The following is a guest post from our newest trainer, Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist, Carol Lettko. Here are a few go-to creative ideas to help keep your little ones engaged while reinforcing their language skills during play!Remember to keep your child's...
BANANAS Blog
BANANASWhat parents should know about getting kids ready for transitional kindergarten
by Karen D'Souza who covers early education at EdSource Going back to school is always a bit of a sticky transition, but this year there’s more to worry about, from teacher shortages to mask rules, than the usual concerns. On top of all that, there are many more...
BANANAS 2022 Mother’s Day Campaign
Give a Gift That Says "Thank You for Everything!"Why is Mother’s Day So Special? Our mothers and mother-figures have shined the past couple of years. In addition to their daily responsibilities, mothers were tasked with defining what a ‘new normal’ looks like for...
Male Early Child Care Professionals Matter!
Written by Sharon Shi We need more men to break the stereotype of the female-dominated child care industry in today’s gender equity world. From the Hechinger Report, males total only 3% of early childhood educators (1). In our society and history, we have these very...
Attitudes of Gratitude
Do you remember reading the back of cereal boxes, playing with empty boxes, and banging on pots and pans? Whatever happened to the enjoyment of the little things? The holidays are vastly approaching and we have the opportunity to be intentional about defining what we...
Tell me early educators, what is your math story?
Think back to when you were nine years old. You are sitting in your 4th-grade class and your teacher announces it is time for a timed multiplication test. What is your reaction? Do you get a rush of excitement over the thrill of a timed brain rush, or do your palms...
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KYM JOHNSON’S REFLECTION ON FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021
Gratitude and grace - these are the sentiments that I have held this past year. We entered the 2020-2021 year shell-shocked. Four months into the pandemic, BANANAS was in triage mode. As an organization, our focus was on stemming the crisis our families and child care...
The Fall Challenge for School-Age Parents by Heather Lang-Heaven
So many parents didn’t think we would be here again: our kids back in school with a remote setup looking similar to how we wrapped up last Spring! The pandemic lasting longer than originally thought has meant distance learning has kicked off again for Bay Area kids...
Having Fun with Your Kids During the Holidays by Heather Lang-Heaven
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be a challenging moment for parents, providers, and the children in their care. It is very easy to become consumed with endless activities, extra tasks at home, and mismanaged schedules. However, it is a...
Keep the Play Alive by Jethro Rice
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers I remember when I first came across this quote from the patron saint of positive child development...
Love it!! great idea.
Hi Eric: this is a voice from your far past. I am finally trying to clean out closets and have…
Hi Michelle, we currently don't offer any classes on that but please check out course catalog for any upcoming class…
Are there any free virtual classes for batterers I'm not a physically violent person but I got arrested for arguing…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and bringing out those excellent points. Making positive changes in the ECE…