Play is not just a fun activity, it is an essential part of a child's learning and development. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), there are several developmental benefits that children can learn and develop through play, such as nurturing creativity, encouraging… MORE >>
Traveling with children can be an enriching experience for the entire family, but it can also require the need for careful planning, early packing preparation, and flexibility. Traveling with young children may present unique and stressful challenges, but it can also create priceless adventures and memories. Whether… MORE >>
Cooking with Young Children Teaching children how to cook will help them develop a healthy lifestyle, build their confidence, encourage independence, support muscle development and coordination, and enhance their knowledge of math, science, literacy, and social skills. Spending time in the kitchen together is also… MORE >>
Family conversations play a crucial role in early childhood, significantly impacting cognitive development, social and emotional growth, and the strengthening family bonds. Regularly engaging in meaningful dialogue with young children helps lay a foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being. Cognitive… MORE >>
Having confidence means seeing the good things about yourself, feeling proud of what you can do, believing in yourself, and knowing you belong. What is self-esteem, and how is it connected to someone’s confidence? Self-esteem is how you perceive yourself. For example, feeling self-assured and deserving to ask… MORE >>
Proper nutrition is vital to a growing child’s health and wellbeing. Encouraging healthy eating nourishes not only their bodies, but also supports their mental health, prevents chronic diseases, helps maintain a healthy weight, and builds healthy habits that last through adulthood. March is National Nutrition… MORE >>
Games and Activities You Can Make at Home Homemade games and activities are creative and fun resources you can use to support your child’s learning. Games and activities made from other materials around the house also model important problem-solving skills such as resourcefulness, creativity, and ingenuity.… MORE >>
Children today are growing up in a world filled with technology, screens, and gadgets. Because of this, it is vital for children to connect with the natural world. One easy way to help children connect with nature is by nurturing authentic bonds between children and animals. Research shows positive connections… MORE >>
Boundaries: what exactly is a boundary, and why are they important? Boundaries are the space between you and another person, and the often unspoken rules of how you will treat each other. Setting healthy boundaries supports children in developing confidence for interacting with those around them, building healthy… MORE >>
In a world where compassion and empathy are so important, finding ways to involve your child in acts of giving can help them become more compassionate and empathetic. Research has found that nurturing charitable values in children can boost their self-esteem and self-confidence, provide a greater sense of purpose in… MORE >>
Books can be a useful tool for starting conversations about math, introducing new math concepts, and practicing math skills. Reading books with children builds their math skills, and it also builds their language skills by introducing vocabulary about math. When children are able to have a conversation about what… MORE >>
In today's fast-paced world, managing a household requires more than just a to-do list on the fridge. We have all dashed out the door, leaving behind lunch boxes, papers for work or, homework assignments, or spent frantic moments searching for misplaced house keys or remembering missed appointments. Active… MORE >>
Not all stress is bad stress. Small challenges can help children become more resilient and understand how to manage everyday stressors, such as by finding solutions, seeking help as needed, etc. Depending on their developmental level and experiences, there can be a variety of ways in which children can recognize… MORE >>
July is National Ice Cream Month. Did you know the average American consumes about four gallons of ice cream a year!. With the Summer months starting to heat up, keeping cool with an icy treat can be very refreshing, especially when it is healthy. Making ice cream together is a fun activity to practice math skills,… MORE >>
Singing or chanting with children supports their growth and development by building language, literacy, and math skills. It also promotes social and emotional development by soothing strong emotions, encouraging social interactions, and strengthening relationships. Research done by Harvard University’s Center… MORE >>
The COVID-19 pandemic and global events have affected people in many different ways. One significant impact has been to the change in financial stability that many people are experiencing. During periods of economic hardship, there are things you can put in to practice to minimize the effects of significant or… MORE >>
Give a child a ball of clay, a dedicated space, carving tools, loose parts, some pictures for inspiration, and no final product directions, and there will be boundless creative possibilities. This is the very definition of process art. Process art is about the process of creating, allowing the child to explore… MORE >>
Daily life can be challenging and when we add going back to school, having a child, or working, learning to balance our time efficiently becomes increasingly important. Below are a few suggested steps that can assist in organizing your schedule, reducing stress, and staying motivated. Plan Ahead Create a daily or… MORE >>
Self-regulation is the ability to control impulses and behavior, focus, identify emotions, and respond appropriately to people and situations. Children with good self-regulation skills can manage their own behavior and are more likely to succeed in school. Self-regulation is an ability that grows over time. It is… MORE >>
Child support payments are financial contributions designated to help pay for the living and medical expenses of a child until they are adults. Under state and federal law, both parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children. Who can apply for child support? Either… MORE >>
Play makes childhood exciting and fun; it is an essential part of a child’s development. Pretend play (also known as dramatic play or role play) is when a child chooses a standard object and pretends it represents something else. Have you ever seen a child create a castle or fort out of a cardboard box, or… MORE >>
Deciding to go back to school as an adult can be an important, exciting, and daunting decision. It signifies a desire for growth, and that you have set goals that you are working to achieve. Returning to education can invigorate your learning process by sparking curiosity, offering new perspectives, and broadening… MORE >>
Reading books aloud with children is a wonderful way to spend time together. As you read books with your child and have conversations about the stories, they develop language and literacy skills. This is also an opportunity for you and your child to spend time together and learn about each other’s interests.… MORE >>
Creating a resume can be time-consuming. It is a project that takes time, effort, and careful thought. Establish an adequate amount of time and choose a place where you have access to a computer and the Internet. Career centers and public libraries can provide access to the tools and resources you will need.… MORE >>
Temper tantrums and meltdowns are often used interchangeably to describe behavior characterized through the expression of intense bursts of emotion(s). All behaviors have a purpose: to communicate. So, what is the difference between a temper tantrum and a meltdown? Below we will discuss differences, causes, and… MORE >>
Families and child care providers, are you ready for summer fun with your children? The sun is shining, and most schools are on break for a few months; it is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the children in your care. While summer fun may be the children’s main focus, you as the caregiver must… MORE >>
The daily tasks we perform are opportunities for children to learn. When children assist with cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, gardening, or caring for pets, they gather knowledge and practice skills. This type of learning is important because it integrates, or connects, learning. This means that children are… MORE >>
The social media landscape is ever-growing, making it more critical for parents to help children navigate its many channels cautiously, responsibly, and respectfully. Whether it is via smartphones, tablets, or computers, children now have immediate, portable access to the internet, online gaming, and various other… MORE >>
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” ― Rachel Carson Spending time outdoors can greatly benefit your family’s health and… MORE >>
Winter has ended and spring is here! After weeks of colder weather and spending more time indoors, the sunshine, warmer temperatures, and fresh air make spring the perfect season for spending time outdoors. Below is a list of activities children and families can do to make the most of this beautiful season. Blow… MORE >>
Writing activities can be beneficial to the wellness of both children and adults. The ability to express ourselves through writing helps us record our personal stories, reflect on situations or feelings that may cause us anxiety or stress, and express ourselves creatively. Through journaling we can explore our… MORE >>
Listening to and making music is an engaging activity that helps children learn and develop. The benefits of music start early on, as studies show that exposing babies in the womb to music can promote the building of their neural bridges. The advantages of music exposure and participation continue as children grow,… MORE >>
The cold and flu season has arrived. Fear not! There are simple and cost-effective ways of keeping the children in your care safe. It is incredibly important for caregivers to speak to their children about the dos and don’ts of staying healthy during the cold and flu season. While in the care of child care… MORE >>
Reading with children is one of the most powerful ways to increase their vocabulary and understanding of how language works. Whether you are reading all the written words, or inventing a story based on the pictures, children will develop strong language and communication skills from these rich conversations. And the… MORE >>
A child’s family is their first introduction to being part of a community. Bonds are built and strengthened daily by spending time with one another, sharing positive experiences as a family unit, and having open and honest communication.. Holding family meetings is beneficial to every member of the family… MORE >>
While the use of electronic devices in our everyday lives can make things convenient, it can also affect family dynamics. Families may struggle with managing the relationship between adults, children, and screens. The combination of unlimited entertainment, peace and quiet, and your child’s joy, all in the… MORE >>
Keeping schedules, school documents, health information, and household accounts organized can reduce stress for the entire family and help you meet obligations in a timely manner. There are many different ways to organize important information. The following are ideas that can help you get organized at home. You can… MORE >>
Summer has arrived, which means plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, leisure time spent at home, and a welcome break from the busy school-year routine. While both children and parents enjoy spending time together away from their usual school routine during the summer, it can contribute to children… MORE >>
As a parent or caregiver, you can work with your child’s teacher or child care provider to help support their learning and development. Once you have created a partnership with your child’s teacher or child care provider, it will be easier to communicate and work together to support your child. Working… MORE >>
Children need support from their parent(s) and child care provider in order to develop to their full potential. When parents and child care providers build strong and positive relationships, they can work as a team to support the children’s development and well-being. Children who see their parent(s) and child… MORE >>
Children learn through their senses. For the first years of their lives, they touch, taste, smell, listen, and see everything around them, and their brains start to store information. When parents and caregivers build loving relationships with children, they can support them by guiding exploration and providing… MORE >>
Children have been making the most of the warm weather with creative indoor and outdoor activities that adhere to the new health guidelines during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During this time, it is especially important to remember that keeping your children engaged physically and mentally is a… MORE >>
Fred Rogers once said, “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has, or ever will have, something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that… MORE >>
For many of us, the state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has dramatically changed the course of daily life. Social interactions, running errands, and the ways we frequent public establishments are only some of the aspects of our lives that have been affected as we adapt to health precautions in… MORE >>
Health and Safety Tips for Child Care Providers The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) requires that child care providers follow strict guidelines for health and safety practices in order to prevent the occurrence or spread of illness among the children and families in their programs. These guidelines are also in place to… MORE >>
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the summer landscape for many parents. In an effort to flatten the curve and safeguard the health of the community, many of the children’s summer programs that parents rely on have closed or reduced their enrollment. However, there are still plenty of summer time activities… MORE >>
If you are in distress and need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. Even during the best of times, it can be challenging to manage stress and keep a positive attitude The health precautions we are all taking to protect ourselves and flatten the curve… MORE >>
Resources for Families and Child Care Providers during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic As our nation continues to take steps to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for those who are ill, many families find themselves facing new challenges. The statewide order to shelter in place… MORE >>
Spending time together as a family is crucial to creating a strong bond with your children as they grow older. Spending quality family bonding time will not only strengthen your relationship with your children, but also help them feel a sense of belonging and develop higher self-esteem in the long run. A child… MORE >>
Young children between the ages of birth and five years old learn math skills through play and daily routines. Parents can support their child’s development by practicing math skills at home or during errands. There is no need to purchase special materials or be an expert in math in order to support your… MORE >>
In October 2019, the California Legislature concluded the 2019 legislative session. In total, Governor Newsom approved 870 pieces of legislation and vetoed 172 bills. Many of these new laws will take effect in January of 2020. Here are some of the new laws that are relevant to families with young children and child… MORE >>
Homelessness affects over half a million people across the United States, and the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness occurs in California. There are many factors that can lead to homelessness such as extreme poverty, lack of affordable housing and employment opportunities, substance abuse, mental or physical… MORE >>
Does the idea of introducing new foods to your child seem like a daunting task? You are not alone. This is a common occurrence that many parents experience. This blog will provide some ideas that may help you when introducing new foods to your picky eater. Our food preferences stem from the foods we eat in infancy… MORE >>
For many families, saving for their child’s college education can seem like a daunting task, particularly given the high cost of college today. However, there are many tips and resources available to help families save for their child’s college education. If possible, start saving early. It is never too… MORE >>
Parents may be raising a child on their own for various reasons. They may be separated, divorced, widowed, or choose to be single. Regardless of the reason, single parents can independently raise a healthy, happy, confident, and successful child. The information below will help guide you in making a plan for raising… MORE >>
When planning a summer vacation, think about the activities, experiences, and memories you’re hoping for you and your family to share together. Summer is the ideal time for a family to spend even more quality time together, both indoors and outdoors. A family vacation that requires travel may not be ideal for… MORE >>
Many people are now spending more and more time connected to the internet through computers, phones, and other mobile devices. The internet has become an indispensable part of the lives of many, and something that adults and children can use on a daily basis. Many parents and caregivers are concerned about the… MORE >>
A separation or divorce can be a difficult experience for the whole family. If you and your partner are considering a separation or divorce, you can make a plan for how you will go through the process. As you make a plan or list of steps you need to take, be sure to consider strategies for helping your children… MORE >>
Today, good credit is used for much more than just getting a credit card or a loan. Many businesses, such as satellite or cellular companies, require that you have good credit before they extend products or services to you. Employers may also request to check your credit when you apply for a job. A high credit score… MORE >>
Building resilience in children, or the ability to overcome adversity, is essential to healthy development. The development of coping skills and “protective” experiences can help to counterbalance negative or adverse experiences and ensure that children continue to reach their full potential. According… MORE >>
Bringing a new baby into your family is an exciting and joyous time. This is also a life-changing event for the whole family. Your older child may feel excited about the new baby coming home, but once the day-to-day routine starts, he might experience anxiety during this new adjustment period. . By preparing your… MORE >>
The teenage years may be a challenging time for parents and teens alike. Children are growing into adults, experiencing various changes, and figuring out how to be more independent. The following tips can help you navigate the teenage years with more ease. Pilot to Co-Pilot According to Dr. John Sharry, a social… MORE >>
Each year, the statewide advocacy organization Children Now compiles data on how children across the state are faring and produces a report called the California Children’s Report Card. The report provides a comprehensive picture of children’s health, education, and welfare, and tracks key indicators of… MORE >>
Self-esteem refers to how you think and feel about yourself. A strong sense of self-esteem helps people keep a positive attitude, appreciate their own talents, approach new situations with confidence, learn from mistakes, resist negative peer pressure, and persevere when confronted with challenges. Parents begin to… MORE >>
Are you a parent who grew up learning two languages and want your child to learn multiple languages, too? In an increasingly globalized culture, knowing multiple languages can enrich your child’s future. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg; learning multiple languages can create benefits that you… MORE >>
Many parents and early childhood educators are concerned with raising children to be culturally proficient and respectful. Research shows that children notice differences in race, ability, family composition, and a multitude of other factors from a very early age, and they begin to ask questions in an attempt to… MORE >>
Parenting a child is a rewarding job that involves some challenges along the way. Children need love, acceptance, and support from their families. A child with special needs is no different. Caring for a child with special needs can require parents to become more reflective of their own parenting style and… MORE >>
We can put so much time and effort into perfecting our resume and applying for jobs, that by the time we finally receive a call for a job interview, we realize we’re a bit rusty when it comes to interviews. Our blog will provide tips on how you can prepare for interviews, improve your interview technique, and… MORE >>
Now that 2018 is over, we are entering into a whole new year! To help you stay ahead of the game, we have compiled tips on starting the year off strong. Before looking to the new year, reflect on your past year by asking yourself the questions below. It might help to use a journal to organize your thoughts. What was… MORE >>
Literacy is the foundation of academic success and starting early is the key to promoting the critical pre-literacy and early literacy skills that children need to enter school ready to learn and succeed. Nationally, many children are not meeting third and fourth grade reading standards, which are crucial benchmark… MORE >>
The holidays are a wonderful time for families to enjoy time together visiting, cooking, playing, and creating memories. Below you will find ideas and resources for fun holiday activities that you can enjoy together as a family. Family Field Trips Look for Candy Cane Lane announcements in your local neighborhood and… MORE >>
Holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about gifts for family and friends. For most children, one of the most exciting parts of the holidays is receiving gifts. However, it’s also important to teach your children the importance of giving. You can help your child to learn… MORE >>
During the winter season there are several holidays that can be celebrated. For many people, celebrating the holidays is a way to connect with the traditions of their family, culture, or religion. Other people see the holidays as an opportunity to relax and enjoy spending time with their family and friends. However… MORE >>
Many parents today are concerned with school safety. Since 2004, all public schools in California have been required to develop a comprehensive school safety plan. School safety plans help ensure that schools are as prepared as possible for emergencies and also maintain safe and secure learning environments. Schools… MORE >>
Please note: This blog was originally posted on November 21, 2017, and has been updated with additional content to help families in our community. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is the perfect time to teach your child about being thankful and giving back. At a young age, children are full of… MORE >>
As parents or caregivers, we want to provide a quality life for our children and we want them to be happy. However, at times we can focus too much on the material things and less attention is paid on the quality of the care we give children, such as spending time together as a family. This blog will talk about… MORE >>
There are many community resources to promote the well-being of families. Whether you are looking for help in making ends meet, staying healthy, learning, or simply enjoying time together; there are likely programs available to help you meet your needs. It can be difficult to locate programs easily because the names… MORE >>
Children begin to develop an understanding of money at an early age. Preschool aged children begin by learning the basic purpose of money when they trade one toy for another, bargain with each other, and pretend to purchase items during play. During these years children are also learning concepts about math that… MORE >>
Over the next month there will be a lot of media coverage and ads about the upcoming midterm elections on November 6. Some children may have questions about the electoral process, the campaigns, or items on the ballot. Talking to children about these complicated topics can be difficult; however, it is important to… MORE >>
When children are born, they are born ready to absorb the vast information around them. As parents, you have the power to help them grow into responsible human beings. This blog will provide tips for how you can teach your child about responsibility. According to clinical psychologist Carolyn Levers-Landis, PhD,… MORE >>
Learning how to navigate a child’s difficult behavior can be challenging for any parent. It can be especially challenging if the child is misbehaving in a public place, during a special event, or when there is already a stressful situation, such as being late to a gathering or meeting. This behavior from a… MORE >>
After coming home from a tiring day of work, managing your bills may be the last thing you want to do. You may decide to put the bills aside and end up forgetting about them for few weeks, and before you know it, your bills are late! As daunting as organizing your household bills can be, it’s something that… MORE >>
While most babies don’t begin to say words until the age of 12 to 18 months, many parents are able to communicate with their infants and toddlers earlier, with the help of American Sign Language (ASL). Beginning at nine months, babies use their hands and arms to communicate with various gestures and they can… MORE >>
Learning to manage time is often a daunting task for working parents with school-age children. Juggling your children’s school and after-school activities can often seem like a full time job itself. It can get even more hectic once you add in your work schedule, homework and projects, doctor’s… MORE >>
Children are frequently exposed to violence. They may see it on the news, in their neighborhood, in movies, and in popular games. Exposure to violence can cause children to become fearful or traumatized. When parents talk to children about scary things on the news or violent events they may have seen or heard about,… MORE >>
Making friends and socializing with others is part of growing up and are skills that will continue to develop throughout a child’s lifetime. It is important to become familiar with the developmental milestones associated with a child’s socialization. Recognize that for toddler-aged children, it is… MORE >>
A child’s brain develops faster in the first three years than at any other time in their life. During this period, it is particularly important to determine if a child’s development is on track and address any concerns as early as possible. Young children’s development occurs along a continuum,… MORE >>
Summer time means long days playing outside and trips to the beach with the family. While enjoying the salty air and spending time with the family can be fun, it is important to follow rules to keep everyone safe in the water. Our blog this week will provide tips on how to safely enjoy everything the beach has to… MORE >>
Please note: This blog was originally posted on August 23, 2017, and has been updated with additional content to help families in our community. Fall is quickly approaching and it is time to start thinking about school. Whether your child is going to school for the first time, or is returning to school after summer… MORE >>
It seems like it was just yesterday that you took your child to her first day of kindergarten, and now she is getting ready for college. The college preparation process can be overwhelming for both you and your child. Our blog will discuss tips on early college preparation including: college level classes,… MORE >>
Many families travel during the summer months and children have the opportunity to see new places and try different things. Summer trips are fun, but even if you decide not to travel you can still enjoy doing fun activities with your child at home. The following are ideas for inexpensive summer activities you can… MORE >>
Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. During an emergency, a parent could be injured while alone with their child or a child might get separated from their parents. In times like these, your child needs to know what to do to keep himself safe and find help. According to Dr. Gail Gross, a nationally recognized… MORE >>
Life often moves at a fast pace for children. They spend a lot of time in cars being transported to and from school, extracurricular activities like sports practice, dance, music or art lessons, and traveling to visit friends or families. And it is not just their bodies that move at a fast pace; their minds are… MORE >>
Both children and adults need regular exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One way to motivate your child to exercise regularly is to have her participate in a sport. Not only will participating in a sport help your child stay active, it will also teach her important life values. To learn more about importance… MORE >>
It usually starts with a phone call. The school office calls asking you to come to a meeting and discuss an incident that occurred. They report that your child is fine, but they need to speak with you as soon as possible. When you arrive for the meeting, you are told that your child was involved in a bullying… MORE >>
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the month of May. It is a time to commemorate the achievements, contributions, heritage, and traditions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. According to the Library of Congress, May was chosen to “commemorate the immigration of… MORE >>
May is Better Sleep Month, so it is a good time to take a look at how well you and your family are sleeping. In December of 2014 the National Sleep Foundation reported that even though American adults were getting the right amount of sleep, they were not getting quality sleep. In fact, 45% stated that poor or… MORE >>
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Strong mental health allows us to feel good about ourselves, develop healthy relationships, stay positive, manage stress, and work to our full potential. MentalHealth.gov states that “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social… MORE >>
Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world. – educating our children. Teachers often go above and beyond to help children succeed. Teachers not only teach our children, but are often mentors, confidants, and support systems for them while they are at school. However, teachers aren’t always… MORE >>
To promote the use of vaccines and universal access to vaccination services, National Infant Immunization Week will be celebrated from April 21 to April 28. If your child is not up to date with their vaccinations, or is in need of a flu shot, check out the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and… MORE >>
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