From our children’s success at school, to how we perform at work, to how happy we are in our relationships with family and friends, many things can be linked back to our healthy home environment. One way to adjust how we look at our home is to break down our activities and improvements into the
Try These At-Home Listening Activities
While listening skills are practiced every day in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, it is up to parents to continue building those listening skills at home. Former kindergarten teacher Ilene Vitkus shared some of her classroom tactics to make at-home listening activities both fun and beneficial. Draw This! Bring out the crayons and paper and instruct
How to Promote a Healthy Body Image for Your Teen
In 2010, the Obama administration launched the Let’s Move! campaign and a task force on childhood obesity to bring awareness to unhealthy patterns of eating and sedentary lifestyles. Since then, schools have provided healthier food choices, started growing fruits and vegetables in their own gardens and are fighting for more recess time. While schools are
Decisions, Decisions: The importance of Giving Your Toddler a Choice
You are probably already noticing your toddler’s desire for independence. He may be pushing boundaries (and your buttons!) when he refuses to eat breakfast or put on his shoes. Parents can promote this newfound independence within acceptable boundaries by providing their child with a choice between two food types or two pairs of shoes. While
Gagging in Babies: Is it Normal?
Most babies are ready to start solids at around five to six months. While this is an exciting milestone, sometimes the transition can be challenging especially when your baby may gag when trying new foods. “Gagging is a natural protective reflex that results in the contraction of the back of the throat to protect us
Tips For Picking the Stroller That is Best for You!
When I had my first baby shower, I remember opening the big clunky box that held my first stroller. It was a Graco combination, where the car seat fit right into the stroller, so you didn’t have to wake a sleeping baby to put him into the stroller. GENIUS! Fast forward 17 months and we
Measles in 2025: What to Look For
Although the United States has officially been absent of measles for almost 20 years, we must be aware of its presence in 2025 and stay prepared. Recent outbreaks in Texas have brought forth concern for the disease. Here is what you need to know about measles, its effects and what to look for. What is
How Much is Too Much Sodium for Toddlers
Once babies begin eating solid foods, they will invariably begin ingesting more ingredients like salt and sugar which may not have been in their previous diet. It is important for parents to monitor their salt intake in their baby’s or toddler’s diets. Where is Salt Hiding? Mayo Clinic says that “table salt, or sodium chloride,
ACPS Posts Updated School Calendar
Today, Alachua County Public Schools released the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. That means time to updated those family calendars with all the important school dates and vacations times. This updated calendar reflects the current start date for all Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) which will be Monday, August 11. The last day of
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is important as it supports brain development, fosters social and emotional growth, prepares children for school and promotes a lifelong love for learning. It lays the groundwork for academic success, enhances cognitive abilities and provides a nurturing environment where children can develop essential skills and relationships. Brain Development The time between birth









