Beyond the Sandwich: Easy & Healthy Cold Lunch Ideas for Preschoolers
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Beyond the Sandwich: Easy & Healthy Cold Lunch Ideas for Preschoolers

Packing a daily cold lunch for your preschooler can sometimes feel like a creative challenge, especially when you're trying to move beyond the classic sandwich. The good news is, there are endless healthy, no-prep, and delicious options that don't require any cooking or assembly in the morning!

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Splish, Splash, and Shine Safely This Summer!
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Splish, Splash, and Shine Safely This Summer!

Summer is just around the corner, a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and lots of outdoor adventures! We're so excited for all the fun your family will have. As we embrace the warmer weather, we also want to empower you with some friendly reminders and tips to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy while making those precious summer memories.

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Saying Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever: Navigating Separation Anxiety
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Saying Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever: Navigating Separation Anxiety

Starting preschool or even transitioning to a new classroom within our program can be a big step for young children. For some, this transition can bring about feelings of worry or sadness when it's time to say goodbye to their parents or caregivers – this is often referred to as separation anxiety. It's a normal developmental stage, especially for children between the ages of 8 months and 3 years, but it can still be tough on both children and parents.

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Encouraging Independence in Toddlers and Preschoolers
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Encouraging Independence in Toddlers and Preschoolers

As your partner in early childhood education, we believe in nurturing your child’s confidence and autonomy every step of the way. Encouraging independence in toddlers and preschoolers isn’t just about teaching them to do things on their own; it’s about helping them develop the skills, resilience, and self-assurance they’ll need for a lifetime of learning and growth.

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Why Supporting Early Childhood Education Is the Right Choice This Giving Tuesday
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Why Supporting Early Childhood Education Is the Right Choice This Giving Tuesday

At Winamac Early Learning Academy, we’re proud to be pioneers in our rural Indiana community, offering a full-day, year-round preschool program designed to meet the needs of working families. We believe that investing in early childhood education is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen families, uplift communities, and shape a brighter future for everyone.

Here’s why supporting quality preschool experiences—like those we provide—is the right choice, not just this Giving Tuesday, but every day.

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The Magic of Open-Ended Play: Supporting STEAM Learning Through Play
Amy Swails Amy Swails

The Magic of Open-Ended Play: Supporting STEAM Learning Through Play

Open-ended play is a powerful way to support your child’s natural curiosity and love for learning. By providing toys and materials that encourage exploration and creativity, you’re helping them build a strong foundation in STEAM skills that will benefit them for years to come.

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The Power of Play: Why It’s Essential in Early Childhood Education
Amy Swails Amy Swails

The Power of Play: Why It’s Essential in Early Childhood Education

Winamac Early Learning Academy is committed to offering a high-quality, research-backed play-based curriculum. We believe that children thrive in environments where they feel both encouraged and challenged, and our play-based learning approach reflects this belief. As a top-rated preschool, we use carefully structured play activities tailored to each developmental stage, allowing children to progress at their own pace while achieving meaningful educational milestones.

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How to Create Holiday Traditions with Young Children
Amy Swails Amy Swails

How to Create Holiday Traditions with Young Children

The holiday season is a wonderful time to make lasting memories with your little ones! Creating simple, meaningful traditions can help children feel connected to the season while nurturing family bonds. Here are a few easy and age-appropriate traditions for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s that toddlers and preschoolers will love!

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Halloween Safety Tips for Young Children
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Halloween Safety Tips for Young Children

Halloween is a time of excitement for young children—with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations at every turn. However, the festivities can sometimes pose safety risks, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. To help make Halloween both fun and safe, here are some practical tips for parents to keep in mind.

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Where to Find Parenting Advice: Trusted Resources for Parents
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Where to Find Parenting Advice: Trusted Resources for Parents

With so many resources available, finding the ones that align with your family’s values and needs is key. Taking the time to explore these options can provide valuable support and guidance on your parenting journey. Remember, seeking advice is a sign of strength and care for your child’s well-being!

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Do Children Need Preschool? The Lasting Benefits of Early Learning
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Do Children Need Preschool? The Lasting Benefits of Early Learning

Choosing the right educational path for young children is a big decision, and many parents find themselves wondering: “Does my child need preschool?” While each family’s circumstances are unique, studies show that children who attend high-quality preschool programs often experience significant benefits—both in the short term and well into elementary school.

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Cold Lunch Ideas (That AREN’T Sandwiches!)
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Cold Lunch Ideas (That AREN’T Sandwiches!)

Packing a nutritious and exciting lunch for your child can be a challenge, especially when they’ve had enough of the typical sandwich. If your child is growing tired of the usual lunchbox options, don’t worry! There are plenty of cold lunch ideas that are easy to prepare, delicious, and will keep your preschooler fueled throughout the day.

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How to Create a Positive Morning Routine for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Amy Swails Amy Swails

How to Create a Positive Morning Routine for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Mornings with toddlers and preschoolers can often feel hectic, especially when trying to balance getting ready for the day while ensuring everyone is in a positive mood. However, with a little planning and consistency, you can create a morning routine that sets a calm, positive tone for the rest of the day.

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Fostering Imagination in Young Children
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Fostering Imagination in Young Children

Imagination is the cornerstone of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. For young children, imagination is not just about playing pretend—it's a vital part of their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Encouraging imagination in young children helps them explore the world, develop empathy, and build the foundation for lifelong learning.

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Nurturing Healthy Habits: Encouraging Nutrition in Toddlers and Preschoolers
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Nurturing Healthy Habits: Encouraging Nutrition in Toddlers and Preschoolers

As parents, we all want to engage with our preschoolers and understand their day-to-day experiences. However, asking "How was your day?" often leads to the all-too-familiar response: "Good." To foster better communication and gain more insight into your child’s preschool experience, try asking these alternative questions.

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Things to Ask Your Preschooler Other Than "How Was Your Day?"
Amy Swails Amy Swails

Things to Ask Your Preschooler Other Than "How Was Your Day?"

As parents, we all want to engage with our preschoolers and understand their day-to-day experiences. However, asking "How was your day?" often leads to the all-too-familiar response: "Good." To foster better communication and gain more insight into your child’s preschool experience, try asking these alternative questions.

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