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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Close to Home: Celebrating Black History in the District
First established in 1926 as Negro History Week, Black History Month now spans the entire month of February and serves as an annual celebration of the history, accomplishments, culture and diversity of Black Americans. While Black History Month is celebrated across the country, the District is home to its own rich and diverse history of Black excellence. Families can deepen their knowledge of Black history in DC by exploring the resources below.
- Learn about notable Black Washingtonians. The nation’s capital has long been shaped by the contributions of Black Americans. Black musicians, politicians, artists and other public figures have influenced so much of DC’s history and culture. Families can learn more about some of the most notable Black DC residents here.
- Visit DC venues shaped by Black history. The District is filled with sites that hold significance to Black history. As an oral historian for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) states: “Starting with the history of the enslaved people who helped to build things such as the National Mall with Benjamin Banneker. From the very beginning, the city was infused with Black history.” From historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to sites that hold significance for the civil rights movement, families can explore a range of venues that have held importance for Black Americans in the District.
- Explore the District’s Black-owned restaurant scene. DC is home to Black-owned restaurants that hold cultural significance for many reasons. From promoting Black entrepreneurship to serving as sites for key meetings during the civil rights movement, families can learn a great deal about Black history and culture through exploring DC’s Black-owned restaurant scene.
Resource Highlights
- Healthy Children is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ family resource. The site includes articles and activities for families about healthy living, developmental milestones and child safety.
- Common Sense Media provides families with ratings, reviews and recommendations about books, television shows and movies. Families can browse the site to help make informed decisions about the media they choose to share with their child.
- Parent Center Hub is a centralized information source for families of children with disabilities. The site provides research-based information to families and facilitates connection with other families of children with disabilities.
DC Child Care Connections Family Engagement Session
- Workshop: Knots and Knuckles: Developing Fine Motor Skills
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
During this session, participants will learn about fine motor skill development in early childhood. The facilitator will introduce a host of hands-on activities for families that support muscle development and fine motor skills in children ages birth to 5. Register for the workshop here. - Workshop: Adapting to Changes in Daily Life
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
During this workshop, families will learn strategies to help young children navigate changes in daily life due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other life events. Families will explore ways to help children through stressful times and learn how to model problem-solving approaches with flexibility and compassion. Register for the workshop here.
An Artful Approach to Culture and Connection
Art can provide a fun entry point for families to engage with children about their culture and identity. Families can review practical tips for using art as a bridge for connection with children here.
Let’s Read Together!
Read with your child throughout the day, each day during the week.
- All Because You Matter by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier
- Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
- Little Legends by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson
- Welcome to the Party by Gabrielle Union and Ashley Evans
Week of Feb. 13, 2023
- Music and Movement Monday: Get active with an obstacle course you can make at home.
- Tasty Tuesday: Prepare a sweet breakfast taco filled with fresh fruit.
- Wellness Wednesday: Use movement to express emotions.
- Textured Thursday: Transform crumpled paper into colorful art.
- Family Fun Friday: Play a game of flashlight tag together.
Week of Feb. 20, 2023
- Music and Movement Monday: Make music at home with easy instruments made with household items.
- Tasty Tuesday: Create colorful gelatin dessert cubes.
- Wellness Wednesday: Explore feelings through art and color.
- Textured Thursday: Create a fork painting in the style of a renowned artist.
- Family Fun Friday: Enjoy a night in together with indoor camping.
Celebrate Black History Month with the NMAAHC
Join NMAAHC this Black History Month for Learning Together, a virtual program series which celebrates beloved Black characters from children’s movies and TV shows. Participants will get to know a different character and then meet and learn from a special guest who shares the character’s passions and skills in real life. Click the links below to learn more about the sessions.
Dual Language Learner Celebration Week
Join the Office of Head Start (OHS), the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning (NCEDTL) and the National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement (NCPFCE) for this year’s weeklong celebration of children who are dual language learners and their families. Families can learn more about the scheduled events and register to attend here.
Celebrate Black History Month with DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
This Black History Month, join DPR to honor the past and celebrate the many ongoing contributions of African Americans. Families can find a full listing of DPR’s Black History Month events here.
First Saturday Veggie Giveway
DPR and Capital Food Bank have partnered to offer fresh, seasonal produce to DC residents at no cost the first Saturday of every month, from now until June 2023. DC residents can pick up their fresh produce on a first come, first served basis. Families can learn more here.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education Division of Student Transportation (OSSE DOT) Hiring Fair
OSSE DOT is hiring for 200 positions and will host an in-person hiring fair on Thursday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 17 at Old Council Chambers, 441 4th St. NW. OSSE DOT is offering $5,000 signing bonuses as an incentive for bus drivers and attendants hired after the two-day event.
This hiring fair is intended to provide great candidates a chance to learn more about OSSE and provide an opportunity to chat with several recruiters and hiring managers within OSSE DOT.
Advance registration is strongly recommended in order to be pre-qualified and secure a pre-scheduled interview slot during the hiring fair. Interested applicants can also register onsite at the fair. However, only pre-registered applicants will have scheduled interview times. All applicants must bring two forms of identification and the required credentials to the hiring fair.
Register and learn more about the open positions on the OSSE website. An OSSE recruiter will be in touch once your credentials are reviewed. Registration closes Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m.
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. Strong Start is currently offering and delivering services to children and their families through in-person visits; a combination of in-person and telehealth visits; or completely through telehealth visits.
If you have questions about your child’s development, call Strong Start today at (202) 727-3665.
Submit a Strong Start Referral Now!
Product Recall Alerts
- Paper Cape Children’s Pajamas have been recalled due to flammability and burn hazard.
- BTPEIHTD Children’s Robes have been recalled due to flammability and burn hazard.
- Betusline Children’s Robes have been recalled due to flammability and burn hazard.
- ChildLikeMe Children’s Robes have been recalled due to flammability and burn hazard.
- SGMWVB Children’s Robes have been recalled due to flammability and burn 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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