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By Arielle Tuan 18 Mar, 2024
As parents and caregivers, we naturally want our children to succeed in everything they do. However, learning how to overcome setbacks is also a valuable skill. When kids know that everyone struggles sometimes, even grown-ups, they’ll be able to gain the self-confidence to try again. Whether it’s learning how to ride a bike, completing homework, or reading a new book, it helps that we guide our children and teach them if they don’t succeed the first time, to try again! Celebrating success while managing expectations and high emotions can be challenging. Some of the tips below may be helpful in making sure your child is confident in school and in life! Boosting Your Child’s Self-Esteem Between the ages of 3 and 5, kids start to develop of sense of self and how they fit into the world around them. By building their self-esteem and self-confidence at this stage, we can teach kids how to believe in themselves and show them that they are important. Here are some ways to help boost their self-esteem: Let them lead. Encourage children to engage in self-directed (or independent) play. This will encourage them to come up with their own ideas and will give them more confidence when playing with friends in the classroom. Notice their efforts. Point out and celebrate when you see your child working hard at something. This can help them enjoy themselves in the moment, rather than focusing on the outcome of their goal. Model confidence yourself; set a good example for your kids by showing them that not everything has to be perfect. You can tell them that you get frustrated too, but that it is important to learn from mistakes and try again! It’s Okay to Make Mistakes! Celebrating Disappointments and Successes Learning new things can be frustrating! A little empathy goes a long way to help kids gather their courage to try again. Let your kids know that it’s okay to feel frustrated, and either offer suggestions on how they can try again or suggest taking a break. For example, if they were building a big block tower which then fell over, your child may need to wait until they are less frustrated before trying again. Calming big emotions often needs to happen before children can problem-solve. When they do succeed in building a big tower, you can celebrate their achievement! You can also: Use descriptive praise to show kids that you are giving them your full attention and that you see how hard they’re working. For example, instead of “Good work!” try “Good work figuring out how to share your toy with your friend!” Help your child focus on what has gone well rather than what went wrong. If they were practicing riding a bike, but kept falling over, stay positive; let them know you’re proud of them for learning a new skill and that you can see they’re working hard. Continue showing unconditional love and share that love often. Tell your kids that you are proud of what they accomplished and of who they are. By sharing our love, their confidence will soar! How Confidence Can Help in the Classroom When kids work through challenges, both big and small, they are building skills needed to learn how to persevere in a task. This isn’t a skill that kids are born with, but rather, one that they develop as they continue to experience and practice new things throughout their life. Learning how to keep going will be helpful in school classrooms as kids encounter new subjects and new tasks. When children can name goals that they want to accomplish (for instance, reading a chapter book for the first time, or figuring out a math problem on their own), it will help them to focus their attention, and find ways that they can reach their goal. Learning that results aren’t always right away and that some things take extra effort is an important skill that will help them thrive as they learn. When kids have opportunities to learn and succeed, they will feel confident to take on bigger challenges as they grow. Whatever children do, when they have the love and support of caring adults by their side, they will do great things- from preschool all the way through life! For more parenting tips and ideas, keep up with with our Family Resources page and stay tuned for future workshops that will help your child to grow and succeed.
By Arielle Tuan 15 Mar, 2024
Finding quality care for your child may seem like a simple task, but many parents (myself included) are quickly surprised by all the factors involved when choosing quality child care. Once you decide on which type of child care setting is best for you, many parents then must consider the cost and location, followed by making sure the child care staff are properly trained, whether or not the home or center is licensed, and if the environment is the right fit for your child’s needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when “shopping” for child care. Types of Child Care & How to Find a Site Before starting your search, you’ll want to determine which program’s setting meets your child’s needs (such as a home environment versus a classroom setting), the size of the program, and the space and hours it has available. Child Care Centers - Centers can serve children of a variety of ages and can include full and part-time care. Child care centers may be right for you and your child if you prefer a structured, classroom-like environment with groups of children their same age, a wider variety of equipment and activities, and many adults present. Family Child Care Homes-Family Child Care providers care for a small group of children in their own private residence. Family child care homes may be right for you and your child if you prefer a home-like setting and small group size, and more consistency. Head Start and Early Head Start Programs- These programs are free and federally funded, and they are designed to promote school readiness for families that meet income eligibility requirements. To learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start, visit us here: https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/EHS . To find the child care option that’s best for your family, you can start by calling the Early Learning Coalition Child Care Resource and Referral line at 561-514-3300 to receive information about choosing child care and a personalized child care listing. Review the information provided for each site, including their licensing status, inspection reports, and quality ratings. You can then contact the individual centers you are interested in and find out about their availability, hours of operation, and cost of care. Finally, schedule a time to visit the center to experience the environment firsthand. Questions to Ask & Things to Look For Is the program licensed? Licensing is the main way states and territories regulate child care to ensure children stay healthy and safe. Not all child care options are required to be licensed, so it is important to check what the status is for the program you are considering. Does the program accept financial assistance, or participate in any financial assistance programs? Ask about teacher to child ratios, education, and training requirements for staff. Do program staff undergo background checks as part of the hiring and screening process? Does the program provide meals or snacks? What are the program’s pick-up and drop-off procedures, safety measures, and emergency planning procedures? After visiting the child care site, ask yourself how you felt- did you feel welcomed? Were the children happy and engaged in age-appropriate activities? Which of the providers that you visited made you feel the most comfortable? You can download a tip sheet of additional things to look, listen, and ask for at your child care center here: https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/choosing-quality-child-care-tip-sheets . Additional resources are also available at the Division of Early Learning’s website: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/early-learning . Resources & Financial Assistance If you need assistance paying for child care, there are programs that can help. You may be eligible for vouchers, certificates, or subsidies. Some local nonprofit organizations and child care providers may also offer fee assistance or scholarships.  The Coalition’s Child Care Resource and Referral team are always available to provide you with information, financial advice, and any other questions you may have! Visit us online at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/child-care-resource-referral or call 561-514-3300. We are here to help you every step of the way!
By Arielle Tuan 26 Feb, 2024
If you are a parent with a child attending Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) in Florida, you may soon hear about something called the FAST Assessment. FAST stands for The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. It is the assessment for Florida for VPK through grade eight in Math and VPK through grade ten in Reading. The Star Early Literacy Test is the version of FAST used in all Florida Voluntary Pre-K programs. It is aligned with Florida state standards. It is used to understand each child’s knowledge, skills and abilities in early literacy and math skills. The STAR helps VPK teachers meet each VPK student where they are and plan learning activities. FAST Assessment Overview The FAST is given three times during the VPK year: In the fall, winter, and spring. The assessment is typically taken online, with the child using a computer or tablet, and is most often administered in the fall, winter, and spring of the school year. Your VPK Provider can answer more specific questions on how the assessment is given. Here are some other FAST facts: Their score will indicate one of the four reading levels: Early Emergent Reader, Late Reader, Transitional Reader, and Probable Reader. The FAST assessment will assess skills such as general readiness, phonics, vocabulary, and early numeracy. How Can I Prepare My Child? When thinking about your child’s assessment, it’s good to remember that every child learns and develops at their own pace. You can always speak to your child’s teacher and VPK program for more information about what they are doing in the classroom. Some general tips include: Reading aloud together for at least 15 minutes a day. Talk with your child and ask questions that encourage them to talk. Count and sort everyday items at home. Resources The Coalition is here to support you in getting your child ready for VPK and kindergarten! Parent workshops, such as Anytime is 3Ts Time, are available for you as parents and caregivers with tools that promote the development of children ages zero to three, using the 3Ts (Tune In, Talk More, Take Turns). Our Play & Learn Groups help children learn through play and practice being with their peers. The skills learned through these workshops can help your child as they navigate both the classroom environment and the FAST assessment. Current and upcoming trainings can be found on our Family Resources page. Assessments are important tools that will give you a lot of useful information about your child. You will discover how your child learns best and what they are on track to learn next. If you have any questions, reach out to your child’s VPK provider or give us a call at 561-514-3300; we are here to support you and your child!
By Arielle Tuan 23 Feb, 2024
Black History Month is a great time for you and your family to celebrate African American heroes who have made a difference in our world. Through conversations, books, and activities, we can teach our children the importance of black history in our community and beyond. Connecting through Reading and Activities By kindergarten, many children have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and how he was an advocate for peace and equality. You can also seek out books that celebrate other public African American figures, such as civil rights activist Rosa Parks, former President Barack Obama, and Poet Laureates Amanda Gorman and Maya Angelou. The local libraries have many books and activities. as well as read-alouds and other activities that feature different cultures and races. Here are some other criteria to consider when looking for books that celebrate Black History Month: Check out books written by black authors or illustrators- this is a fun and easy way to help children start exploring the experiences of characters from different backgrounds. Historical biographies of black public figures are great choices; however, you can also look for contemporary stories that celebrate black culture and experiences. Many libraries in Palm Beach County have great resources and events for Black History Month! Check them out here https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?programs=646657d115e0d23700a26282&_gl=1*1ci5q8o*_ga*ODkyMDE1NTcuMTcwNDM3OTAzOQ..*_ga_G99DMMNG39*MTcwNjI4NDE2My40LjAuMTcwNjI4NDE2My4wLjAuMA and stay tuned to the Coalition’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more on Black History Month. Palm Beach County has many activities available for all ages. Check out: Celebrate Black History in The Palm Beaches
By Arielle Tuan 15 Feb, 2024
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By Arielle Tuan 05 Feb, 2024
February is National Children’s Dental Health month! In addition to being good for smiles, healthy teeth help children to chew and speak clearly. Even babies and young children should have their teeth brushed and their gums cleaned, so that one day, their baby teeth can make way for healthy adult teeth. In addition to brushing well, you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy by limiting sugary foods and drinks, and steering clear of sticky foods. There are easy ideas to ensure your child’s smile stays shiny and strong. Fun Tips for Brushing Teeth For some young children, brushing teeth is a learned skill. And as they get older, children may want to brush their teeth themselves, but don’t yet have the skills to get to all their back teeth. My child is at the stage of wanting to do everything himself, but he’s not great at brushing his own teeth, and is usually more interested in squeezing out way too much toothpaste. Here are some ways you can help make brushing fun and efficient: Choose toothbrushes with colors and characters that your child enjoys. For example, my child loves his Spiderman toothbrush. You can also buy toothpaste in a flavor your child likes- many come in flavors such as watermelon, cherry, or mint. Your dentist will tell you what the appropriate amount of toothpaste is depending on your child’s age- for many, it’s just a smear or pea-sized amount. Find a song that’s around two minutes long, and dance along while you brush your teeth until the song is over. This turns the act of brushing teeth into a dance party! Have your child look at their teeth in the mirror and count them. Practice different poses and smiling in the mirror and explain that brushing helps keep teeth nice and strong. Grab a stepstool and let your child stand over the sink while brushing and rinsing. If they want to brush their own teeth, go back over them yourself once they’re done. Going to the Dentist All new experiences will require some getting used to. For kids going to the dentist for the first time, it can be helpful for them to know what to expect. Here are some tips on how to prepare: It’s recommended that children visit the dentist when their first tooth comes through. Take this time to find a pediatric dentist that fits your family. Let the staff know that it is your child’s first time. ·Make the appointment at a time of day when you know your child will be feeling their best. This could be in the morning after a good night’s rest, or in the afternoon after a healthy lunch. Read books and show children pictures of what a dentist’s office looks like. Talk to them about the bright lights, the chair that moves up and down, and the trays of instruments that the dentist will use to look at their teeth. Model Good Dental Behavior You are your child’s first teacher, and the best thing you can do to promote good dental health is by taking care of your own teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind: Be calm and confident when taking your child for their visit.  Brush your own teeth twice a day, and floss once a day. Brush your teeth together with your child. By being a good role model, we can show our children that everyone brushes every day! Brushing well, eating healthy foods, and scheduling regular dental check-ups go a long way in ensuring your child has a healthy mouth. For more resources on dental health, check out our Family Resources page!
By Arielle Tuan 22 Jan, 2024
Is reading often one of your new year’s resolutions? Well, you’re in luck- this week is all about reading! Reading is not only a lifelong skill- it is a cherished activity that can be shared within the family. Reading sparks imagination, helps children develop empathy, and learn more about the world around them. By having not only a week devoted to reading, but reading all year long, your child will be able to enhance their learning inside and outside of the classroom! What is Literacy Week? Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! takes place the week of January 22-26, 2024, with the goal of promoting resiliency through literacy and good reading habits. This annual event has a different theme each year, and this year’s theme is Believe in Your “Shelf” – Building Resiliency Through Reading. This year’s featured book is The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach, which explores themes of confidence, independence, persistence, and resiliency. However, you can read whichever book your child chooses- not only this week, but every week of the year. Magazines, graphic novels, and audiobooks count too! Why is Literacy Important? The benefits of reading go far beyond literacy! Reading can start early; simply exposing children- even babies- to words helps build their language skills, and even the experience of holding a book supports babies’ cognitive development. Reading helps children learn vocabulary and grammar, especially with words that they may not normally hear within their household. Books introduce new ways of putting words together, which helps children make sense of language and build knowledge on a variety of topics. In addition to language and vocabulary, reading can help children develop empathy. Stories can introduce children to characters whose lives are different from theirs, and help them better understand other people’s feelings, cultures, and lifestyles. At the moment, I like to use reading to help my child understand why sharing makes everyone feel happy! How to Include Reading at Home & On the Go Try reading aloud together as a family for a minimum of 15 minutes a day. You can read to your child or have them read to you! Of course, carving out a set time for reading each day is easier said than done- if reading at bedtime isn’t the best for your family, consider reading together at the breakfast table or after school. There may be days when kids want to read on their own, and that’s great! Having a cozy corner for reading can make it that much easier. For very young children, let them explore board books by holding them, practicing turning the pages, and pointing out the pictures to them. And if the books happen to end up in their mouth? No worries!  Take story time outside! Grab a blanket and some books and find a shady spot in your backyard or at a park. Moving story time outside can let them wander while you read aloud- they’ll still catch the words and language! During literacy week and beyond, reading is a wonderful chance to let your child not only hear language, but connect with parents and caregivers. At the Coalition, we celebrate literacy all year long! Visit one of our lending libraries at our Palm Springs or Port Center offices to check out free books and resources for your family: https://elcpalmbeach.library.site/
By Arielle Tuan 18 Jan, 2024
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free program designed for all four-year-old children in Florida, focusing on getting ready for Kindergarten. VPK is available regardless family income. It’s for all Palm Beach County and Florida families the year before kindergarten! VPK teachers are trained to set children up for academic success by exposing them to a classroom environment and supporting their learning. Kids will also learn from their peers and gain the social-emotional skills needed for kindergarten and beyond. Preparation and knowledge are the best ways to feel confident. Getting Ready Reading books can be a great way to help kids who may be a bit nervous about going to VPK. Check your local library or online for stories about other kids who are starting school too! Try to schedule a time for you and your child to meet the teacher and tour the classroom before the first day. An alternative option is to give your child an idea of what their schedule may be like; ask your child’s VPK program for a sample schedule. Communicating with Your Child’s Teacher Teachers aim to work with parents and caregivers on how to best support your child. Schedule a time to talk to your child’s teacher (not necessarily at drop-off and pick-up times, when it can be busy), and discuss your child’s interests and personalities. It’s best to open this initial line of communication early. Ask the teacher how often they give feedback to parents and which method of communication they prefer - some providers utilize apps, while others rely on email or phone calls, or written notes sent home. Ask about your child’s progress! Fortunately, VPK across Florida involves some easy progress check-ins of children at three points through the year using the STAR Early Literacy Assessment and your child’s program will share information unique to your child. This information also helps teachers plan and deliver activities in the classroom that build on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Make the Best of Morning and Drop-Off Routines Have your child help you pack their backpack the night before. You may receive a list from the child’s school about what to bring - such as extra clothes, a lunchbox, and a water bottle- and make sure it’s ready to go in the morning. Start a morning get-ready routine! Regular morning routines will come as your child gets used to their VPK day.  Some kids may exhibit separation anxiety at drop-off, and this is completely normal. Acknowledge their feelings and provide comfort and reassurances. Let them know who will be picking them up, where they will be picked up, and what time. Soon enough, they will skip away and wave goodbye with a smile! We are here to support you every step of the way in your VPK journey- from choosing a provider to preparing for the first day. Visit our website at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/vpk-families to learn more, and contact our Child Care Resource and Referral team with any questions at 561-514-3300.
By Arielle Tuan 03 Jan, 2024
Did you know? Eating healthy and staying active are not only important for a child’s growth and development, but healthy habits can also help boost a child’s academic performance! When bodies and minds are feeling good, the benefits are endless- better focus, more energy, and a decreased chance of developing chronic health conditions. This year, make it a priority to incorporate healthy habits into your family’s everyday life. Promoting Wellness Within Your Family While eating well and exercising are great ways to stay healthy, there are also plenty of other ways for you and your family to stay in tip-top physical and mental shape: Get some fresh air, even if just for a few minutes. Spending time outdoors can help the whole family lower stress levels and increase feelings of well-being. Ensure you and your family are all getting enough sleep. Limiting screen time before bed is one way you can make sure children are getting the recommended hours of sleep for their age. Setting good bedtime routines is another great way to promote healthy sleep habits. Regularly check in with your children and other members of the family; ask how school is going, if there is anything they are worried about that you can help with, or even just how they’re feeling that day. Let them know that you are always there for them if they need to talk, or even if they just need a hug. Staying Healthy Can be Fun! Let’s be honest: We all have moments where we want to reach for the chips before we reach for an apple or banana, or times where we choose watching our favorite television show over a physical activity. However, by making healthy eating fun, there is a higher chance that more fruits and vegetables will make it onto your child’s plate during snack and mealtimes. Additionally, regular physical activity is also fun, and comes with many health benefits- including stronger bones and muscles! Here are some tips on how to promote staying healthy in a fun way: Let your child help cook healthy meals and snacks. Have them choose the recipe, wash vegetables and fruits, and/or stir the bowl. Kids are more likely to try healthy foods if they help in the kitchen! Go grocery shopping together! Have your child pick out some new things they might like, such as a different type of apple from the kind they normally eat, or new breads, meats, and cheeses. Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine. Take walks, ride bikes, or visit playgrounds together. Tips for Picky Eaters Picky eaters require some patience. A child may need to try a food multiple times over several months before they start to like it. And if they still don’t like it? That’s okay too! There are plenty of healthy foods out there, and one of them is sure to delight your child’s taste buds! In our family, we try to follow the basic rule of “You don’t have to like it, but you have to try it.” And while that doesn’t work 100% of the time, it’s a good way to get your child to try different things. Here are some other ways to help picky eaters: Put together a list of new foods for your family to try and make a game out of it- have your child pick which new food you’ll try for dinner that night! Tell your child about a food or recipe you haven’t liked in the past and explain that you’re giving it another chance because your taste buds may have changed. This may encourage your child to give something a second chance too! As long as your child is healthy and is eating a variety of foods, no need to worry over every uneaten fruit or vegetable. As kids grow, so will their taste buds and willingness to try new things. Conclusion  Remember, your child is always learning from you! You can help promote healthy habits by being a good role model- eat healthy snacks with your child and listen to your body’s needs. There will be days when rest and relaxation take priority over everything else, and that is perfectly fine! Check out our Family Resources webpage for more tips on how to stay healthy and active: https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .
By Arielle Tuan 25 Dec, 2023
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are holidays that are traditionally depicted with grown-up events and parties. Here are a few exciting ways to involve them in the celebrations and spend some time as a family before the 2023 holiday season ends: Have your own party! Dress up and have dinner (gourmet grilled cheese, anyone?), and pour some non-alcoholic sparkling cider or apple juice to “cheers” at the table!  Are the kids having trouble stating up late? Have a slumber party in the living room with blankets and pillows and celebrate the New Year along with a country that has an earlier time zone, such as the United Kingdom, who are five hours ahead of Florida local time (therefore, they’ll be ringing in the New Year when it’s only 7pm for us)! If your little ones are excited for fireworks, check out a safe, public fireworks display run by professionals. If your kids are like my child and get nervous around loud noises, it’s okay to stay inside and bust out some glow in the dark toys or jewelry instead! Create a bucket list of goals for your family for 2024. Are there any places you’d like to visit? Any books you’d like to read? Additionally, talk about all that you accomplished in 2023! Did you overcome a fear or learn something new? A lot can happen in a year! New Year’s Day means school is starting soon, and the end-of-holiday blues can kick in- but don’t worry! Make the most of the last few hours of vacation by doing all your family’s favorite things- rewatch a favorite movie, reread a favorite book, cook a favorite meal, and wear your favorite pajamas. Do a mixture of everyone’s favorite things to keep the night exciting and nostalgic. Do your best to take the New Year one step at a time, and focus on building thoughtful, easy everyday activities within the home. What’s important is making more time to spend together as a family throughout the new year. Have a happy and healthy start to 2024 and have a great time creating new memories and connections with your little ones! For more family activities, visit our Family Resources page at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .
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