Spring into March with Maryland Messenger!

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 03/03/2025 01:15 PM EST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. (en español)

Messenger Header 2024

Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Did You Know Spring Cleaning Can Be Self-Care?

spring cleaning supplies

Springtime often marks a new beginning in the year. As warmer, fresher weather arrives, you may want to freshen up your home too. Cleaning might feel like a chore, but a clean, tidy living space will help you keep you and your family safe and healthy. Also, a neat and well-organized space can make you feel more energized and motivated. So spring cleaning can be a type of self-care, giving your home and your mind a boost.

Not sure where to start on this year’s spring cleaning? Try decluttering your home first. Look for belongings that you no longer use or need and consider donating them or otherwise getting rid of them to make more space in your home.

When you are ready to start cleaning each room, consider making a checklist. This way, you will not miss cleaning any important areas in your home. A list will also help you stay organized and help you prepare and know which supplies you will need on hand.

Fun Ideas for Sensory Play

Sensory play involves activities that engage a child's senses, like touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. From the development of motor skills to problem solving, sensory play has many benefits for your children. Learn how to make two sensory play items in this video from PBS.

Watch the video

Social emotional connection with other children

Encouraging Your Child to Connect with Other Kids

Forming relationships with kids their own age is a major part of a child's development of healthy social and emotional skills. Learning these skills at an early age ensures that your child can grow up with good mental health and an ability to communicate. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler, you can promote positive interactions with other children by:

  • Talking to your child during your usual activities. During your child's morning routine, you can speak aloud to them. Try narrating your actions and responding to them, even if they are still learning how to talk. Hearing you speak can encourage them to do the same.
  • Supporting new social skills. This may mean praising your child when they share with others or use words to express themselves. Your comments can boost their confidence so that they continue this behavior.
  • Reading your child books about what it means to be a friend. Stories can help your child understand social skills that will help them connect with other children their age.
  • Creating opportunities for children to interact. Arrange a playdate with another child around the same age and provide games or activities that let them work together and get to know each other.

Learn more
quality child care provider

What Does Quality Child Care Look Like?

You want to make sure your child receives the best care possible from a child care program. But how can you find the right high-quality provider for your family? A quality child care program should feature:

  • Staff that respond to the needs of each child and family
  • Warm, respectful interactions
  • Developmentally appropriate learning opportunities
  • Activities that reflect children's strengths, interests, and cultures
  • Family engagement in all aspects of the program

Find a quality child care program with each of these values using the Maryland EXCELS directory.
Office of Child Care Maryland Child banner