The start of a new school year can be a fun and also challenging transition for young children. Be sure to take advantage of any back-to-school events to help orient you and your family to your child's classroom. Find time to connect with your child's teacher about any questions and concerns you may have going into the year.

Have you tried using sign language with your child? Sign language can be used with children as young as 6-months-old. Infants and toddlers are able to sign before they can talk. Signing with your child can help you know what he or she wants, as well as reducing your child's frustration at not being understood. Some easy signs to start with include:

• More = bring fingertips of both hands together
• Eat = bring fingers to mouth
• Bye-bye = wave
  

You can earn a $10 gift card by taking part in a doctoral study on stress and support for caregivers of children with special health care needs or developmental disabilities. Participating only takes 15-20 minutes. Click here to participate, and enter password DSST2016.

Here's an activity from the Early Childhood CARES archives to try with your child at home to develop his imagination and both fine and gross motor skills. This activity is ideal for kids around 20 months, but can be used with older and younger kids as well. You'll need a dustpan and small broom.

Find a table or other safe area to dust, and let your child dust alongside you. You can add drops of water to wipe up for more structure, if desired. When you're done, she can help you sweep the floor. Your house gets clean, your child learns about chores, and also practices her motor skills. Win-win-win!