With summer just around the corner and, for some, a change of pace, learning need not take a vacation. Whether it's school time or pool time, find some great tips here to engage children in playful learning.

 Also in this issue:

    * A look at recent studies on brain development and effective strategies that help young children acquire language skills.
    * A new public-private partnership out on the West Coast that aims to strengthen the capacity of child care professionals.
    * Suggestions on how early childhood educators can align teaching practices in pre-k through third grade.
    * Access to a searchable nation-wide database of child care policies to see what's going on across the country.
    * Research on language skills in public preschools.

Summer's also a great time to work in your garden. Get children in on the mix by applying for a 2010 gardening grant for your preschool or child care center.

Have a healthy, playful and productive summer. Look for our next issue in late August!


Vera Steiner Blore
Executive Director