The Changing Faces Of Families
What we mean when we say "family" has changed dramatically over the years. But despite these changes, what matters most has stayed the same.
Resources
Centre for Family Research (University of Cambridge)
Parenting (Human Rights Campaign)
We are All Alike, We are All Different (By Cheltenham Elementary Kindergartners)
Diversity and Inclusion in Early Care and Education (Child Development Associate™ (CDA) National Credential)
Parenting (Human Rights Campaign)
We are All Alike, We are All Different (By Cheltenham Elementary Kindergartners)
Diversity and Inclusion in Early Care and Education (Child Development Associate™ (CDA) National Credential)
Spring Has Sprung!
Spring has sprung, so head outside with your little learner! Children are born ready to explore, and the great outdoors is full of opportunities for them to engage all five senses in new and wonderful ways.
Resources
Take it Outside! (Early Childhood News)
Natural Play in the Preschool Yard (Community Playthings)
Irvine Nature Center
Natural Play in the Preschool Yard (Community Playthings)
Irvine Nature Center
Favoritism Hurts
When it comes to favoritism among children, perception matters most. In fact, a recent study shows that children who view themselves as slightly less favored by parents, are almost twice as likely as those who do not have this perception, to use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. Listen to find out what researchers recommend to avoid this problem.
Resources
Why Parents Shouldn't Play Favorites (Brigham Young University)
The Growing Need For Inclusive Child Care
The demand for child care to accommodate children with special needs is substantial. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say one in 68 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder each year. Thankfully, Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE: Child Care is here to help.
Resources
Mother's Healing Powers
Children find a mother’s voice comforting. And now, researchers at Harvard Medical School think it might have healing powers, too. Listen find out more.
Resources
Babies Rely on Mother’s Voice and Heartbeat to Develop Healthy Brains (PBS)
Mother’s voice and heartbeat sounds elicit auditory plasticity in the human brain before full gestation (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science)
Mother’s voice and heartbeat sounds elicit auditory plasticity in the human brain before full gestation (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science)
Teachers Worth Investing In
One the most influential teachers a child may ever have is in an early care and education setting. Yet the pay for child care professionals is often close to the same wage as fast food workers. This has been the case for far too long and a change is due.
Resources
Worthy Work, STILL Unlivable Wages: The Early Childhood Workforce 25 Years after the National Child Care Staffing Study (Center for the Study of Child Care Employment)
2015 Child Care Demographics (Maryland Family Network)
2015 Child Care Demographics (Maryland Family Network)
More Benefits Of Pre-K
Children enrolled in state-supported pre-Kindergarten programs are less likely to be placed in special education according to a new study by Duke University. This leads researchers to believe that early childhood education can address developmental delays in children prior to a child enrolling in Kindergarten.
Resources
Impact of North Carolina’s Early Childhood Initiatives on Special Education Placements in Third Grade (American Educational Research Association)
Study Finds Preschool Programs Lower Special Education Referrals (EdSource)
Study Finds Preschool Programs Lower Special Education Referrals (EdSource)
Big Kid Bed
Congratulations! You child is ready to graduate to a "big kid" bed. But are you ready? Listen for information that will help the transition to toddler bed go smoothly.
Resources
Big Kid Beds: When to Make the Switch (Healthy Children.org)
Ask Dr. Sears: From Crib to Bed (Parenting.com)
Ask Dr. Sears: From Crib to Bed (Parenting.com)
Early Head Start
Robin Parker is a single mom living in Anne Arundel County. When her children were one and two years old, she found herself in a difficult spot. Affordable safe quality child care was out of reach for the struggling family. But one program changed the odds. Learn more about the ways Early Head Start makes a big difference.
Resources
Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers (Maryland Family Network)
Find your Local Early Head Start Center (Maryland Family Network)
Maryland Head Start Association
Early Head Start National Resource Center
Self-Control
Self-control can be hard. New ways of dieting, exercising and saving money are seem to always be in the news. But a recent study demonstrates that adults who learn self-control as very young children grow up healthier and with few financial problems. Learn more.
Resources
A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
For Kids, Self-Control Factors into Future Success (NPR)
Promoting Self-Control: It Might Not Be What You Think (Huffington Post)
For Kids, Self-Control Factors into Future Success (NPR)
Promoting Self-Control: It Might Not Be What You Think (Huffington Post)