Arlington, VA – Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Head Start Association (NHSA), and National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) would like to congratulate Julie Hume and the staff at Kind Hearts Day Care in Princeton, Minnesota. They have been named Provider of the Month for January 2017.

As we embark on 2017, we look forward to a new year and how we can make an impact during the first 100 days of the new administration. On child and family programs and policy we remain committed to ensure the new Administration and Congress are aware of the policies and resources critical for positive outcomes; and, that within states and communities we engage influencers and implementers to advocate for policies in the best interest of children. Our Child Care Works movement is poised to continue the momentum around ensuring that quality, affordable child care remains a national priority for both the new administration and Congress, and upcoming events like the Child Care Aware of America® Policy Summit will position child care advocates to make their voices heard in the first 100 days.

National Opposite Day is observed every year on January 25. Many enjoy using this day to try to confuse others by saying and doing the opposite of what they really mean. Why not use this day to help build your child’s brain? By the age of five, your child’s brain has reached 90 percent of its full size and their patterns for learning have been established. As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to play an important role in supporting development during this exciting time. Vroom helps parents by turning everyday moments into brain-building moments.

Spotlight

Yolanda Gilbert, Dolores’ House for Little People, Sheboygan, WI

Spotlight

Nutrition Education: Resources on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) website.

This month we are acknowledging National Radon Action Month. We encourage you to test your home and workplace for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home, workplace or child care facility. If high radon levels are detected, you can take steps to fix it and protect yourself and your family.