NEWS
Resources for April Observances
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for April observances:
Month-Long Observances
Month of the Young Child
Month of the Young Child, Trying Together
2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together
April is the Month of the Young Child, Trying Together
Celebrate Diversity Month
A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh
Events and News, Pittsburgh Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Week-Long Observances
April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child
Week of the Young Child, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Week of the Young Child Overview, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Day Observances
April 21 is National Kindergarten Day
National Kindergarten Day, National Day Calendar
Kindergarten Transition, Trying Together
Kindergarten Registration Information Available on PA Promise for Children Site, Trying Together
April 22 is Earth Day
Earth Day Events, Pittsburgh Earth Day
Earth Month, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids
April 23 is World Book Day
Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword
World Book Day, Worldbookday.com
World Book Day 2025, National Literacy Trust
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
IECMHC Cites Music and Movement as Important to Child Development
Although spring is just around the corner, winter weather can continue into March - and even April - so it is important for parents and guardians to find ways for children to remain active while indoors.
Although spring is just around the corner, winter weather can continue into March - and even April - so it is important for parents and guardians to find ways for children to remain active while indoors.
Learn More
The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program’s March newsletter focuses on music and movement in the classroom and includes several resources
The IECMHC cites several benefits of music and movement for children in the early childhood education classroom. Through music and movement, children can:
Be creative by expressing themselves through dance, lyrics, and storytelling
Undergo emotional development by learning to recognize and process emotions and developing empathy
Enhance motor skills by improving coordination, balance, and strength through dancing, clapping, and jumping
Enhance cognitive skills by developing memory, categorization, and problem-solving abilities
Enhance social skills through the development of emotional intelligence, which is linked to success in many areas of life
The IECMHC also suggests trying to strike a healthy balance when it comes to screen time - or the use of smartphones, tables, computers, or other devices - for children. To foster well-rounded development, it suggests substituting the following for screen time: art, reading, interactive games, outdoor play, music and movement.
Further Resources
The IECMHC provides a wide variety of resources revolving around the importance of music and movement for children.
These include an article on the importance of music and movement in early childhood education and how to use music, rhythm, and movement to enhance children’s self-regulation.
Among the IECMHC’s resources are information on music and movement relating to:
Genius of Play Releases Book for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Learn More
The book - “Let’s Play: A Playbook for Kids of All Abilities” - focuses on how play provides an opportunity to engage in activities that best support their development. It notes that when there is focus on a child’s strengths, interests, and areas in which they need more support, a play approach offers opportunities to participate in the challenge level that is suitable for them.
The free guide offers families a variety of adaptive, play-based activities to help children meet developmental milestones and promote social inclusion while having fun.
The book can be downloaded on The Genius of Play’s website.
The Genius of Play also offers play ideas for every age range, interest, and ability. Its resources include playbooks featuring games that help children to develop emotional intelligence, physical skills, and STEAM knowledge as well as activity sheets and other activities.
The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s vital role in child development.
PA Promise for Children Releases Tips on Staying Healthy in the Spring
PA Promise for Children has released a list of tips for families on how children can stay healthy during the spring.
PA Promise for Children has released a list of tips for families on how children can stay healthy during the spring.
Learn More
Each of PA Promise’s tips are accompanied by an article on the topic.
One suggestion for families is to plant a garden, which can provide such benefits as healthy eating, physical activity, and the application of science and motor skills. Another tip is to use the natural world as a learning tool to create time and space for play in nature.
Ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play is another item on the list. Spring weather can change quickly - from warm temperatures to cooler ones or rain - so guardians should make sure that children have the clothing to stay dry and comfortable.
Another safety tip involving the outdoors is avoiding high exposure to pollen by keeping the home and car clear of it. Guardians should clear children’s clothing of outdoor pollen residues and be aware of a child’s particular allergies.
When it comes to snacks and meals, adults should ensure that children are getting their share of seasonal fruit and vegetables. These taste better, are better for one’s health, and are good for the environment.
For more information, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.
Resources for March Observances
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals to acknowledge and navigate them.
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals to acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for March observances.
Month-Long Observances
Women’s History Month
How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Preschool, Brightwheel Blog
Celebrate Women’s History Month, Sesame Street
10 Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month with Your Little One, Start Early
Women’s History Month, National Geographic Kids
National Craft Month
Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh
55 Kids’ Craft Ideas, Delightfully
The Importance of Arts and Crafts for Early Childhood Development, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
National Color Therapy Month
Colour Psychology for Babies and Children, Colour Psychology Today
How Color Therapy for Kids Can Help Build Self-Esteem, Amel Counseling and Consulting
Color Activities for Therapy Pinterest Board, The OT Toolbox
Day Observances
March 1 is National Play Outside Day
Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh
Education Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Play: Activities & Resources, Buzzword
March 20 is International Day of Happiness
Children Celebrate International Day of Happiness, Austin Public Library
10 Fabulous Ideas to Celebrate International Happiness Day, Twinkl USA
Other Playful Resources
NSLA to Host Free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March, Playful Pittsburgh
Remake Learning Days Accepting Submissions for Events, Playful Pittsburgh
Be My Neighbor Week, Playful Pittsburgh
NSLA to Host Free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March
The National Summer Learning Association is holding a free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March to prepare for the events that it will provide to millions of young people across the nation this summer.
The National Summer Learning Association is holding a free Summer Planning Bootcamp in March to prepare for the events that it will provide to millions of young people across the nation this summer.
The bootcamp will feature three sessions each day and is open to all. Attendees will learn from top education leaders, youth development experts, and programs that will share their resources, insights, and best practices on hot topics.
Day 1: Thursday, March 13
On the first day of the bootcamp, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants will hear from three panels. These include:
Setting the Compass: Current Research and Impact (understanding the current landscape of summer learning)
Learning and Engagement in Summer Programs (creating environments full of hands-on experiences in which youth can share their voice, build connections with others, and find a deeper meaning in their learning)
Leadership and Staff Development (how program leaders can build a sense of belonging, agency, active engagement, and reflection in staff)
Day 2: Friday, March 14
The second day of the bootcamp - which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - will include the following panels:
Community and Partnerships (building and maintaining strong links with community organizations, families, and other partners to support youth success)
Data Collection and Quality Matters (creating a quality improvement cycle with all program stakeholders)
Innovations in Summer Learning (learning that matters, building skills, and providing opportunities)
Both days of the bootcamp are free of charge and will be held on Zoom. Registration is now open.