News & Updates
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Is it open?
Holiday, severe weather, and emergency closing policies vary from one child care program to the next. Quality child care programs have written policies and procedures that explain how the program handles different types of closings. Be sure you are able to see which days the program…
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Play, Baby, Play
Again. Again! Again!!! Babies and toddlers love, love, love their playtime. And they very often love to engage in the very same kind of play – time and again. This can be fun for you… but sad to say, it can also easily turn into a boring routine. After all,…
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Showing Gratitude
When our child demands a toy or refuses to cooperate, it can feel like we’re raising one of the less-appealing characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Children’s demands can hit especially hard when we’re working long hours to make ends meet—or just trying to get dinner on the table. We’re also reminded of…
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Paying for Child Care
Child care is one of the biggest costs for families in the United States. It’s important to know what resources are available to help with child care costs in Maryland. High-quality child care programs may cost more than other options. But when children are in a quality child care program…
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Your child’s education begins at birth!
STORYTIME Read a book or tell a story to your baby every day beginning at birth. It doesn’t matter how young your child is; even newborn babies are learning when their parents read with them. PEEK Look right into your baby’s eyes! Infants recognize faces early on – and…
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Recognizing and Identifying Emotions
According to the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, understanding feelings and emotions is critical to children’s overall development. As adults, it is our job to teach children to understand and deal with their emotions in healthy and positive ways. Helping to recognize and identify emotions…
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Learning Through Play
Children are learning all the time, especially when they are playing. Play also helps children learn to share, listen to others, and wait their turn. Just as you would help a child learn to recognize their name or colors, you can help infants and toddlers learn skills to express thoughts,…
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No One Knows Your Child Like You Do…
This puts you in the best position to recognize and fulfill your child’s needs. Parents who give lots of loving care and attention to their children help their babies develop a strong attachment. Affection energizes your child to grow, learn, connect with others, and enjoy life. Here are some ways…
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Honoring Cultures: Culturally Responsive Care
Children develop a sense of who they are and what is important through life through cultural experiences. Traditionally, values, ways of doing things, and expectations, have been passed down by the child’s family and cultural community. As more children enter child care during their early years, their cultural identity and…
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SCREEN SAVERS… Choose Playtime Over Screen Time!
Most of your baby’s brain development will happen in the first two years of life. It’s important for babies and toddlers to explore the things around them and experience natural sights, sounds, tastes, and textures. Interacting and playing with others helps children learn about the world around them. For that…
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The Right Way
As a parent, you get plenty of suggestions on how to raise and care for your child. From child care providers, teachers, family members to other parents, someone is always offering advice. There isn’t one “right way” to be a good parent. There is some advice that applies to all…
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Supporting Social-Emotional Development
Social-emotional skills are essential for connecting with others! They help us manage our emotions, build healthy relationships, and feel empathy. Starting from birth, babies learn who they are by how they are treated. Loving relationships provide young children with a sense of comfort, safety and confidence. They teach young…