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Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Then visit the library to find a book about the activity.
We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Help your preschooler learn letters by pointing out the letter in their name when they see them on books, signs, etc. How many different places can the letter be found? Adaptions to this activity include tracing letters, tactile letters, and audio alphabet apps on a tablet or CD. Make a story book by finding words that make up the letters in their name. An example, A is for alligator, C is for car and E is for egg. My name is 'ACE.'
Read it!
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont. Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Look for opportunities to count with your preschooler during daily routines. For example, count the chairs while setting the table or count how many socks go into the washing machine. When possible, provide hands-on opportunities for your preschooler to hold and feel objects. Cooking is a great opportunity for your preschooler to count. Encourage them to help prepare or make a meal. Count the number of ingredients. Take this one step further and describe the texture and color of each ingredient.
Read it!
Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti, Jr. One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! by John Micklos Jr.
We're learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Give your preschooler a choice about what to do today. Ask them to explain why that activity was chosen. "Would you like to read or play ball? Why did you choose that?" Include options based on child's interest and abilities while building and strengthening skills. If they are having difficulty with the choices, ask them to tell you two things they would like to do. Explain they can choose to do 'x' or 'y' and to pick the activity they would like to do.
Read it!
When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
We're learning Social Studies Thinking
Do it!
Talk with your preschool about where they live. Talk about whether they live in a house or an apartment. Give the address that includes the street, city and state. If they have difficulty doing this, take pictures of where they live and also look for pictures online or in books. Use photos, pictures from books and magazines, and technology to create a picture book. They can look at it and feel proud they helped to create the book.
Read it!
Telephone by Mac Barnett. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo.
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February is Black History Month
During February, celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Check out these resources for information on ways you can celebrate with and teach your child about Black History Month.
Read more!
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Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Bureau of Family Health requests your voice to help identify the seven to ten priorities that will drive Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant program. Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant serves to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s mothers, infants, children and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families.
Parents and caregivers, families with special needs, birthing people and their partners, and youth are all welcome to participate. Maternal and child healthcare and other professionals, and organizations serving this population, in Pennsylvania, are also welcome to share their thoughts! Sessions are taking place throughout Pennsylvania--register for a session in your area! This is a family friendly event, and a meal will be provided. Select participants may be eligible to receive a gift card.
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Pennsylvania Expands the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Pennsylvania recently expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. The expansion of this credit will be a major help to working families with children in child care and other people in the Commonwealth who are caring for a family member.
The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means taxpayers must receive the federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, meaning:
- The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child) or $2,100 (two or more children)
- The credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
- The minimum credit will be $600 (one child) or $1,200 (two or more children).
Learn more about the tax credit and how to apply.
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Join Remake Learning Days!
Join the Remake Learning Days across Pennsylvania! This hands-on learning festival showcases the many places where kids can learn across their community, such as early childhood programs, museums, schools, libraries, parks, community centers, tech companies, and more. These events give families and caregivers a chance to learn alongside their children and for kids to experience new learning opportunities. The mission of Remake Learning Days is to spark joy, encourage curiosity and create wonder for kids of all ages and their families. Learn more and find an event in your region.
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See if You Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.
It’s easy to find out if you qualify. Use the EITC Assistant, and answer questions about yourself and other family members to see if you qualify and estimate the amount of your credit.
EITC eligibility depends on several factors, including income and family size. Don't guess about EITC eligibility use the EITC Assistant to find out if you do qualify for EITC, And see what other tax credits are available.
It’s easy to find free tax help to prepare and file your taxes. Use the VITA locator tool on IRS.GOV to find a volunteer site near you. Or, you can prepare and e-file your own taxes with brand-name software using IRS’s Free File.
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Community Inclusion for All
The resource, Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All, highlights the importance of and provides resources for meaningful Community Inclusion, geared towards Pennsylvania children, ages birth to grade 6, and their families.
The PA Community Inclusion for All web page and public Facebook group can help increase opportunities of meaningful interaction between families and children with and without disabilities. It also provides professionals the resources for Community Inclusion to share with the families they serve and use the resources when practicing coaching in the community with families.
Visit, then share the resources with families and friends to inspire them to create and provide for a more inclusive environment. Read families stories of why and how they are doing it. You can even share your story, highlighting the struggles/challenges, professional support, effective strategies and outcomes of Community Inclusion.
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February 2 is Groundhog Day!
Groundhog Day is celebrated on Feb. 2, 2024. It is based on the activities of a groundhog coming out of its winter hibernation to check for his shadow. The legend is, if the groundhog sees their shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of wintry weather. If they don’t, then spring weather is right around the corner.
The most important groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who lives in a burrow called Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
PA’s Promise for Children has a list of fun books to read related to Groundhog Day.
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Celebrating Early Literacy in February
February kicks off with two special awareness days! Reading early and often your preschooler will help them learn about the world around them and develop important skills they will need to prepare for kindergarten.
February 7 is World Read Aloud Day. It's the perfect excuse to pick up a book and read to your child! Revisit an old favorite or find a new one.
February 4 is the Annual Take Your Child To The Library Day. It is a great time to build upon your child's love of reading and learning. Contact your library to see what books they have for your child. Find a library near you.
Share a photo of you and your preschooler reading a favorite book and tag PA's Promise for Children! Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
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Assistance with Heating Costs
Winter is still here for Pennsylvania, and many families may struggle to pay for heating their homes. The 2023-2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
Find out how to apply.
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State Parks and Forests Offer Abundance of Activities During Winter
Pennsylvania state parks and forests offer access to activities, even during the winter months!
A lot of people don’t think about spending time outdoors in winter due to the colder temperatures, but with proper clothing and other safety precautions, there are plenty of benefits to spending some time outdoors now.
What makes winter recreation special? The scenery! The bare trees and vegetation in forests help make spotting wildlife easier, provide additional scenery from vistas, and uncover the vast rock formations that make up Pennsylvania’s varied natural landscapes.
You also don’t have to travel far to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh air in the winter. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that with so many state and local parks and forests they can find an opportunity near them.
The winter season provides opportunities for activities that cannot be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of some of these unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Read more.
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Check Out the EITA Mobile App
The EITA Mobile app is full of quick tools & tips to be used in the moment by families and professionals. These resources include:
- Tools to support professionals in their work with families.
- Tools for parents to use in everyday activities and routines with their child.
- Tools that professionals can review with families to support activities and talk about Early Intervention services.
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PA Navigate
Pennsylvania recently launched PA Navigate, a new website that connects residents to community organizations, government agencies and health care providers for access to resources for basic needs, such as food, housing and child care.
PA Navigate is designed to address health and social care needs of residents by bridging the gap between health care systems and social services organizations. It allows residents to search and connect to supports for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care and other free or reduced-cost help in times of need. Individuals can refer themselves for services through PA Navigate, or connect with health care providers and organizations.
The website was created through work by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, several health information organizations, state agencies, counties, local nonprofits, community organizations, health care entities and social services providers.
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4 Ways To Help Your Preschooler Develop Problem-Solving Skills
As preschoolers begin to transition into kindergarten, it's important they learn social and emotion skills, like problem solving.
These skills can help preschoolers understand the consequences of their actions. Preschoolers can also begin to understand how their actions can affect others.
Get four ways to help your preschooler develop problem-solving skills.
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When should you register your child for Kindergarten?
Is it time to register for Kindergarten registration already? Yes, many schools are currently hosting Kindergarten registration for those children entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023.
Registering your child for Kindergarten NOW means you, your child and your child's school will be ready for the start of the new school year.
Visit PA's Promise for Children to find Kindergarten registration information for your school.
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Screen Time and Young Children
Studies have shown screen time use in young children may have negative impacts on the brain’s white matter — an area key to the development of language, literacy and cognitive skills. In addition, the use of screen time can limit a child’s time and attention in learning other skills they need for healthy development.
With so many people owning a phone, tablet or television, and screens in doctor’s offices, malls and restaurants, it can be difficult—or seem impossible–to limit the exposure to screen time with young children. Read more.
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month
How many time a day does your child brush their teeth? Do they floss? It's never too early to teach your child how to take care of their teeth. During February's National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) learn how you can help your child practice good dental health.
This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.
The NCDHM Program Planning Guide offers resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and much more.
Watch this video for tips on how to encourage your child to brush their teeth. Visit PA's Promise for Children to find out how to start a healthy smile early.
Did you know tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States? The good news is it can be prevented with the help of CHIP! CHIP coverage includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride, dental sealants, fillings, orthodontia services when medically necessary and much more. Get more info at the PA Department of Human Services website.
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Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers
During February, celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States, and check out the February Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers with activities and information to help prepare children and their families for school success.
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