Parents: Prepare for Fall!

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Fall Family Fun Outdoors!

Photo of parent and child smiling during fall weather holding pumpkins.

Fall is around the corner! Enjoy the changing of the seasons outside this month with these fun activity ideas for the whole family.

  • Visit a pumpkin patch.
  • Go apple picking.
  • Attend a fall festival.
  • Take a nature walk.
  • Build a scarecrow.
  • Collect colorful leaves.

Photo of woman drinking glass of water in kitchen.

Keep Drinking Water This Fall

During hot summer weather, you need to drink plenty of water to make up for fluids you may sweat out. But as we head into cooler fall months, you should keep drinking water throughout the day.

Did you know that drinking water is an act of self-care? Your body is made of about 60% water, so it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking water keeps your body healthy, making you more able to complete your daily tasks. Staying hydrated can also improve your mood, boost concentration, and help you combat anxiety. Take care of your physical and mental health by drinking plenty of water.

The average person needs to drink eight cups of water per day. Consider carrying a water bottle with you to make it easier to get the water your body needs.


Photo of parent holding baby while using laptop computer.

How to Find Child Care

Choosing a child care program is an important decision. You want to make sure the program suits your family’s needs. But where can a parent start looking for child care? Try these two resources to search for the right child care program for you and your child.

  • Maryland EXCELS Directory: Find a child care program invested in providing high-quality care by searching the directory of programs who participate in Maryland EXCELS.
  • LOCATE: Child Care: Search for licensed child care programs in your area using this online service from Maryland Family Network.

Photo of young child sitting on potty training seat with doll and toys.

Potty Training Made Easier: Tips for Parents

Toilet training is a big step for both children and parents, and it is normal for kids to be ready at different ages. Some children may be ready around age two, while others might not be fully trained until age four. Signs that your child is ready include staying dry for a few hours, telling you when they need to go, following simple directions, and wanting to do things on their own. It helps to keep the process positive by praising successes and staying calm when accidents happen. Make the potty easy to reach, dress your child in clothes they can pull down quickly, and remind them to try throughout the day. Every child learns at their own pace, so patience is key—scolding or comparing them to others can make toilet training harder. Remember, with encouragement, practice, and support, your child will get there in their own time.

Potty training is an important step in building your child’s independence, and while some children are still working on this skill when they start school, you can use the links below for helpful tips to support their progress.


Mother playing with a toddler looking at the Office of Child Care Maryland Child site on a tablet