image
Rnd Box Top

Tips for Parents

As a parent, you can support your child’s learning.

  • Create a learning environment at home.
  • Encourage exploration and play; since this is an important part of the learning process.
  • Talk, talk, talk with your children.
  • Read and tell stories.
  • Ask questions and encourage conversation.

Is your child in a quality learning environment?

Whether your child is spending time at home or with a child care provider, his or her surroundings should provide an opportunity for learning. A quality early learning environment should provide:

  • Healthy and safe surroundings
  • Consistent routine
  • Stimulating and interactive learning experiences
  • Responsive and consistent caregivers
  • Positive adult-child interactions
  • Opportunities to explore and play
  • Parental involvement

Learn more about what quality looks like at:
www.naccrra.org
www.dss.state.va.us
www.theplanningcouncil.org

Choose quality early child care.

Do you have questions about your child’s development?

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters at www.chkd.org
Information on child health and development, parenting, family resources and classes.

Sentara Healthcare at www.sentara.com
Resources and articles on child health and development.

American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org
Information on developmental stages and current issues in children’s health; parent resources and children’s advocacy.

Are you an advocate for children?

Voices for Virginia’s Children at www.vakids.com
The organization’s mission is to build a powerful voice for children and to inspire the people of Virginia to act on their behalf.

Parents Action at www.parentsaction.org
Committed to raising public awareness about the critical importance of the prenatal period through the early years plays to a child’s healthy brain development.

Educational Productions’ Say Yes Now! video at www.edpro.com
Enhancing the lives of children by increasing the skills, sensitivity and awareness of adults who work with them.

 

Rnd Box Btm

image

Did You Know?

Did You KnowDid You Know
  • 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5.
  • 78% of parents of children under 6 in South Hampton Roads work outside the home, and must find care for thier children.
  • 1 in 8 children in our region arrives at kindergarten not ready.
  • Children who start school behind tend to stay behind.
  • Nationally, 49% of children arriving at school unprepared come from middle and upper income families.
  • 18% of kindergartners held back in Virginia live in South Hampton Roads.
  • Holding back a child in kindergarten adds almost $8,000 to the public cost of that child’s education.
  • 3rd grade reading level is a powerful predictor: for those who fail the 3rd grade reading test, half will also fail the 5th grade.
  • In fact, 62% of Virginia’s students cannot read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade.
  • A working, middle class family, with two young children, will spend on average 29% of their income on child care.


Content Btm