Kindergarten Here I Come! April 2026

Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Visit the PA's Promise for Children website to print a copy of Kindergarten Here I Come or print the April book list .

We're learning Language and Literacy Skills.

Do it!

Give your preschooler two-step directions, like, "Get your coat and go to the door." Or "Take off your socks and put them in the hamper." Use pictures, words, and numbers to make a chart or schedule tasks so your preschooler can visualize the steps. As they finish each step, move the task to the completed side of the schedule. Many tablets and computers have templates and apps to help create a personalized system.

Read it!

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes.

We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Do it!

Encourage your preschooler to use tongs or tweezers to pick up objects from one bowl and transfer them into another. Cotton balls or other small items are good objects for them to use. Holding their hand with yours, demonstrate and assist them with the skill. As you move the items, use words to describe what it looks like. Listen together for the sounds the objects make as they are grasped and transferred. Hold, feel, and explore the objects as they play, and describe them.

Read it!

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen. If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty.

We're learning Social Emotional Development

Do it!

Talk with your preschooler about things that make them nervous, scared, excited, sad, and happy. Tell them things that make you feel those ways, too. Find photos of feelings in books, magazines, and on the web. Practice making different faces and help them describe the feeling. Use your preschooler's hand to feel your face, expressing an emotion. Discuss ways they can recognize when others may be experiencing the same feelings.

Read it!

Lotta on Troublemaker Street by Astrid Lindgren. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain.

We're learning Social Studies Thinking

Do it!

Ask your preschooler to help plan a family meal. Together, make a list of things needed from the store. Let them help you find the items at the store. Draw pictures of the grocery lists so they can recognize the foods. Provide opportunities for them to see and feel the items in many ways--canned, frozen, and fresh. Point to the names and match the picture with the products. Explore the size options available. Talk about dietary restrictions and feeding concerns. When possible, help them reach, grasp, and hold items.

Read it!

SuperDuper Teddy by Johanna Hurwitz. Lunch by Denise Fleming.

Celebrate the Month of the Young Child!

During April, we come together to celebrate young children’s joy, wonder, and boundless potential! 🎉💕 The Month of the Young Child is a time to recognize the critical role families, early childhood educators, and communities play in nurturing and shaping the future of our youngest learners.

In the video below, Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), shares her appreciation for the families, early learning professionals, and communities that support our youngest learners during the Month of the Young Child.

How can you become involved in MOYC?

Look for ways to celebrate in your home, early learning program, or community.
Create a display that shares why quality early learning is so important!

Visit the Month of the Young Child – PA Promise for Children to learn more.

Link to video of Shante' Brown sharing information about Family Engagement

Still Time for Families to Register for The Lifting Family Voices: Using Your Story to Strengthen Programs and Spark Change Workshop Opportunity

Registration deadline April 20, 2026

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is recruiting pregnant and parenting families of children birth to age five in Pennsylvania for the Lifting Family Voices: Using Your Story to Strengthen Programs and Spark Change workshop on May 20, 2026, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This workshop is designed to support families to learn how to make their voices heard and influence decisions that improve maternal and early childhood programs in Pennsylvania.

Reimbursement for child care and travel expenses, such as lodging and mileage, within guidelines will be provided. Lodging will be available for those who are traveling more than 50 miles to the workshop location.

Registration is due by April 20, 2026. Seats are limited and will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Register now for the Lifting Family Voices Workshop 2026.

Questions? Contact Sadia Batool at c-sabatool@pa.gov.

Have You Registered for the Virtual PA One Book Author Visit?

There is still time to register for the April 15, 2026, 10:00 AM, virtual author visit with Jessica Shaw, author of The Great Cookie Kerfuffle, the 2026 PA One Book selection!

Join this virtual event with your child for a fun, interactive Storytime experience and a chance to connect with the author behind this year’s featured book. It’s a wonderful way to spark early literacy, imagination, and joy in reading.

The PA One Book project is made possible with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries. Additional funding provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the Pennsylvania Treasury, and the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation. Learn more about the Pennsylvania One Book.

Fun Nature-Based Learning Activities

Celebrate spring with fun activities to encourage fine motor skills and creative thinking, and inspire a love of nature with these nature-based activities by Lindsey Brown, owner of Brown’s Family Child Care in Venango County.

The activities are perfect for home or an early learning program. They are part of a homemade nature-based curriculum approved through the Department of Education and align with the PA Early Learning Standards.

Check out the Bird Watching Area Activity, Circle Cereal Bird Feeder, Collaborative Bird Feeder, and the Homemade Bird Feeder activities.

Sustainable Gardening with Kids Activity Guide

Empower kids to take action and make positive contributions to their communities. This free 18-page guide by KidsGardening and High-Country Gardens walks through the basics of sustainable gardening and offers tips and activity ideas for four sustainable youth garden themes.

Helping Kids Build Healthy Habits for Better Sleep

Getting kids to sleep well can feel impossible, but understanding the science of sleep and building healthy routines can make all the difference.

In this episode of Thriving Kids (25:31), Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist, to share practical, evidence-based advice for parents. Drawing on her experience helping families overcome bedtime struggles, Dr. Harris explains why sleep matters for kids’ mental health, learning, and behavior, and how small changes can lead to big improvements.

A child dressed as a doctor examines a doll with a toy stethoscope, surrounded by a toy medical kit.

Health Trends in Early Childhood Education: Well-Child Visits – Checkups for Success!

The April Health Trends in ECE focuses on Well-Child Visits – Checkups for Success! Well-child visits are associated with fewer hospitalizations and emergency department use. Despite these benefits, children miss between 30% to 50% of well-child visits. Many families struggle to access and utilize well-child preventive healthcare services and supports in the community. Taking the “whole child” approach to health goes beyond the physical to include social-emotional needs, mental health, and healthy behaviors, ensuring the best outcomes in early childhood and throughout the life course. Health promotion and preventive services for young children must be comprehensive, evidence-based, and evidence-informed. Learn more in the April release of Health Trends in ECE.

Each month, Health Trends in ECE shares information about a recent health trend, helping readers understand why it is important. Discover the impact it has on children, their families and caregivers, and the community, as well as actions to take to ensure the health and well-being of children in our communities.

Mindful Parenting

Parenting can be stressful. Parenting kids with special needs can be even more stressful, and it can cause anxiety, depression, and marital problems. A mindfulness practice can help alleviate stress and prevent these problems. And it can make you a better parent. Use mindfulness techniques to take stress and anxiety out of raising kids.

Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids

The Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Project is a series of free videos and print resources with practical, evidence-based information and skills to address families most common parenting challenges. This project is part of the Child Mind Institute’s innovative partnership with the state of California. The series is organized into four categories, each containing multiple videos. Each video has been created in both English and Spanish. Ver episodios en español

Don't Wait. Vaccinate

When planning summer activities, please remember to schedule vaccinations. Scheduling your children's vaccines now for the ones they will need to start the next school year will help you cross a critical item off your hectic back-to-school list this fall.

Immunizations should be part of your children's regular school physical before kindergarten. See information about immunizations for students attending Pennsylvania schools. For more information regarding vaccines required for your children, please contact your children's health care provider.

Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers

During May, celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and spread awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and the need for services that support recovery, resilience, and success for youth.

Check out the May Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Professionals with activities and information to help prepare children and their families for school success.