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Let’s talk, read and sing about LOVE! At bedtime, snuggle with your little one and sing some lullabies. These loving moments of bonding also help your child expand their vocabulary, build language skills, and stimulate their brain development.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together about LOVE: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Books are a wonderful way to start a discussion on a specific subject with your little one, like LOVE. Talking is Teaching has a great list of recommended books, but also visit your local library and ask your librarian for ideas. | |
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Pedal a tricycle
- Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests
- Tells stories about places and past events in a logical order that includes major details
- Counts groups of 6-10 objects and labels which groups have less, more, or the same number of objects
- Explores the visual arts
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
STOVE TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
45 Minutes 16 Servings
Making a special meal for someone you care about is a great way to show your love for them. Have your child help prepare dinner for the family and as you cook together, talk about the ingredients you are using. Point out the measurements as you add things to the pot. “We are pouring in one cup of macaroni, cover with water, a pinch of salt, and a whole lot of love!”
Ingredients:
1 small head broccoli
5 ounces cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 (16-ounce) package whole wheat macaroni
1½ cups nonfat milk
1½ Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 Tablespoons light cream cheese
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Instructions:
- Rinse and chop broccoli.
- Grate cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli and just enough water to cover half way. Heat in microwave until bright green and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- Cook pasta following package directions. Drain in a colander and set aside. While pasta is cooking, make cheese sauce.
- In a small pot over medium heat, heat milk. When hot, remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour. Whisk with a fork, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the warm milk. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, until sauce thickens. Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in salt and black pepper. Add cream cheese, grated cheese, and broccoli. Stir until grated cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- Add macaroni to cheese sauce. Stir to coat.
View the Recipe: STOVE TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
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6 EASY DIY VALENTINE'S DAY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
PBS Kids Parents
Valentine’s Day is a great day for letting your family and friends know just how much you love them. Here are some fun activities for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home.
Learn more: VALENTINES DAY ACTIVITIES
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LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE SCAVENGER HUNT
Talking is Teaching
Learn more: SCAVENGER HUNT
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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION | |
It is that time of year! Keep an eye out for kindergarten registration at your home school. | |
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Peer 360 Recovery Alliance exists to serve the diverse recovery communities, their family, friends and allies offering a unified voice and a shared recovery vision. We are building bridges across the gaps between professional treatment services and successful lives in long-term recovery so that no more are lost to addiction.
What is peer support?
- Peer support is an informal gathering of others in recovery; it is a chance to share your experience and strength in recovery with others. It is also a chance to talk about your struggles and get support.
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CHILD CARE PROVIDER RESOURCES
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Michigan Tri-Share
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.
Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE
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Child Care Workforce Support Stipends
The Bay Area Community Foundation is funding a onboarding stipend for child care providers hired on or after 9/14/21 (scholarship to support the provider's costs to hire new staff)
Learn More: CHILD CARE WORKFORCE SUPPORT STIPENDS
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Caring for MI Future
This is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.
Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
February 6 - The Birds and the Bees - Talking with Kids about Sex
February 13 - Purpose of Play
February 20 - Setting the Stage - Promoting Social Emotional Health in Young Children
February 27 - Together We Can - Co-parenting
Mindfully Feeding Infants and Toddlers Wednesday Lunch and Learn
February 7 at 12 PM
Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops
February 14 at 7:00PM - 8:30PM - Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - February - March 2024
Fridays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - February - April 2024
Thursdays, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series
Thursdays, February 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
Time: 7:00- 9:00 p.m.
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY
Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email [email protected] for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
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MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY
Visit the website to learn more about these upcoming classes:
- Virtual Breastfeeding Class – Free of Charge
- Virtual Childbirth Crash Course – Free of Charge
- Breastfeeding Class : Health Pavilion
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
STEM Passport - Calendar
You and your child can explore STEM Passport locations and events in the Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR) by accessing our STEM calendar. The GLBR is home to a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) destinations and programs. Afterschool programs help children learn, grow, discover who they are and what they love to do, and ultimately realize their full potential. They enhance a child’s foundational skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem solving, and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Research shows that this added participation in afterschool programs sparks interest in school so students attend school more often, get better grades, and are more likely to graduate.
Learn more: STEM PASSPORT
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PLAYGROUP - BAY COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM | |
February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | | |
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WHERE: Bay City Town Center, Bay City
DATE: Thursdays at 10 AM
Learn More: Email Amy at [email protected]
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February 2 - Yoga Storytime (age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: February 2 at 10:30 PM
Join us at the library in Kantzler Community Room for a WINTER themed yoga storytime with your little. We will introduce both mindfulness and movement during our time together. Please bring a mat/towel and dress comfortably.
Registration is required.
Register: YOGA STORYTIME
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February 2 & 3 - Take Your Child to the Library Day (ages 5-12) | | |
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Pinconning Branch Library
Friday, February 2, 2024
3:30pm – 4:30pm - REGISTER
Alice & Jack Wirt Library
Saturday, February 3, 2024
10:00am – 4:00pm - REGISTER
Auburn Branch Library
Saturday, February 3, 2024
2:30pm – 3:30pm - REGISTER
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February 3 - Wood Work Shop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Bay City
DATE: February 3 at 9 AM - 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Learn More: WOOD WORKSHOP
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February 3 - Pups & Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 3 at 11 AM
Read to a therapy dog or dog in training in a one-on-one session. You will be called to schedule your session the week of the program. Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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February 5 - Storytime At Populace | | |
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WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City
DATE: February 5 at 9 AM
Families with young children. Bring the littles downtown to story time with the Wirt Library! Enjoy your favorite coffee house drink and treat at Populace Coffee while we talk, read, sing and play together!
No registration needed.
Learn More: STORYTIME AT POPULACE
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February 5 - Busy Book Cafe (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 5 at 11 AM
For children ages 0-3 years old + Adult.
We begin at 11 am. Craft supplies and directions will be available for parents to build a page for a baby busy book. Toys will be out for children to play while adults craft and visit.
Registration is required. Call 989-892-8555 opt 4 if you need assistance with registration. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: BUSY BOOK CAFE
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February 6 - Story & Activity (age 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 6 at 1:30 PM
Children ages 3-12 are invited to join us at Sage Branch Library for Story and Activity on Tuesday, February 6 at 1:30 pm. Make personalized cork boards. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: STORY & ACTIVITY
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February 7 & 21 - Great Start Family Network | | |
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WHERE: Standish Community Center, Standish
DATE: First & Third Wednesday 1 at 4:30 PM
Learn More: Email Amy at [email protected]
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February 7, 22, 23 & 27 - Healthy Teeth Storytime (age 0-8) | | |
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Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
6:30pm – 7:00pm - REGISTER
Pinconning Branch Library
Thursday, February 22, 2024
6:00pm – 7:00pm - REGISTER
Sage Branch Library
Friday, February 23, 2024
10:30am – 11:30am - REGISTER
Auburn Branch Library
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
4:30pm – 5:30pm - REGISTER
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February 9 & 23 - Playdate (ages 0-4) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: February 9 & 23 at 10 AM
Little ones can play, discover & meet new friends. Ages 4 & under. Participating caregiver required. No registration required.
Drop in for fun play time at Wirt Library Children’s Room.
Learn More: PLAYDATE
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February 9 - Baby Playground | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 9 at 10:30 AM
Join us for sensory play and fun for babies! Ages 0-2 + Adult are invited to attend.
Register: BABY PLAYGROUND
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February 9 - DIY YETI PILLOW (ages 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: February 9 at 3:30 PM
Make your own Yeti friend with this tie pillow craft!
Learn More: DIY YETI PILLOW
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February 12, 16 & 19 - No School Days at the Museum | | |
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WHERE: The Historical Museum of Bay County, Bay City
DATE: February 12, 16 & 19 at 10 AM - 4 PM
Learn More: NO SCHOOL DAY
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February 13 - Bake (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: February 13 at 10:30 AM
Ages 2-5 with caregiver. Join us at the library for a cooking program with your little person utilizing our mobile kitchen. We will be making chocolate valentine treats to share.
Registration is required.
Learn More & RSVP: BAKE
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February 13 - Valentine Lab (ages 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: February 13 at 3:30 PM
Stop by to create your own valentines to give to those special to you!
Learn More: VALENTINE LAB
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February 16 - A is for Art (ages 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 16 at 10:30 AM
Fizzy Art
Science and art combine to create a special reaction using watercolor paint.
Register: A IS FOR ART
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February 16 - Nature Explorers
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WHERE: Bay City State Parks, Bay City
DATE: February 16 at 1:30 PM
Learn More: Email Amy at [email protected]
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February 17 - All Aboard! Train Express (Age 3-6) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: February 17 at 10 AM
Ages 3-6. Create a cardboard train engine sized just for you, view Thomas & Friends All Engines Go on the big screen, and bring home your very own train whistle.
Registration is required.
Register: ALL ABOARD TRAIN EXPRESS
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February 17 - Family Winter Fun Fest | | |
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WHERE: Bay City Town Center, Bay City
DATE: February 17 at 11 AM - 3 PM
Learn More: WINTER FUN FEST
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February 17 - Pups & Pages (age 4 – 12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 17 at 2 PM
Join us at the Pinconning library for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! Read to a a certified therapy dog beginning at 2:00 pm. Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Pinconning Public Service Desk. We look forward to seeing you!
Learn More & RSVP: PUPS & PAGES
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February 21 - Pups & Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: February 21 at 5:30 PM
Read to a a certified therapy dog beginning at 5:30 pm. Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Sage children’s desk. Registration is required. Call 989-892-8555 ext 4 if you need assistance with registration. We look forward to seeing you!
Learn More & RSVP: PUPS & PAGES
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February 24 - Saturday Cinema: Elemental (ages 0-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: February 24 at 1 PM
Enjoy a movie and a snack! This month we’ll be watching Disney’s Elemental (PG). Families with children are invited to attend.
Register: SATURDAY CINEMA
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February 25 - Sunday Movie "The Super Mario Bros” | | |
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WHERE: State Theatre, Bay City
DATE: February 25 at 2 PM
A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.
FREE WITH FOOD OR CASH DONATION
Register: SUNDAY MOVIE
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |
