Our programs empower caregivers to READ, TALK, and PLAY with their children wherever they are. They are accessible, provide community, and strengthen families across the county.
We want to help you and your learners get kindergarten ready with fun activities, book competitions, and connect with other families.
The Countdown to Kindergarten is a virtual and some in-person activities for your soon-to-be kindergartener. These activities will encourage your child to READ, TALK and PLAY, helping set the stage for fun as they prepare for kindergarten
Book Madness is a program where we partner with local organizations and individuals to celebrate our favorite children's books with a fun bracket competition!
The book “I Love You Like Sunshine” is designed for parents to read to their babies, but it is also filled with practical advice and tips based on brain development. Over 2,500 books have been distributed to Reach Out and Read to be given at the 2-week checkup thus far.
In an effort to reach families with children birth to age 5, Read to Me Libraries have been developed in specific communities. Read to Me Libraries seeks partnership with small businesses (barber shops, salons, laundromats, etc.) and agencies serving families with preschool children.
Information about early brain development and the importance of parent/child interaction is shared through: slides on televisions in waiting rooms, wall posters in exam rooms, and activity cards given to parents with suggested games to play, conversations to have, books to read, and songs to sing with their children.
Training and materials provided through the FCPS Early Childhood Summit and made available through the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood’s Quality Improvement Grant support childcare providers as they seek to READ, TALK, and PLAY with preschoolers.
Several learning opportunities have been made available to empower families and increase their knowledge and understanding of early childhood development. Examples include the United Way Born Learning Academy, the FCPS Family University series, and the district’s Learning Guides for Families (preschool through fifth grade, available in multiple languages).
