Greetings! The New Year is underway and the world of early childhood is filled with new adventures! Our little ones are learning from the moment they are born. More and more we are recognizing that the early learning experiences we provide can have a great impact on their readiness for school when they reach the kindergarten door and their future health. As parents, every child's first teacher, and as those entrusted with caring for young children while their parents are at work, we have the opportunity every day to support children's healthy development and learning. The stories and sidebar links in this issue are about only a few of these opportunities, happening right now in our community! |
To Our Children's Good Health! 
How can we fight the epidemic of childhood obesity and overweight and make our community a healthier place to raise children? Central Ohio child care programs are partnering in a community-wide effort to start early. Read more |
 AEP Adventures in Science Kits Hit the Road
My daughter received a Science Backpack that was funded by AEP from her preschool. I am SO happy to see programs and resources that support early education. THANK YOU for putting resources in the hands of families to help better prepare our children for the amazing world of learning. Read more |
 The Father Factor
Reconnecting Fathers with their Children
Fathers are saying that some of the biggest things they're learning from the Father Factor program are how to listen to their children rather than just giving advice, how to be more patient and how to have more real family conversations.
|
Child Care Programs are Stepping Up to Quality!
"You look for different things when you're pregnant - the newest building, the most pristine toys. But after you have the baby, you realize it's the people," says a parent interviewed for Drop-Off Drama in January's Columbus Parent magazine. Parents in central Ohio now have tools they can use to recognize high-quality in their child care search; the increasing number of programs that are star-rated in the state's tiered quality rating and improvement system, Step Up to Quality, and those that are nationally accredited. Read more |
Removing the Barriers to School Readiness
Columbus Kids
An Action for Children Wellness Coordinator talks about the impact of the Learning Checkups and continuity of efforts going on in Columbus City Schools neighborhoods:
I connected with a mother of three boys through Columbus Kids outreach at Northland Village Department of Job and Family Services. Her youngest child had been displaying some concerning behavior but the mother was not sure who to turn to with her concerns. Read more |
We hope all of this will give you inspiration and information you can use, as a parent or in your work with young children, in the year ahead! Please let us know if there is information you would like us to share either in our newsletter or on our social networks. We wish you a very happy 2013 filled with good health and new learning opportunities with children!
Sincerely,
Diane Bennett
CEO
|
