Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play.
We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Sort toys and objects with your preschooler by the beginning letter. Tell your preschooler, "Let's put all the things that start with 'C' together...cars, can, cups."
Read it!
Sorting through Spring by Lizann Flatt. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry.
We're learning Health, Wellness and Physical Development
Do it!
Play "Moving Questions." Ask your preschooler questions like, "How many ways can you balance yourself besides standing?" or "How many different ways can you move your arms? Your head? Your legs?"
Read it!
Fireflies! by Julie Brinckloe. Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee.
We're learning Science Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Go outside on a warm night. Look at the sky. Talk about things that are found in the daytime or the nighttime sky, like sun, stars, moon, clouds, birds, airplanes, etc.
Read it!
When Day Became Night by Jules Miller. Mud Puddle by Robert Munsch.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Make a puzzle with your preschooler. Cut a picture from a magazine or an old calendar into 4-6 pieces. Help your preschooler put the pieces together.
Read it!
Two Speckled Eggs by Jennifer K. Mann. Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh.
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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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Families Needed for Exciting New Opportunity
Application deadline July 9, 2021
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Pennsylvania families are needed 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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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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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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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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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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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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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 Preschooler |
Grab a book and start reading to your preschooler! 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 family handouts "Where Will Books Take You?" available for various ages and in both English and Spanish:
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Keeping Your Preschooler Healthy: Pennsylvania CHIP |
CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program, Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Regardless of the reasons your preschooler might not have health insurance, CHIP may be able to help you.
CHIP's comprehensive, quality health care coverage includes:
- Doctor Visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental, Vision, Eye Care
- Emergency Care
- Immunizations
- Hospital Care
- And much more!
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An online quiz from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has brief questions to help you identify needed vaccines to keep your preschooler healthy. Take the quiz and get a list of vaccines based on your responses. Then discuss the vaccines on the list with your preschooler's doctor or health care professional.
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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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Top Pins for Preschoolers
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The 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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