Family Connections

To help families with young children adjust to the current situation brought on by the public health emergency, DC Child Care Connections developed a system to provide useful information and resources to help with at-home learning, maintaining mental health and other important early childhood topics.

We have worked with community partners to identify a series of daily resources and activities from nationally-recognized organizations that families can use to keep children engaged and to continue the learning process. All resources are developmentally appropriate for the ages specified and are aligned to the DC Early Learning Standards.

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Winter Safety and Health

Families face health and safety considerations during the winter months. How can they keep children healthy during the “sick season” when colds, flu and respiratory illnesses rise? What can families do to protect their children from cold-weather hazards at home, on the road and when playing outside? Below are resources that provide guidance on maintaining good health, nutrition and physical activity when the temperature drops.

Preventing illness

Families can take steps to reduce their risk of illness during sick season. Parents published an article suggesting preventative measures that can help households stay healthy. It has guidance on vaccines, practicing good hygiene, eating well and staying active.

Staying safe at home and while playing outside

This article from Seattle Children’s Hospital addresses winter safety risks for children and families. It offers tips for home heating safety and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. It explores ways families can keep children safe in cold weather, ranging from dressing appropriately to recognizing signs of frostbite. The article also addresses how to prepare for winter emergencies. This post from the American Academy of Pediatrics and this blog from Safe Kids Worldwide also discuss winter safety for families.

Remaining physically active in extreme cold

Action for Healthy Kids compiled a list of indoor activities families can enjoy on the days it’s too cold or snowy to go outside. It suggests 16 activities and offers tips for limiting kids’ screen time during winter break and other downtime.

Resource Highlights

A recent surge in this viral disease -This article from CNN Health explores the increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious illness caused by a group of viruses. The article explains who’s most likely to contract HFMD and how to prevent its spread.
Teaching kids to cook -Parents published an article on how families can invite children into the kitchen and teach them cooking skills. It explores the benefits for kids and offers tips on cooking with kids starting in the toddler years.
How to handle confounding toddler behavior -This episode of NPR’s “Life Kit” explores life with a 2 year old. Topics include how to talk to a toddler, handling tantrums and transitions.

Let’s Read Together!

Reading aloud to young children is a powerful tool that fosters development and strengthens family bonds. PBS Kids offers families tips for effective read-alouds, including talking about illustrations and slowing down the pace of stories.

Here are some e-books available at the DC Public Library (DCPL) that families can enjoy together this week:

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett – When Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on an ice floe, she races after them. She comes upon an igloo, home to a family of polar bears. This book is a snowy take on Goldilocks and the three bears.
No cats in the library by Laura Emmons – Clarisse is a cat who loves books. One day, she spies a building where people walk in empty-handed and come out with an armload of books. She’s determined to find a way inside.
How to Catch a Yeti by Adam Wallace – When a group of kids hear about the legendary Yeti, they head to the mountains to catch a glimpse and prove the Abominable Snowman really exists!
Be Who You Are by Todd Parr – In his silly and accessible book, the author encourages children to embrace all their unique qualities.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper – While walking to her grandmother’s home, Lina discovers many ways to hear snow, from the scrape of a shovel on a sidewalk to the quiet pats of snowman-building.

Vroom Brain-Building Tip

Today’s Tip: Pocket Cleaners

Let your child help you empty your pockets at night. Take out the items that are safe to share with them one at a time. As you do, tell them about your day and where the item came from. For example, “This card is how I get on the bus to go to work.”

Brainy Background

Children love hearing about adults’ days — especially the good things that happen. By sharing stories, you’re helping them learn about your world and building their vocabulary, too!

Week of December 1, 2025

Music and Movement Monday: Dance to the Get Up to Get Down music video.
Tasty Tuesday: Make a batch of sweet potato pancakes.
Wellness Wednesday: Warm up your upper body with this sit-and-stretch routine.
Textured Thursday: Create a pom pom painted snowman.
Family Fun Friday: Make some reindeer characters using balloons, and head to the Rudolph Races!

Week of December 8, 2025

Music and Movement Monday: Learn Dance to the “I Live Inside a Snowglobe (Shake It Up)” song.
Tasty Tuesday: Make some easy chocolate fondue.
Wellness Wednesday: Play the Brush Those Teeth! game from Sesame Workshop.
Textured Thursday: Enjoy this winter water play activity using snowflakes and snowballs.
Family Fun Friday: Ask your family to teach you the Macarena and have a dance party!

Downtown DC Holiday Market

The 2025 Downtown DC Holiday Market takes place from Nov. 21 – Dec. 23, 2025. Families can stroll the Market and enjoy the display of lights and holiday decorations. Kids can visit a children’s play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games next to the performance stage. Shoppers can view items for sale from 115 market vendors at this year’s event. The Market is free to visit.

The Market is located on F Street NW (Between 7th & 9th streets NW). It is open Monday-Thursday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest Metro station is Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red/Green/Yellow lines), with exits at 7th & F Streets NW and 9th & G Streets NW.

Families can venture beyond the Market to find a skating rink in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum at 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Tickets cost $17-$20. To learn about other events, museums, restaurants and entertainment centers within walking distance of the DC Holiday Market, click here.

EdFEST 2025

My School DC is excited to bring you EdFEST, DC’s annual public-school fair! Representatives from public and public charter schools will showcase their programs. EdFEST for Grades PK3-8 will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kraken Kourts & Skates, 514 Rhode Island Ave. NE. Families should register in advance. Admission is free.

With the launch of the My School DC lottery application on Dec. 15 for the 2026-27 school year, EdFEST is a timely event to help you make informed school selections.

EdFEST will also feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family including guidance on navigating the lottery process from the My School DC team and Parent Advisory Council, routine childhood vaccines and flu and COVID shots for adults (appointments required), recreational activities from DC Department of Parks & Recreation and free meals from DC Central Kitchen.

The closest Metro stop to Kraken Kourts & Skates is Rhode Island Ave. (Red Line). It is served by these bus routes: D8, G8 and P6. And there is ample parking available, which must be pre-reserved here.

Visit the EdFEST site to learn more, including questions families should consider before attending the event.

Family Connections November 2025 Workshops

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Strategies for Effective Communication with Young Children

Join DC Child Care Connections (DC CCC) for a discussion about communicating effectively with young children, which often requires unique methods and approaches. During this session, participants will discover strategies to support meaningful connections with children and engage them in developmentally appropriate conversations that foster stronger relationships and mutual understanding.

Click here to register.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Winter Festival 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002

Join Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) and DC CCC present Winter Festival. Families with children ages 2 to 12 are welcome to participate in fun, child-centered, family-focused activities – including face painting, arts, crafts and games. Adult supervision is required during all family activities. No registration is required.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Goal Setting for Families of Young Children with Special Needs: The Prepped

EdCoSpace and DC CCC present “The Prepped Parent,” a two-part series for parents of children aged birth to five. The program helps parents plan effectively and build confidence in parenting. In April, the participants will review their family culture and learn evidence-based strategies to improve daily routines.

Click here to register.

Strong Start

Strong Start is DC’s early intervention program, offering free services for children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Strong Start provides therapeutic and other services for DC infants, toddlers and their families.

If you have questions about your child’s development, call Strong Start today at (202) 727-3665 or submit a Strong Start referral online.

Product Recall Alerts

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the following recall:

Grow ‘N Stow Folding Learning Tower because the platform inside the tower can collapse, posing a fall hazard to young children.
Mallimoda Children’s Pajama Sets because they violate the mandatory standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of serious injuries or burns to children.

We are here to help! If you need support in navigating these resources or help planning experiences for your children, please contact one of our team members today. Please contact us at DC Child Care Connections (202) 829-2500.

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