A joyful young girl at school smiling and raising her hand against a purple background with playful geometric shapes, embodying the essence of play based learning. Purple banner with an image to the right of two children smiling and raising their hands.

The Confident Classroom

Inspiration and resources for early
childhood educators

Highlights Early Learning works hand in hand with preschool educators to nurture young
children’s curiosity, creativity, caring, and confidence. This collection is filled with time saving
tips and solutions that empower center directors and teachers to create educational
environments where young learners can become their best selves.

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11 Fall Themes for Preschool Classrooms
11 Fall Themes for Preschool Classrooms
From autumn staples like apples and leaves to important preschool concepts like learning about new friends and gratitude, here are 11 fall themes that are perfect for preschool classrooms. 
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What Neuroscience Tells Us About Play and Stress Relief
What Neuroscience Tells Us About Play and Stress Relief

Play isn’t just fun — it’s a powerful way to protect children from stress. Neuroscience shows that unstructured, joyful play lowers cortisol, builds resilience, and strengthens the brain systems tied to emotional regulation and learning, making it a vital part of healthy development.

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Building on the Newsletter: Creative Ways to Engage Families in Play
Building on the Newsletter: Creative Ways to Engage Families in Play

Family newsletters are a powerful way to connect classrooms and homes — and educators can build on that foundation with playful, low-lift strategies that deepen family engagement. From family play nights to quick challenge cards, these approaches make it easy for families to experience the joy and purpose of play-based learning firsthand.

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Why Social and Emotional Development Is Essential to Kindergarten Readiness
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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Why Resilience Matters in Preschool — and How We Help Children Build It
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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Planting Seeds of Kindness: A New Chapter of Kindergarten Readiness for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, FL
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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7 Ways to Encourage a Lifelong Love of Reading
7 Ways to Encourage a Lifelong Love of Reading

Discover practical ways to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children, from engaging read-alouds to fun routines and diverse book selections. 

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9 Ways Preschool Center Directors Can Set New Teachers Up for Success
9 Ways Preschool Center Directors Can Set New Teachers Up for Success
Here are 9 ways Center Directors can set up new teachers for success and give your preschool education center an edge over the competition. 
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9 Ways to Improve Teacher Retention at Your Preschool
9 Ways to Improve Teacher Retention at Your Preschool
Here are 9 ways preschool program directors can improve teacher retention at preschools and early childhood education centers.  
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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose

Check next year’s curriculum off your to-do list, and help your teachers unlock the best learning environment for students!

  • Highlights Preschool With a Purpose is a full curriculum with ready-to-go materials that can be quickly adapted by teachers of all experience levels.
  • The curriculum includes 10 months of themed instruction designed for children ages 3 to 5. Flexible lessons and activities can be easily tailored to each child’s learning requirements.
  • A convenient digital planner simplifies lesson planning and team coordination for busy teachers and center directors.
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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose