We're learning while at the doctor's office! |
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Babies
While waiting in the exam room you most likely will have to undress your baby. As you do, touch each part of your baby's body and name each part as you go. Make eye contact with them and smile as you touch and name each body part. Tell them what the body part does. "Your arms reach wide to give a hug." Read more!
Toddlers
Create a Special Event bag your toddler can take when visiting places like the doctor's office. It can be a simple backpack, cloth bag, or even a zip-top plastic bag. Put in items such as pad of paper, crayons, stickers, small toys or cars, View Master, lacing games, playing cards or other special items to be used when visiting. Read more!
Preschoolers
While waiting in the examining room, have your preschooler close their eyes and listen. What do they hear? (Closing of a door, someone walking down the hall, the air conditioning/heating vent, a phone ringing, baby crying, etc.) Talk about what you hear. Where might someone be going? Who might be calling? Encourage your child to use their imagination--might it be an elephant on the phone, or a tiger creeping down the hall? Read more!
Kindergartners
Explain to your kindergartner that a people doctor is a physician, while an animal doctor is a veterinarian. Provide names of people you know, and see if they can guess which doctor (physician or veterinarian) the person would see, and mix in animals, too. "Would Uncle Jack go to a physician or a veterinarian if he was sick?" or "Would a cat go to a physician or a veterinarian if it was sick?" Let him quiz you, too. Read more!
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10 Books About Going to the Doctor's Office |
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist by Judi Barrett
Going to the Doctor by Anne Civardi
Miss Dose the Doctor’s Daughter by Allan Ahlberg
Calling Doctor Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish
Daisy the Doctor by Felicity Brooks
Do I Have to Go to the Hospital? by Pat Thomas
A Day with a Doctor by Jan Kottke
Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeois
My Friend the Doctor by Joanna Cole
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan & Jan Berenstain
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February is Black History Month |
During February, we celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Check out these resources for information on ways you can celebrate with and teach your child about Black History Month.
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Families Invited to Participate with PA’s Prenatal-to-Age-Three Collaborative Family Leadership Learning Community |
- Do you have suggestions about child care, health and family support services for children and their families?
- Are interested in participating in decision-making about services in your community?
- Do you feel called to action to strengthen your community or participate in statewide policy reforms?
Then join the Family Leadership Learning Community! The Family Leadership Community will support family leaders to feel confident as an advocate for their own children and family as well as other families. Participants may expect to attend Pennsylvania’s prenatal-to-age-three collaborative subgroup meetings as part of the experience, and may be offered the opportunity to continue involvement. Participants will receive a stipend payment for specific work and may receive assistance with technology necessary for active involvement. Find out how you can participate!
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Screen Time and Young Children |
Studies have shown screen time use in young children may have negative impacts on the brain’s white matter — an area key to the development of language, literacy and cognitive skills. In addition, the use of screen time can limit a child’s time and attention in learning other skills they need for healthy development.
With so many people owning a phone, tablet or television, and screens in doctor’s offices, malls and restaurants, it can be difficult—or seem impossible–to limit the exposure to screen time with young children. Read more.
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Community Inclusion for All |
The resource, Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All, highlights the importance of and provides resources for meaningful Community Inclusion, geared towards Pennsylvania children, ages birth to grade 6, and their families.
The PA Community Inclusion for All web page and public Facebook group can help increase opportunities of meaningful interaction between families and children with and without disabilities. It also provide professionals the resources for Community Inclusion to share with the families they serve and use the resources when practicing coaching in the community with families.
Visit, then share the resources with families and friends to inspire them to create and provide for a more inclusive environment. Read families stories of why and how they are doing it. You can even share your story, highlighting the struggles/challenges, professional support, effective strategies and outcomes of Community Inclusion.
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February 2 is Groundhog Day! |
Groundhog Day is celebrated on Feb. 2, 2021. It is based on the activities of a groundhog coming out of its winter hibernation to check for his shadow. The legend is, if the groundhog sees their shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of wintry weather. If they don’t, then spring weather is right around the corner.
The most important groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who lives in a burrow called Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
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Celebrating Early Literacy in February |
February kicks off with two special awareness days! Reading early and often your preschooler will help them learn about the world around them and develop important skills they will need to prepare for kindergarten.
February 6 is the Annual Take Your Child To The Library Day. It is a great time to build upon your child's love of reading and learning. Contact your library to see what books they have for your child. Find a library near you.
Share a photo of you and your preschooler reading a favorite book and tag PA's Promise for Children! Find us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram!
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A Guide to Choosing a Quality Early Learning Program |
Let’s face it-- trying to find child care can be hard. You want your child in a quality child care or early learning program. What do you look for so your child will be safe, happy and learning?
You want:
- Your child safe and secure while you are at school or work.
- Your child’s teachers to support and challenge your child to explore and learn new things.
- Your child to learn skills needed for kindergarten.
- You and your child to feel supported.
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Assistance with Heating Costs |
Winter is still here for Pennsylvania, and many families may struggle to pay for heating their homes. The 2020-2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available through April 9, 2021, to help families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
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State Parks and Forests Offer Abundance of Activities During Winter
With many people still limiting their indoor activities due to COVID-19, Pennsylvania state parks and forests continue to offer access to activities -- even during the winter months.
A lot of people don’t think about spending time outdoors in winter due to the colder temperatures; but with proper clothing and other safety precautions, there are plenty of benefits to spending some time outdoors now.
What makes winter recreation special? The scenery! The bare trees and vegetation in forests help make spotting wildlife easier, provide additional scenery from vistas, and uncover the vast rock formations that make up Pennsylvania’s varied natural landscapes.
You also don’t have to travel far to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh air in the winter. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that with so many state and local parks and forests they can find an opportunity near them.
The winter season provides opportunities for activities that cannot be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of some of these unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Read more.
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COVID-19 Information for Families
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Supports for Breastfeeding Moms |
Are you a mom who is breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding your new baby, but have questions? Are you wondering how breastfeeding and child care will work together?
Get information on:
- providing breastmilk to your baby when you go back to work or school
- how to keep making enough milk when your baby is in child care
- how to take breastmilk to the child care site
- feeding breastmilk in a bottle
- helping your child care program provide care for your breastfed baby and more!
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Finding the Right Healthcare Professional for Your Child |
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing that first healthcare professional. They will shape the feelings your child has of healthcare visits. If your child is in need of specialty care or if there are a lack of health care professionals in your area, this could be challenging. However, a little homework prior to deciding on a health care professional may make for a more positive experience you and your child.
Get tips on how to find the right Healthcare Professional for your child and read about Angie who addresses a concern about her son with his healthcare professional in Be Your Child's Champion.
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month |
How many time a day does your child brush their teeth? Do they floss? It's never too early to teach your child how to take care of their teeth. During February's National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) learn how you can help your child practice good dental health.
This year's theme is “Water, Nature's Drink!” This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.
The NCDHM Program Planning Guide offers program coordinators resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and much more.
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States? The good news is it can be prevented with the help of CHIP! CHIP coverage includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride, dental sealants, fillings, orthodontia services when medically necessary and much more. Get more info at CHIPcoversPAKids.com.
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Moving Towards School Success |
Will your child start Kindergarten in the fall? In the next few months, many schools will host Kindergarten Registration.
Early Kindergarten registration will help you prepare your child for their first day of Kindergarten. Your child's school may provide special programs, events or resources to help your child prepare for the important transition.
Visit the PA's Promise for Children website to locate Kindergarten Registration information, then check out these FREE printable resources to help your child prepare to be successful in school.
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Our Favorite Pinterest Pins |
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The PA 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
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