MAP & ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE | |
LET'S TALK ABOUT
CARING FOR OURSELVES!
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Let’s talk about CARING FOR OURSELVES! Your baby’s brain is like a little sponge constantly absorbing information and learning new things through close observation and exploration. When you are getting ready for the day, talk to your baby about what you are doing and why. “I am brushing my teeth with my favorite minty toothpaste because brushing daily helps keep my smile healthy!”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Use a fork and spoon
- Manages classroom rules, routines, and transitions with occasional reminders
- Orients book correctly, turns pages from front to back, recognizes familiar books by their cover
- Extends and creates simple repeating patterns
- Understands physical properties of objects (heavy, light, rough, smooth)
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
FRUIT SMOOTHIES
15 Minutes 2 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen and it is a great way to bond. Talk about the importance of food for self care. Have your child pick out fruit and vegetables to add to their smoothie. Together, experiment what is the tastiest.
Ingredients:
1 medium banana
½ cup ice cubes
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
½ cup 100% orange juice
4 frozen strawberries
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Instructions:
- Peel banana. Place in blender.
- Add remaining ingredients to the blender. If using cinnamon, add now.
- Cover and blend until smooth.
View full recipe: FRUIT SMOOTHIES
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ATTENDANCE & ENGAGEMENT: BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATION FROM THE START
Maggie Dwan
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Did you know that regular attendance in kindergarten not only helps children build routines and social skills but also supports their literacy development? Missing just two days a month can add up to nearly 10% of the school year, which can impact their ability to learn foundational skills like recognizing letters, sounds, and words. Consistent attendance ensures your child has the opportunity to build these critical literacy skills and thrive academically.
Watch the short video below to learn why consistent attendance in kindergarten is key to your child’s success, both in school and beyond.
Every day counts! Working with your student’s teachers and schools to help address barriers to attendance shows your student that being there is important.
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SMARTPHONES VS. SMART KIDS: HEADING OFF DISASTER IN TEEN MENTAL HEALTH | Bestselling author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt shares research findings from his upcoming book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. He addresses the many unsettling connections between social media and the wellbeing of today’s students—with a call to action to rescue our kids. | |
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The Closet Exchange
263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres MI
The Closet Exchange was established to provides children's clothing, shoes, etc. with the goal of meeting the basic needs of ALL children and is a division of the 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization "It Takes A Village - Arenac"
Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE
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Safe Harbor Community Center
706 Joseph Street, Bay City, in the Banks District.
Serving Food
Takeout
Monday - 5:30pm
Tuesday - 5:30pm
Food Pantry
Mondays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Mass Food Giveaway
Tuesdays - 9:00am
Learn more about SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITY CENTER
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MI PREVENTION SMOKE ALARMS | |
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MI Prevention works with local fire departments to supply smoke alarms for installation, if you need a smoke alarm, we encourage you to contact your local fire department.
Learn more: MI PREVENTION SMOKE ALARMS
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Michigan Tri-Share
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.
Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE
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Caring for MI Future
This is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.
Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
February 4 - What Children Need to Know to Start School
February 11 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting
February 18 - Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children
February 25 - Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series-February-March 2025
February 12, 2025 - March 19, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Kinship Caregiver classes: Parenting in the Digital Age
February 12, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents/Caregivers; Kinship Caregiver Webinar Series
February 14, 2025 - March 7, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Kinship Caregivers Webinar Series - February 2025
February 14, 2025 - March 7, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
February-March 2025
February 17, 2025 - March 17, 2025 7:30pm-9:00pm
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY
Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
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MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY
Visit the website to learn more about these upcoming classes:
- Virtual Breastfeeding Class – Free of Charge
- Virtual Childbirth Crash Course – Free of Charge
- Breastfeeding Class : Health Pavilion
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
WHERE INNOVATION FLOWS
We're on a mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Locate STEM events: STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR
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Go Great Lakes Bay is a wonderful online parent resources to discover regional events and places to go throughout the year. Listing includes the following cities: Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland, and Saginaw. Check out their blog post for informative articles written specifically for families.
Top Things to Do with Kids this Winter in the Great Lakes Bay
Go Great Lakes Bay
Warm woolen mittens & fluffy down coats — wrap up the family for wintertime adventures! Whether you sled down snowy slopes or twirl loops at outdoor ice rinks — enjoy the hot cocoa & rosy cheeks afterwards!
From outdoor fun to indoor escapades, discover seasonal shows & kid-friendly performances, hands-on museums & vintage arcades, and explore a region that's ready to go when covered in snow. Read on to create forever memories as a family this winter when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan!
Continue reading: TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THIS WINTER
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February 1 - Kids Workshop | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Bay City
DATE: 1st Saturday at 9 AM - 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Register: WOOD WORKSHOP
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February 1, 5, 6, & 8 - Take Your Child to the Library Day | |
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WHERE: Bay County Library System
DATE:
Wirt: February 1 @9:00 am-5:00 pm
Pinconning: February 5 @ 3:30 pm
Sage: February 6 @ 5:30 pm
Auburn: February 7 @ 5pm
Take Your Child to the Library Day is Saturday, February 1! Drop into our branches throughout the first week of February to make a special tote bag for your library books (while supplies last), sign up for library cards, and learn about all the fun activities and resources our branches have to offer every day of the year!
Drop into the Wirt Library throughout the day for coloring, crafts, and lots of fun!
Register: TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY
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February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, & 23 - Bay City State Park Visitor Center Open | |
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WHERE: Bay City State Park,
Bay City
DATE: Saturday and Sunday 10 – 4 p.m. through Memorial day weekend.
Stop in for an activity, see live animals or borrow supplies for the trails.
The Visitor Center offers snow shoes and explore back packs to borrow free from the front desk. at 10 AM - 4 PM
Learn more: BAY CITY STATE PARK
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February 1 - Dog Man (age 5-12) | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: February 1, 2 PM
Ages 5-12 with an adult.
Drop in to celebrate the release of the new Dog Man movie by making crafts and playing games at the library.
No registration required.
Learn more: DOG MAN
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February 3 - Populace Storytime w/ WIRT | |
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WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City
DATE: February 3 at 9 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library downtown at Populace Coffee House for storytime.
No registration required..
Register: POPULACE POPULACE STORYTIME
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February 4, 11, 18, 25 - Preschool Tuesdays: Family Playtime @ the Museum | |
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WHERE:
Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: Tuesdays at 10 AM - 4 PM
Preschoolers + adult are invited to stop by the Museum any time from 10 AM – 4 PM to complete the PRESCHOOL MUSEUM CHALLENGE.
Together you can explore the galleries for clues to complete the challenge, discover Delta College’s PBS Raising Readers Room with books supplied by the Bay County Library System, and play at the activity table. Stop by the Museum Store for a to-go activity and a coupon for a treat from McDonalds.
ADMISSION:
Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE
Learn more: PRESCHOOL TUESDAYS
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February 6, 13, & 20 - MineCRAFTED Snacks - MSU Extension (ages 4-12) | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: February 6, 3:30 PM
Find out if “the cake is a lie” with Ms. Ronda from MSU Extension, where Minecraft-themed snacks will be made weekly based off the popular game!
Register: MINECRAFT
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February 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | |
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WHERE: BAISD Career Center Playground, Bay City
DATE: Thursdays at 10 AM - 12 PM
LEARN MORE: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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February 10 - Excited Goat Storytime w/ WIRT | |
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WHERE: Excited Goat Coffee Company,
Essexville
DATE: February 10, 10 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library at EXCITED GOAT COFFEE CO. in Essexville for storytime!
No registration required.
Learn more: EXCITED GOAT STORYTIME
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February 10 - Outdoor Explorers in Omer | |
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WHERE: Omer Library, Omer
DATE: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30 AM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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February 11 - Ready, Set, Kindergarten (ages 3-5) | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 11, 2 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Meet up with other preschool families each month to develop early literacy, math, SEL, and motor skills.
Register: READY, SET, KINDERGARTEN
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February 13 - Family Read Aloud Book Club: Boxcar Children | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 13, 5:30 PM
Join us at Sage Library for Family Read Aloud Book Club: Boxcar Children on Thursday, February 13 at 5:30 pm.
For children ages 0-12 with their family.
- After registering pick up of a copy of the book at the Sage Branch Library or call Sage to have a copy sent to the branch of your choice.
- There is eBook and audio book also available on Hoopla.
- Read the book or listen together as a family.
- Family can include aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends.
- Come to the library on Thursday, February 13 for a pizza party and book related activities.
- If you don't completely finish the book, please still come on the 13th.
Register: FAMILY READ ALOUD BOOK CLUB
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: February 14, 9 AM -5 PM
Ages 0-7 with an adult. Spend your day off from school making a cute foam owl craft. Drop in while supplies last.
No registration required.
Learn more: OWL CRAFT
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February 14 & 28 - Playdate (ages 0-4) | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 14 & 28, 10 - 11 AM
Build together, family fun! What will you create with open-ended interactive building materials? Blue Blocks, Fort Build, Kinex, and more for you to BUILD with.
No Registration Required.
Learn more: PLAYDATE
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February 14 - No School Day @ The Museum | |
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WHERE: Bay County Historical Society,
Bay City
DATE: February 14 at 10 AM - 4 PM
No school!?! Visit the Bay County Historical Society's museum, complete a SELFIE SCAVENGER HUNT and receive a coupon for a free bag of candy from Astro Freeze Bites.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Program sponsor: Astro Freeze Bites
Admission: Bay County residents FREE
Register: NO SCHOOL DAY
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February 14 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 14, 10:30 AM
Children ages 2-5 with the adult as the assistant are guided by your librarian during the hour of fun science exploration through STEAM stations, play, and craft geared toward the an amazing event happening the months of January and February! Six planets will be visible and in alignment like a parade in the sky!
Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS
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February 15 - Storytime with Miss Bay County
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library
DATE: February 15, 10 AM
Ages 0-6 with an adult.
Miss Bay County is visiting the library! Listen to her books about kindness then stick around to make your very own tiara and take home a princess book.
Registration is required.
Register: STORYTIME WITH MISS BAY COUNTY
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February 15 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12) | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 15 at 11 AM
Read to a therapy dog or dog in training in a one-on-one session. You will be called to schedule your session the week of the program. Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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February 15 - Self-Love & Wellness: Family Yoga | |
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WHERE: Great Lakes Dream Center, Bay City
DATE: February 15, 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM
Learn more: PEER 360 RECOVERY
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February 15 - Pups and Pages | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 15, 2-3 PM
Join us in-person at Wirt Library and read to a certified therapy dog. Ages 4-12 read to a certified therapy dog in a one-on-one timed session based upon registration and arrival at the library starting at 2:00 pm. The dogs love to be read to and they look forward to seeing you soon!
We request an adult supervise or be present in the library.
Learn more: PUPS & PAGES
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February 17, 21, 25, & - Healthy Teeth Storytime | |
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Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
February 17, 10:30am
Sage Branch Library, Bay City
February 21, 10:30 AM
Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
February 25, 4:30 PM
Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
February 27, 6 PM
Register: HEALTHY TEETH
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February 18 - Shrinky Dink Fun! (ages 6-12) | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 18 at 5:30 PM
Shrinky dinks are a fun sheet you color and design, that you can shrink to create your own adorable craft!
Register: SHRINKY DINK FUN
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February 20 - Bake (age 3-5) | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 20, 2 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Try out our mobile kitchen with your preschooler. We'll be making yogurt parfaits.
Registration is required.
Learn more: BAKE
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February 20 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12) | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning
DATE: February 20, 6-7 PM
Join us at the Pinconning library for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Pinconning Public Service Desk. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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February 21 - A is for Art | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 21, 10:30 AM
Join us for a fun morning of art exploration! We’ll be creating unique works of art using paint and shaving cream.
February – Marble Hearts
Register: A IS FOR ART
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February 27 - Move & Groove | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 27, 10:30 AM
Ages 0-5 with an adult. Join us for a story, music, and dancing! Both kids and their caregivers will enjoy shaking their sillies out in this movement-based program.
No registration required.
Learn more: MOVE & GROOVE
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February 27 - Mad Scientist (Age 6-12) | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 27, 5:30 PM
Children age 6-12 are invited to join us at Sage Library for Mad Scientists: Race and Zoom on Thursday, February 27 @ 5:30 pm.
Create a vehicle to speed down the Sage race track!
Register: MAD SCIENTIST
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February 28 - Little Wigglers | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 28, 10:30 AM
For children that are walking ages 5 and under + Adult
Move and dance our wiggles out at a fun musical program.
Register: LITTLE WIGGLERS
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |