Tadpoles App Gets New Updates

You asked, we listened… the Tadpoles app is getting even more features!

A new version of the Childcare by Tadpoles app is being released to better serve your childcare needs.

The new version will allow batch updates to daily reports, so early childhood educators can add an entry for lunchtime or nap time for the entire classroom in one simple action, rather than having to enter each child individually, which saves a lot of time.

In addition, the new version offers more developmental categories for toddler and preschool daily reports. There’s also a way to track sicknesses and excused absences under attendance.

The new version will hopefully continue to make childcare providers’ lives easier and more organized. If there are other features you’d like to see in the app, simply e-mail us at talk.to.us@tadpoles.com, or post to our facebook or twitter pages. 

Tadpoles Wins Entrepreneurship Competition

Tadpoles took 1^st place in the Cornell Venture Challenge

On April 19, 2012, Tadpoles competed in and won 1^st place in the Cornell Venture Challenge (CVC), Cornell University’s prestigious Business Plan Competition held during the Entrepreneurship@Cornell Celebration event.

Out of 70 entries, Tadpoles was honored to be selected as number one, and happy to receive the grand prize of $10,000, allowing us to further perfect the Tadpoles app and expand our business.

Congratulations to Socrative, the 2^nd place winner and Nanoly, the 3^rd place winner. A special thanks goes to the Cornell Venture Challenge for putting together this incredible opportunity!

Tadpoles could not be more thrilled to have won this challenge and looks forward to continuing to provide early childhood educators, preschools and parents with a way to connect. 

Earth Day Activities For Kids

With Earth Day coming up on Sunday, April 22, parents and early childhood educators should share their Earth Day cheer with their kids.

What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a special day that occurs annually on April 22, on which 175 countries around the world hold events to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth and nature. This year marks the 42^nd Anniversary of Earth Day, which was started in 1970.

How Can You Get Involved in Earth Day?
There are many ways to get involved with Earth Day—the Earth Day Network has planned a variety of different functions throughout the world in which you can register.

What are some Earth Day Activities for Kids?
Help the earth and enjoy earth day with the kids by making tin can herb pots. By recycling a tin can, and planting an herb, you are creating new life and producing oxygen.

Also try making seeded paper bookmarks, an eggshell planter or terrarium.

Share more fun earth day ideas by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

Maryland Proposes “Preschool for All” Program

Should early childhood pre-K programs be mandatory?

By now, most acknowledge the value of high-quality early childhood education on preparing a child for the future, but should it be mandatory?

In Maryland, lawmakers are proposing a “Preschool for All” program, in which local school districts would be required to offer full-day pre-kindergarten to low-income kids and half-day programs for other children.

Currently, Maryland public schools only offer half-day pre-kindergarten to 4-year-olds that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Because of this, only 35 percent of 4-year-olds have access to the current half-day pre-K program.

While some counties in the state support the proposal, budget could be an issue in providing the early childhood education.

Early childhood education advocates are hoping for the bill’s passage, as research has shown the long-term benefits of providing quality pre-K to kids, both for the kids and the economy.

Do you think pre-K programs should be mandatory? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook and twitter pages.

New Jersey Child Care Association Conference

This past weekend, Tadpoles visited the New Jersey Child Care Association (NJCCA) conference, “Partners In Education” at Rutgers University. Being able to get a closer look inside the childcare industry was an invaluable experience, allowing us to move closer in perfecting the Tadpoles daycare management app and better serve childcare providers’ day-to-day needs.

We are thankful for the opportunity to have attended the NJCCA conference, and look forward to putting all of the knowledge and insights we gained to use.