DC Child Care Connections

09/03/2026

As preschool and kindergarten students head into their first day of school, a few simple traditions can make the morning feel extra special—and help turn those first-day jitters into excitement. 💛

📸 Take a first-day photo
🥞 Enjoy a special breakfast
💌 Tuck a little note into their backpack
🎉 Plan a fun after-school treat or activity
💬 DC families: How are you making the first day special for your little one?

Find more first-day-of-school ideas for families from Mommy Poppins DC
https://mommypoppins.com/anywhere-kids/schools/first-day-of-school-activities-traditions-families

Wishing all of our DC preschoolers, kindergarteners, families, and educators a wonderful first day and a great start to the school year! 🍎✨

09/03/2026

Giving young children opportunities to make choices, help with simple tasks, and try things on their own can help build confidence and independence.

Here are some tips from The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of practical ways families can encourage toddlers and young children as they learn to do more for themselves.

💬 What’s one thing your little one loves doing independently?

The years of toddlers and twos should be some of the most joyful years for you and your child. These children grow by leaps and bounds—walking, talking, laughing, singing, helping, and gaining new life experiences every day.

09/01/2026

🌟 **Little tasks can build big confidence!**

As children prepare for preschool, learning to do simple things on their own—like **washing their hands, feeding themselves, or putting on a coat**—can help them feel more confident and independent.

Families can encourage these skills at home by giving children opportunities to practice, even when it takes a little extra time. 💛

💬 **What’s something your child is proud to do “all by myself”?**

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🌟 **¡Las pequeñas tareas pueden generar una gran confianza!**

A medida que los niños se preparan para el preescolar, aprender a hacer cosas sencillas por sí mismos—como **lavarse las manos, comer solos o ponerse y quitarse el abrigo**—puede ayudarlos a sentirse más seguros e independientes.

Las familias pueden fomentar estas habilidades en casa dándoles oportunidades para practicar, incluso cuando les tome un poco más de tiempo. 💛

💬 **¿Qué cosa le enorgullece a su hijo poder hacer “yo solito”?**

https://childmind.org/article/how-to-build-independence-in-preschoolers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Strategies for helping youngsters develop skills to do things on their own -- self-confidence, planning, and problem-solving.

08/29/2026

🎒 Is your little one getting ready for preschool?

Preschool readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers. Everyday skills—like following routines, communicating needs, interacting with others, and becoming more independent—can help children feel confident as they start school.

Teaching Littles shares a helpful checklist families can use as they prepare for this big transition.

✅📝 Explore the preschool readiness checklist⁠
https://www.teachinglittles.com/child-know-before-preschool-checklist/

08/26/2026

💛 Does your little one have a hard time saying goodbye?

💛 What helps your child feel more comfortable at drop-off or goodbye time?

Separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood, but that doesn’t mean drop-offs and goodbyes are always easy—for children or their families.

The American Academy of Pediatrics shares how separation anxiety can look at different ages, along with practical tips to help make transitions a little easier.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx ⁠

Separation anxiety varies WIDELY between children. Some babies become hysterical when mom is out of sight for a very short time, while other children seem to demonstrate ongoing anxiety at separations during infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool.

08/19/2026

🧪 Science happens every day! / ¡La ciencia sucede todos los días! Not sure where to start? The Conversation US published an article with 5 simple, home-based activities to help your child’s scientific learning.

Check it out: https://theconversation.com/all-it-takes-is-paint-and-pancakes-how-to-boost-your-preschoolers-science-skills-275226

08/18/2026

🛒 Grocery shopping = learning time!

A trip to the grocery store can help young children practice counting, build vocabulary, make choices, and learn about the world around them.

Try asking your child to count the apples, name different foods, or help find an item on your list.

💬 What’s your child’s favorite job at the grocery store?

Learn more from Parents



https://www.parents.com/grocery-shopping-is-a-learning-experience-for-kids-12014433

If taking your kids to the grocery store is part of your weekly routine, you might try some of these tips to make the trip one that is both educational and helps the family bond.

08/16/2026

Safety basics to teach and remember

Here are a few quick reminders to share with kids as they head back to school and spend more time walking around the community:

1. Use crosswalks and sidewalks!

2. Look right, left, and right again before crossing the street.

3. Make eye contact with any drivers at the crosswalk before crossing the street.

4. If listening to music, remove headphones or lower the volume before crossing the street.

5. Use a cellphone only in a safe area, away from traffic.

08/15/2026

💙 Big feelings? Try a cozy blanket and a calming chat.

🩵 ¿Grandes sentimientos? Prueba una manta acogedora y una charla relajante.

08/12/2026

🌱 Every child is born curious! Ask questions, explore nature, and let your little scientist discover the world.

What's your child's favorite or current 'why' question?