Preparing for the New School Year
SPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare and ensure it’s the...
For young children, summertime marks the beginning of endless possibilities when it comes to fun outdoor activities that allows them to explore different environments. Whether it’s the pool, camping, or simply going to play in the backyard, children find it thrilling to observe, learn, and interact every chance they get.
Early childhood educators and parents know very well that in order for children to fully explore and learn from any environment, indoor or outdoor, we must also encourage their imagination and creativity. One way to guide young children to do this is by reading to them. Stories help children to imagine and create worlds that can exist in their imagination and teach them valuable lessons on the importance of connecting with the world.
The following reading list encourages exploration of the indoors and outdoors, and summer themes (e.g. animals, gardens, forest, and even outdoor markets).
1. The Frog in the Well by Alvin Tresselt – This story provides children with the exploration inspiration they need to discover the world outside and why exploring is such an exciting adventure. The story serves as a great metaphor for the world in general and how we’re much happier when we’re roaming free. Beautifully vibrant illustrations!
Ages: 3-7
Themes: Outdoor exploration, forest animals, being unafraid of new environments, and making friends.
2. The Icky Bug Alphabet Board Book by Jerry Pallotta – Great book for little ones to learn names of those icky creatures living in their backyard. A nice way for educators to teach children about new and familiar insects they are bound to discover when exploring the garden, park or any outdoor spaces.
Ages: 3+
Themes: new insect vocabulary and pictures for animal recognition, interesting facts about each insects, and ABCs learning.
3. Mouse House by Rumer Godden – Though this storyline is a bit lengthy for younger children, it illustrates the underground world of curious creatures and how they explore the inside of a house full of surprises. Young learners will love the lively adventure and trouble the little mouse, Bonnie, gets into as she encounters a doll house and makes it her new home.
Ages: 3 – 7
Themes: Acceptance, comradery, curiosity, and friendship.
4. Fresh Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmer’s Market by Michelle Schaub – This book is pure joy to read to young children, since it includes short poems about what they find when they go to the farmers’ market: the food, the smells, and the community of people combine to make it a stimulating experience.
Ages: 3+
Themes: light poetry, rhyming, interactions with others, and new food vocabulary.
5. Alice in Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole by Lewis Carroll – An abbreviated version of this classic tale is perfect for young learners, as they can get acquainted with this popular and classic story, its interesting characters, and intricate fantasy worlds. The illustrations are charming and vibrant which makes this story have a modern, yet rich look to them.
Ages: 3+
6. Arthur by Rhoda Levine – This book is a classic tale of a small bird as he takes you through the heart of New York City and its beauty, even in wintertime. It has a comforting tone and attitude about life and how to overcome problems, big or small, as they present themselves.
Ages: 3 -7
Themes: Bravery and decision making, and finding comfort in simple things.
SPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare and ensure it’s the...
Language and literacy skills are fundamental building blocks for a child’s development, enabling effective communication, social interaction, and academic success throughout grade school and beyond. For young children with disabilities, however, traditional educational models may...
The Council for Professional Recognition’s Council Alumni Network (CAN) recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. This free community boasts 1200+ members. CAN is a diverse group of stakeholders in early childhood education (ECE) across the U.S....
A couple of years before becoming a mother, I saw the classic movie Terms of Endearment. Before the opening credits, the film portrayed Aurora, played by Shirley MacLaine, as a worried mom who checked on...
“Every child deserves a champion,” said longtime teacher Rita Pierson in a famous TED talk. She was talking about “an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and...
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I wanted to share how it is important for us all to reflect on women’s progress in the business world and the importance of supporting and empowering...
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
It takes a village to raise a child, the old proverb tells us. But we need to expand our perspective, according to pediatric surgeon, social scientist and mom Dana Suskind. In her heartfelt work, Parent...
Dr. Calvin Moore shared that when he first arrived at the Council and took on the CEO role, he was focused on assessing the early childhood education (ECE) landscape, the reach of the organization and...
Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Bigelow serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Council and has been with the organization since February of 2022.
Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
Read our monthly e-newsletter and keep up to date on all Council programs and services, as well as the latest news in the world of early care and education. Subscribe today to stay connected with us. You’ll receive timely information on events, webinars, special promotions, and more.