Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

11/03/2026

Sometimes repeating an instruction isn't enough.

In this week's episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, Steffani Hammitt shares a simple example that raises a bigger question: Are we actually teaching children the skills we expect them to use?

Whether we're asking children to calm down, use their words, or follow directions, knowing what's expected isn't always the same as knowing how to do it.

Listen to Are We Teaching the Skills We Expect? on Tiny Talks on Early Learning.

https://champ.ly/DqtTTnDV

11/03/2026

“Clean up” sounds like a simple instruction, but think about everything we're asking a young child to do.

Organize. Remember where things belong. Manage frustration. Follow directions. And sometimes, put away toys they didn't even play with.

In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, Steffani Hammitt reminds us that everyday classroom routines involve skills children are still developing.

Sometimes the best place to start is by breaking a big task into smaller, manageable steps.

Listen to Are We Teaching the Skills We Expect? at tinytalksearlylearning.com.

10/30/2026

A little crunch and a lot of curiosity!

Snack time turned into an opportunity for discovery at GRECS Early Learning Center Daphne with Explore a Veggie!

Children had the chance to try veggie straws and carrot chips while exploring new tastes and textures alongside their classmates.

The fun didn't stop in the classroom! Families also received a veggie exploration activity to take home and continue encouraging their little ones to try new foods together.

It's a simple way to build curiosity, encourage healthy eating habits, and make trying new foods fun!

10/30/2026

Being a parent means setting expectations and guiding our children, but our relationships with them are about so much more than authority.

In this episode of UNrattled, Joshua Jones reflects on fatherhood, the influence parents have on their children's confidence, and the importance of nurturing those relationships with patience, kindness, and understanding.

A reminder that connection matters just as much as correction.

Listen to the full conversation at https://champ.ly/SYkT4zLf.

10/29/2026

Meet Candise Jones, the Alabama Head Start Association's 2026 Parent of the Year!

From volunteering in her children's classroom to serving as President of the State Policy Council, Candise has demonstrated what it means to be an involved parent and advocate for early childhood education.

Her dedication extended beyond her own children as she worked to support other children, families, and the Head Start community.

We are proud to recognize Candise for her leadership, commitment, and contributions to Head Start. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

10/29/2026

Sometimes we're the ones who need a minute.

Parenting can test our patience, and recognizing when our own frustration is building isn't always easy. But taking a moment to step away, breathe, and reset can make a difference in how we respond to our children.

In this episode of UNrattled, we're talking about parental frustration, emotional regulation, and how the way we handle our own big feelings can help children learn to manage theirs.

Because our kids aren't just listening to what we tell them to do. They're watching how we do it, too.

Listen to the full episode at https://champ.ly/SYkT4zLf.

10/28/2026

Sometimes it's a strong personality. Sometimes it's a developmental phase. And sometimes there's something more going on beneath the behavior.

In this episode of UNrattled, we discuss oppositional behaviors, the differences in how children respond to expectations, and when persistent challenges may be worth looking into more closely.

Because understanding what's behind the resistance can be just as important as knowing how to respond to it.

Listen to the full episode at https://champ.ly/SYkT4zLf.

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

"Go give your aunt a hug goodbye!" Sound familiar?

For many of us, hugging relatives wasn't really a choice growing up. But should we expect the same from our children?

In this episode of UNrattled, we're talking about family expectations, respecting children's boundaries, and why giving children a say in physical affection is an important part of developing autonomy.

How do you handle this in your family?

Listen to the full conversation at https://champ.ly/SYkT4zLf.