Child Care Resources
A Resource Guide for Families and Child Care Providers
Why Healthy Media Habits Matter
Young children learn best through hands-on play, conversation, movement, exploration, and nurturing relationships. Technology can be a useful tool when used intentionally, but it should not replace sleep, active play, family interaction, or learning experiences.
These trusted resources help families and early childhood professionals support healthy media use from birth through age 10.
Building Healthy Relationships with Media
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
This family-friendly resource provides practical tips and activities to help children develop healthy relationships with media. Families can access conversation starters, activity ideas, and guidance for creating healthy media habits. Activity cards are available in English and Spanish.
Best For:
✔ Families with children birth to age 10
✔ Child care providers supporting families
✔ Parent education programs
Early Childhood Development & Screen Time Toolkit
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
A collection of training materials and resources designed for early childhood professionals and caregivers.
The 5 C’s Approach
When considering children’s media use, think about:
Child
How does media fit the child’s individual needs and development?
Content
Is the content age-appropriate, educational, and high quality?
Calm
Are screens being used to support learning rather than as the primary way to manage emotions?
Crowding Out
Does screen use take away from sleep, physical activity, play, or family interactions?
Communication
Are adults talking with children about what they are seeing and learning?
Screen Time Recommendations for Children Under Six
Zero to Three
Provides easy-to-understand guidance about healthy screen use for young children and emphasizes the importance of responsive relationships and shared media experiences.
Healthy Media Habits Video Series
Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
This free video series is available in English and Spanish and is designed for both families and child care providers.
Each video includes:
- Discussion questions
- Parent handouts
- Curriculum materials
- Promotion templates
- Social media resources
- Key takeaways and implementation ideas
Videos are approximately 12–15 minutes long and can be shared with families to support consistent messaging between home and child care settings.
Baby & Toddler Screen Use Recommendations
Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
A concise one-page guide summarizing recommendations and research related to screen use for infants and toddlers.
The Do’s
- Do Prioritize Relationships
- Children learn best through interactions with caring adults, not screens.
- Do Choose High-Quality Content
- Look for educational, age-appropriate, and engaging media.
- Do Watch Together
- Talk about what children are seeing, hearing, and learning.
- Do Make Time for Play
- Balance media use with active play, reading, outdoor activities, and family routines.
- Do Create Consistent Expectations
- Families and child care providers should work together to establish healthy media habits.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Use Screens as the Main Calming Tool
- Help children build coping skills through connection, routines, and emotional support.
- Don’t Let Screens Replace Sleep
- Maintain screen-free bedtime routines whenever possible.
- Don’t Assume All “Educational” Media Is Beneficial
- Preview content and consider whether it is truly developmentally appropriate.
- Don’t Replace Play with Screen Time
- Young children need movement, exploration, and hands-on learning experiences.
- Don’t Forget to Talk About Media
- Children learn more when adults help them understand and apply what they see.
Additional Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Guides and tools
Zero to Three – Screen Sense
Research and resources on the impact of media on children under age 3
Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
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