July 2023

Fun activities, aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, 

to help prepare children for school success!

Babies

Do you have clothes hanging on the line to dry? Use this time to play peek-a-boo with your baby using the hanging laundry. Point out the moving laundry as the wind blows and the shadows created by the clothes and the sun. Carry your baby in your arms or on your shoulders, or push them in a stroller or wheelchair. Encourage them to reach and stretch and touch the fabrics and feel and see the sun and shadows. Read more!

Toddlers

Have your toddler help separate by same and different (color, types of clothing, your clothes/their clothes, etc.) and then offer two boxes or baskets of different sizes. Tell them, "Put this in the big basket/little basket." Encourage fine motor skills by using a clothes pin and asking them to match a pair of socks, then clip them together. If they have motor difficulties, have them direct you where to put the items. If they are unable to provide verbal directions, ask them, "Does it go in the big/little basket?" and encourage their respond with a head shake or nod for yes or no. Read more!

Preschoolers

Help your preschooler develop their language skills by using possessives ("Here is Mommy's shirt"), possessive pronouns ("Here is my shirt, this is your shirt. Where is your shirt?"), and prepositions ("The sock is under the shirt!"). Ask them, "Who's shirt is this?" "It's Daddy's shirt!" Feel free to sing these phrases as well. Read more!

Kindergartners

Ask your kindergartner why we wash our clothes. Where does the water come from that fills the washer? Do they know why laundry detergent is needed? Help to read the simple words on appliance, like ON and OFF. Listen to the washer agitate the clothes and spin the water out of the drum. Ask them to mimic those sounds. When the clothes are clean, transfer them to the dryer together. Ask how the clothes feel. Once in the dryer, listen together as the dryer tumbles the clothes and describe that sound. Listen for the buzzer to signal the completion of the cycle. Remove the clothes from the dryer with their assistance. Ask how the clothes feel, how they smell, and what temperature they are now. Read more!

10 Books About Doing Laundry

Wanda’s Washing Machine  by Anna McQuinn

Llamas in the Laundry  by W. H. New

Stinky Clothes  by Joanna Emery

Knuffle Bunny  by Mo Willems

Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash  by Sarah Weeks

Henry Helps with Laundry  by Beth Bracken

Dirty Laundry Pile  by Paul B. Janeczko

The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash  by Trinka Hakes Noble

Laundry Day  by Maurie J. Manning

Smelling Sunshine  by Constance Anderson

Print this list!

Where is the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip in July?

During July, the virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip is exploring libraries and state parks! Join us as we have fun with activities, read books, and learn about Pennsylvania's outdoors.

The activities can be done in the home, the community, or anywhere that fit's your family's needs. Visit your local library to explore new books with your child, then visit a park or outside area to learn about the outdoors.

• Week Five: We're at the Osterhout Free Library and Frances Slocum State Park
• Week Six: We're at the Sullivan County Library and Worlds End State Park
• Week Seven: we're at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library and Sinnemahoning State Park
• Week Eight: We're at the James V. Brown Library and Black Moshannon State Park
• Week Nine: We're at the Mary S. Biesecker Public Library and Laurel Hill State Park Complex

Download the resources like the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip Travel Journal, Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip Book Bingo, or Bird Behavior Tic-Tac-Toe- and start learning and having fun!

The Importance of Play

Play is the work of childhood. It is just as important to a child’s well-being as work is for an adult. Play is crucial for healthy brain development. It helps children learn new skills; teaches them how to share with others, make decisions, and express their feelings; learn about the world; and work through scary and confusing experiences.

But did you know that nearly 40 percent of elementary schools have eliminated recess or are considering it, and kindergartners in full-day programs often have no break for recess? Even early learning facilities are sometimes so highly structured that children don’t have much opportunity for real play.

Discover what is real play, why play is so important, and what types of play you can encourage to keep your child learning while having fun!

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania Accepting Applicants for the 2023-2024 Competence and Confidence Partners in Policymaking Early Intervention (C2P2 EI) Cohort

Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking Early Intervention (C2P2 EI) is an exciting opportunity for families of children who are currently receiving Early Intervention Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool services.

C2P2 EI is a free leadership development program and is offered over a series of eight sessions (four two-day in person sessions and four virtual sessions). Applicants must commit to participating in all eight sessions.

Applications will be accepted through August 11, 2023. The program will begin at the end of September and run through May 2024.

Expenses, including lodging costs, mileage and child care reimbursement will be provided to participants. Learn more and how you can apply.

Encouraging Children to Try New Foods

Sometimes getting children to try new foods can be frustrating. This video from the USDA has some great tips to encourage children to try new foods. Although it's geared towards child care providers, the info can also help families with young children!

Keeping Your Baby Safe While Sleeping

Every year, around 3,500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly while they're sleeping. Most of these tragic deaths are due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation. 

Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) include:

• Put your baby on their back for all naps & at night
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface
• Never sleep with your baby
• Instead of bed sharing, room share with your baby
• Keep soft objects & loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area
• Don't let your baby get overheated

Learn other way to lower SIDS risk and how you can keep your baby safe while sleeping. 

Physical Punishment and Child Outcomes

Studies show physical punishment (spanking) doesn't improve children's behavior and may actual cause long-term harm.

There are ways to address behavioral challenges in children without physical punishment. Learn what they are and ways you can use other methods to address behavioral challenges.

In Pennsylvania, programs like Nurse Family Partnership, Early Head Start, Family Check-Up, Healthy Families America, Parents As Teachers and Family Centers can provide families the support they need to address challenges that arise with young children before these concerns become more serious or problematic.

Your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can help you find assistance. Find your ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org.

Your Child Care Provider's Emergency Plan

Did you know all regulated child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes in Pennsylvania are required to have an emergency plan to keep your child safe? An article from Child Care Aware states that 38% of parents are unsure of their child care provider's emergency plan. 

You can be sure your child's regulated child care or early learning facility has an emergency plan that covers things like:

• How you will be contacted in case of an emergency
• How and where your child may be evacuated in case of emergency
• You should also receive a letter, explaining the emergency procedures at your child's child care or early learning facility. If you don't, or need a new copy, ask the Director or owner. 

Are you looking for a safe child care or early learning program for your child? Use Pennsylvania's Child Care and Early Learning Program Search to locate a child care or early learning program that is a good fit for you and your child.

Get information on the regulations for child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes in Pennsylvania.

Reading Aloud With Your Child

Grab a book and start reading to your child! Read Aloud 15 Minutes, a non-profit organization recognizes the benefits of reading aloud to children and encourages families and caregivers to read aloud every day for at least 15 minutes.  

At readaloud.org materials and resources are ready for you to share with others to inspire reading every day. Be sure to look at the family and caregiver handouts "Where Will Books Take You?" available for various ages and in both English and Spanish:

• Birth to 3 (English)                          Birth to 3 (Spanish)
• Ages 4 to 5 (English)                       Ages 4 to 5 (Spanish)
• Ages 6 to 8 (English)                       Ages 6 to 8 (Spanish)

Use these resources to share with others to help promote reading aloud every day!

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We are where you are.

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to

high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 

Find more information about quality early learning in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania Department of Education | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

The Pennsylvania Key | Pennsylvania's Promise for Children

Early Intervention Technical Assistance