With the holiday season around the corner, many of you may be planning trips to visit family or enjoy a little getaway. Traveling with young children can bring such joy but, as we know, also comes with some unique challenges. Those little adventurers bring a lot of wonder to each journey, though they often add [...]

Bedtime can be a tender challenge, especially as our young ones start exploring their independence. It’s a common phase — one that often starts around age 2 ½ — as children become more aware of themselves, their choices, and, well...all the other exciting things they’d rather do than sleep! But sleep is an important boundary [...]

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive in their daily activities — whether they’re dressing themselves, feeding, playing, or writing. One important aspect of their development that supports all these activities is hand strength. But what exactly is hand strength, and why is it so important? What is Hand Strength? Hand strength [...]

Riding a tricycle is more than just fun for young children—it offers a range of developmental benefits that support their physical, cognitive, and social growth. It not only strengthens their leg and core muscles but also enhances their decision making and spatial awareness. Tricycling helps build focus and concentration, boosting their ability to stay focused [...]

A valuable resource for parents and caregivers, Westcliff Early Learning Academy held its first-ever webinar series brimming with information to assist in navigating early childhood education with confidence and clarity. An education administrator since 2009, the school’s director, Monica Heredia, brought in expert guest speakers to discuss the difference between Montessori, Reggio, and play-based preschools [...]

Starting a new school year can be a time of excitement, but it can also bring about feelings of nervousness and uncertainty for both parents and children. Here are some gentle, supportive strategies to help your child transition smoothly into this new chapter. Consistent routines Routines are important in helping children feel secure also [...]

What is Crossing the Midline? Crossing the midline is a crucial developmental milestone, playing a significant role in a child’s ability to master both fine and gross motor skills. This ability is deeply connected to everyday tasks, and when a child struggles with crossing the midline, it can affect nearly every functional activity they [...]

Setting Limits and Listening: A Teacher's Perspective for Parents As an early childhood educator for more than 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of setting limits and how listening can make an impact in young children’s lives. These two tools work hand-in-hand to create a safe, loving, and respectful environment for your [...]

As parents and caregivers, we understand the importance of equipping our children with the tools to navigate life's twists and turns with grace and strength. This is why fostering resilience plays a key part in our Westcliff Early Learning Academy philosophy. Our unique blend of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies help us to build [...]

One pillar in Westcliff Early Learning Academy’s philosophy is an unwavering dedication to nurturing a profound connection between children and the natural world that surrounds them. With the overwhelming influence of screens and digital devices, we stand by our mission to reintroduce children to the wonders of nature. Richard Louz, author of "Last Child [...]

At Westcliff Early Learning Academy in Irvine Calif., our commitment to nature is woven into every aspect of our curriculum. We believe in providing children with opportunities to connect with the natural world, and one of the most captivating ways to do so is through the medium of clay. Clay, with its earthy scent [...]

As parents, we've all experienced that overwhelming feeling when we see our child struggling. It's like a punch to the gut, a wave of emotions crashing over us. Our instinct is to jump in and rescue them, to shield them from hardship or pain. After all, we want nothing more than for our children [...]

It's flu season in Orange County! And as parents, one of our top priorities is keeping our children healthy, especially during the cold and flu season. While we often turn to medicines and supplements, we sometimes overlook one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal: food. Yes, you read that right – food [...]

Communication development in children is a fascinating journey, marked by significant milestones. As educators at Westcliff Early Learning Academy in Irvine, Calif., it's crucial to be aware of these milestones to support and nurture a child's language skills effectively. One essential aspect of communication development is the distinction between receptive and expressive communication. Let's dive [...]

Let's explore the incredible skill of developing a second language during our children’s formative years. It's a well-known fact that this endeavor carries numerous advantages, and what's truly intriguing is how seamlessly it aligns with the innate abilities of the young mind. Learning a new language can undoubtedly be challenging for adults, but for [...]

Let's explore 15 simple Montessori and Reggio inspired activities designed using common household materials that you already have at home. These activities are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, although older children can certainly engage with them independently. While setting them up can be rewarding, remember, as a busy parent at home, they don't have [...]

As parents, we navigate through the sea of information on parenting, often receiving conflicting advice that leaves us perplexed. But, what if we could have just one technique to diffuse conflict, and set boundaries while building love and trust with our children? Let’s look into a neuroscience-based parenting model that emphasizes empathy, compassion, and [...]

The holiday season is upon us! Families are on the hunt for toys that not only bring joy, but also support their preschoolers' development without overstimulation. Montessori- and Reggio-based toys are known for their ability to promote various aspects of a child's growth. Let us give you some  insight into the best investment toys based [...]

Have you ever found yourself frustrated when your child forgets to say 'thank you' or displays rudeness at a formal family gathering? Perhaps you wish your child would express more gratitude. With an abundance of food, gifts, toys, schedule shifts and traditions, there's a lot of pressure on children to show appreciation. How can [...]

The Westcliff Early Learning Academy broke ground at its inaugural campus Monday, October 9th, 2023 in front of Westcliff University leadership, members of the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, leaders from RAM Construction, and the enthusiastic support of the Westcliff University cheer squad. President and CEO of Westcliff University, Dr. Lee, said, "The groundbreaking of [...]

Welcoming a newborn into your life brings joy, wonder, and a whole lot of new experiences—including understanding their unique eat-and-play sleep cycle. Those initial weeks are a dance of short play periods and long naps, and as they grow, more playtime emerges. As our infant teachers know, this cycle isn't set in stone. Sometimes hunger [...]

Tantrums – they're a normal part of your child's growth journey. Here are some techniques we use at Westcliff Early Learning Academy to help support children when they are feeling dysregulated.

In this article, we'll explore the significance of finger dexterity and share engaging activities for parents and caregivers to promote this vital fine motor skill.