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The Confident Classroom

Inspiration and resources for early
childhood educators

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Kindergarten Readiness = Kindness

When most people think of kindergarten readiness, they picture letter recognition, counting skills, or the ability to sit in a circle and follow directions. While those are important, they rest on a deeper — and often overlooked — foundation: social skills and emotional intelligence.

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Planting Seeds of Kindness: A New Chapter of Kindergarten Readiness for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, FL

What if the key to kindergarten readiness isn’t letters or numbers, but kindness? That’s the insight driving Florida's Early Learning Coalition of Polk County’s new Kindergarten Bridge initiative, in partnership with Highlights Early Learning to nurture empathy and well-being as the foundation for children’s success.

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Why Resilience Matters in Preschool — and How We Help Children Build It

Resilience starts in early childhood. Discover how playful, relationship-based strategies help preschoolers build emotional strength, optimism, and problem-solving skills for lifelong success.

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Starting the Preschool Year with Kindness: Why It Matters from Day One

The first days of the school year shape everything that follows. Building a foundation of kindness from the outset creates calmer classrooms today and stronger readiness for kindergarten tomorrow.

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Why Social and Emotional Development Is Essential to Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten readiness is about more than letters and numbers — it starts with strong social and emotional skills. Discover why emotional intelligence is the true foundation for school success.

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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose

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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose