The Early Care and Education Hub

06/16/2026

The World Cup is more than a game. ⚽🌎

It's an opportunity to help children learn about teamwork, belonging, and the unique strengths every person brings to their community.

Try this at home or in your classroom: Ask children what makes them a good teammate. Listening? Sharing? Encouraging others?

Big lessons often start with simple conversations.

Explore more ideas in our free World Cup Learning Packet. https://bit.ly/3SheUpk

06/16/2026

Catch our parenting expert on FOX4 News Kansas City at 7:45 am for info on how the World Cup games can motivate you to get up & moving!

And for more activities to do with your children, download our FREE World Cup Early Learning packet here: https://futuresfirstkc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Futures-First-World-Cup-Early-Learning-Packet.pdf

06/12/2026

You spend your days supporting staff, guiding families, and helping children thrive.

That’s why we’re investing in you.

Join us for our annual Directors Seminar, a professional development experience designed specifically for directors, assistant directors, owners, coaches, and other early childhood leaders.

Earn 5.0 clock hours, connect with fellow leaders, strengthen your leadership skills, and leave with practical strategies you can bring back to your program right away.

Because strong leaders help create stronger futures for children.

Space is limited. Register today: https://www.ecehub.org/trainings/692df12d5f2d280015d30b1b

06/12/2026

That's a Fact Friday - it's a burst of vocabulary!

Babies who are frequently talked to know about 300 more words by age 2 than others. So, talk, read, and play with your child every day, and boost those brain connections.

06/11/2026

Happy International Day of Play! 🌟 🎈

From infancy on, play is an important part of a child’s life. For babies and toddlers, simple, playful interactions with adults support brain development, the foundations of lifelong health, and the building blocks of resilience. Play is also a great way for children to practice and strengthen executive function skills, including focusing their attention, improving their memory, and developing basic self-control.

If you're looking for simple games for children of all ages, check out our play-based handouts here: https://bit.ly/4h4kPFF

UNICEF

06/09/2026

Check out our summer sale and book your training today! Details here: https://futuresfirstkc.org/on-site-training-summer-sale/

Strong classrooms start with supported educators.

Support your team with engaging, practical professional development from Futures First.

Through June 15:
✔ Two-hour on-site trainings
✔ Just $400
✔ 20% savings

Led by experienced early childhood specialists who understand the realities educators face every day.

06/09/2026

Kansas child care providers - Child Care Aware of Kansas wants your feedback!

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Provider Satisfaction Survey. Use the QR code, or use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSS2025Programs

06/05/2026

That's a Fact Friday - floor time is so important!

Holding your head up during tummy time works the muscles you need to roll over. Rolling over works the muscles you need to sit up. Sitting up works the muscles you need to stand. And so on, and so on.

So make sure your child has plenty of unrestricted time to move freely. When children are allowed to move on their own, they are intentionally working those muscles they need to reach the next milestone.

06/03/2026

🚨 Act Today.

Congress could vote today on legislation that may reduce access to child care by creating new barriers for families and providers.

Take 2 minutes to contact your Representative and help protect access to child care for the children and families who depend on it.

Take 2 minutes to contact your Representative.

🔗 https://futuresfirstkc.org/child-care-scams-act/

Every voice matters. Please act today.

06/03/2026

One fun way to get outside is to go on a scavenger hunt! Try a nature hunt like this, OR go on a

🎨Color hunt
🔠 Letter hunt
🟧 Shapes hunt
👃🏻Sensory hunt