Building Stronger Programs Together

Boosting Program Success: Key Tools for Lasting Impact

Strong child care programs don’t just happen, they’re built through intentional support for directors, staff, and families. To help programs strengthen emotional support, promote resilience, and improve everyday interactions, Show Me Child Care Resources has gathered a set of practical tools that make a lasting impact on children’s development.

These resources are designed to spark meaningful conversations, deepen knowledge, and provide families with the guidance they need to help their children thrive both at home and in your program.

Supporting Directors: Expand Your Emotional Support Toolkit

Directors play a critical role in creating environments where both children and staff feel supported. Better Kid Care’s free, short VODcasts offer accessible learning opportunities on essential topics such as:

• Building strong family partnerships
• Strengthening social and emotional skills
• Supporting staff through everyday challenges

These videos and handouts are perfect for staff meetings, reflective practice, and mentoring. They help foster thoughtful conversations and build confidence across your team.

Supporting Staff: Tools for Navigating Challenging Times

Your staff work closely with families who may be facing stress, uncertainty, or significant transitions. Having the right tools empowers them to respond with empathy and stability.

Our curated collection of Guides & Tips to Support Families During Difficult Times helps staff:

• Recognize signs of stress in children and adults
• Offer reassurance and consistent routines
• Build resilience through simple, everyday strategies

These resources equip educators to make a positive, lasting difference in both the classroom and the home.

Supporting Families:  Interactions That Help Children Thrive

Positive interactions are the foundation of strong social and emotional development, and families play a powerful role in shaping these skills every day.

Our Interactions That Help Children Thrive resources include:

• Posters that highlight simple, meaningful ways to connect
• Articles that explain child development concepts in family-friendly language
• Videos that model nurturing adult–child interactions

These tools help families strengthen the relationships and communication patterns that support children’s emotional growth.

Together, We Support Children’s Social and Emotional Growth

Whether you’re leading a program, guiding a classroom, or supporting a child at home, these resources help build environments where children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Check out our website for more information about Show Me Child Care Resources: 

Learn more: Email theteam@showmeresource.org with any questions.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

FREE Clock Hour Training
Scholarships for Educators
Child Care Health and Wellness
Family Child Care Network
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Community Data
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Resources to Build Your Business