Oct 17, 2017
Should I give my child juice or fruit drinks?Families want to provide children with the healthiest options possible. Colorful packaging can make it difficult to decide between fruit drinks and fruit juices when shopping. Though fruit juices and fruit drinks are both tasty, there are striking differences between them when comparing nutrition.
Oct 10, 2017
What to look for in child care provider's parent handbook?High quality child care programs are dedicated to establishing and maintaining relationships with each child’s family. A high quality early learning program will provide opportunities for and encourage parent involvement in the program’s activities. As a part of family engagement and communication, a quality daycare will also provide a parent or family handbook designed to let you know important information about the program.
Oct 3, 2017
How can we eat healthy on a tight budget?Healthy meals are vital to shaping our physical bodies and also play a key role in shaping our minds. Considering that 90% of all brain development occurs between birth and age five, it is especially important for children to receive healthy meals and snacks throughout the day to aid in forming strong brain connections and healthy bodies.
Sep 12, 2017
Why is it important to practice early learning skills at home?A child’s family plays a vital role in their early learning and their future success. Not only is it one of the most important factors contributing to children’s social and emotional development, it also is a strong predictor of how well they will perform in school. A 2011 study by Cook, Roggman and Boyce showed “stimulating play interactions between mothers or fathers and their children predicted children’s fifth-grade math and reading abilities.” Early learning doesn’t end or begin in the child care setting. It starts at home with the family.
Sep 5, 2017
How can I engage with my child's daycare?Families are a crucial component in all child care programs. One study conducted by the University of Oxford found that children whose parents participated in the child care facility’s family engagement program made significant progress in language comprehension and the understanding of numbers, books and vocabulary. Another study published in the Journal of Instructional Psychology concluded that increasing parental involvement improves schools in general. Playing an active role in your child care program can help build trust and strengthen relationships.
Aug 22, 2017
How can our family get more high-quality sleep?Sleep plays a vital role in how we function daily. High-quality sleep allows us to wake with our bodies and minds feeling well rested, restored and attentive. A good night’s sleep not only keeps us alert, but also improves our health and enhances our psychological functioning.
