❄️ Hello December, Hello Winter Magic!

December brings shorter days, cooler weather, and a joyful mix of holidays celebrated across California’s diverse communities. It’s a time of excitement, reflection, and meaningful connection with families and children.



This month, we encourage you to embrace the season with warmth, creativity, and intention—whether through winter outdoor play, cultural celebrations, or cozy indoor learning activities.

December Coupon Corner

Exclusive Savings for You!

✨ “Growing the Whole Child: Health, Emotions & Early Learning” — Now Available

We’re excited to announce a new online course: Growing the Whole Child: Health, Emotions & Early Learning — ideal for educators committed to nurturing every dimension of a child’s development.

Why this course matters:

• Helps you understand how emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development are deeply interconnected in early childhood.
• Explores critical areas like emotional growth stages, social-emotional foundations, the impact of nutrition and chronic illness, and strategies that support early language, literacy, and wellness.
• Equips providers to create nurturing, holistic environments that support children’s well-being and adaptive living skills.

🌟 Quote of the Month

“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them.”

— Rita Pierson

📰 Featured Article

Insights, ideas, and inspiration for your week.

✨ Featured Activities/Social Media

🌲 Wow, a 3D Glittery Christmas Tree!

🎄 Recreate this sensory activity and tag ChildCareEd for a shout-out on our story!

🌟 Penguin Color Match Activity



The Penguin Color Match Activity is a fun and engaging literacy activity for preschoolers. It helps children to learn and identify different colors while enhancing their fine motor skills. The activity involves matching colored feathers to the corresponding penguins, providing hands-on learning and promoting early literacy development

🌞 Outdoor Play in California Winter

Unlike many states, much of California enjoys comfortable winter weather that allows for consistent outdoor learning. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) encourages daily outdoor time whenever safe and appropriate.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning in Winter:

• Fresh air and movement improve mood and learning
• Nature offers ever-changing sensory experiences
• Outdoor time reduces illness transmission indoors
• Sunshine supports Vitamin D and overall well-being

Even when days feel cooler, outdoor play remains an essential part of development.

👉 Outdoor sensory play is richer and more dynamic than indoor “sensory bins.”

Wind, textures, light, temperature, and real-world materials offer multisensory learning that cannot be replicated indoors.

Encourage families to send jackets, hats, and layers—even in California’s mild winter.

Wishing You a Joyful December!