February 2019
Fun activities, aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, to help prepare children for school success!
We're learning while at the doctor's office!
Babies
While waiting in the exam room you most likely will have to undress your baby. As you do, touch each part of your baby's body and name each part as you go. Make eye contact with her and smile as you touch and name each body part. Tell her what the body part does. "Your arms reach wide to give a hug."   Read more

Toddlers
Create a Special Event bag your toddler can take when visiting places like the doctor's office. It can be a simple backpack, cloth bag, or even a zip-top plastic bag. Put in items such as pad of paper, crayons, stickers, small toys or cars, View Master, lacing games, playing cards or other special items to be used when visiting.  Read more

Preschoolers
While waiting in the examining room, have your preschooler close his eyes and listen. What does he hear? (Closing of a door, someone walking down the hall, the air conditioning/heating vent, a phone ringing, baby crying, etc.) Talk about what you hear. Where might someone be going? Who might be calling? Why might the baby be crying? Encourage your child to use his imagination--might it be an elephant on the phone, or a tiger creeping down the hall?  Read more .

Kindergartners
Explain to your kindergartner that a people doctor is a physician, while an animal doctor is a veterinarian. Provide names of people you know, and see if he can guess which doctor (physician or veterinarian) the person would see, and mix in animals, too. "Would Uncle Jack go to a physician or a veterinarian if he was sick?" or "Would a cat go to a physician or a veterinarian if it was sick?" Let him quiz you, too.   Read more.  
10 Books About Going to the Doctor's Office
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist  by Judi Barrett
Going to the Doctor  by Anne Civardi
Miss Dose the Doctor’s Daughter  by Allan Ahlberg
Calling Doctor Amelia Bedelia  by Herman Parish
Daisy the Doctor  by Felicity Brooks
Do I Have to Go to the Hospital?  by Pat Thomas
A Day with a Doctor  by Jan Kottke
Franklin Goes to the Hospital  by Paulette Bourgeois
My Friend the Doctor  by Joanna Cole
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor  by Stan & Jan Berenstain

A Guide to Choosing a Quality Early Learning Program
Let’s face it-- trying to find child care can be hard. You want your child in a quality child care or early learning program. What do you look for so your child will be safe, happy and learning?

You want:
  • Your child safe and secure while you are at school or work.
  • Your child’s teachers to support and challenge your child to explore and learn new things.
  • Your child to learn skills needed for kindergarten.
  • You and your child to feel supported.

When looking for a program, visit www.findchildcare.pa.gov to search by address, early learning program name, or the age of your child. Get information about the program, like location, fees, and inspection reports. Watch the video for more information .

Pennsylvania's Promise for Children has resources you can use before, during and after your search for an early learning program.
Supports for Breastfeeding Moms
Are you a mom who is breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding your new baby, but have questions? Are you wondering how breastfeeding and child care will work together?

This new resource, Breastfed Babies Welcome Here! A Mother's Guide from USDA has information, tips and resources to help moms and babies prepare for breastfeeding options when your baby is in a child care program.

Get information on:
  • providing breastmilk to your baby when you go back to work or school
  • how to keep making enough milk when your baby is in child care
  • how to take breastmilk to the child care site
  • feeding breastmilk in a bottle
  • helping your child care program provide care for your breastfed baby and more!
Celebrating Early Literacy in February
February kicks off with two special awareness days! Reading early and often to children helps them learn about the world around them and develop important skills they will need to prepare for kindergarten.

February 1 is World Read Aloud Day. It's the perfect day to pick up a book and read to your child! 

February 2 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.
 
Find a library near you . Share a photo of you and your child reading a favorite book and tag PA's Promise for Children! Find us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram !
Finding the Right Healthcare Professional for Your Child
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing that first healthcare professional. They will shape the feelings your child has of healthcare visits. If your child is in need of specialty care or if there are a lack of health care professionals in your area, this could be challenging. However, a little homework prior to deciding on a health care professional may make for a more positive experience you and your child.

Get tips on how to find the right Healthcare Professional for your child and read about Angie who addresses a concern about her son with his healthcare professional in   Be Your Child's Champion .
February is National Children's Dental Health Month
How many time a day does your child brush his teeth? Does she 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 year's theme is "Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile." 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 program coordinators 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, much more.

Watch the video below for tips on how to encourage your child to brush his or her teeth.


Did you know that 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   CHIPcoversPAKids.com .
Moving Towards School Success
Will your child start Kindergarten in the fall? In the next few months, many schools will host Kindergarten Registration.

Early Kindergarten registration will help you prepare your child for his first day of Kindergarten. Your child's school may provide special programs, events or resources to help your child prepare for the important transition. 

Visit the  PA's Promise for Children website  to locate Kindergarten Registration information, then check out these resources to help your child prepare to be successful in school. 
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Do you have a Preschooler?
Did your child start preschool?  Sign up for the FREE monthly Kindergarten, Here I Come eNews!  Each month get activities, tips and resources you can use to help your child prepare for and transition into their Kindergarten year. 
The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 
  
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
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