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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners
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Parents and at-home caregivers have the most important role in getting young children ready to enter school. This November is a great time to celebrate families and strengthen their level of engagement in their children’s education.
What does family engagement look like at home? Try asking your child these questions!
- What was something interesting you learned today?
- What did you find challenging?
- What questions do you still have?
- Can you teach me something you learned?
Looking for more family engagement opportunities? Reach out to your local Judy Center Early Learning Hub for family activities, parenting classes, and more support for families with young children.
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Office of Early Childhood Website Update
The Office of Early Childhood website is currently down. Links to the website redirect to an archived version of the site. Users can access information and documents, but please note that they may be out of date on the archived website.
The Early Childhood website will soon be moving to the MSDE website. While the current website is down, if you are having trouble locating documents or information, please contact us at earlychildhood.msde@maryland.gov.
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Did You Know?
Family Engagement Promotes Healthy Child Development
When a family is engaged and active in a child’s learning, they can better form healthy social and emotional skills. These skills help a child prepare to enter school and have the necessary tools to thrive. Check out more ways family engagement can help your child grow:
- Family engagement leads to better behavior and social skills outside the home.
- Participation from family in a child’s learning shows improved reading and math skills, making them more ready for school.
- Communication and bonding at home can help a child feel secure and more confident in school.
- Good habits at an early age create a strong foundation to allow a child to have higher grades and attendance later in life.
Learn more about family engagement.
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Thinking About Pre-K? You Have Options!
Is your child turning 3 or 4 years old by September 1? They may be ready for prekindergarten (Pre-K)!
Pre-K can be found at several types of programs in Maryland, such as:
- Elementary schools
- Child care centers
- Family child care homes
- Private preschools
Many programs across Maryland offer state-funded Pre-K at no cost to income-eligible families. Find more about Pre-K, including details about how to qualify and a list of Pre-K programs, at prek.marylandchild.org.
Want to enroll in a Pre-K program? Reach out to the program directly to learn what is needed to apply.
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Self Care Tips During Seasonal Change
Daylight savings time just ended on November 1st, and you might find yourself adjusting to the shorter hours of sunlight in the coming season. Combined with colder, harsher weather and busy school and holiday schedules, feelings of stress and lower moods can be common this time of year for parents.
But you can take steps to manage these seasonal changes with these self-care tips. Take action and boost your wellness this fall!
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Plan to get some sun. With less daylight, you should find time to spend outside or by a window to enjoy the benefits of the sun before it sets.
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Remember what you’re thankful for. Thanksgiving is coming soon, and it’s a great time to think about the positive aspects of your life that bring you gratitude.
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Find a mindfulness practice that works for you. When you’re feeling down, try journaling or breathing exercises that can ground you and make you feel more at ease.
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Try something new. Exploring a new area or engaging in a new hobby can shake up your routine in a refreshing way.
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Take care of yourself. You will feel better mentally and emotionally when your physical needs (sleep, diet, and exercise) are met.
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