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News from the week of August 23, 2010

• Barb Gallick and Lisa Lee, team teachers at Illinois State University Child Care Center, share tips on decreasing the number of transitions in child care programs. More…
• The 2010 America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being reports on the well-being of children and families. Indicators include those related to health, education, behavior, demographics, and economic circumstances. More…

News from the week of August 16, 2010

• The Illinois State Board of Education has adopted new rules requiring that teachers in Early Childhood Block Grant preschool programs meet bilingual certification requirements by July 1, 2014. The rules proceed to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for further review. More… (PDF)
• Is your child starting at a new preschool or child care center, returning from summer vacation, or moving to a new classroom? You can help your child cope with the change. More…

News from the week of August 9, 2010

• Barbara Bowman from the Chicago Public Schools and Reyna Hernandez of the Latino Policy Forum discuss educating preschoolers whose native language isn't English in an EdWeek Chat. More…
• What are the elements of an effective preschool math program? Find helpful student activities and read about new research findings related to teaching preschool math. More…

News from the week of August 2, 2010

• Family child care providers, network supervisors, college instructors, and consultants are invited to attend the Business Administration Scale (BAS) for Family Child Care training event at National-Louis University McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership in Wheeling, Illinois, August 23-25, 2010. More…
• Hot August afternoons are perfect times to find a shady outdoor spot—or a cool place inside—and read a good book with your child. For book suggestions, consider this list of recommended books. If your child is entering preschool or kindergarten, you can also ask the school if there is a list of suggested titles to read over the summer. More… (PDF)

News from the week of July 26, 2010

• A new toolkit to help caregivers and teachers support healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood settings is available from the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children. More…
• What are the lasting effects of early childhood education programs? Read a recent analysis of 120 studies carried out over 5 decades. More… (PDF)

News from the week of July 19, 2010

• Summer is a great time for families to spend time together. Try out some of these fun activities with your children. More… PDF

• Developmental screenings help teachers and caregivers find out if children need further tests for possible developmental delays or disorders. This newsletter from Healthy Child Care America discusses implementing the screening process. More… PDF

News from the week of July 12, 2010

• Find out the average wages, benefits, education levels, and staff turnover rates in child care centers and family child care programs in a new report from the Illinois Department of Human Services. More…
• Experts urge us to give young children more opportunities for high-quality, hands-on introductions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In preschool, science can be taught in the context of play. More...

News from the week of July 5, 2010

• “Engaging Prekindergarten Environments for Young Learners” is the focus of a workshop taking place on July 21, 2010, in Rockford, Illinois. More… PDF
• Physical distance and parenting styles can come between grandparents, their children, and their grandchildren, but encouraging a close relationship between grandchildren and grandparents benefits everyone. More…

News from the week of June 28, 2010

• Are you a trainer or agency that provides training? Join the Gateways to Opportunity Registry to help you validate and publicize the training activities you offer to early care and education professionals and school-age and youth development professionals in Illinois. More…
• Children love learning new things and figuring out how the world works. You can boost your child’s critical thinking skills by putting a fun, scientific spin on daily routines. More…

News from the week of June 21, 2010

• Read the stories of two teachers who received their Infant Toddler Credential through Gateways to Opportunity. More…
• Does your child care center have a comprehensive risk management plan? Developing a well-crafted risk management plan can help prevent accidents and minimize the damage when a crisis does occur. More… (PDF)

News from the week of June 14, 2010

• Find out how the hourly wages of child care workers and preschool, kindergarten, and elementary teachers compare across the 50 states. More…
• Following directions is an important skill for a child to learn. Playing family games can help develop this skill while you and your child have fun together. More…

News from the week of June 7, 2010

• The Program Administration Scale (PAS) was developed at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership to measure administrative practices in center-based programs. A study using the PAS provides a window into the administrative practices of a large sample of U.S. center-based programs. More… (PDF)
• A recent report from the National Early Literacy Panel links reading and writing skills that are developed in the years from birth to age 5 to later conventional literacy skills. More… (PDF)

News from the week of May 31, 2010

• Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4? Here are some tips to prevent childhood drowning. More…(PDF) Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• Have fun with your child outside on a beautiful spring day. A game of “bunny hoop” can help your child develop large muscle skills and balance. You’ll need two or three old hula hoops and room to jump. More…

News from the week of May 24, 2010

• Find out how you can support children’s science, math, literacy, and language development outdoors at “Day Camp for Early Childhood Educators: Inside Out” on June 7, 2010, in Quincy, Illinois. More…
• Reading with your toddler is a powerful way to help her learn new words and develop a love of books. This handout describes ways to encourage early literacy skills. More… (PDF)

News from the week of May 17, 2010

• Lead exposure in early childhood can cause lower IQs, learning difficulties, and behavior problems. A new report looks at protecting children from exposure to lead. More...
  Check out the IEL Tip Sheet Preventing Lead Poisoning in Children. More…
• Playing outside is good for your child, but parents need to be aware of safety in the sun. Protect children from sunburns now and from skin cancer later in life. More…

News from the week of May 10, 2010

• Visit the library with your child or just share a book you both enjoy during National Children's Book Week—May 10-16, 2010. Print out a bookmark or take a look at the “Children’s Choices” book suggestions on the Children’s Book Week Web site. More…
• Entrepreneurs who own home-, group-, or center-based child care businesses are invited to the 12th Annual Child Care Business Expo taking place at the Chicago Hilton and Towers on May 22, 2010. More…

News from the week of May 3, 2010

• Coping with challenging behavior, the importance of play, and developing language and literacy in very young children are among the topics to be covered at Head to Toe: The Midwest Interactive Infant-Toddler Conference in Chicago on May 22, 2010. More…
• Enjoy being outdoors with your child on a beautiful day by going on a spring scavenger hunt. Talk about what you saw when you return home. More…

News from the week of April 26, 2010

• Where does music fit in the early childhood classroom? Read how one teacher pairs music and play to promote children’s development. More…
• Join other early childhood administrators, lead teachers, supervisors, and trainers at this year’s Leadership Connections event in Wheeling, Illinois, May 13-15, 2010. More…

News from the week of April 19, 2010

• Parents can help their children learn math concepts while playing “I Spy” in the car. Check out this PBS activity page to find out how! More…
• As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois shares 20 tips for new moms and dads, 20 ways to say I love you, and 20 family resolutions for the new year. More…

News from the week of April 12, 2010

• Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4. Lack of adult supervision is often a common factor in these deaths. The “Get Water Wise…Supervise!” campaign Web site contains brochures, posters, coloring books, and other materials about water safety. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• What are the most important gifts that a parent can give a child? According to child care experts, the first is love and the second is discipline—providing guidelines and support for young children while they are learning. More…
• Are you a teacher or caregiver looking for an interesting professional development event? The Illinois Project Group Spring Meeting will be held April 24, 2010, at the College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. More... (PDF)

News from the week of April 5, 2010

• Join other families, home visitors, early childhood teachers, and administrators in Springfield on April 14, 2010, for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. At this free event, you will learn about current budget issues involving Preschool for All, home visiting, and child care. More…
• April is Autism Awareness Month! It is estimated that 1 in 110 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. Teachers and parents can help children understand more about a friend or classmate who has autism. More… (PDF)

News from the week of March 29, 2010

• Thinking about advancing your professional achievement by applying for a Gateways to Opportunity Credential? Read the credential journeys of early care and education and school-age and youth development practitioners in Illinois. More…

• What vaccinations does your child need? Have the recommendations changed to include the H1N1 vaccine? A recent article includes a link to an updated immunization schedule, a discussion of the reasons each specific vaccine is needed, and suggestions on helping children cope with vaccinations. More…

News from the week of March 22, 2010

• Many parents are concerned about their children’s weight. According to new research, families can develop three habits that may lessen the chances that their children will become obese. More…
• Martin Srajek and Jim Linder of the Infant-Parent Institute will present a workshop titled “What Are Little Boys Made Of?” on April 10, 2010, in Urbana, Illinois. More…

News from the week of March 15, 2010

• Has your child attended a private kindergarten? She may be eligible to begin first grade in a public school if she will turn 6 by December 31, 2010, as a result of new legislation passed in January. More…
• “Winds of Change” is the theme of this year’s NACCP conference for child care professionals. The national conference will take place in Chicago on April 20–23, 2010. More…

News from the week of March 8, 2010

• The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) will take place April 11-17, 2010. Check out the many Tip Sheets related to the WOYC theme—Early Years Are Learning Years. More…
• Anyone who cares for babies can learn more about reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by taking a free online course from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Child care providers and health care professionals can receive continuing education credits for completing the course. More… (PDF)
• Are you a teacher or caregiver looking for an interesting professional development event? The Illinois Project Group Spring Meeting will be held April 24, 2010, at the College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. More... (PDF)
  

News from the week of March 1, 2010

• Teaching and Learning in Two Languages with Infants and Toddlers is the title of the Infant Toddler Conference in Des Plaines, Illinois, on March 6,2010. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• How do you know if your child has a food allergy? Other food-related illnesses can be confused with food allergies, and it’s important for parents to know the difference. More…

News from the week of February 22, 2010

• A recent report gives local stakeholders a set of indicators that can support communities in their efforts to implement and assess effective programs that promote young children’s social-emotional well-being. More… (PDF)
• The Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development will hold its annual Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois, on March 4-5, 2010. More…

News from the week of February 15, 2010

• What does high-quality play look like for infants and toddlers and why is it vital to healthy child development? Read more in the Infant & Toddler Play, Toys & Media Action Guide. More… (PDF)
• Check out the new Web site from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Healthy Children. The new site includes sections titled “Ages & Stages,” “Healthy Living,” “Safety & Prevention,” and “Health Issues.” More…

News from the week of February 8, 2010

• Find out how you can help children meet the Illinois Early Learning Benchmarks through active games in a workshop presented by Jean Mendoza on February 27, 2010, in Normal, Illinois. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• Toddlers have limited self-control and are just beginning to use words to communicate. As parents, one of your most important jobs is to help your toddler understand and communicate his feelings in acceptable, non-aggressive ways. More...

News from the week of February 1, 2010

• February is dental health month, a good time to review and share two IEL Tip Sheets: Dental Health for Babies and Get Ready for a Good Dental Check Up.
• The State of Care Index outlines how much an average family with young children spends on child care each year and how that cost is affected by having a child with special needs. More…

News from the week of January 25, 2010

• Tweety Yates is the presenter at a February 19, 2010, workshop titled “The Day the Bad Words Came to School & Other Tales of Linking Literacy and Social Emotional Development,” taking place in Orland Park, Illinois. More…
• Learning to cooperate is an important skill children can develop while having fun. Teach them some cooperative games to play with friends. More…

News from the week of January 18, 2010

• Strengthening Families Illinois (SFI) works to improve the quality of family-partnership practices in early childhood programs. More (PDF)
• Preschoolers benefit from experiences that help them use “pre-writing” drawings and letter-like symbols to represent their ideas and feelings.More...

News from the week of January 11, 2010

• Find out how to implement family child care practices that improve business stability at the Family Child Care Institute taking place on February 27 and again on May 15, 2010, in Wheeling, Illinois. More…
• Children are naturally curious about the world and want to find out as much as they can. A recent Exchange article outlines six components of a preschool scientific method. More…

News from the week of January 4, 2010

• You can have a lot of family fun in cold weather. Take time to play together—you will all feel good! More… (PDF)
• The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to practitioners working in early care and education programs to help pay for early childhood education and child development coursework and degrees. More...

News from the week of December 28, 2009

• A new study shows that a special intensive early intervention program for toddlers with autism succeeded in boosting IQ along with children's language and social skills. More…
• Cultivating Readers, a free, online, parent-friendly, magazine from the National Center for Family Literacy, provides strategies for promoting reading throughout a child's early years. More… (PDF)

News from the week of December 21, 2009

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges parents and caregivers to stop using the recently recalled Stork Craft drop-side cribs. Read more about this important recall. More…
• Analysis of the Family Child Care Network Impact Study of 150 family child care providers in Chicago is now available, along with recommendations for improving the quality of family child care. More…

News from the week of December 14, 2009

• New findings from the Nielsen Company report that children ages 2-5 spend more than 32 hours a week, on average, watching TV. More…
  Read a related tip sheet on how too much television can be a barrier to children’s opportunities to play. More…
• What are “natural environments” and why are they important for young children with disabilities? Read more in Early Intervention, the quarterly newsletter published by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse in Champaign. More… (PDF)

News from the week of December 7, 2009

• Lilian Katz reflects on a dilemma inherent to teacher education in the fall issue of Inside Gateways. More…
• Opening Minds is the largest early childhood conference in our region. The conference will take place in Chicago on January 28-30, 2010. Registration is now open! More…

News from the week of November 30, 2009

• Family Perspectives, A Time for Reflection, a workshop taking place on December 8, 2009, in Peoria, Illinois, will help providers develop family-centered program supports. More…
• Among the titles of the Daily Parent newsletter prepared by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are “Moving on to Kindergarten”; “Parent-Caregiver Communication”; and “Early Literacy: A Family Matter.” More…
• Looking to sidestep the commercialization of the holidays? The tips in this guide to commercial-free holidays can help. More....
  And check out the Tip Sheet titled Making the Holidays Memorable and Meaningful. More...

News from the week of November 23, 2009

• What is the difference between rough-and-tumble play and fighting? Is there a place for rough- and-tumble play in early childhood programs? More…
• Every child encounters some upsets in life. Parents can help their children build the capacity to deal with a sometimes difficult world. More…

News from the week of November 16, 2009

• How can early childhood professionals support dual language learners in their programs? More...(PDF)
• Identifying learning disabilities early can make it easier for children to get the support they need. More…

News from the week of November 9, 2009

• Many parents are concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines recommended by their child’s health care provider. Dozens of studies have been performed on the most common vaccines. Take a look at the evidence for yourself. http://www.aap.org/immunization/families/faq/vaccinestudies.pdf (PDF)
• Join the Gateways to Opportunity Registry to help you keep track and update your record of professional achievements—the college coursework and other training you complete for your professional development. The Registry can also help you publicize the training activities you offer to early care and education, school-age and youth development, and family support professionals in Illinois. More…

News from the week of November 2, 2009

• Even though children love repetition, they also naturally look for what’s new and different. That's because exploring and conquering something new makes them feel good! More…
• Are you the parent or teacher of a young child with special needs? The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, invites you to an Open House on Thursday, November 5, 2009, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, at the Children’s Research Center in Champaign. Come visit the EI Clearinghouse library in its new location and check out the resources available to you. More...

News from the week of October 26, 2009

• Read tips on making the most of playtime with your infant and toddler. More… (PDF)
• Are you the parent or teacher of a young child with special needs? The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, invites you to an Open House on Thursday, November 5, 2009, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Children’s Research Center in Champaign. Come visit the EI Clearinghouse library in its new location and check out the resources available to you. More...

News from the week of October 19, 2009

• A new communication toolkit from the Centers for Disease Control is available to help center-based and home-based child care programs implement recommendations from CDC's Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season. More…
• Illinois is one of the 10 least affordable states for infant care in a center setting, according to Parents and the High Price of Child Care, a NACCCRA publication. More…

News from the week of October 12, 2009

• Looking for ways to provide nutritious meals for children in your program in a cost-effective way? Sign up for Color My Meals Healthy, a workshop offered by the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program. More…
• Science involves things that you do naturally with your child each day: asking questions, using our senses, and discovering new ideas. More… (Word doc)

News from the week of October 5, 2009

• The Illinois Summit on Early Childhood and Healthy Beginnings will take place on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana, Illinois, on October 15-16, 2009. More...
• Check out these 5 easy ways to support writing at home with your preschool child. More…

News from the week of September 28, 2009

• Education Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois, a guide to help parents understand special education laws and procedures, was revised in June 2009 to incorporate changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. More…
• Encouraging preschoolers to be active is good for them now and can have lasting benefits. A recent study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, indicates that kids who are active at age 5 end up with less fat at age 8 and 11, even when controlling for their accumulated level of activity. More…
• The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) is offering a 10-week online course titled “Promoting Social and Emotional Competence for Preschool Children” starting October 6, 2009.  Participants can receive 4 college credits, CPDUs, or CEUs. More…
• A new communication toolkit from the Centers for Disease Control is available to help center-based and home-based child care programs implement recommendations from CDC's Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season. More…
• Endless Possibilities is the title of the 11th Sharing a Vision Conference taking place in Lombard, Illinois, October 7-9, 2009. More…

News from the week of September 21, 2009

• Alison Gopnik will provide the keynote presentation at the Annual Conference of the Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health, which takes place on October 2, 2009, at the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Chicago.
• A beautiful autumn day is the perfect time for a fall “touch walk” with your preschool child. Help her appreciate the season and encourage observation skills by looking for colorful leaves or fallen acorns. More…

News from the week of September 14, 2009

• Parents and caregivers can check for recalls of equipment that poses a danger to infants and toddlers on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the “Close-Sleeper/Bedside Sleeper” bassinets. More…
• Join parents, teachers, pediatricians, families, friends, and neighbors in celebrating Television Turnoff Week September 20-26, 2009. Plan now for fun activities to share. Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.

News from the week of September 7, 2009

• Covering Pre-K? New Investments in Our Littlest Learners (PDF) is a primer for journalists, policy makers, and business leaders from the Hechinger Institute on Education and the Media. Topics covered include PreK curricula, reporting on PreK research, and examining return-on-investment claims. More…
• Instead of using simple words that children can easily grasp, researchers suggest that teachers help students stretch their capabilities to build vocabulary by using “big” words. More...

News from the week of September 1, 2009

• A recent study found that bilingual children meet language development milestones at the same ages as their peers and that bilingual children may be more efficient in acquiring new information. More…
• The Children and Family Research Center at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides an analysis of child abuse or neglect data in the Illinois Kids Count Report. More…

News from the week of August 24, 2009

• Spending time outdoors improves the physical and mental well-being of children and adults alike. The Children & Nature Network has designed a toolkit for families interested in starting a local Nature Club. More... (PDF)
• Many parents are concerned about the risk of H1N1 flu (swine flu). The American Academy of Pediatrics provides answers to frequently asked questions about the virus. More…

News from the week of August 17, 2009

• A review of the research forms the basis of Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood, a new report from the National Research Council. The report lists the critical areas that should be the focus of young children's early math education, explores the extent to which they are currently being incorporated in early childhood settings, and calls for a new national initiative to improve the quality of math experiences for young children. More…
• Alison Gopnik will discuss the birth of social intelligence in infants and young children and implications for practice at the annual conference of the Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health taking place in Chicago on October 2, 2009. More…

News from the week of August 10, 2009

• Words are good. Conversation is better. That's the message of a recent study in the journal Pediatrics that links young children's language skills to the amount of time that adults engage them in back-and-forth exchanges. More…
• Subscribe to the Just in Time Parenting e-newsletter for parents of babies under a year old. The free monthly newsletters are written by a team of Extension professionals at leading universities nationwide. More…

News from the week of August 3, 2009

• A joint position statement by the Division for Early Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children defines early childhood inclusion and identifies the key components of high-quality inclusive programs. More… (PDF)
• Do most children attend kindergarten? What is the Illinois school code related to half-day or full-day kindergarten? The Illinois State Board of Education answers several of the most frequent questions parents ask about kindergarten in Illinois. More… (PDF)

News from the week of July 27, 2009

• Talking to your children—not at them—is the best way to help them develop language skills. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
  See related tip sheet, Gift of Words: Conversations and Routines.
• The loss of a parent’s job is a difficult experience for families. Parents can communicate openly and in an age-appropriate way with their young children. More…

News from the week of July 20, 2009

• Summer is a great time to play in the sand with your child. Sand play can be a soothing and calming activity, but it can also be exciting. Let your child enjoy "sifting" through the sand in search of buried treasures! More…
• “Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Young Child with Special Needs Succeed” is the focus of the summer “boot camp” for parents sponsored by STARNET Region V. The morning workshop will take place at Logan Square Library in Chicago on Saturday, July 25, 2009. More… (PDF)

News from the week of July 13, 2009

• A recent study suggests that watching television and DVDs reduces verbal interaction between parents and infants, which could delay children's language development. The U.S. study challenges claims that certain infant-targeted DVDs benefit youngsters. More…
• Health-related resources for families and early care and education professionals are available from the American Academy of Pediatrics Resource Library. More…

News from the week of July 6, 2009

• Research, leadership, and political will have combined to forge a blueprint for a high-quality early childhood system in Illinois that could become a model for other states, according to a recent article in the National Institute for Early Education Research newsletter. More…
• Lilian Katz and Sallee Beneke will discuss the Project Approach at a workshop in Peoria, Illinois, on July 30-31, 2009. More… (PDF)

News from the week of June 29, 2009

• As parents, we sometimes wonder if our children ever listen to us. Rest assured—your baby, toddler, or preschooler is listening intently to what you say—and listening is a first step on the path to learning to read. More… Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• Find out how funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) can be used to strengthen and expand child care services. More…

News from the week of June 22, 2009

• Summer is a wonderful time to be outside with your child. Enjoy the fresh air together and explore the mysteries of sun and shade. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• The National Conference of the Autism Society of America will take place in St. Charles, Illinois, on July 22-25, 2009. Topics to be addressed include intervention, education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, and biomedical interventions. More…

News from the week of June 15, 2009

• Summer is a good time to share books with your child. Check out the list of Notable Children's Books from the Association for Library Service to Children for suggested titles that you both may enjoy.More...
• Lilian G. Katz and Sylvia C. Chard will lead a Summer Institute titled “Engaging Children’s Minds: The Project Approach” on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign on July 16-19, 2009. More…

News from the week of June 8, 2009

• An updated early childhood program matrix describes key elements of nine publicly funded programs in Illinois that provide services to young children and their families. The purpose of this matrix is to assist policy makers, early care and education professionals, and consumers to better understand the requirements and practices associated with these programs. More…

• A report from the Alliance for Childhood discusses the importance of play to children’s healthy development and learning but notes that play is rapidly disappearing from kindergarten and early education. More… (PDF)

News from the week of June 1, 2009

• Changes to the Quality Rating System (QRS) mean that more child care programs are eligible to apply for a quality add-on bonus to their Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) standard daily reimbursement rate. More...
• Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). More…
  Also in Spanish (PDF)

News from the week of May 25, 2009

• June 1, 2009, is the deadline to apply for Taking Charge of Change, a 6-day residential summer institute in Wheeling, Illinois, for early childhood leaders. The institute takes place August 3-8, 2009, with a follow-up retreat on November 12-14, 2009. More…
• Are you concerned about a child in your care who shows possible signs of autism? Talking to Parents about Autism, a kit available online, provides teachers with tools to prepare for this difficult dialogue. More…

News from the week of May 18, 2009

• Do you need help responding to the social-emotional development needs of children in your program? Do you have concerns about children whose family members may be abusing alcohol or drugs or suffering from depression? Contact Caregiver Connections for free early childhood mental health consultation. More…
• The importance of play to young children’s healthy development and learning has been documented by research. Yet time for child-initiated play is disappearing from kindergarten and early education. More… (PDF)

News from the week of May 11, 2009

• Find out about the fun activities for preschool children offered on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus this summer. More...Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has released the State of Preschool 2008 Yearbook. NIEER's annual analysis of state-funded preschool programs shows impressive expansion in enrollment and spending. The new yearbook is available online. More…
• Guidelines for child care providers for responding to a swine flu (H1N1) outbreak are now available. More... (Word Document).
• For general information about H1N1 in Illinois, see http://www.ready.illinois.gov (also available in Spanish and Polish).
  More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, including recommendations for school dismissal and child care facility closure at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/mitigation.htm.

News from the week of May 4, 2009

• Take time to celebrate the child care providers, teachers, and other educators in your young child's life on May 9, 2009—Provider Appreciation Day. More...
• Get ready for Children’s Book Week—May 11-17, 2009. Children's Book Week is a time to celebrate books and reading in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Find ideas for creating your own memorable celebrations, and download posters and bookmarks. More…
• Use this tool to learn more about what’s happening at each stage of your child’s development from birth to age 5. More…

News from the week of April 27, 2009

• Are your children physically active at least an hour every day? Physically fit children have a stronger self-image and more self-confidence, as well as less anxiety and stress. Parents can set a good example by enjoying exercise with their children. More… (PDF)

• We all know that play is important to young children’s healthy development. See a report available from the American Academy of Pediatrics (PDF) and read our Tip Sheet Young Children Need to Play.

News from the week of April 20, 2009

• Bring your community together for children during the nationally celebrated Week of the Young Child (WOYC): April 19-25, 2009. WOYC materials are available from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.More...Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• It’s spring—a wonderful time for children to play outdoors. Learn how to make the most of outdoor play and learning in this Cooperative Extension publication. More… (PDF)
• What is the connection between secure mother-child attachments and children’s friendships? Find out from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. More…

News from the week of April 13, 2009

• Plan to attend the Head to Toe Infant-Toddler Conference in Chicago on May 30, 2009.  Areas of concentration include language and literacy, mental health and nutrition, temperament and behavior, and play. More…
• Parents can create an atmosphere at home that sparks children's curiosity and sets the stage for learning. Young children learn with more than just their minds—they learn through the integration of creative, social, and physical skills. More…

News from the week of April 6, 2009

• Tip Sheets on science and the environment (search on “science” Tip Sheets) provide activity ideas to help you celebrate National Environmental Education Week, April 12-18, 2009.
• Project Approach implementers—beginners and experienced—are invited to the Illinois Project Group Spring Meeting in Bloomington, Illinois, on April 18, 2009. More… (PDF)

News from the week of March 30, 2009

• A new online publication, Preschool Curriculum: What’s in It for Children and Teachers, begins with a broad overview of what high-quality prekindergarten curriculum is and why it’s important. The guide is based on research on how young children learn. More… (PDF)
• Those who care for children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum are encouraged to attend the Southern Illinois Autism Conference on April 18, 2009, in Chester, Illinois. More…

News from the week of March 23, 2009

• Bidders conferences for FY 2010 will begin on March 23, 2009, for programs responding to the FY 2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Preschool for All grants (serving children 3-5 years of age) and Prevention Initiative grants (serving children from birth to 3 years of age). More... 
• Good balance is important for physical fitness. Practice balance with your child by taping a long piece of masking tape to the floor then pretending the tape is a balance beam. More…
• The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to practitioners working in licensed child care centers, Head Start programs, school-age child care programs, or family child care homes to pursue higher education coursework and degrees. More...

News from the week of March 16, 2009

• Looking for information on raising children from infancy through adolescence, and on managing family life? Check out the Parenting 24/7 Web site. More…
• Positive relationships formed through warm, sensitive, and responsive care help children feel valued and gain more from their learning experiences. Good relationships between teachers and families also help build environments that nurture children's growth and development. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.

News from the week of March 9, 2009

• Among the topics covered in the Daily Parent Newsletter are parent-caregiver communication, children and nature, early literacy, and antibiotic resistance. The newsletter is available in English and Spanish through the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. More...
• You can help children learn to recognize and express emotion appropriately. Emotion Cards help kids identify and express emotions. More…

  Are there poisons in your home? March 15-21, 2009, is Poison Prevention Week--a good time to check to make sure any hazardous substances are safely stored away from a curious child’s reach. The Poison Control Center has a home checklist that can help parents and caregivers identify sources of household product dangers and take steps to help keep children safe. More… (PDF)

News from the week of March 2, 2009

• Among the topics covered in the Daily Parent Newsletter are parent-caregiver communication, children and nature, early literacy, and antibiotic resistance. The newsletter is available in English and Spanish through the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. http://www.inccrra.org/the-daily-parent-newsletter
• You can help children learn to recognize and express emotion appropriately. Emotion Cards help kids identify and express emotions. More…
• Are there poisons in your home? March 15-21, 2009, is Poison Prevention Week—a good time to check to make sure any hazardous substances are safely stored away from a curious child’s reach. The Poison Control Center has a home checklist that can help parents and caregivers identify sources of household product dangers and take steps to help keep children safe. More…

News from the week of February 30, 2009

• “Piecing It All Together,” a conference that addresses how children’s mental health affects family, school, and community, takes place on March 6-7, 2009, in Edwardsville, Illinois. More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• Raising a family is challenging when there are tough economic conditions. How can parents meet their children’s needs when the family is under financial stress? More…

News from the week of February 23, 2009

• New research suggests that menu modifications in child care programs can help prevent childhood obesity. More…
• Helping your child understand the basics of math can be fun. You can work math concepts into the everyday activities that you do together. More… (PDF)Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.

News from the week of February 16, 2009

• Read Lilian Katz’s notes on developments in the field of early care and education in “Lessons from Far and Near.” More…
• The challenges faced in getting children ready for school and in getting schools ready for children have changed in the last decade, largely due to the number of young children who are dual language learners. A new report from the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition explores these challenges. More… (PDF)Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.

News from the week of February 9, 2009

• Plan to attend the 28th Annual Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference on March 5-6, 2009, in Schaumburg, Illinois. More…
• The preschool years are a great time for children to take part in household chores. Young children want to feel useful. Completing chores is one way of contributing to the family. More…

News from the week of February 2, 2009

• You may already know that when your child plays, he uses intellectual skills to figure out solutions to problems. But did you know that playing can also help your child learn to focus attention on a task? More…Editor's Note: this url is no longer active.
• Indoor and outdoor environments will be the focus of this year’s Family Child Care Institute offered by the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership on February 28, 2009, and May 16, 2009, in Wheeling, Illinois. More…

News from the week of January 26, 2009

• Do you have space for active indoor play? A Balloon Toss gives children the opportunity to practice throwing and catching skills. Watch a video and find suggestions for adaptation and assessment. More…
• In the recent issue of Inside Gateways, Lilian Katz reflects on the terms we use in the early care and education profession. More…