Family Fun for the New Year!

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 01/02/2026 09:50 AM EST

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Avoid Winter Boredom with These Activity Ideas

Child and parent smiling playing with toy blocks at home.

Freezing temperatures and early sunsets can keep your children indoors. But staying inside does not have to be boring. Check out these fun activities you and your family can do in your home this winter.

  • Build a blanket fort. Break out your sheets, pillows, and blankets and set up cozy tents. You can even turn it into an indoor camping adventure with sleeping bags and snacks.
  • Hold a family game night. Play board games, card games, or puzzles with the whole family. Many puzzles and games can help your child improve their math and cognitive skills too.
  • Plan a dinner party. Use your favorite plates and napkins and decorate the table any way you like. Wear fancy clothes or costumes, cook a special meal together, and turn dinnertime into a fun, memorable event.
Over the shoulder hand writing in schedule planner with notes.

January is Get Organized Month!

Feeling frazzled or messy? The start of a new year can be the ideal time for you to get organized!

January is known as Get Organized Month. When you get organized, you can save time, reduce stress, and feel more confident. But where do you begin? These ideas can help you get organized at home, work, and in your overall life:

  • Start with a checklist: When you make a plan to get organized, you can have more success in achieving your goals. You can mark off tasks as you go, ensuring nothing is accidentally skipped or forgotten.
  • Declutter your space: Getting rid of trash and finding designated places for your things will make your home or workspace cleaner and less hectic.
  • Make a schedule: When your calendar gets busy, you might feel stressed wondering how you can get everything done without missing anything. Create a timetable—whether you use a calendar, a planner, a mobile app, or another platform—that lists meetings, tasks, and other items on your agenda so that you can feel more confident tackling your schedule.

Learn more
Young child playing in snow outside during winter weather.

Winter Safety Tips for Kids

Winter weather can be harsh, especially for young children. Ensure you and your family stay safe this season with these outdoor winter safety tips.

  • Cover children’s heads, necks, and hands outside to prevent frostbite and keep warm in cold temperatures.
  • Make sure children drink plenty of fluids. Dry winter air can lead to dehydration quickly.
  • Schedule break times when playing outside where children come indoors to warm up.
  • Wear sunscreen. You can still get sunburn outside even in the wintertime.
Children laughing with early childhood education provider in child care setting.

Why Is High-Quality Child Care and Early Education Important?

Child care ensures your children are safe and cared for when you are at work, school, or away from home. Trust in your child care providers is crucial. But did you know that choosing a high-quality child care program is important for your child’s education too?

When you select a high-quality child care program, your child will learn skills at an early age that will prepare them for school. This way, they can enter kindergarten with a strong educational foundation, putting them in the best position to succeed.

Maryland EXCELS promotes quality in child care programs by offering awards for programs that meet nationally recognized standards. Learn more and find a quality child care program near you at marylandexcels.org.
Mother playing with a toddler looking at the Office of Child Care Maryland Child site on a tablet