Get ready to read! March is National Reading Month, and children across America will kick off the month-long celebration starting Tuesday, March 2 - National Read Across America Day. Whether you’re planning one big Read Across America Day celebration or activities throughout the month of March, the celebration is designed to encourage families and children to spend more time reading and make reading a part of everyday moments with children all year long.
Building Brains with Books! Kick off National Reading Month on March 2
Topics: Family & Community Engagement
Continue ReadingWinter Break During the Pandemic: Play it Safe
Winter break is right around the corner! 2020’s winter break (like most things) is impacted by COVID-19. The pandemic continues to sweep the nation. As the weather has turned colder and people have retreated indoors, virus transmission rates are soaring to levels not yet seen since the pandemic began. We all must do our part to reduce community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. That means that this year’s winter break may look and feel a little different for children and their families.
Topics: Family & Community Engagement, Best Practices, Health & Safety, Coronavirus
Continue ReadingInnovative Strategies for Partnering with Families to Boost Children’s Learning
Without a doubt, families are an essential part of children’s learning and educational journey - starting at birth. “Engaging families as partners early in the educational journey allows parents to establish strong home-school connections that support their children’s achievement long-term “(Start Early, September 25, 2019). So, it is not surprising that “family engagement” is a frequent and important theme of discussions and planning in child care programs.
Topics: Family & Community Engagement, Professional Development, Parenting, Brain Building Tips
Continue ReadingTalking to Families about Flu Prevention
This season, getting an Influenza(flu) vaccine is essential in protecting the health of children, their families, and child care providers. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Although there are some exceptions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months or older should get a flu vaccine annually. Flu is most common during the fall and winter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a flu vaccine is more important than ever.
Topics: Business Operations for CCR&Rs, Family & Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Coronavirus
Continue ReadingThe Rise of the Learning Pod: Considerations & Precautions
This fall, as schools make difficult decisions about when and how to reopen during the pandemic, families also face tough choices. Parents across the country are struggling to balance holding down a job or pursuing their own education with attending to their children’s health, education, safety and social connections.
Topics: Family & Community Engagement, Parenting, Coronavirus
Continue ReadingA Better Way to Care for Young Children and Older Adults
By Donna Butts and Lynette M. Fraga, Ph.D.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role of caregivers, those who care for us when we are young and old, and given us an opportunity to reimagine care from a lifespan perspective. This will be particularly important after the pandemic permanently closes an estimated 30-50% of child care providers nationwide and the high death toll causes us to reimagine elder care homes.
Topics: Systems Building, Workforce, Family & Community Engagement, Parenting
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