By Kayla Craig for PBS Kids:

The coronavirus continues to affect families’ lives and alter daily routines. Like many parents, I’m learning how to navigate these unexpected times right alongside my four young children. Curious in nature, they’ve looked to me to help guide them.

When I recently found myself at a loss for words when explaining COVID-19 to my children, decades-old wisdom from Fred Rogers came back to me: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’

To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” Read more from PBS Kids

Did you know United Way supports Erie's Future Fund Scholarships? Administered by our friends at Early Connections, Erie’s Future Fund financially assists families in preparing their children for kindergarten by providing a scholarship to attend quality programs throughout Erie County.

If your child has up to two years before they enter kindergarten and qualifies for the Erie’s Future Fund scholarship, they will be able to attend an approved high-quality Early Childhood Education Program for 3 full days or 5 half-days a week! Learn more at EriesFutureFund.org or contact Kim Beers, Scholarship Director at (814) 874-0144 ext. 15.

Has the moon ever followed you home at night?

Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa reminds Max that the moon above them at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. And on that swervy-curvy car ride back home Max smiles as the moon tags along, thinking of Grandpa. But when the sky darkens and the moon disappears behind clouds, Max worries that it did not follow him home after all. Yet when the clouds part and light streams through his window, he realizes that Grandpa was right—the moon was with him all along.

Watch a read aloud of this book with Author Floyd Cooper!

Aluminum foil helps bring the moon to life for your little one in this sensory activity.

Learn more and engage in this activity

An additional activity that goes along with this title comes from HappyMothering.com. This easy to make recipe allows your little one to explore moon sand here on earth!

DIY Moon Sand

Thanks to support from United Way of Erie County, the Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot is now countywide and expanding! Be sure to check out the Erie Family Center for complete information on upcoming Diaper Depot distribution events. Learn more

This summer might be a bit different than those in the past, but that doesn't mean we can't find plenty of summer fun in Erie, Pa.

Check out Macaroni Kid Erie's Summer Fun Guide that has loads of ideas so you and your kids can make the most of these summer days in Erie.

Learn more and check out the guide

Registering your child on time for kindergarten is so important!

But, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many districts are adjusting their registration schedules and may be in touch with you about adjustments to deadlines.

United Way encourages you to reach out to your school district for the most up to date information regarding kindergarten registration for your child. Check out our Kindergarten Registration webpage for contact information and websites for each school district in Erie County.