All About Babies!

We're excited to introduce a mini-series of newsletters focused specifically on our very youngest children, from prenatal and infants to the Twos and Threes of the toddler years. For the next four issues, follow this series as we explore some of the challenges and joys unique to these earliest years of life!

For the classroom:

"We Need to Nurture Parents"

"Teachers can try to build parents'... confidence in their ability to know and guide the child. They can be generous in their appreciation and support of parents and talk with them about how important it is for both parents and teachers to appreciate and support children. We need to nurture parents."

- Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, pediatrician

As teachers, administrators, and other professionals working closely with young families, we often get a closer glimpse into the daily joys and struggles faced by these caregivers than even their own relatives.

How can we help parents care for themselves while they care for their new baby?

Topics that may be helpful for new families:

We're excited to brag about one of our Wake County early childhood sites this month!

Kiddie Academy in Brier Creek has just received the first NC Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Designation in Wake County! The NC Division of Public Health awards this designation to sites that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. When parents search for programs, especially new mothers who want to continue breastfeeding as they return to work, sites that have this designation stand out.

Interested in applying? Applications are accepted quarterly, and the next deadline is January 15th!

For the home - content provided by our partner:

Congrats, New Parents!

Congratulations! You are the parent of a new baby! This is a wonderful time that is filled with lots of emotions. Taking care of your baby will keep you busy, so it is also important to carve out time to take care of yourself as well.

The good news is that you don't have to do it alone. Family and friends can help. There are also great agencies in the area to help you become the best parent you can be.

The key things to remember are:

  • Don't be afraid to ask for help
  • Keep it simple: the most important things that your baby needs are to be clean, fed, and to feel loved and secure.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or more stressed than usual, reach out to your health care provider for additional support. For more information about how Nurse-Family Partnership can help, click here, or apply through Wake Connections today.

Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to Nurse-Family Partnership and other Wake Connections programs.

Did you know? We have some new faces! Sasha Gomez is now leading our System Improvement & Public Engagement department and Caroline Janes is the new Wake Connections Project Coordinator!

Recruiting for High School Class of 2034!

Pre-K Applications NOW AVAILABLE for Fall 2020-21!

If your child will be 4 years old by August 31, 2020, you can apply for Pre-K now!

WCSS will host events across Wake County during the week and at our office every Thursday from 1 - 4pm to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K, Title I, and Head Start, which are all FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

Click here to print the application and for more information.

Featured Publication: Parents Magazine

Highlights: Did you know you can check out a wide variety of magazines at your library? For busy caregivers, browsing a quick magazine can be just the right amount of reading for a pleasure break. Magazines at your local library can be checked out just like a book!

Best for: New parents

Wake County Public Library Programming: Digital Magazines are now available via Overdrive/Libby! You can access 50 different magazine titles from the comfort of your own home - all you need is your Wake County Public Library Card!

Literacy Tip: Tired of reading board books? Try a magazine or one of your favorite authors! When your child sees you read, they learn that reading is fun at any age.

January's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today!

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

Congratulations to:

Freezer Meals for New Parents

Are you dreading having to make dinner every day after you give birth? Know any new parents or parents-to-be?

Here's a list of freezer-friendly meals you can make in advance to save time, energy, and stress!

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.

2020 A.S.K. Conference

February 22, 8:30am - 3:30pm

East Chapel Hill High School

Click here to register.

Professionalism & Ethics in the Child Care Workplace

January 16, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

Supervision of Young Children

January 22, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Telephone Seminar - Call-In Number

Click here to register.

ITS SIDS

January 29, 12 - 2pm

Ernest Myatt Child Development Center

Click here to register.

Playground Safety

February 1, 9am - 1pm

Yates Baptist Child Development Center

Click here to register.

ITS SIDS

February 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Jordan Child & Family Enrichment Center

Click here to register.

How Active is Your Baby?

Do you think about infants as stationary? Lying down to sleep or being held in your arms and rocked?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a wonderful website full of resources and short articles about what to expect in your child's development, including the prenatal and infant stages.

Check out their article about How Active is Your Baby here!

Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County.

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestYouTubeEmail Address

FOLLOW US

Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550