Diversity in Early Childhood
We live in very diverse world and the best early learning environments – at child care and at home-- reflect the diversity of real life. Find out why.
Resources
12 Books to Help Children Understand Race (The Smithsonian Institution)
Talking To Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS)
Children Notice Race Several Years Before Adults Want to Talk About It (American Psychological Association)
Handle with Care
In 2018 Governor Hogan announced the Handle with Care program. This state-wide initiative has the goal of mitigating the effects of trauma on children and increasing knowledge of the issue. This is a wonderful support for K-12 students and would be made even more effective with the inclusion of child care providers in the plan to support children from birth to age five.
Resources
History Happens Now
It’s been one year since the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in Maryland. Despite the risks, child care providers have remained open and caring for children as long as their government, their health, and their bank accounts would allow it. Some child care providers in Maryland have died from COVID in service to our children. Others got sick or risked illness to make sure parents could go to work. Most risked their livelihoods at great personal expense because they believed the maxim “we are all in this together.” Now they need help.
Resources
Caring in Time of Pandemic: Will Maryland's Child Care Survive? (MFN)
Music Soothes the Infant Soul
Where does our love of music begin? Experts believe it is in the first five years.
Resources
Frère Jacques, are you sleeping? (Harvard Music Lab)
MFN's COVID and Child Care Survey
Fifty-one percent of Maryland child care providers say they may permanently close if families must continue to keep children home for extended periods as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This according to a new survey from Maryland Family Network.
Resources
Child Care, COVID, and the Economy
Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the physical health of Marylanders and on the economic health of our state. Among the industries hardest hit is child care. Listen now to learn more.
Resources
Child Care in Crisis (NAEYC)
Parent Cafés
Wouldn’t you like to get together with other parents to share ideas, learn about resources, and have a dialogue about common challenges? Well, you’re in luck. Parent Cafés provide comfortable, confidential opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage in conversations about maintaining strong families. Listen here to learn more.
Resources
Parent Cafés (Dept. of Mental Health)
Parent Cafés (Be Strong Families)
Strengthening Families Maryland Parent Cafés (Maryland Family Network)
Parent Cafés (Be Strong Families)
Strengthening Families Maryland Parent Cafés (Maryland Family Network)
Child Abuse Prevention: Know The Symptoms
One in seven is pretty good odds. The Centers for Disease Control, however, report that one in seven American children has experienced abuse or neglect in some form over the past year. Whether you’re a parent, relative, friend, teacher, or neighbor, recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect can help improve a child’s chance for survival.
Resources
Be part of the solution to end child abuse and neglect (The Sentinel Echo)
Advocacy center launching child abuse awareness campaign (Kent County News)
Advocacy center launching child abuse awareness campaign (Kent County News)
Your Workers Need Time To Care
What do Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, Lesotho, and the United States have in common? They are the only four countries which do not mandate paid time off for new parents.
Resources
Paid Family and Medical Leave: Good for Business (National Partnership for Women and Families)
Of Course US Birth Rates are Falling -- this is a Harsh Place to Have a Family (The Guardian)
Of Course US Birth Rates are Falling -- this is a Harsh Place to Have a Family (The Guardian)
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)