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February 2024
Fun activities, aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards,
to help prepare children for school success!
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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 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 is heard. 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 they 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 them 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
Print this list!
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February is Black History Month
During February, 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.
Read more!
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Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Bureau of Family Health requests your voice to help identify the seven to ten priorities that will drive Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant program. Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant serves to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s mothers, infants, children and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families.
Parents and caregivers, families with special needs, birthing people and their partners, and youth are all welcome to participate. Maternal and child healthcare and other professionals, and organizations serving this population, in Pennsylvania, are also welcome to share their thoughts! Sessions are taking place throughout Pennsylvania--register for a session in your area! This is a family friendly event, and a meal will be provided. Select participants may be eligible to receive a gift card.
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Pennsylvania Expands the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Pennsylvania recently expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. The expansion of this credit will be a major help to working families with children in child care and other people in the Commonwealth who are caring for a family member.
The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means taxpayers must receive the federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, meaning:
- The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child) or $2,100 (two or more children)
- The credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
- The minimum credit will be $600 (one child) or $1,200 (two or more children).
Learn more about the tax credit and how to apply.
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Join Remake Learning Days!
Join the Remake Learning Days across Pennsylvania! This hands-on learning festival showcases the many places where kids can learn across their community, such as early childhood programs, museums, schools, libraries, parks, community centers, tech companies, and more. These events give families and caregivers a chance to learn alongside their children and for kids to experience new learning opportunities. The mission of Remake Learning Days is to spark joy, encourage curiosity and create wonder for kids of all ages and their families. Learn more and find an event in your region.
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See if You Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.
It’s easy to find out if you qualify. Use the EITC Assistant, and answer questions about yourself and other family members to see if you qualify and estimate the amount of your credit.
EITC eligibility depends on several factors, including income and family size. Don't guess about EITC eligibility use the EITC Assistant to find out if you do qualify for EITC, And see what other tax credits are available.
It’s easy to find free tax help to prepare and file your taxes. Use the VITA locator tool on IRS.GOV to find a volunteer site near you. Or, you can prepare and e-file your own taxes with brand-name software using IRS’s Free File.
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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 provides 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, 2024. 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.
PA’s Promise for Children has a list of fun books to read related to Groundhog Day.
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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 7 is World Read Aloud Day. It's the perfect excuse to pick up a book and read to your child! Revisit an old favorite or find a new one.
February 4 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.
When looking for a program, visit the COMPASS Child Care Search website to search by address, early learning program name, or the age of your child. Get information about the program, like location, fees, and inspection reports. Watch the video for more information.
Pennsylvania's Promise for Children has resources you can use before, during and after your search for an early learning program.
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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 2023-2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available 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 $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
Find out how to apply.
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State Parks and Forests Offer Abundance of Activities During Winter
Pennsylvania state parks and forests 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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PA Navigate
Pennsylvania recently launched PA Navigate, a new website that connects residents to community organizations, government agencies and health care providers for access to resources for basic needs, such as food, housing and child care.
PA Navigate is designed to address health and social care needs of residents by bridging the gap between health care systems and social services organizations. It allows residents to search and connect to supports for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care and other free or reduced-cost help in times of need. Individuals can refer themselves for services through PA Navigate, or connect with health care providers and organizations.
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Check Out the EITA Mobile App
The EITA Mobile app is full of quick tools & tips to be used in the moment by families and professionals. These resources include:
- Tools to support professionals in their work with families.
- Tools for parents to use in everyday activities and routines with their child.
- Tools that professionals can review with families to support activities and talk about Early Intervention services.
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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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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?
This resource, Breastfed Babies Welcome Here! A Mother's Guide, from USDA has information, tips and resources to help moms and babies prepare for breastfeeding options when your baby is in a child care program.
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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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 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 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.
Watch this video for tips on how to encourage your child to brush their teeth. Visit PA's Promise for Children to find out how to start a healthy smile early.
Did you know 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 the PA Department of Human Services website.
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Helping Your Child Transition to Kindergarten
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.
Check out these FREE printable resources from PA's Promise for Children to help your child prepare to be successful in school.
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Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers
During February, celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States, and check out the February Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers with activities and information to help prepare children and their families for school success.
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