Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day!

Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day!

Research has found that providing children from birth to five with consistent, language-rich experiences—such as talking, reading, and singing—can have important benefits on their brain development and future school success. However, many families lack access to the types of resources that can help them make the most of these language building experiences. This creates a gap in the quantity and quality of words that children learn, which directly impacts their opportunities to succeed in school and later in life. These tip sheets, available in English and Spanish, have been designed specifically for families, caregivers, and early educators.  They can help enrich a child’s early language experiences by providing research-based tips for talking, reading, and singing with young children every day beginning from birth. Sample topics include It’s Never Too Early to Help Your Child Learn – Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day, Tips for Using Language at Home and in the Community, and The Benefits of Being Bilingual.

https://www.ed.gov/early-learning/talk-read-sing

What does early childhood have to do with America’s workforce problem? A lot, actually

American business depends on a strong workforce, now and in the future, to compete and succeed globally. But America is facing an unprecedented workforce crisis: a large and growing shortage of skilled workers. From the banks on Wall Street to the shops on Main Street, the world of work is changing — and our strategies for developing tomorrow’s workforce must change with it.

Read more: https://www.aei.org/publication/what-does-early-childhood-have-to-do-with-americas-workforce-problem-a-lot-actually/ 

Families Unite for Head Start Rally and Hill Day

From NHSA's Yasmini Vinci:

I am asking you to be a part of a great event in Head Start’s history. Will you help us bring 1,000 parents to Capitol Hill to represent the Head Start advantage before every Member of Congress? Through their participation we will demonstrate the real impact the program has in every Congressional district and every zip code. Many of your colleagues in individual programs and state associations have already made stunning pledges to bring hundreds of parents toward that goal to Washington DC for a Families Unite for Head Start Rally and Hill Day on September 27th! Every parent voice will count, whether you bring one or two or a dozen.

Medicaid Coverage for Women and Children

The Kaiser Family Foundation has released an interactive fact sheet on how women use Medicaid. Roughly two-thirds (67%) of the 25 million adult women on Medicaid are in their reproductive years (19 to 49). Medicaid pays for nearly half of all births in the United States.  Moreover, Medicaid covers a wide range of reproductive health care services, including family planning, STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy-related care including prenatal services, childbirth, and postpartum care. 

http://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/medicaids-role-for-women/