Child Care Connection

Beginning when your baby is born, there are many things you can do at home to help your child grow and learn. The quality things you do today and every day for your infant, toddler or preschooler help prepare your child to do well in school.

Provide healthy food and a safe, secure environment for your child.

Help your child learn to make friends and get along with others by offering him or her lots of opportunities for play with adults and with other children.

Allow your child to learn at the rate that is best for him or her. There's no need to push formal academic skills too early.

Provide toys and activities that help your child learn and develop at each age.

Ten things you can do to help your child be ready for school.

Always respond quickly to your baby's coos or cries.
Play simple games with your baby, like peek-a-boo and pat-a cake.
Provide a safe place for your baby or toddler to roll, crawl, play and explore.
Read to your child every day and talk about what you are reading.
Provide puzzles, oversize wooden beads for stringing, blocks and other toys.
Provider drawing and art materials to help your child develop prewriting skills.
Encourage pretend play such as "Let's pretend we're going to the store."
Play rhyming games to help your child notice similar sounds.
Ask your child questions that encourage creative thought ("What do you think about...").
Be sure that your child has regular health checkups, including all recommended shots and immunizations.