Infographic transcription:
Tips for Parents: How to Continue Early Learning at Home
Establish and Keep a Routine
Consider all the things you do in a day. Now think about all the things a child does during the day: handwashing, diapering, toileting, napping and so on. With our youngest children these tasks provide opportunities to begin to gain their independence. Don’t try to rush through these activities; even though they are commonplace to us, they’re new to our children.
Keep You and Your Child Healthy
Now more than ever it’s crucial to be safe and teach the value of personal hygiene practices. It’s always worth repeating to our children that they should sneeze and cough into their elbow. And remember to wash hands with soapy, warm water for at least 20 seconds. Most children know the “Happy Birthday” song; when you sing it twice, you are done.
Use Traditional Modes of Playing
As technology and devices have grown in popularity, some of our more traditional sources of playtime may have fallen by the wayside or be hidden in the closet. Consider bringing out those trusty blocks, for example. Blocks help children learn math skills. As children recreate the world around them, blocks become a stepping-stone to abstract thinking.
Keep Children Safe at Home
We’re spending more time than usual with our children at home, here are a few are extra considerations to think about to prevent accidents and injuries: Check to see that all of your electrical outlets have child-resistant caps; make sure adult purses and tote bags are stored out of children’s reach; and always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Manage Screen Time and Technology
We’re all concerned about what too much screen time looks like. A few things to consider: First make sure the content is age-appropriate. Try and focus on educational content, especially for our youngest children. There are many websites that provide this sort of content. You may also consider a video chat. This is a great way for children to catch up with their friends and family. Perhaps enlist a grandparent or another relative to have a daily story time with your child.
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...
We have probably all seen the commercials this time of year when you can hear the popular holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, playing in the background as parents dance joyously...
Did you know early childhood educators in Maryland have a special benefit that can help them and the children they serve? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a $1 million grant to the...
For the first time in three years, the Education Writers Association (EWA) gathered in person for their National Seminar in Orlando last month. The event drew journalists from across the country to hear from leaders...
In April 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued new guidance and an Information Memoranda (IM) announcing the long-awaited, family-friendly policy of permitting families and guardians to use proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...
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.
