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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Celebrating Hispanic American Heritage Month
National Hispanic American Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a month-long celebration of the culture and contribution of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Established in 1988, this observance affords all Americans an opportunity to learn about Hispanic and Latino Americans’ influence and impact on U.S. culture, cuisine and governance. This is a great opportunity for families from all backgrounds to deepen their understanding of the diversity within the Hispanic and Latino community. During this time, families learn about how the contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals enrich American society.
The following family-friendly resources provide activities and information on ways to honor the traditions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities at home:
- Crafts, Games and Activities: Dance is a fun way families can celebrate the month. Traditional dances, such as salsa, get children active and expose them to dance movements that have cultural significance. Parents magazine also offers a few fun craft and game ideas that honor cultural traditions.
- Cuisine: Try a new recipe as a family this month. Taste of Home created a collection of Latino appetizers recipes, which can be adapted for children’s palates.
- Books: Enjoy a few great books and stories. Visit Colorincolorado for a list of children’s books written by Latino authors who have shared stories that reflect various Hispanic and Latino cultures and traditions.
- Latino Contributions: Visit Parents to learn about Latinos who inspire us with their contributions in different fields.
- Media Resources: Movies and other media can serve as great entry points for families as they learn more about Hispanic American Heritage Month. PBS has a video that provides a child-friendly explanation of the month. Several local institutions, such as the Smithsonian Museums and the Library of Congress, have collaborated to provide virtual access to many informative videos and performances in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month.
DC Child Care Connections’ Wellness Series: Supporting the Health and Wellness of the Community
Wellness Workshop: Eating Smart, Being Active
Thursday, October 13, 2021, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
DC Child Care Connections (DC CCC) in partnership with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at the University of the District of Columbia will be hosting an 8-week nutrition and wellness series for families beginning Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. During the series, held in English and Spanish, participants will have an opportunity to learn about healthy eating habits and the importance of being active. All participants who complete the 8-week session will receive a wellness resource kit and grocery store gift cards. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Register Now!
Resource Highlights
- Sesame Workshop: Coming Together resource celebrates racial, ethnic and cultural diversity. Videos and engaging activities help children explore racial literacy in a developmentally appropriate way.
- The Children’s Bureau provides resources for families to explore diversity together. Craft ideas, virtual field trips and activity suggestions that promote the appreciation of other cultures are provided to families.
- Reach Child is a non-profit organization that provides a range of virtual resources for families. Activities that explore mental health, physical health and safety, social emotional learning and anti-racism are available for children.
Exploring from the Great Indoors
As temperatures begin to drop, families may want to spend more time indoors. However, this doesn’t mean that exploration must end. There are many educational activities that families can explore with their children at home. Children’s museums offer a variety of virtual trips for children and families.
Let’s Read Together!
Read with your child throughout the day, each day during the week.
- ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third
- Green is a Chile Pepper by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and John Parra
- What Will You Be? by Yamile Saied Méndez and Kate Alizadeh
- Islandborn by Junot Díaz and Leo Espinosa
- Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz and Micah Player
Week of Sept. 27, 2021
- Music and Movement Monday: Visit Songs for Kids to listen to kid-friendly songs in Spanish to inspire movement.
- Tasty Tuesday: Try out a tasty alfajores recipe together.
- Wellness Wednesday: Encourage calm with a rock drawing activity inspired by indigenous artwork.
- Textured Thursday: Visit Latin American Crafts to explore texture with activities such as a fun tissue paper flower craft.
- Family Fun Friday: Enjoy time together with a Hispanic Heritage Month-themed movie night, such as Emperor’s New Groove or Encanto.
Week of Oct. 4, 2021
- Music and Movement Monday: Dance with homemade maracas made with household items.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make delicious chocobananos (chocolate-covered bananas) and other Salvadorian recipes by visiting Salvadorian food.
- Wellness Wednesday: Try out a kid-friendly yoga class that centers diversity and inclusion at Kids Yoga from Latin America.
- Textured Thursday: Create a piñata filled with treats.
- Family Fun Friday: Host a family lotería game night—a fun game similar to bingo.
Capitol Area Food Bank After School Meals Program
When children receive the food they need to thrive, they are better positioned for positive health and academic outcomes. Many children who receive free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches at school may not have consistent access to meals in the evening. The Capital Area Food Bank services local families that need assistance by filling in the evening meal gap for children. Families can find the closest meal distribution location by entering their zip code on the food bank’s location search webpage.
DC Child Care Connections’ Virtual Listening Sessions
DC Child Care Connections (DC CCC) is conducting virtual listening sessions with DC families to learn more about your views and experiences with early childhood education and care in the District. If your family has a child younger than 5 or is expecting, we invite you to share your experience searching for child care. Your insights will help us better support young children and families in the District. Virtual listening sessions will take place in early October and will be approximately one hour. Families who participate will receive books for your home library and will be entered into a random drawing to win a $100 gift card! Four families will win gift cards and will be notified via email.
For questions, please contact DC Child Care Connections at osse.dcchildcareconnections@dc.gov or (202) 829-2500.
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:
- Juratoys Janod Shaving Kit toys have been recalled due to the presence of toxic substances (i.e., phthalates).
- Vitus 14 and 16 kids’ bikes have been recalled due to crash 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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