Preschool & Daycare Blog | AppleTree & Gilden Woods

September 23, 2026

The iCare Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Making a Difference

Across our community of schools, Learning Care team members give everything to the children and families we serve, whether they’re teaching in the classroom or providing support at the corporate level. The iCare Foundation exists to lend them a hand in return when they need it most.

September 3, 2026

Exploring Community in Early Learning

Learning begins with relationships. At the start of the school year, children in Learning Care schools explore our Learn as We Grow® curriculum concept of Community.

September 2, 2026

Say Hola to Spanish Learning

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, is a meaningful time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities—and to help children discover the joy of language and connection.

August 24, 2026

Tips for Healthy Grab-and-Go Snacks

Having healthy snacks to grab on the go is essential for staving off hunger! Try putting together a basket of shelf-stable snack items your children can choose from.

August 18, 2026

Why St. Jude's Mission Is Personal for Pathways Director Alesha Benkert

Every morning, Alesha Benkert is greeted by children excited to see her—children whose names, milestones, and daily moments she has come to know by heart. She spends her days helping them build a strong foundation so they can embrace a future their families dream about.

August 4, 2026

Family Fitness Tips for All Ages

Through our Grow Fit® approach, we help children build healthy habits early by encouraging nutritious choices, active play, and everyday movement that supports their well-being.

July 23, 2026

Healthy Breakfast Freezer Meals

The upcoming back to school season means we’ll soon be back to the morning rush. These two freezer-friendly breakfast recipes make it easy to grab a nutritious meal and go.

July 20, 2026

Emotional Safety and a Nurturing Environment

When families choose an early childhood education program, safety is one of their most important considerations. A safe environment allows children to explore, build confidence, develop relationships, and discover the love to learn.

July 14, 2026

Wonders of Water: Splish, Splash, Science

Can a single drop of water spark a summer of discovery? Our young learners prove it can. During our exploration of the Wonders of Water, curiosity made a splash in every classroom.

July 7, 2026

Screen Time: Finding a Healthy Balance for Children

At our Learning Care schools, we focus on helping children build active bodies and active minds—and that includes thoughtful, developmentally appropriate use of screens with an educational focus.

June 30, 2026

19 Farmers’ Market Recipes Worth Saving (and Eating!)

With the summer growing season in full swing, local markets are buzzing with fresh, nourishing produce that is as delicious as it is colorful. Save this blog for quick access to an array of recipes and create farm-to-table meals your whole family will love.

June 23, 2026

How Play-Based Learning Supports Child Development

The more we study how children learn, the more we understand that play is the method that helps young children acquire new skills. When children play, they do much more than have fun. They’re actively building important skills that support their early growth and development.

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