The Happy Octopus Early Education

09/10/2026

📚 **Worth the Read: Tennessee Prekindergarten Research**

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885200618300279

Have you read *“Effects of the Tennessee Prekindergarten Program on Children’s Achievement and Behavior Through Third Grade”*?

This study takes a closer look at what happened to children who participated in Tennessee’s state-funded prekindergarten program and follows their achievement and behavior through third grade.

For those of us who work with young children, families, and early learning programs, research like this is worth taking the time to read and discuss. It can help us think critically about **what works, what outcomes we see over time, and how early-childhood experiences may influence children’s later success.**

🔎 **I encourage educators, early-childhood professionals, and anyone interested in the future of early learning to read the study, consider the findings, and join the conversation.**

Because when it comes to our youngest learners, **evidence matters.** ❤️

08/31/2026

08/21/2026

Renew Your Benefits! ❤️💙

Are you covered by Driscoll Health Plan Medicaid or CHIP? Don’t forget to renew your benefits to help keep your health coverage active.

📅 Check your renewal date.
📬 Watch for renewal information and respond on time.
💻 Complete your renewal through the appropriate state benefits system or with help from your health plan.
📞 Have questions? Driscoll Health Plan is here to help connect you with resources.

Your health coverage matters—from checkups and preventive care to the services your family needs.

Don’t wait. Renew your Medicaid or CHIP benefits today!

08/21/2026

Learn the Signs. Act Early. 💙

Every child develops at their own pace—but knowing the signs of healthy development can help families recognize when a child may need extra support.

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires is a simple, family-friendly developmental screening tool that helps parents and caregivers check in on important areas like communication, movement, problem-solving, and social development.

🌱 Learn the signs.
👀 Watch your child grow and develop.
💬 Talk with your child’s healthcare or early childhood professional if you have questions.
⏰ Act early when support is needed.

Early identification can make a meaningful difference. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive!

08/20/2026

🦠 Flu Awareness for Our Childcare Families! 💙

Flu season is a great reminder that keeping our children healthy is a team effort! Young children can spread illnesses quickly, so we encourage all families to help protect our childcare community.

👧🏽👦🏻 Please remember to:
• Keep children home when they are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Encourage frequent handwashing. 🧼
• Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils, and personal items.
• Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about flu vaccination.

If your child is diagnosed with the flu, please notify our childcare center so we can take appropriate precautions to help protect other children and staff.

💙 Thank you, childcare families, for partnering with your childcare to keep our little ones safe, healthy, and happy!

08/20/2026

When making choices about vaccines, parents need to have all the facts.

Science has shown that getting vaccinated is much safer than getting sick. Side effects from vaccines are minimal, and vaccine benefits are significant. Vaccines protect children against dangerous and potentially deadly diseases that can cause serious illness, paralysis, deafness, brain damage, and even death. You can help protect your kids before they encounter dangerous diseases by getting them vaccinated on time. Getting vaccinated also means kids are less likely to miss school (and you’re less likely to miss work) because of illness.

Talk to your child’s health care provider if you have any questions and ask how staying up-to-date with the vaccine schedule can protect your child.

08/19/2026

Container Syndrome is a term used to describe the lack of skill in infants who are not allowed ample movement opportunities. Container Baby Syndrome is the result of an infant being placed in a container for an excessive amount of time during the day. This extended time leads to structural, movement, and behavioral challenges as a result.

Baby containers include baby equipment and items such as:

👣Restrictive playpens
👣Crib
👣Car seats
👣Strollers
👣Bumbo seats
👣Bouncy seats and swings
👣Rockers
👣Nursing cushions
👣Vibrating chairs
👣Jumpers
👣Exersaucers
👣Positioning pillows
👣Slings
👣Floor seats
👣Infant swings
👣Walkers
👣Jumpers

All of the time spent in these baby containers adds up! When in a positioning device such as the ones listed above, little ones are limited in the motor development that results from stretching, wiggling, turning, reaching, and otherwise moving.

https://www.theottoolbox.com/container-baby-syndrome/

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

Are you a dad or male rolemodel looking for a group of like minded male figures helping to raise children?
United Way of the Coastal Bend offers a group just for you! You can get free childcare while attending the meetings and they even serve dinners!
Check out the link provided to learn more and join in!

United Way of the Coastal Bend is helping fathers get the skills they need to be involved in their children’s lives through National Fatherhood Initiative's 24:7 Dad Program.

08/19/2026

Because your child's first 5 years of life are so important,
United Way of the Coastal Bend wants to help you provide the best start for your child!
Click the link below to learn more about their Success By 6 program and an opportunity to take advantage of a free ASQ3 screening to help you understand the current development of your child!

Success By 6 helps to ensure that children in the Coastal Bend are physically, intellectually and emotionally prepared to succeed when they start school.