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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Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

This year, the Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Families can celebrate the day in many ways and use the occasion to teach children about key moments in American history. The resources below suggest ways to celebrate Independence Day in the District through books and educational media.

National Independence Day Parade and Other Public Celebrations

DC’s Fourth of July parade is an experience jam-packed with colorful floats, balloons, lively marching bands, and more. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at 3rd St. and Constitution Ave., runs south along 3rd St. to Independence Ave., heads west at Independence Ave., and ends at 12th St. Families can find more information about the parade here. Families can also live stream the parade on YouTube.

Families can also catch A Capitol Fourth—a concert hosted by PBS that happens on the west lawn of the US Capitol building—and Fireworks on the National Mall. Families can find information regarding security policies and road closures for the event here.

PBS Kids Across America

PBS Kids has developed content to mark America’s 250th birthday. The PBS Kids Across America initiative features new series, specials, shorts, and playlists showcasing amazing places and kids throughout the 50 states and US territories (including Kingsley from DC!), as well as some of the American figures who have had an impact on the nation’s history.

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday at the DC Public Library

The DC Public Library (DCPL) is hosting several events for young children and families in honor of America’s birthday. Families can search for events, including crafting and scavenger hunts, at their local library branch here. DCPL is also hosting an exhibit, DC Vibes/ American Pride, open now through Sept. 27, commemorating the 250th anniversary. The free exhibit highlights the contributions notable Washingtonians have made to America’s history and culture. More information about the exhibit, including host locations, can be found here.

Resource Highlights

Emotional well-being: pillow hugs – If someone your child loves is not present, hugging a pillow covered in the loved one’s clothing can help comfort them. Families can watch this video from Sesame Workshop.
Preventing tick bites – Trips to the emergency room due to tick bites are rising. This Parents article offers advice for outdoor-loving families on how to avoid being bitten.
Road trip games for kids – Families that plan to take to the road this summer may appreciate the free games and activities posted on PBS Kids for Parents. The website offers both on-screen and off-screen activities.

Let’s Read Together!

One of the most important things families can do for their children is expose them to books. Reading an engaging story to a child can foster a passion for reading. It is important to read to children several times a day.

Here are some e-books available at DCPL that families can enjoy together this week:

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett – When prankster Miles Murphy moves to Yawnee Valley, he challenges the mystery prankster to a battle of tricks. But soon the two join forces to pull off the biggest prank ever.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena – CJ and Nana take the bus to church every Sunday, and they get off at the last stop on Market Street. This book explores the complex emotions of appreciating differences and social inequities.
Round is a Mooncake by Roseanne Thong – This book is an exploration of culture and geometry. A little girl’s neighborhood becomes a discovery ground of things round, square, and rectangular.
Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino – Doug the robot discovers that cities are much more than downloaded facts when he unplugs from the computer feed and explores one firsthand.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst – On a day when everything goes wrong for him, Alexander is consoled by the thought that other people have bad days, too.

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: Food Rhymes

During meals or snacks, create a rhyme or a rap about what your child is eating: “No slice, no dice, we eat rice!” or “You’re no rookie, eating your cookie.” They’ll enjoy the sound of the words, and if they respond, make rhymes from their words, too.

Brainy Background

When your child hears you rhyming, and when you go back and forth making up more rhymes, they’re learning to listen to the sounds of words, which is critical to communicating and pre-reading skills. Making up rhymes can also make mealtimes more fun.

Week of June 29, 2026

Music and Movement Monday: Dance, sing, and learn an important lesson in the Danger’s No Stranger music video from Sesame Street.
Tasty Tuesday: Make a patriotic yogurt parfait.
Wellness Wednesday: Work on your coordination, balance, and strength in this fairy tale obstacle course game.
Textured Thursday: Create a pond number sensory bin.
Family Fun Friday: Enlist your family to make a simple Thaumatrope, a device that gives the optical illusion of animation or motion.

Week of July 6, 2026

Music and Movement Monday: Follow DJ Raphi’s moves in this musical workout.
Tasty Tuesday: Make a snack dinner.
Wellness Wednesday: Choose from this list of 21 water activities to cool down your summer.
Textured Thursday: Make a batch of fizzy sidewalk chalk paint.
Family Fun Friday: Ask your family to help you make a museum out of your favorite collected treasures.

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Weekly Veggie Giveaway

From now through Nov. 25, DC residents can pick up free, fresh produce grown at DPR communal farms. Weather permitting, the giveaways take place:

Every Tuesday
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Edgewood Rooftop Farm
301 Franklin St NE

Every Wednesday
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lederer Garden
4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Ave NE

Every Thursday
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Powell Communal Farm
3149 16^th St NW

Every Saturday
10 – 11 a.m.
Lederer Garden
4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Ave NE

Click here for more information.

Sunday Storytime – Planet Word Museum

Sunday Storytime is a free monthly program designed especially for young children and their grownups. The programs feature songs and read-alouds presented by children’s librarians from DCPL. Each Sunday Storytime takes place from 10-11 a.m. and combines stories, songs, and hands-on fun for families. Afterwards, attendees are invited to stay for activities, explore the museum, or stop by the pop-up DCPL wagon to check out children’s books using their library cards.

The Planet Word Museum is at 925 13^th St. NW. Click here for directions on getting to the museum by Metro, bus, car, or bicycle.

Family Connections – July 2026 Workshops

Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Family and Caregiver Chat on Summer Safety
Join families and caregivers for a discussion about summer safety and ways to protect children during summer activities like swimming, outdoor play, and travel. Participants will explore common warm‑weather risks and gain simple strategies to prevent injuries and emergencies. During this session, various DC government agencies will offer guidance and respond to questions to help families and caregivers feel more confident creating a fun and safe summer for their children. Register Here.

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 recall:

Sloosh Dive Sticks, because they violate federal standards. Children may fall or trip on an underwater dive stick and suffer impalement injuries.
Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys, because the toys are filled with sand that may contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer.

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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