Did you know? Squishing and rolling playdough builds the tiny hand muscles kids need for writing, buttoning, and using scissors!

Want to know a great way to find child care that works for your family's needs? Check out your local Resource and Referral (R&R) agency by visiting MyChildCarePlan.org or the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network at rrnetwork.org! #CaliforniaChildCare

UNO cards are more than a game—they’re a fun learning tool for UPK classrooms! 🃏 Explore activities that build early math, color and number recognition, matching, turn-taking, fine motor, and social-emotional skills. Watch, then share your favorite ideas!

Build high-quality early learning environments with intentional, developmentally appropriate practice. This NAEYC checklist helps leaders observe classrooms, support educators, and guide reflective planning. Download it now: bit.ly/46w5Ssx

It's National School Lunch week and we are celebrating by taking a look inside Sacramento’s Central Kitchen following California's shift to Universal Meals for all! youtu.be/laflvtSzZPw?si=5CSS…

Join Education First and Dr. Nell K. Duke to explore a fully funded grant opportunity for California pre-K/TK programs. See how Great First Eight Pre-K/TK supports purposeful, play-based instruction in every classroom. Register today: bit.ly/4ADVPzq

Our LinkedIn Live conversation, From Listening to Action: Building Communications with Communities is on 10/22 at 1 p.m. (ET)! REGISTER TODAY!: bit.ly/47JsPJc

Mini erasers offer big learning potential! ✨ Use them for playful fine motor practice while children sort, count, match, and create patterns. Explore simple ways to add these small tools to your UPK classroom. Which activity will your students try first?

Spotlight on Napa County Office of Education! Check out their YouTube video celebrating their early learning and care programs with a clear focus on family choice! youtu.be/ZW2O-GhBFlQ?si=nBvC…

Celebrating Steven Hicks and Shanna Birkholz-Vasquez, who presented “The Joy Factor: Reimagining Early Literacy Through Story, Talk and Play” at the NASLEE 2026 Roundtable! 📚 Attended #NASLEE? Share your favorite takeaway!

week’s Fun Friday activities turn a seasonal favorite into hands-on science and math learning. Invite children to observe and describe pumpkins, compare size and weight, investigate what’s inside, count and sort seeds, and explore the pumpkin life cycle!

Check out The Discovery Source's Lunch & Learn, Creating Calming Spaces featuring the Tucker Turtle Calming Corner Tent on October 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (PST)! Register now: bit.ly/47KG3p2

For the past three years, California Education Partners partnered with more than 35 school districts all across the state to hardwire coherence in their systems with a focus on early math. Check it out here: youtu.be/3wo9s15D0Ls?si=1DRd…

Get ready for DRDP (2025) with free, updated training at DR Access Learn! Build confidence in authentic assessment and prepare for successful implementation. Courses are available anytime. Log in or create an account to get started: draccesslearn.org/

Scarves bring big possibilities to UPK play and learning! From movement and music to imaginative play, color exploration, sensory fun, and cooperative games, this short video shares easy ideas to try with your students. What’s your favorite scarf activity?

The Early Childhood Development and Screen Time Toolkit was developed for use by early childhood educators, childcare providers, early interventionists, home visitors, pediatricians, or other professionals who support families with young children: bit.ly/4yBF1Y0

Join LENA’s free webinar, *The Heart of Quality*, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Learn how interaction data can strengthen early childhood teaching, learning, and quality improvement. Register: bit.ly/4AMsF1l

Register now: bit.ly/INKUDLWebinar

This Fun Friday, kids become fire safety heroes! 🚒 They’ll learn evacuation plans, practice with their dolls and stuffies, and go on a scavenger hunt to find fire safety items like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors! & ceiling sprinklers! 🧯🚨👧🧸 #FunFriday #UPK

There is so much to celebrate this month! Check out the monthly, weekly, and daily observances we've shared, add them to your calendar, and start your celebrations!