title":"Tickle Their Funny Bones: Using Humor in Child Care","summary":"April is National Humor Month! This is a great time to celebrate the importance of humor in our lives, especially when it comes to caring for children. As a child care provider, you know how important it is to create a p...","date_modified":"2023-04-01T05:00:00Z"}]}