Counting On Baby's Brains
Research from Johns Hopkins University finds that babies may be able to count...sort of. Even though they can’t yet say words like one, two, or three, the babies studied seemed to understand that counting indicates quantity.
Resources
Transitioning To Kindergarten
Transitions can be hard. Imagine how scary it would be to enter school - a large group setting - for the first time. Preparing your 4 year old for pre-K or your 5 year old for Kindergarten is not only helpful to you, but also a major benefit to your child. Listen here to learn more.
Resources
Transitioning to Kindergarten: A Toolkit for Early Childhood Educators (A Union of Professionals)
12 ways to help a child make the transition to kindergarten (Harvard Health Publishing)
Transitioning to Kindergarten (NAEYC)
12 ways to help a child make the transition to kindergarten (Harvard Health Publishing)
Transitioning to Kindergarten (NAEYC)
Perry Parents Prevail
Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman says that the benefits of attending a high-quality early childhood program are so great that they positively impact at least two generations. Heckman’s research looked at a program that started five decades ago for children who attended the Perry Preschool. Now the children of those children are reaping the benefits thanks to their parents' participation. Listen now to learn more.
Resources
Perry Preschooler: Intergenerational Effects Toolkit (Heckman Equation)
MFN's Essay Contest
Each year Maryland Family Network holds an essay contest open to the parents served at our 25 Family Support Centers across the state. Here’s a quote from one of this year’s winners, who resides in Prince George's County and attends the Adelphi/Langley Park Family Support Center: "The Family Support Center is my second home…My daughter and I are living unforgettable moments, acquiring knowledge to…have a splendid future. This is like a gift that life has given me…Being here has changed my family’s life for the better." Listen now to hear the rest.
Poll Puts Pre-K At The Head Of The Class
Maryland voters agree: pre-K matters. Listen now for the results of our recent poll.
Resources
Read more about our recent poll here (Maryland Family Network)
Subsidy Expansion
Shhhh. Listen. Do you hear that? Kids and caregivers across the State are cheering! The State announced last week that annual income limits for Maryland’s Child Care Subsidy (CSS) Program will increase dramatically effective August 1st. This will significantly help more Maryland families access quality child care and early education programs.
Resources
MSDE guidelines (MSDE)
Boosts in income eligibility mean more Maryland families to access child care subsidies (Baltimore Sun)
Why Maryland needs to invest in child care (Baltimore Sun)
Boosts in income eligibility mean more Maryland families to access child care subsidies (Baltimore Sun)
Why Maryland needs to invest in child care (Baltimore Sun)
Full Steam Ahead
STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is an educational philosophy and practice which has really gained momentum of late. But it’s missing something that not only changes the acronym, but the entire program. Add an A for Art and make STEAM.
Resources
Doctor's Orders
The American Academy of Pediatrics are calling on their members to advocate high-quality early childhood education. It’s a matter of good health.
Resources
Pediatricians Urged to Promote Early-Childhood Education (Education Week)
Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten (American Academy of Pediatrics)
To End Violence
There is a proven way to reduce violence, crime, and addiction - invest in children.
Resources
Early Learning Affects Health & Crime (Heckman Equation)
Outdoor Education
Little brains learn best when they are active. That’s why nature makes such a great classroom.
Resources
Laboratory for Learning: The Power of Outdoor Classrooms to Fuel Creativity (Outdoor Playthings)
Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature (Child Mind Institute)
Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature (Child Mind Institute)