For the classroom:

Welcoming Non-traditional Families in Your Classroom

One way to support our children's development is by learning about and respecting the families our little learners come from, the place where they spend the majority of their time outside our classrooms. More and more, this is not the traditional family of a married man and woman and their biological child. However, these non-traditional families aren't always reflected in our culture.

What is a non-traditional family?

• Foster/adoptive family
• LGBTQ family
• Single parent household
• Divorced or separated family
• Blended family or step-family
• Multi-racial or multi-lingual family
• Extended kinship arrangement (co-parenting with grandparents or other relatives)
• Chosen family

Do you recognize any of these family structures from your classroom? Do your children see their own family types in the lesson plans and activities you share with them? Creating a culture of acceptance and inclusivity starts at the top.

How can your center support non-traditional families?

• Set a welcoming tone and invite guest speakers to help teachers focus on supporting quality family interactions rather than the family structure
• Hold discussion groups to assist teachers who may have feelings of bias
• Offer trainings about legal issues related to family structure, such as confidentiality, custody, consent, and rights of non-custodial and/or non-related caregivers

For the home - content provided by our partner:

What Does "Family" Mean to You?

What does "family" mean to you? Family is the most important factor in your infant or young child's life. It is the foundation on which all their future relationships are built. But not all families look the same! According to the Pew Research Center, in 2014 less than 46% of children were born into "traditional families," defined as children living with two married heterosexual parents in their first marriage. Non-traditional family structures are increasingly common and can provide the same supports, strengths, and bonds as traditional families.

Keep in mind the most important aspects of any family are love and consistent care. Picture books are a helpful tool to aid your child in understanding and making meaning of their family arrangements, including books on divorce, adoption, and same-sex parents. If you are looking for a way to talk with your preschooler, books can help promote age appropriate conversations with them about your unique family.

Some books on non-traditional families (check out Wake County Public Libraries for more!):

• A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'Leary
• Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt
• Just Right Family by Silvia Lopez
• The Family Book by Todd Parr
• We Belong Together: A Book about Adoption and Families by Todd Parr
• Two Homes by Claire Masurel
• And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

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

Recruiting for High School Class of 2033!

Did your child turn 4 by August 31, 2019?

Apply for Pre-K now! WCSS hosts events at our office every Thursday from 2 - 4pm to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start, which are both FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

Click here to print the application and for more information.

Featured Book: One Family

Written by: George Shannon

Illustrated by: Blanca Gomez

Highlights: In this story that introduces numbered groups from one to ten, we realize that families can be many things.

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

Wake County Public Library Programming: Wake County Public Libraries is offering new expanded hours starting in September! Details can be found here - plan your visit now!

Literacy Tip: From "Duck, Duck, Goose" to catch, take advantage of the cooler weather by playing outside as a family.

September'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:

• Ivy League Preschool
• Little Hands N Feet Child Care Center
• The Grove School of Cary
• The Growing Years Learning Center - Apex
• Kids 'R' Kids of Wake Forest
• Triangle Academy Preschool

Roasted Figs

Figs - love 'em or hate 'em, they are everywhere this time of year! Have you tried roasting figs? This quick (4 minutes!) & easy (3 ingredients!) technique might be you & your child's new favorite way to eat figs!

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.

A.S.K. Conference

February 22, 2020

Save the Date!

Choice & Preference: Preventing Power Struggles with Preschoolers

September 10, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

ITS SIDS

September 11, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Durham

Click here to register.

Professionalism & Ethics in the Child Care Workplace

September 12, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Durham

Click here to register.

Basics of School-Age Care (BSAC)

September 14, 9am - 3pm

CCSA Durham

Click here to register.

Introduction to NC Foundations

September 14, 9am - 3pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

Ready, Set, Go Transportation Safety (Supervision Series)

September 16, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Telephone Seminar - Call-In Number

Click here to register.

Language Development & Communication with Infants & Toddlers

September 17, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

More than Just Routine (Infants & Toddlers)

September 23, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Durham

Click here to register.

Playground Safety

October 5, 9am - 1pm

New Life Child Development Center

Click here to register.

Pouring Station

Want a no-cost, high fun activity for your toddler? Create a pouring station!

1. Collect some different sizes of cups, bowls, or other containers and fill some with water.
2. Set them in a big plastic bin on the floor, in the bathtub, or outside.
3. Fill some with food coloring if you like.
4. Watch the fun your child has pouring!

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

wakesmartstart.org