Search Results

One minute you're vacationing and enjoying the sun and suddenly it's time to go back to school.....yikes, what do you do?? Not to worry, transitioning to school doesn't have to be filled with tears, either from the kids or the adults! ;) The most important thing to remember is that preparation is key to success. We all tend to be more comfortable when we know what to expect and surprises may not always make us feel entirely secure. So waking your child one morning and announcing, "Surprise, it's the first day of school!" may not produce the best results, unless you're looking for a funny video for your Facebook page! Getting ready Parents and teachers both have a big task in being prepared for the first day. For parents, help your kids gradually get back in a routine from their summer freedom: Set regular bedtime and wake up times. This will ease the rude awakening of having to suddenly get up at a specific time every day. If kids don't already have a chores list, make one. The routine of doing chores will help them focus and be ready for homework (might be best not to mention that part to your kids!). Read to them each night before bed. Get them used to being quiet and listening. Besides, reading is always a good thing no matter the time of year! Visit the school. Nothing's worse than the fear of the unknown. If possible, take your child to the school on a weeknight or weekend so you can look around together and get them familiar with the setting so they don't feel overwhelmed when then have to go alone. Teachers have a hefty task ahead of them as well. In addition to all the classroom details to plan, here are some things to consider to make the first day run as smoothly as possible: Staff up. I'm sure it goes without saying that being prepared with sufficient staff is key! Nothing adds more stress than frantically trying to juggle too many tasks with too few people. Anticipate clients' needs. What will parents be needing and how can you be best prepared? Use social media. Get the word out about your program and help set expectations for parents. Set aside personal time. Don't forget to take some time for yourself, too. Enjoy a special dinner or activity before the first day arrives. The first day You've done everything you can do to prepare--now the moment of truth: the first day of school arrives (cue the scary music)! Relax, this is only a drill! ;) The key is to make it fun: Add little surprises (this time it's OK!). What would be more fun for a kid than to get a special note or treat in their lunch? Give support and encouragement. Tell them what to expect for the first day. Try the buddy system--everything's easier when you have someone with you, right?! Be prepared for separation anxiety. Don't show your anxiety as that will only add to the child's concerns. Keep the goodbyes short and sweet to avoid prolonging the issue. It will get easier over time! Focus on the opportunities. School opens up a whole new world for kids. Show them all the fun things they'll get to do in school: painting, coloring, playing with blocks, meeting new friends...the opportunities are limitless! Offer incentives or rewards. New clothes or school supplies with their favorite superhero can make any kid's day! Prepare a favorite activity for after school as a reward for their accomplishment. Whew, we made it! OK, deep breath...ah, now doesn't that feel better?! If you make it through the first day, it's all downhill from there. Keep up the good work and know you're making a difference for your children every day! Just so you know you're not alone in this journey, here are some funny stories from other teachers. Helpful resources Introducing Children to Child Care Tips for Handling the First Day of Preschool Goodbye without Tears Tips to Help with Separation Anxiety A Day in the Life of a Preschool Teacher Classroom Management the First Day of School Beginning of School Activities

Want to advance your career in child care?  If you're thinking about earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credentials or maybe you're still just investigating, we hope this guide will help you in your decision-making! Introduction to the CDA If you're looking to move up professionally or simply want to build on your knowledge of early learning, the Child Development Associatiate® (CDA) Credential may be just for you!  It is one of the most well-recognized credentials in early childhood education and a great opportunity to grow your career.  It is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals. The Council for Professional Recognition, a non-profit organization located in Washington, DC (commonly known as the CDA Council), administers the CDA Credential program. Earning your CDA Credential is a big commitment, but one that will build confidence and help you develop a good understanding of today's best practices for teaching young children. Nearly 400,000 people have already received their CDA Credentials since the program's initial offering. In fact, there is growing demand for the CDA Credentials internationally, as more and more countries seek to improve the learning environment for young children. CDA Credentialing Process Overview CDA Webinars and Tutorials Resumen del proceso de certificación CDA Determining if You Need a CDA Just as all child care programs are different, the requirements for professionals within these programs may vary. Talk with your program staff about their policies and also check our state resources page for links to your state's early learning agencies for requirements in your state. While not all positions require post-secondary education, adding new knowledge and skills can be a great way to grow your career. The CDA Program is a tool for professionals who work in all types of early care and education programs: Head Start, pre-k, infant/toddler, family child care, and home visitor programs. Benefits of the CDA The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in Early Childhood Education. What could that mean for you? Advance your career – additional education and credentialing could open doors and take you to the next step in your career path! You may also be eligible to receive college credits by earning your CDA (check with your college regarding their policies). Earn more money – who wouldn’t like to earn more money? With additional career opportunities, your earning power will continue to grow! Gain more confidence – knowing more about the early learning field can certainly help make you feel more confident working with children as well as speaking with parents, which can help put parents’ minds at ease too! Increase your knowledge – in such a broad and complex field, the learning never stops, from behavior management to good nutrition. And what could be more important than teaching tomorrow’s leaders! Many teachers find that having earned their CDA actually makes them a better teacher.  Watch this inspiring video about several teachers’ experience with the CDA. The CDA Application Process The process for earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential is outlined on the CDA Council website.  It is a multi-step process involving continuing education, experience and observation.  You can also review our Guide to Preparing for Your CDA Credential for more detailed information.  Here is an outline of the process: Prepare Anytime before I apply Earn a high school diploma, GED or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical program in early childhood education.Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children within the ages of your selected setting (i.e., infant/toddler, preschool, or family child care), with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas. CDA Subject Areas - Planning a safe and healthy learning environment - Advancing children's physical and intellectual development - Supporting children's social and emotional development - Building productive relationships with families - Managing an effective program operation - Maintaining a commitment to professionalism - Observing and recording children's behavior - Understanding principles of child development and learning Within 3 years of submitting application: Obtain 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based setting with children of the ages specific to your selected setting. Within 6 months of submitting application: Prepare your CDA Professional Portfolio - You are required to put together a collection of reference materials related to your work. Please follow the detailed instructions in your Competency Standards book to prepare your CDA Professional Portfolio.Find a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist  - To learn more about CDA PD Specialist's role in the CDA credentialing process click here. Apply Apply online for your CDA Credential using the YourCDA online application system or complete a paper application provided in the CDA Preschool CDA Competency Standards Book.The non-refundable / non-transferable application fee must be submitted with your application. Make sure to secure the funds before you submit your application. Learn about CDA scholarships in your state.Once your CDA application has been reviewed and accepted you will receive a Ready to Schedule notification from the Council. Demonstrate Once you receive your Ready to Schedule notification from the Council, you are ready to schedule your CDA Verification Visit and CDA Exam. Earn Scores are electronically submitted to the Council by the CDA PD Specialist and Pearson Vue testing center.A Council committee will review the results of your assessment and render a decision whether to award you the CDA Credential. If your credential is awarded, the official Child Development Associate® credential will be mailed to you. If the committee decides you need more training, the Council will let you know the next steps to take to earn the Credential. CDA Renewal Keeping your CDA Credential current is an important step in continuing your professional development in your work with young children and their families. The early care and education profession is very delicate and it is imperative for early educators to stay up to date with the latest theories, research/studies, appropriate practices and latest trends in the early childhood education field. The continuous professional development of CDA Credential holders is a must to ensure the quality of care and education provided to our nation’s youngest children. Keeping this in mind, the Council requires you to renew your credential every three years. When Should You Start Preparing for Your Renewal? You should be preparing for your renewal well in advance of your application submission date.If you are renewing for the first time, you can begin preparing for your CDA renewal as soon as you earn your CDA Credential.If you have renewed before, you can begin gathering the requirements after the issue date of your most current credential. When Can You Submit Your Renewal Application? Your CDA is valid for three years from the award date so it is very important for you to renew your CDA Credential before it expires to remain an active CDA. The Council must receive your application by the expiration date to be accepted. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions or extensions. If your CDA Credential expires, you will have to reapply to obtain a new credential. Candidates should submit their renewal application on or before their expiration date.Candidates can submit their renewal application up to 6 months before their expiration date. CDA Renewal Requirements: Complete 45 hours of continuing education or training courses in the setting of your original credential (Training taken after the issue date, not older than 5 years) Choose an early childhood education (ECE) professional to complete your recommendation Achieve First Aid and Infant/Child (Pediatric) CPR certification Work with young children in the setting of your original credential Join or renew your membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization SafeGard Classes Online CDA Training Packages One of the key elements of the credential program is the requirement for 120 hours of continued education training or 45 hours for the renewal.  That's where SafeGard Classes Online can help!  As an IACET Accredited Provider and Partner to the CDA Council, your can be assured our classes meet the high-standards required for the Credentials.  You will also earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for all classes. We offer numerous training packages to meet your needs: Intial CDA Earning your initial CDA requires completing 120 hours of early childhood education training, with at least 10 hours in each of the 8 CDA subject areas: CDA Subject Areas Planning a safe and healthy learning environment Advancing children's physical and intellectual development Supporting children's social and emotional development Building productive relationships with families Managing an effective program operation Maintaining a commitment to professionalism Observing and recording children's behavior Understanding principles of child development and learning Additionally, the training needs to be specific to your chosen CDA setting (i.e., infant/toddler, preschool or family child care). While that might seem intimidating, fret not--we've got you covered!  Our 120 hour packages contain pre-selected classes with at least 10 hours of training in each of these areas.  You can select from 3 different packages, each specific to your CDA settting: 120 hrs: Pre-selected 80 hours + You Choose 40 hours - this option provides the required courses in each of the CDA Subject Areas plus 40 hours of classes that you can choose from our wide range of classes. 120 hrs: Pre-selected for CDA Setting Type - this package contains the best selection of classes to meet both the CDA Subject Area requirements as well as being specific to your chosen setting type. 120 hrs: Pay-As-You-Go - this 3-part package helps you manage your budget by paying at your pace.  Like our other packages, it contains the best selection of classes to meet both the CDA Subject Area requirements as well as being specific to your chosen setting type. 80 hrs: Pre-selected for 8 CDA Subject Areas - if you already have at least 40 hours of training, you can select this package which offers 10 hours of classes in each of the 8 CDA Subject Areas, also specific to your CDA setting type. Renewal CDA You'll need to renew your CDA every 3 years to keep your skills fresh and stay updated on the latest child development theories and practices. For the CDA renewal, there are several required steps, including completing 45 hours of early childhood education specific to your CDA setting type.  We offer 2 training packages for the renewal: 45 hrs: Pre-selected for CDA Setting Type - this packages has 45 hours of classes chosen specifically for each CDA setting type and to supplement the initial CDA curriculum. 45 hrs: You Choose Classes - if you'd like to select your own classes, this will allow you to customize 45 hours of classes specific to your unique needs.  You can choose from a wide range of classes in topics from Autism to Working with Humor. So, depending on your needs, we've got a package that's best for you.  Our CDA Training page has more details about each of these packages. Get started growing your career today!

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has issued new WACs (Washington Administrative Code) to take effect August 2019.  These new WACS focus on the qualifications and training requirements for Washington State child care providers (see WAC 110-300-0100 for more detailed information). While there are still a few final details that need to be ironed out, here is some basic information about the new requirements and what they mean for WA State child care providers. We know how precious time and resources are for child care providers and SG Classes Online will continue to provide up-to-date information from the DCYF and offer new ways to help you meet these new requirements. Professional Development, Training and Requirements: Qualifications (WAC 110-300-0100) The new qualifications for staff are broken down into 3 levels of "stackable" certificates: 1. Initial certificate (12 credits) 2. ECE Short Certificate (20 total with credits from previous level) 3. ECE State certificate (47-52 total with credits from previous level) The new requirements will be effective August 2019 but the DCYF is allowing providers 5 years to meet these new qualifications. While college courses are an option, there are many other options for earning the credits to meet the certificate requirements, including earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. There are many benefits to earning a CDA: The CDA is a nationally-recognized credential (not just WA State) Earning your CDA is significantly cheaper than 12 credits through a college (less than $700 for the CDA compared to $1200+ for college courses) Our CDA classes are all online so you can take them anytime, anywhere The process is self-paced so you can work at your convenience Our classes are STARS-approved so your CDA classes will earn STARS hours as well and you will be eligible for reimbursement up to $250 per year for these classes too The CDA is a multi-step process that includes 120 hours of training in early childhood education.  We've got discounted training packages to help you get started.  Please contact us for more information about these discounts: For 1-4 staff: $259 each for the 120 hour (12 Credits) CDA training package For 5-9 staff: $229 each for the 120 hour (12 Credits) CDA training package For 10+ staff: $199 each for the 120 hour (12 Credits) CDA training package Our classes are also 100% online and accessible on any device, including phones and tablets.  And there are even more benefits: Classes are available in your account immediately after ordering--no waiting for enrollment to begin! You can start and stop your classes as often as you need to take care of the inevitable interruption! Our classes never expire so you can take them at your convenience.  You can even access the classes after completing so you can review the information at any time. You'll receive your certificate of completion online immediately after finishing each class. No mailing, no waiting, no hassles! Training (WAC 110-300-0100) 1. Pre-Service Training (WAC 110-300-0105) The pre-service requirements include licensing orientation, a TB test and a background check for anyone who is authorized to care for or have unsupervised access to children in early learning programs. 2. Training Requirements (WAC 110-300-0106) The new training requirements are similar to previous requirements.  While there are some courses that are required by all, some positions have specific training that needs to be completed. SG Classes Online offers the initial 30 Hour Child Care Basics course as well as the required Bloodborne Pathogens and HIV/AIDS training classes. The Safe Sleep course offered by the DCYF can be accessed at www.dcyftraining.com. 3. In-Service Training (WAC 110-300-0107) All early learning professionals except volunteers must complete 10 hours of in-service training annually. Hours are calculated using the department's fiscal year – July 1-June 30.  A minimum of one hour each year must be in health and safety topics to meet federal requirements. We have over 200 STARS-approved courses as well as many discounted 10-hour STARS packages to help you meet your annual STARS requirement.  We'll also post all your completed courses to your Merit account for you. The DCYF will also be introducing a new course on Enhancing Quality of Early Learning that will become part of the in-service requirement. FOUNDATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS (WAC 110-300): There are other changes to the WACs as well.  Watch this video about the changes to Immunizations and Others.  Additionally, the DCYF has events and learning opportunities to assist in getting informaton about the updates. For more information, here are some additional resources: How to Earn Your CDA Credentials FAQs About the New Requirements DCYF Newsletters and Webinars WAC FAQ's Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook (English) Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook (Spanish) Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook (Somali) Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook (Russian)

Search SG Classes Online 7 minutes ago 3 min The 4 Key Steps for a Crisis Management Plan While we may not be able to foresee a coming crisis, we can overcome it with the right preparation and handling of the situation. This isn’t something we typ... 0 views Write a comment SG Classes Online Dec 13, 2019 1 min How to Get Reimbursed for STARS Training Good news! If you've taken STARS-approved in-service child care training classes as a Washington State child care provider, you're eligible for reimbursemen... 19 views Write a comment SG Classes Online Dec 10, 2019 1 min Discounts on Tools and Training for Child Care Programs SG Classes Online has partnered with Sandbox Software to offer a discounted package on great tools to help you management your childcare program bundled with... 7 views Write a comment SG Classes Online Aug 6, 2019 3 min Tips on Getting Ready for a New School Year Learn tips for making the transition back-to-school easier for your kids and for child care providers. 4 views Write a comment SG Classes Online Jul 28, 2019 3 min The Full Scoop on the New Requirements for WA State Providers The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has issued new WACs (Washington Administrative Code) to take effect August 2019. The... 143 views Write a comment SG Classes Online Jul 27, 2019 7 min How to Earn Your CDA Credentials Want to advance your career in child care? If you're thinking about earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credentials or maybe you're still just i... 2 views Write a comment

PARTNERS To bring you the best resources available, we have partnered with child development experts to bring additional products and services to help you be successful. They have all proven themselves to be knowledgeable in their respective fields and are well-sought-after for their practical advice and nurturing teaching styles. ​ We are also bringing together new partnerships to offer convenient packages of products and services you need at a great discounted price! ​ Meet Our Partners Meet Stephanie Meet Sandbox Meet Angela Stephanie Wicker Speaker, Author, Educator, Consultant Sandbox Software Child Care Software, Tools and Resources Dr Angela Searcy, EdD Speaker, Author, Educator, Trainer, Consultant Stephanie Wicker Stephanie has successfully guided families through early childhood for over 15 years. Through her experience with private consultancy, as a preschool teacher and special needs therapist, she has tackled most aspects of early childhood behaviour with her trademark blend of energy and empathy. Stephanie has consulted around Australia in private sessions with countless families, and currently hosts live and online training events worldwide, in which she shares her practical solutions and language techniques with families facing diverse challenges. She believes that helping families to raise calm, happy kids is achievable through education, preparation and a positive mindset. Stephanie brings optimism and expertise to modern parenting challenges, helping to demystify puzzling childhood behavior with simple, common-sense solutions to big challenges. She brings with her a virtual kitbag of tools to tackle tantrums, defiance and aggression which are as practical as they are positive. ​ An experienced presenter, Stephanie stands out for her passionate and engaging style, and her upbeat approach to what can often be emotional topics. Learn more at www.stephaniewicker.com ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with Stephanie to provide new and exciting products and services as well as valuable resources you can use in the classroom every day! Check out some of her material on our Resources page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dr Angela Searcy, EdD Angela Searcy, EdD, has more than 25 years of experience in education, providing services to children and families as a teacher, child-development specialist, and independent consultant. A former neurodevelopment specialist, she is the owner and founder of Simple Solutions Educational Services, a professional-development company. She is a trainer, a speaker, and a seminar leader at the Erikson Institute. ​ Angela Searcy holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education with teacher certification through the State of Illinois, and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Development from Erikson Institute with a Developmental Therapy Credential through the State of Illinois. ​ She is a “Master Trainer” for the Illinois State Board of Education, The Center on the Social and Emotional foundations for Early Learning at Vanderbilt University and the Multisensory Training Institute in Massachusetts. Angela also serves as an educational consultant throughout the Chicago land area and an adjunct professor at Rasmussen College. ​ A former associate at the Neuropsychology Diagnostic Center in Orland Park, Angela has specialized training in the neurosciences and is a nationally recognized speaker with over 20 years of experience working with professionals, young children, and their families as an early childhood teacher, child development specialist, staff developer, mental health consultant, parent educator, language arts teacher, college professor and tutor. ​ Her expertise encompasses developing behavior modification programs from a neuropsychological perspective, and creating professional development grounded in neuroscience research related to adult learning. Angela has been featured on Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby Magazines and is a regular speaker for the Learning and the Brain Conference Sponsored by Harvard, Yale and Stanford Universities. Angela is also an approved professional development provider for the Illinois State Board of Education. (ISBE CEU, CPDU credits available) and the Early Intervention System of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Texas (EI /ECI credits available) CDA content areas. ​ Learn more at Simple Solutions Education ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with Dr. Searcy to provide new and exciting products and services as well as valuable resources you can use in the classroom every day! Check out some of her material on our Resources page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ > Sandbox Software Sandbox Software offers software and resources to help child care owners and educators simplify and grow their business. Their mission is to innovate through technology to enable child care centers to grow their business and optimize the learning experiences for their families. Sandbox Software recognizes that the child care industry needs software that’s friendly and easy to use, while at the same time powerful enough to help child care owners and operators with managing the many responsibilities and tasks that arise each day. That’s why they developed Sandbox – child care software that truly makes a difference for childcare owners and operators across North America. We hope you’ll join the growing number of childcare centers and preschools that have found Sandbox, and enjoy using our childcare software to make life easier at their center. ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with to offer a discounted package on great tools to help you management your childcare program bundled with online childcare training classes to help you meet your continuing education requirements. Sandbox Software > Stephanie Wicker Stephanie has successfully guided families through early childhood for over 15 years. Through her experience with private consultancy, as a preschool teacher and special needs therapist, she has tackled most aspects of early childhood behaviour with her trademark blend of energy and empathy. Stephanie has consulted around Australia in private sessions with countless families, and currently hosts live and online training events worldwide, in which she shares her practical solutions and language techniques with families facing diverse challenges. She believes that helping families to raise calm, happy kids is achievable through education, preparation and a positive mindset. Stephanie brings optimism and expertise to modern parenting challenges, helping to demystify puzzling childhood behavior with simple, common-sense solutions to big challenges. She brings with her a virtual kitbag of tools to tackle tantrums, defiance and aggression which are as practical as they are positive. ​ An experienced presenter, Stephanie stands out for her passionate and engaging style, and her upbeat approach to what can often be emotional topics. Learn more at www.stephaniewicker.com ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with Stephanie to provide new and exciting products and services as well as valuable resources you can use in the classroom every day! Check out some of her material on our Resources page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ > Dr Angela Searcy, EdD Angela Searcy, EdD, has more than 25 years of experience in education, providing services to children and families as a teacher, child-development specialist, and independent consultant. A former neurodevelopment specialist, she is the owner and founder of Simple Solutions Educational Services, a professional-development company. She is a trainer, a speaker, and a seminar leader at the Erikson Institute. ​ Angela Searcy holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education with teacher certification through the State of Illinois, and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Development from Erikson Institute with a Developmental Therapy Credential through the State of Illinois. ​ She is a “Master Trainer” for the Illinois State Board of Education, The Center on the Social and Emotional foundations for Early Learning at Vanderbilt University and the Multisensory Training Institute in Massachusetts. Angela also serves as an educational consultant throughout the Chicago land area and an adjunct professor at Rasmussen College. ​ A former associate at the Neuropsychology Diagnostic Center in Orland Park, Angela has specialized training in the neurosciences and is a nationally recognized speaker with over 20 years of experience working with professionals, young children, and their families as an early childhood teacher, child development specialist, staff developer, mental health consultant, parent educator, language arts teacher, college professor and tutor. ​ Her expertise encompasses developing behavior modification programs from a neuropsychological perspective, and creating professional development grounded in neuroscience research related to adult learning. Angela has been featured on Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby Magazines and is a regular speaker for the Learning and the Brain Conference Sponsored by Harvard, Yale and Stanford Universities. Angela is also an approved professional development provider for the Illinois State Board of Education. (ISBE CEU, CPDU credits available) and the Early Intervention System of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Texas (EI /ECI credits available) CDA content areas. ​ Learn more at Simple Solutions Education ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with Dr. Searcy to provide new and exciting products and services as well as valuable resources you can use in the classroom every day! Check out some of her material on our Resources page. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ > Sandbox Software Sandbox Software offers software and resources to help child care owners and educators simplify and grow their business. Their mission is to innovate through technology to enable child care centers to grow their business and optimize the learning experiences for their families. Sandbox Software recognizes that the child care industry needs software that’s friendly and easy to use, while at the same time powerful enough to help child care owners and operators with managing the many responsibilities and tasks that arise each day. That’s why they developed Sandbox – child care software that truly makes a difference for childcare owners and operators across North America. We hope you’ll join the growing number of childcare centers and preschools that have found Sandbox, and enjoy using our childcare software to make life easier at their center. ​ SG Classes Online has partnered with to offer a discounted package on great tools to help you management your childcare program bundled with online childcare training classes to help you meet your continuing education requirements. Sandbox Software >

We Couldn’t Find This Page Check out some of the other great posts in this blog. See More Posts