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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Happy Anniversary, Earth Day!
Every year on April 22, more than 1 billion people celebrate Earth Day to show their appreciation for the planet. This year is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and the theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” in support of renewable energy. Families can learn more about Earth Day and ways to celebrate below.
Why do we celebrate Earth Day? This resource from National Geographic Kids offers a look at the origins of this annual celebration, which brings attention to environmental challenges and encourages positive change. Earth Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting our planet for the well-being of current and future generations.
What are family-friendly ways to observe Earth Day? Earth Day is a time for families to come together and explore practical ways to protect the planet. PBS Kids offers families suggestions for free and low-cost activities to celebrate—from composting to virtually visiting National Parks. These actions not only teach kids about caring for the earth, but also create lasting memories that inspire a love for the environment.
How can I become more eco-friendly? There are a variety of resources available to help families adopt more earth-friendly practices. Resources like TheRoundup, a consumer website that offers reviews of sustainable products, and provides information about how families can live green and save money.
Resource Highlights
Frustration…and Persistence – It’s natural for young children to feel frustrated when things don’t go their way. This article from Sesame Workshop suggests ways families can help kids learn persistence.
30 Development-Boosting Infant Activities: 0 to 12 Months – This article from The Inspired Treehouse offers 30 entertaining, development-boosting activities for families with infants. It includes links to resources about developmental milestones.
Why We Should Talk to Young Children About Careers — and How! – Young children are naturally curious about work and the jobs people in their community perform. This article from PBS Kids for Parents discusses why and how to talk to kids about careers.
Let’s Read Together!
Families who read together help their children become lifelong readers. Librarians at the New York Public Library developed a list of 10 tips for reading aloud with children.
Families should read to children daily, or preferably, several times a day. Here are a few engaging books you can find at your local library or bookstore:
- Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins – A madcap band of dancing, prancing monkeys explain hands, fingers and thumbs to young learners.
- Abuelo, the Sea, and Me by Ismee Williams – This heartwarming picture book explores intergenerational connections, family history and the immigrant experience (from Cuba).
- Monster Hands by Karen Kane – Communicating with sign language, Milo and his friend face his fear of a monster under his bed.
- Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear – A picture book about Tokyo’s bicycle food deliverers, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.
- My Daddy is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales – In this book, a young girl and her father share an early morning horseback ride around their city.
Vroom Brain-building Tip
Vroom is a website and app with science-based tips to help boost young children’s brain connections. Families can turn everyday moments into brain-building opportunities.
Today’s Tip: Name Two
Choose a category, like animals. Ask your child to think of two animals starting with the letter “A.” They could say “ant” and “ape.” Then, ask them to think of two animals that begin with the letter “B.” Next, try the letter “C.” Keep going through the whole alphabet. You can have fun trying out other categories, like fruits or names.
Brainy Background
Word games are great brain-builders! They help your child improve their language skills. As you play, your child is making connections between letters, sounds and animals, which supports their creative thinking.
Week of April 7, 2025
- Music and Movement Monday: Work on your ball skills such as throwing and catching a ball.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make a batch of zucchini tots.
- Wellness Wednesday: Watch these short healthy habits videos.
- Textured Thursday: Make a percussion instrument from a cardboard tube and pistachio nuts.
- Family Fun Friday: Plan a local family hike.
Week of April 14, 2025
- Music and Movement Monday: Move to the Kiboomers’ Exercise Song.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make a loaf of applesauce bread.
- Wellness Wednesday: Use painter’s tape to create an indoor balance beam.
- Textured Thursday: Create some pasta flowers.
- Family Fun Friday: Challenge your family to a 10-minute cardio workout.
DC Child Care Connections Celebrates the Month of the Young Child
April is the Month of the Young Child. The annual celebration recognizes children and families, as well as early childhood educators and organizations that provide them with education and support. DC Child Care Connections (DC CCC) and community partners are hosting events throughout April for children, families and early childhood educators. More information on these events and links to register are below. All events are virtual except for Family Fun Day at the National Arboretum.
Weekday events will take place between 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Monday, April 7
Growing Language Skills Using Sound
Musical activities are a great way for kids to grow their language and early literacy skills while encouraging rhythmic movement. Explore the connection between sounds and expressive language with the Manley Science and Technology Center by making instruments from household items. Register here. - Tuesday, April 8
Food for the Ears and Tummy
Cooking can help children build their language, reading and cognitive skills. Nurse, educator and natural foods expert, Amiyana Gadsden-Barrett, will lead a special story time that combines storytelling and cooking. Participants will read My Magical Foods and make a snack that matches the story. Register here. - Wednesday, April 9
Teamwork and the Three C’s
Build your teamwork skills by doing an activity as a family with Deona from DC CCC. During this session, families will plant a garden and focus on the three C’s: communication, collaboration and cooperation. Register here. - Thursday, April 10
Navigating Special Education
Learn more about resources and supports for families navigating special education services and programs in DC from the Special Education Hub. Participants will play an interactive game of jeopardy to challenge and highlight their knowledge of DC, school topics and children’s interests. Register here. - Friday, April 11
Practicing Online Safety in a Digital Age
Learn how to support children to safely participate in online activates. Participants will learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI), age-appropriate digital content and online platforms. Register here.
Wrap up the MOYC at the Family Fun Day at the National Arboretum from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
The Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will host their annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale. This family-friendly event will include face painting, arts and crafts and games for children ages 2-12. DC CCC will be on hand to share information with families about early childhood programs and services in DC.
No registration is needed.
Questions About Your Child’s Development?
Strong Start is DC’s early intervention program, offering free services for children under the age of 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Strong Start provides therapeutic and other services for DC infants and 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 recalls:
- Interior Resources Children’s Steel Bunk Beds, because the spacing between the guardrails and the mattress supports is larger than regulations allow, posing a risk of entrapment and strangulation.
- Chews Life Teethers because the safety snap clasp can detach, posing a choking hazard.
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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