Tiny Teeth
Good oral health care should start at birth because the CDC says that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children with healthier teeth.
Resources
Care of the Mouth and Teeth (Johns Hopkins University)
Stop the Spanking
If a young child won't do as they are told, what's the harm in a little smack on the behind? Well, there is an ever-growing body of evidence that shows spanking does much more harm than good.
Resources
The Power of Dads
We know that fathers are important in a child’s life and to their development. Sometimes it’s important to remember exactly just how important they are.
Resources
Music is Fun
No matter if you’re playing music with a group or singing in the shower, music is an important outlet. Did you know music can also promote a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development? Find out more!
Resources
5 Reasons Why Music is Important for Early Childhood Development (Port Discovery)
Why Making Music Matters (Carnegie Hall)
Diversity in Early Childhood
We live in very diverse world and the best early learning environments – at child care and at home-- reflect the diversity of real life. Find out why.
Resources
12 Books to Help Children Understand Race (The Smithsonian Institution)
Talking To Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS)
Children Notice Race Several Years Before Adults Want to Talk About It (American Psychological Association)
An Investment Worth Making
Maryland has shown its commitment to young children through a series of investments and legislation but much more is needed. Learn more.
Resources
Our Accomplishments (Maryland Family Network)
Investments in Early Childhood Development: Reduce Deficits, Strengthen the Economy (The Heckman Equation)
Water Safety
Summer’s here and the time is right…for swimming! That also means it’s time to stay vigilant when your child is in or near the water. Learn more.
Resources
Water Safety for Children (Zero to Three)
Do Your Part, Be Water Smart (The American Red Cross)
We Want a Better Future
In January, National polling data told us that nearly three fourths of voters, across party lines, said they would be willing to provide local funding for early care and education by increasing their own taxes. As we now head full-steam into the 2022 general election season, we need to be asking candidates: “Are you ready to give the people what they want?”
Hunger and Abuse
We must consider not just the bottom line but long-term impacts that benefits, or cutting benefits, can have on a child and on the generations that follow.
Resources
Food assistance program may help prevent child maltreatment (Ohio State University)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Maryland Department of Human Services)
How Head Start Can Help You Access Food Assistance (Head Start)
What Hunger Looks Like in Maryland (Feeding America)
Know the Odds Baby
Taking a four-month old to racetrack? No way. Taking a six-month old? That might just be a sure thing!
Resources
Study Shows Six-Month Old Babies Have a Sense of Probability (SciTech Daily)
Peek A Boo (Parent Trust for Washington Children)