The WCSS office is still closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in compliance with NC's extended Phase 2 order.

Please visit our website for:

  • WCSS's statement against racism
  • Resources to help you talk to your children about race and racism
  • Mental health and self-care tips
  • Wake Pre-K and child care options

If you need to contact a WCSS team member, please visit our staff page for email information.

Active Play in the Sun & Heat!

In previous years, summer meant trips to the pool or waterpark, playgrounds and camps with lots of other children, and indoor visits to museums and libraries.

Things are different during this pandemic, so here are some alternate ideas and tips to keep your family active and safe in the summer sun!

***Please make sure to follow social distancing, closures, and other health and safety guidelines.***

  • Plan activities early in the day or later in the evening - the sun is most harmful between 10am and 4pm.
  • Wear loose fitting, breathable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, wide brim hats, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.
  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Remember to reapply!
  • Enjoy water play (50 Ways to Cool Off this Summer).
  • Avoid drinking sugary or caffeinated drinks. Opt instead for water.
  • Find or visit places that offer shaded areas.
  • Listen to your body: if you are feeling sick or lightheaded, take a break and go to a cooler place.
  • Watch for signs of heat-induced illnesses: profuse sweating, headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

Remembering these tips will help you and your family have an active, fun, and safe summer! Check out the Be Active Kids website for more ways to stay active, as well as information about Sunbeatables, a sun safety program.

Content above provided by our partner:

Recruiting for High School Class of 2034!

Will your child turn 4 by August 31, 2020?

Apply for Pre-K now! Even though our office is closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we're still taking applications! One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start, which are FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

Click here to print the application and for more information.

Featured Book: My First Swim Class (Part of the "My First" series!)

Written by: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Illustrated by: Jill Wachter

Highlights: It's the first day of swim class. What will it be like? In swim class, students learn to blow bubbles, float on their backs, kick their legs, and to only swim when an adult or lifeguard is watching.

Best for: Toddler to Pre-K, ages 3-5

Wake County Public Library Programming: Announcing Books on the Go! - the new contact-free service to get books back in your hands! Find all the details here.

Literacy Tip: This summer, recreate your favorite sport at home and play with your family. If you are feeling extra creative, try a brand-new sport!

July'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!

P.S. Did you miss the Goodnight with Dolly storytime series? Good news! All the stories will be available to watch until the end of August!

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

Congratulations to:

Since assessments have been postponed until further notice, the NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) has Environmental Rating Scale resources for ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and family child care homes available for your use! Scroll to the bottom for a new series about the Activities subscale of the FCCERS-R.

Kid-Friendly Watermelon Slush

Summertime means watermelons here in NC!

Make this kid-friendly watermelon slush and relax in the shade with your cool treat.

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events. Please note changes may occur due to COVID-19 precautions. Look for more virtual/online workshops in the future.

DCDEE's COVID Flexibility in Policy and Regulatory Requirements: Training Requirements: Provide an additional six months for administrators and any child care provider to complete CPR, FA and ITS-SIDS training. This change is allowed as long as one child care provider who has completed the CPR, FA training is present while children are in care, and as long as one child care provider in the infant room who has completed the ITS-SIDS training is present while infants are in care. 10A NCAC 09 .1102

FREE - Toxic Stress and Its Impact on Young Children

July 23, 6:15 - 8:15pm

Virtual/Online

Click here to register.

FREE - Grief and Loss in Young Children

July 28, 3 - 5pm

Virtual/Online

Click here to register.

50 Things for Kids to Do Outside in the Garden this Summer

Wow! So many ideas for outdoor nature play!

Don't worry if you don't have a garden - there are plenty of activities you can do anywhere outside!

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.

 
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Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550