Effingham County Connections

09/19/2026

🎵 Happy National Dance Day! 🎵

Dancing is more than just fun. It helps young children develop motor skills, balance, coordination, and social-emotional confidence. Every wiggle, twirl, and jump supports learning and growth!

Let's celebrate by moving, laughing, and making joyful memories together. 💜

🎵 ¡Feliz Día Nacional de la Danza! 🎵

Bailar es mucho más que diversión. Ayuda a los niños pequeños a desarrollar habilidades motrices, equilibrio, coordinación y confianza socioemocional. ¡Cada movimiento, giro y salto fomenta el aprendizaje y el crecimiento!

Celebremos moviéndonos, riendo y creando juntos recuerdos llenos de alegría. 💜

09/18/2026

Whether you are a new parent, your little is ready to move up to the next seat, you're a grandparent transporting grandkids, or anyone in between, we are here for all your carseat questions and concerns.

With two locations and two different times we are ready to support you in your journey to keep your little ones safe. We will have several certified carseat technicians at each location.

Can't make it to one of your times, don't worry, we can always check your seat at our 104 South Blohm location.

09/16/2026

🎨✨ Happy National Play-Doh Day! ✨🎨

Today we're celebrating one of childhood's favorite learning tools. From rolling and squishing to shaping and creating, Play-Doh helps little hands build fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination.

There's no limit to what our young learners can create when they let their imaginations shine

🎨✨ ¡Feliz Día Nacional de Play-Doh! ✨🎨

Hoy celebramos una de las herramientas de aprendizaje favoritas de la infancia. Desde amasar y aplastar hasta dar forma y crear, Play-Doh ayuda a las manos pequeñas a desarrollar la motricidad fina, la creatividad y la imaginación.

No hay límites para lo que nuestros pequeños aprendices pueden crear cuando dejan brillar su imaginación.

09/13/2026

😊 Positive Thinking Day Reminder: Every child is capable of amazing things!

By encouraging positive self-talk, resilience, and a can-do attitude, we help children develop the confidence they need to learn and grow. Let's work together to fill young minds with positivity and encouragement today and every day

😊 Recordatorio por el Día del Pensamiento Positivo: ¡Cada niño es capaz de lograr cosas increíbles!

Al fomentar un diálogo interno positivo, la resiliencia y una actitud proactiva, ayudamos a los niños a desarrollar la confianza que necesitan para aprender y crecer. Trabajemos juntos para llenar las mentes jóvenes de positividad y ánimo, hoy y todos los días.

09/12/2026

🌟 Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and encouraged.

Today on National Day of Encouragement, we're celebrating the kind words, high-fives, and supportive moments that help our little learners grow into confident individuals.

Keep encouraging. Keep inspiring. Keep believing in our children. 💚

🌟 Todos los niños merecen sentirse vistos, valorados y alentados.

Hoy, en el Día Nacional del Aliento, celebramos las palabras amables, los choques de manos y los momentos de apoyo que ayudan a nuestros pequeños aprendices a convertirse en personas seguras de sí mismas.

Sigue alentando. Sigue inspirando. Sigue creyendo en nuestros niños. 💚

09/11/2026

The Illinois Family Planning Centers mobile unit will be here on Wednesday, Sept 16. Check out all the services they have to offer.

🚐💙 The Illinois Family Planning Centers Mobile Health Unit is here for you!

Visit the Mobile Health Unit at the Effingham County Health Department on September 16, 2026 for affordable, confidential Title X family planning services, including:

✅ Birth control and contraceptive counseling
✅ STI testing and treatment
✅ Pregnancy testing and options counseling
✅ Preventive reproductive health care
✅ Services for teens and adults

No insurance? No problem. Services are available on a sliding fee scale, and no one is turned away because of their ability to pay.

📍 Effingham County Health Department
📞 Call to schedule your appointment today-- 217-508-4910

09/06/2026

📖🌟 It’s National Read a Book Day!

Did you know that reading aloud helps young children develop vocabulary, creativity, and listening skills? Whether it’s a silly story, a bedtime favorite, or a brand-new adventure, every book helps little minds grow.

What book will you read today? Share your favorite children's title in the comments! 👇

📖🌟 ¡Hoy es el Día Nacional de Leer un Libro!

¿Sabías que leer en voz alta ayuda a los niños pequeños a desarrollar su vocabulario, creatividad y capacidad de escucha? Ya sea una historia divertida, un cuento favorito para la hora de dormir o una aventura totalmente nueva, cada libro ayuda a crecer a las mentes pequeñas.

¿Qué libro leerás hoy? ¡Comparte tu título infantil favorito en los comentarios! 👇

09/05/2026

National Play Outside Day

Did you know that the first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day? It’s a perfect reminder for kids (and adults!) to unplug, get outside, and enjoy fresh air and movement.

Spending time outdoors has so many benefits—boosting mood, improving focus, encouraging creativity, and supporting overall health. Whether it’s playing at the park, riding bikes, exploring nature trails, or simply enjoying backyard games, every little bit of outdoor play makes a big difference.

Ideas to celebrate:

Take a family walk or nature scavenger hunt
Visit a local park or playground
Play a game of tag, soccer, or catch
Have a picnic or read outside

Let’s make it a goal to step outside, breathe deeply, and enjoy the world around us!

09/04/2026

Do you or someone you know have children under the age of 3 or are you expecting and want to join our program that is full of fun and learning? Check out the video below to see what we offer.
Click the link in the comments to enroll or get a call back with more information

09/03/2026

September is Better Breakfast Month, a time to celebrate the importance of starting each day with a nutritious morning meal.

Why Is Breakfast Important for Infants and Toddlers?

Young children grow rapidly during their first three years of life. A healthy breakfast helps provide the nutrients they need for:

🔹Healthy brain development
🔹Physical growth
🔹Learning and play
🔹Energy throughout the morning
🔹Establishing positive eating habits early in life

Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Ages 0-3
👶 Infants (6-12 Months): When developmentally ready and with pediatric guidance:

Iron-fortified infant cereal
Mashed banana or avocado
Plain yogurt
Soft scrambled eggs
Unsweetened applesauce

🧒 Toddlers (1-3 Years)

Try balanced breakfasts that include fruits, whole grains, and protein:

Oatmeal topped with diced fruit
Whole-grain toast with nut butter (spread thinly as appropriate)
Scrambled eggs and fruit
Yogurt with berries
Whole-grain waffles with sliced bananas

Breakfast Tips for Families:
✅ Offer a variety of healthy foods.
✅ Keep portions age-appropriate.
✅ Limit foods high in added sugar.
✅ Encourage children to sit and eat together with family members when possible.
✅ Model healthy eating habits by enjoying breakfast yourself.
✅ Prepare simple breakfast items the night before for busy mornings.

Make Breakfast Fun!
Try these ideas:
🔹Create fruit smiley faces on plates.
🔹Let toddlers help stir oatmeal or wash fruit.
🔹Use colorful foods such as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
🔹Read a favorite book while enjoying breakfast together.

This Month's Family Challenge: During Better Breakfast Month, challenge your family to:
🥣 Eat breakfast together at least three times each week.
🍎 Try one new healthy breakfast food.
📸 Take a photo of your favorite healthy breakfast creation.

Remember: A nutritious breakfast helps children learn, grow, and thrive. By establishing healthy morning routines now, we're helping build a foundation for lifelong wellness. Happy Better Breakfast Month!