Family Connections is a bi-weekly newsletter from DC Child Care Connections for families with children birth to age 5. The newsletter highlights evidence-informed resources and developmentally appropriate activities for families to support their child’s growth, development and social-emotional well-being.
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Steps for a Better Planet
April 22 is Earth Day, an annual celebration of our planet and the life it supports like plants, animals and people. Across the globe, people observe Earth Day by participating in activities such as picking up trash and planting trees. Read more to learn about local events and ways families can contribute to a healthier environment on Earth Day and every day.
Explaining Earth Day to Children
Wondering how to explain Earth Day to young children? Families can read this article that provides guidance on introducing children to Earth Day through books, websites and hands-on activities.
Family Fun Day at the National Arboretum
The Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will host their annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale at the National Arboretum. Families can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, games for children ages 2-12 and connect with DC CCC for information on early childhood education in DC. The event is free to attend. The National Arboretum is accessible by car (free parking is available) and public transportation. From the Stadium-Armory Metro stop (Blue, Orange and Silver lines) take the northbound C41 bus to Bladensburg Road NE and Rand Place NE. The National Arboretum is a short walk from the stop. No registration is required.
Anacostia River Cleanup
Each year, hundreds of people from the DC region volunteer to beautify the watershed. Families can participate in or observe this year’s Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup, hosted by the Anacostia Watershed Society, on April 25. Participation in this volunteer opportunity helps instill an appreciation for the environment and demonstrate that everyone can make an impact. Click here to learn more about the cleanup and register for the event. Learn about other local Earth Day events here.
Celebrating Earth Day with Kids
In addition to volunteering locally, there are several fun ways families can encourage their children to care for the environment. This article from PBS Kids for Parents lists 15 activities for the whole family. Another article from National Geographic Kids suggests strategies to conserve resources and make a difference. Also this list from TheRoundup.org, an organization that reviews and promotes eco-friendly products, suggests 13 go green projects that that families can do together.
Resource Highlights
- Why kids lie – It is common for children to lie at least occasionally. But toddlers and older children lie for different reasons. This article from Parents explains those reasons, suggests ways families can respond and offers tips for teaching kids the value of honesty.
- Vacation spots that make families happiest – Wander, an app that helps travelers book vacation stays, recently analyzed data from various travel outlets to identify the happiest destinations for families. They considered factors like traffic congestion, noise pollution, walkability, safety scores, child-friendly attractions, access to scenery, weather and green spaces. Based on these data, San Diego was identified as the “happiest” destination for families due to its walkability, safety and abundance of family friendly activities. For other happy family vacation locations, click here.
- Help kids develop science and engineering skills – Young children have a natural desire to understand how the world works. They bring scientific skills such as observation and experimentation into their daily lives. Check out 14 learning games PBS Kids developed for kids ages 2-5 to explore science and engineering concepts.
Let’s Read Together!
Reading books aloud to young children helps them cultivate a lifelong love for reading. Make the experience fun by holding a child close and reading with expression. The more enjoyable the experience, the more likely children are to discover books on their own.
Here are some e-books available at the DC Public Library (DCPL) that families can enjoy together this week:
- If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall – A picture book in which a boy writes a letter to an imagined alien, explaining all the things he will need to know about Earth and the people who live here.
- My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf – A young girl explores her city with her father, taking in all its sensory details: its smells, sounds, sights and more.
- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – Celebrate Earth Day with this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment.
- A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein – In honor of National Poetry Month, this collection of short, silly verses is perfect for young children just being introduced to poetry.
- Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang – Ruth Animals depict all sorts of nontraditional families. This book conveys the message that if you love each other, you’re a family.
DC Public Library’s Books from Birth program and the DC Public Library Foundation’s Beyond the Book program proudly present STAR Fest 2026! Families are invited to come to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on April 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to participate in the event. STAR stands for Sing, Talk, and Read — three key early‑literacy practices that help every child grow into a confident learner. STAR Fest is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating all the fun ways you can support your child’s learning through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.
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 daily moments into brain-building opportunities.
Today’s Tip: Little Independence
- Does your child want to do things independently? Whether it’s eating with fingers or trying to use a fork, give them opportunities to be independent. Talk to them about what they’re doing. If they need something, offer it. When they’re done, notice how they respond with a smile or an “I did it!” Celebrate with them!
Brainy Background
- It may take longer and be messier, but you’re helping your child to feel good and develop new skills. This will give them a sense that they can try something new and succeed.
Week of April 20, 2026
- Music and Movement Monday: Join Elmo and friends for an Earth Day song.
- Tasty Tuesday: Bake a batch of blueberry avocado mini muffins.
- Wellness Wednesday: Feeling stressed? Try this Anxiety Cooldown.
- Textured Thursday: Make some silky smooth playdough.
- Family Fun Friday: Make a family mural.
Week of April 27, 2026
- Music and Movement Monday: Make and play a mini lid banjo.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make some easy, healthy granola bars.
- Wellness Wednesday: Exercise to this animal workout video.
- Textured Thursday: Measure how tall you are using rocks, pinecones, leaves or building blocks.
- Family Fun Friday: Start collecting recipes for a family cookbook.
Free Produce Giveaway
On the second Wednesday of each month, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Capital Area Food Bank provide produce and other food items to the community. The giveaway takes place from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lederer Gardens, 801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE. Find more information here.
Georgetown French Market
The 23rd annual Georgetown French Market takes place April 24-26 along Wisconsin Avenue from O Street to Reservoir Road. The open-air market features sidewalk sales and specials from more than 40 locally-owned boutiques, cafés and galleries. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer food and drink specials featuring French cuisine. There will be live music, stilt walkers, face painting and a mime.
The market is accessible by car (paid parking available), rideshare and public transportation. The event is also accessible by bus (31, 33, 38B, D2, D6 and G2).
Click here for information about getting to the Georgetown French Market by car, public transportation or bike. Learn more about the Market here.
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:
- 4our Kiddies Plastic Tip Restraint Kits, because restraints, which are used to secure furniture to the wall, can break or degrade. Furniture can tip over or entrap children, which may result in serious injuries or death.
- Member’s Mark Children’s Valentine SS Notch Collar Pajama Sets sold at Sam’s Club. The pajamas violate the federal standards for children’s sleepwear and pose a risk of burn injuries to children.
The Food and Drug Administration also announced the following recall:
- Nearly 90,000 bottles of Strides Pharma, Inc.’s Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension were voluntarily recalled because they contained unsafe particles. Bottles with lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A are affected.
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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