Got Sleep?

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 05/02/2022 07:35 PM EDT

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Have you been sleeping?

Sleep and mental health

Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. 

Studies show that a good night's sleep improves learning and problem-solving skills. Sleep also helps you pay attention, make decisions, and be creative.

Studies also show that the lack of sleep changes activity in some parts of the brain. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. The lack of sleep has also been linked to depression and other mental health conditions.

Learn more about how sleep impacts your health.
Lifelong Reading Skills

How parents promote early learning

A child's home, family, and daily life have a strong effect on his or her ability to learn. 

You are your child's first teacher, and every day is filled with opportunities to help him or her learn. You can help by: 

  • Reading to your child, beginning when she or he is born
  • Pointing out and talking with your child about the names, colors, shapes, numbers, sizes, and quantities of objects in his or her environment
  • Listening and responding to your child as he or she learns to communicate
  • Practicing counting together

Watch: Developing Lifelong Learners: Reading Skills
Family Activity Time

MFE Presents: Family Activity Time Series (Recognizing and Identifying Emotions)

DYK: understanding emotions is critical to children’s overall development? Helping to recognize and identify emotions also gives children the skills needed to be ready for kindergarten. Teach children to understand and deal with their feelings in healthy and positive ways at home, the program or classroom, and while they are out. Discover more tips and activities to help your children understand their emotions here. https://bit.ly/3c35Cn4
Finding Quality Tip #4

Are you looking for child care? 

If so, this short video series is for you!

TIP 4: CHOOSING A PROGRAM

Now that you’ve searched the Maryland EXCELS Find A Program directory, interviewed providers and visited programs, you’re well on your way to choosing a high-quality program that’s right for your child.

Find your best options for high quality child care and early education programs at MarylandEXCELS.org and search the Find a Program directory.
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