March 2022
Activities aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards to help your preschooler prepare for Kindergarten. 
Let's Play and Learn
Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Then visit the library to find a book about the activity.

We're learning Language and Literacy Skills 
Do it! 
Collect different kinds of things around the house that you and your preschooler can use to build. Use objects like pillows, shoe boxes, empty cereal boxes, etc. to create a masterpiece.
Read it! 
The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia. Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty.

We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it! 
Help your preschooler draw straight, curvy, wavy or zigzag lines across a piece of paper. Give child-safe scissors for them to practice cutting on the lines. If your preschooler has difficulty drawing or cutting, trace or precut different types of lines using different colors This can also be used as a self-check matching activity. Allow your preschooler sort the different lines and try to match them to their significant color.
Read it! 
So Many Circles, So Many Squares by Tana Hoban. When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene.

We're learning Social Emotional Development 
Do it! 
Help your preschooler make a list of Things I can do myself. Ask them what special things they can do alone. Put a list and post on the refrigerator. Creating a social story book with pictures of your preschooler and special things they can do is a great way for them to see themselves in action.
Read it! 
Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson. Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London. 

We're learning Social Studies Thinking
Do it! 
Sort laundry together. Sort by color, by types of items (all the shirts together) and by family member.
Read it! 
One Watermelon Seed by Celia Lottridge. Big and Little by Steve Jenkins.
Language Development and Young Children
A delay in language development can impact the way a child learns, not only while young, but as they get older.
 
Every family—regardless of income, education level or their spoken language—can help their child develop the language needed to learn and be successful in school. There are many ways parents, families and caregivers can help children develop language skills and set them on a path to learning. Read more and access resources to support your child's language development.
First Step: Kindergarten Registration!
What's the first step for Kindergarten? Registration! Although each school district has their own process for Kindergarten Registration, typically families will need to bring specific documents to register their child. This may include:
 
  • The child's birth certificate
  • Proof of residency (like a utility bill or copy of a lease)
  • Vaccination records (the PA Dept. of Health shares which ones your child needs)
  • Any forms required by the school district, like an application or emergency contact list.
  • There may be other documents needed, so check with your school district. 
 
Some schools set aside specific dates to register for Kindergarten. Others may provide special events, like summer orientation for their incoming students. Find your school's contact info and check for specific registration dates.
 
You can start now to help your preschool prepare for kindergarten. Sign up to get the Kindergarten, Here I Come enews and check out these books families recommend about starting school.
The Reader Experience: Tell Your Story
When we hear each other’s stories, our understanding of each other grows!

That power is modeled in books that feature diverse characters and diverse experiences. To expand that power, share your unique reading experiences and learn more about how stories can impact our lives.

In celebrating our diverse nation of readers for Read Across America, the National Education Association (NEA) is asking educators, families, and others to share their own stories about books and reading experiences by reflecting on one of these prompts:
  • a book that impacted you or your child
  • a book or story that is important to you or your child
  • a person or a story that got you into reading
  • someone who changed your life by sharing a book or story
  • a person who introduced you to the joys of books and reading
  • a time when you heard or read a story that changed you or helped you make a change
  • how you or your child has been shaped by books and reading
  • your favorite or an important reading experience

NEA will select stories to feature on NEA’s website, on social media channels, in print or email publications, and at special events. Learn more.
Sparking Children's Imagination and Creativity
Imagination and creativity can create new worlds, make play a deeper learning experience, and bring life to activities and ideas. Use these tips to help your preschooler develop imagination and creativity.  
MyPlate Food Quizzes
Eating healthy foods is part of helping your child grow. How knowledgeable are you about fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has five short online quizzes to test how much you know. Click here to take one or all of the quizzes!


Financial help with your child's medical expenses
The United Healthcare Children's Foundation can help provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan. 

Qualifying families may receive up to $5,000 per child, per year ($10,000 lifetime max). The funds help pay for medical treatment, services or equipment such as surgeries, counseling, prescription medications, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses, hearing aids and physical, occupational and speech therapies. Click here to learn more.
Bedroom Safety for Children of All Ages
A child's bedroom can be a multi-purpose room, used for sleeping, quiet time, or play. The bedroom should also be a safe place for your child. Take time to ensure that your child's safety won't stop at the bedroom door.

Keeping Your Preschooler Healthy
Did you know there are vaccine-preventable diseases you can protect your preschooler? You may have almost forgotten about diseases like Diphtheria, Chickenpox, Mumps, Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and others because of vaccines. It's still important for your preschooler to have vaccines though! While these diseases are preventable, they can still exist and infect those who are not vaccinated. Vaccines can help keep your preschooler healthy, and vaccines may be required for your child to attend school or an early learning program. Find out which vaccines your child should receive and when.

For children without insurance, PA CHIP may be able to help. CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program – Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Regardless of the reasons your children might not have health insurance, CHIP may be able to help you. Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com.
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 
  
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania