We're Learning While Doing Laundry! |
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Babies
Do you have clothes hanging on the line to dry? Use this time to play peek-a-boo with your baby using the hanging laundry. Point out the moving laundry as the wind blows and the shadows created by the clothes and the sun. Carry your baby in your arms or on your shoulders, or push them in a stroller or wheelchair. Encourage them to reach and stretch and touch the fabrics and feel and see the sun and shadows. Read more!
Toddlers
Have your toddler help separate by same and different (color, types of clothing, your clothes/their clothes, etc.) and then offer two boxes or baskets of different sizes. Tell them, "Put this in the big basket/little basket." Encourage fine motor skills by using a clothes pin and asking them to match a pair of socks, then clip them together. If they have motor difficulties, have them direct you where to put the items. If they are unable to provide verbal directions, ask them, "Does it go in the big/little basket?" and encourage them respond with a head shake or nod for yes or no. Read more!
Preschoolers
Help your preschooler develop their language skills by using possessives ("Here is Mommy's shirt"), possessive pronouns ("Here is my shirt, this is your shirt. Where is your shirt?"), and prepositions ("The sock is under the shirt!"). Ask them, "Who's shirt is this?" "It's Mommy's shirt!" Feel free to sing these phrases as well. Read more!
Kindergartners
Ask your kindergartner why we wash our clothes. Where does the water come from that fills the washer? Do they know why laundry detergent is needed? Help to read the simple words on appliance, like ON and OFF. Listen to the washer agitate the clothes and spin the water out of the drum. Ask them to mimic those sounds. When the clothes are clean, transfer them to the dryer together. Ask how the clothes feel. Once in the dryer, listen together as the dryer tumbles the clothes and describe that sound. Listen for the buzzer to signal the completion of the cycle. Remove the clothes from the dryer with their assistance. Ask how the clothes feel, how they smell, and what temperature they are now. Read more!
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10 Books About Doing Laundry |
Wanda’s Washing Machine by Anna McQuinn
Llamas in the Laundry by W. H. New
Stinky Clothes by Joanna Emery
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash by Sarah Weeks
Henry Helps with Laundry by Beth Bracken
Dirty Laundry Pile by Paul B. Janeczko
The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble
Laundry Day by Maurie J. Manning
Smelling Sunshine by Constance Anderson
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Keeping Children Safe and Healthy in Child Care and Early Learning Programs |
On June 28, 2021, the Pennsylvania mask mandate was lifted, meaning masks are no longer required in Pennsylvania, regardless of vaccination status. Organizations, businesses and health care providers can still require masks, regardless of vaccination status. What does this mean for children in child care and early learning programs?
Currently, children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. To keep them safe and healthy, it is important to follow COVID-19 mitigation recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This includes frequent handwashing, social distancing and wearing face coverings (masks). Although children and staff in child care and early learning programs are no longer required by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to wear a face covering (mask) indoors or outdoors, wearing a mask by someone who is not vaccinated is strongly recommended, both indoors and outdoors, when social distancing cannot be maintained.
In the coming days, your child's program will be reviewing the CDC guidance and making decisions about how best to continue to implement it within their program. Please be patient with them as they adapt to these changes. OCDEL encourages all child care programs to consult with staff and families prior to making decisions about the continued use of masks within their facility, and to respect the preferences of some staff and families who may wish to continue wearing masks.
In addition, screening procedures, like taking temperatures when entering a child care or early learning programs, are no longer required, but are strongly recommended. Child care and early learning programs are still required to report positive cases of COVID-19 and inform families of suspected outbreaks.
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Are You Following Us on Social Media? |
Get the most up-to-date resources and information from PA's Promise for Children and our partners. Follow us on social media!
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Families Needed for Exciting New Opportunity |
Pennsylvania families are needed to provide their perspective to support and impact early childhood education coursework that is provided at colleges and universities across Pennsylvania.
Family members who have young children who are currently enrolled in child care, Head Start or Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts are invited to apply to be part this cohort, supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
This cohort will be provided opportunities to connect with college and university early childhood professors to provide a family perspective. Family members will be compensated (paid) for their time and reimbursed for travel and child care expenses.
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Advance Child Tax Credit Payments for Families with Children in 2021 |
Families eligible for the 2021 child tax credits, but who do not need to file taxes, have a new way of enrolling in the federal stimulus program.
The IRS has launched an online portal to sign up for the credits. The IRS will pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments beginning July 15. Families will claim the other half when they file their 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.
Get more info to share with families at the IRS website.
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Family Members Invited to Apply To Serve on PA PKC/HSSAP Advisory Committee
Application deadline July 26, 2021
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Family members whose children or grandchildren are currently enrolled or have participated in PA Pre-K Counts or Head Start are invited to apply to serve on the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC)/Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) Advisory Committee.
Committee members play an important role in the future of PA PKC and HSSAP programs! They advise the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) about the PA PKC and HSSAP programs, including operations, and program design. The Committee represents the interests of all prekindergarten programs in Pennsylvania including Montessori, Private Pre-K, Religious affiliated programs and others as appropriate and works to coordinate statewide efforts. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations by providing feedback and representing PA PKC and HSSAP provider concerns and assists in the development of program protocols, tools and resources to strengthen the quality of learning programs in the commonwealth. The Advisory Committee membership brings unique knowledge and skills, which complement those key individuals and departmental staff engaged in this work.
Committee members reflect diverse geographic regions of the state and have a range of attributes, collective skills, and experiences. The application process is open to individuals who possess practical program content knowledge, skills, and experiences. All those who wish to strengthen and advance the PA PKC and HSSAP initiatives are encouraged to apply.
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Physical Punishment and Child Outcomes |
A recent study shows physical punishment (spanking) doesn't improve children's behavior and may actual cause long-term harm.
There are ways to address behavioral challenges in children without physical punishment. In Pennsylvania, programs like Nurse Family Partnership, Early Head Start, Family Check-Up, Healthy Families America, Parents As Teachers and Family Centers can provide families the support they need to address challenges that arise with young children before these concerns become more serious or problematic. Your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can help you find assistance. Find your ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org.
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Bright Futures Booster Program |
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Keystone Scholars program provides $100 at birth to all children born in Pennsylvania to jump-start early saving for higher education.
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have created the Bright Future Booster program for Keystone Scholars families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Babies born between January 1 and June 30, 2021, to mothers enrolled in WIC receive an additional $50 deposit into their Keystone Scholars account.
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Encouraging Children to Try New Foods |
Sometimes getting children to try new foods can be frustrating. This video from the USDA has some great tips to encourage children to try new foods. Although it's geared towards child care providers, the info can also help families with young children!
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Youth camps can play an important role in the lives of children, including supporting their social, emotional, and physical development. Camps provide opportunities for children to try new activities, develop relationships, develop social and emotional skills, and be physically active. In addition to allowing for free play and unstructured learning, many camps also incorporate educational content. What should families look for in a summer camp setting to ensure their children are safe and healthy?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance on what you can expect with a child in a summer camp setting. Get more information. |
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Your Child Care Provider's Emergency Plan |
Did you know all regulated child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes in Pennsylvania are required to have an emergency plan to keep your child safe? An article from Child Care Aware states that 38% of parents are unsure of their child care provider's emergency plan.
You can be sure your child's regulated early learning facility has an emergency plan that covers things like:
- How you will be contacted in case of an emergency
- How and where your child may be evacuated in case of emergency
- You should also receive a letter, explaining the emergency procedures at your child's early learning facility. If you don't, or need a new copy, ask the Director or owner.
Are you looking for a safe learning program for your child? Use Pennsylvania's www.findchildcare.pa.gov to locate an early learning program that is a good fit for you and your child.
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Reading Aloud With Your Child |
Grab a book and start reading to your child! Read Aloud 15 Minutes, a non-profit organization recognizes the benefits of reading aloud to children and encourages families and caregivers to read aloud every day for at least 15 minutes.
At readaloud.org materials and resources are ready for you to share with others to inspire reading every day. Be sure to look at the parent handouts "Where Will Books Take You?" available for various ages and in both English and Spanish:
Use these resources to share with others to help promote reading aloud every day!
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July is International Group B Strep Awareness Month |
Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry Group B Strep (GBS), the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. GBS can also infect babies during pregnancy and the first few months of life. Not all babies exposed to GBS become infected, but for those who do, the results can be devastating. Fortunately there are many ways to help protect babies from Group B Strep. These resources can help you learn more about GBS and prevent its devastating effects. |
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Online Vaccine Quiz to Keep Your Child Healthy |
An online quiz from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has brief questions to help you identify needed vaccines to keep your child healthy. Take the quiz and get a list of vaccines based on your responses. Then discuss the vaccines on the list with your child's doctor or health care professional. |
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Choose Healthy. Choose WIC. |
Did you know the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has helped Pennsylvania families since 1974! WIC helps pregnant women, mothers and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy.
WIC provides nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals and healthy foods to eligible participants. You might qualify for WIC if you are a women who is pregnant or had a baby in the past six months or twelve months if breastfeeding; have an infant and/or children under age five; or if you are a father, grandparent or foster parent, who is the legal guardian of a child under age five. Visit the PA Department of Health to learn more.
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Summer Food Service Program |
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) from the USDA provides free meals to children from low income families so they may receive the same high quality nutrition throughout the summer that they eat in school cafeterias during the school year. To find a SFSP site in your community:
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Our Favorite Pinterest Pins |
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Starting Kindergarten in the Fall? |
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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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