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.
Celebrating Earth Day Together
This year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Recognized annually on April 22 and celebrated by more than 150 countries, Earth Day is dedicated to raising international awareness of critical environmental issues. Visit EarthDay.org to learn more about the movement.
Earth Day provides an opportunity for families to share lessons about the importance of the environment at home. Starting conversations with children early about the environment provides a strong foundation for future learning about nature, sustainability and other environmental issues. Below are a few guides and activities to help families begin Earth Day discussions:
- More4Kids provides families with information about recycling, pollution, planting, composting and reusing materials.
- Environment America suggests a variety of engaging activities families can do together while learning about the environment.
- Everyday Mom Life provides ideas for environmentally conscious activities families can do together.
- Eventbrite provides a listing of free or low-cost local Earth Day activities for families.
DC Child Care Connections’ Harambee Event Series: A Celebration of Families and Communities Learning Together
Workshop: What is Quality Child Care?
Thursday, April 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
During this session, participants will learn about Capital Quality, the District’s quality rating and improvement system and how this information can be used to make decisions related to child care. Participants will be provided with an overview of the key elements of a high-quality child development center and home, strategies to select quality care and information on the Capital Quality facility participation process. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify the best practices of a high-quality child development center and have a better understanding of key questions families should ask onsite administrators during the center vetting process. Register for the virtual event here.
Workshop: Science Matters
Thursday, April 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
During this session, participants will have an opportunity to learn various activities that can be done at home that promote science and inquiry in young children. Hosted in Spanish and English, the facilitators will demonstrate ways to encourage science learning and share information on science education resources available at little to no cost. Register for the virtual event here.
Resource Highlights
- CBeebies encourages learning through online game play. CBeebies provides an engaging experience that families can enjoy together.
- TED-Ed Earth School is an environmental education resource that consists of 30 virtual lessons for children of all ages to discover and connect with nature. Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Earth School provides children with a certificate of completion after reviewing the virtual content.
April’s Blooms
Take time to smell the flowers! Spring is here and buds are blooming. The month of April provides many great opportunities for families to venture outside and observe seasonal changes. Take a walk and observe the daffodils, tulips and the flowering magnolia tree.
Let’s Read Together!
Read with your child throughout the day, each day during the week.
- One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon
- All New Crafts for Earth Day by Kathy Ross
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bug by Katharine Ross and Tom Cooke
- Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins
- Snail and Worm All Day by Tina Kugler
Week of April 12, 2021
This week, DC Child Care Connections, in commemoration of the Week of the Young Child, is hosting virtual, family-friendly events each day from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Details and links to register are below.
- Music Monday: Participate in a virtual sing-along featuring African drumbeats designed to teach children literacy, language and math skills. Monday, April 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the event here.
- Tasty Tuesday: Explore yoga as a tool to teach young children how to manage emotions and practice healthy fitness habits. Tuesday, April 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the event here.
- Work Together Wednesday: Learn how to work together as a family to prepare easy, healthy snacks. Wednesday, April 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the event here.
- Artsy Thursday: Create a family quilt square using everyday household items designed to aid children in understanding colors and patterns. Thursday, April 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the event here.
- Family Friday: Celebrate extended families and the vital role they play in a child’s life through interactive activities, book readings and oral storytelling. Friday, April 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the event here.
Week of April 19, 2021
- Music and Movement Monday: Take a fun butterfly number and color walk.
- Tasty Tuesday: Create a fruity snack in celebration of Earth Day.
- Wellness Wednesday: Craft Earth Day themed sensory bottles.
- Textured Thursday: Make a bug hotel with materials from nature.
- Family Fun Friday: Spark creativity by creating sculptures from recycled items.
Books from Birth
The Books from Birth program is open to children under the age of 5 who live in the District of Columbia. This program mails each enrolled child a free book each month until they reach age 5. Visit the program’s website for more information about eligibility and enrollment.
Virtual Adult College Completion Fair
Great Opportunity for Adult Learners: OSSE’s Virtual Adult College Completion Fair
Are you 18 or older and interested in going to college or earning a postsecondary credential? Did you start college but were unable to finish? If that’s you, join us for OSSE’s Virtual Adult College Completion Fair. The virtual fair will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register today at: http://bit.ly/2021ACCFair
Join us at the fair for:
- Conversations with representatives from local universities and colleges that offer credentials, associate’s, and bachelor’s degree programs that cater to adult learners.
- Scholarship and resource information from organizations that support adult learners who are pursuing higher education degrees.
- Workshops designed to provide you with everything you need to know to successfully return to college or enroll in college for the first time.
- Application fee waivers from participating colleges and universities.
For more information, questions, or to register for the fair, please contact Joi Jones at Joi.Jones@dc.gov.
Child Health Resources
CPR Kids TV
Children’s National Mobile Health provides free health and dental care for individuals birth to age 21. Mobile bus units visit 11 sites weekly throughout the District to provide services for children and youth. For more information about scheduling an appointment, please click here to visit the website or call (202) 436-3060.
Questions About Your Child’s Development?
Strong Start
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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Strong Start is providing telehealth services over the phone or computer, so you don’t have to wait to get the support your child needs.
If you have questions about your child’s development, call Strong Start today at (202) 727-3665.
Product Recall Alerts
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the following recalls:
- BATTOP Foldable Infant Bath Seats have been recalled due to risk of possible drowning.
- Western Chief Toddler Rain Boots have been recalled due to 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.
Check out our Facebook page to stay up to date on events and opportunities. Please visit our website for more information on individual child care providers and resources for families.