DC Child Care Connections

Whether it’s a nursery rhyme, church song, Disney®️ tune, or the same song on repeat for the 100th time🫠, music does more than entertain.

Research shows that music can help support:
* Brain development
** Language skills
*** Social skills
**** Creativity and self-expression

Help us discover some new family favorites! Drop your child’s favorite song below. ⬇️

💦 Looking for a Way to Cool Off This Juneteenth Weekend?

School is out, summer is here, and DC’s outdoor pools and spray parks are open! ☀️

Whether you’re celebrating Juneteenth with family, enjoying a long weekend, or simply looking for a fun way to get outside, a trip to a neighborhood pool or spray park can be a great way to spend the day.

👇 Tell us in the comments:

🏊 Team Pool
OR
💦 Team Spray Park

Which would your child choose?

Find a pool or spray park near you:
https://dpr.dc.gov/findapool

💙 Wishing all DC families a safe, joyful, and relaxing Juneteenth weekend.

Your toddler isn’t making a mess. They’re learning. 🧠

Sensory play helps children:
✔ Explore
✔ Create
✔ Problem solve
✔ Build brain connections

What’s your child’s favorite sensory activity?

More from Parents

How Does Sensory Play Help With a Child's Development? Sensory play involves using all five senses while playing. Find out the benefits of sensory play and how to incorporate this type of exploration into your everyday life.

🛝✨ Looking for an Inclusive Playground Adventure?

Did you know there are several playgrounds in the DC area designed with accessibility and sensory-friendly features in mind?

This article from Washington Family highlights 6 accessible playgrounds where children of all abilities can learn, explore, and play.

One featured destination is Rosedale Playground, a fully accessible playground in Northeast DC designed to support physical, cognitive, sensory, and social development through play.

🌟 Inclusive play spaces help create opportunities for all children to connect, explore, and thrive.

Explore the list! Link in the comments.

💬 Do you have a favorite playground in the DC area? Share it below!

https://www.washingtonfamily.com/6-accessible-playgrounds-in-the-dc-area/

📅 June Family Workshops

Join us this June for two free virtual sessions designed to support families with young children.

⸻

🌱 Supporting Child Growth and Development
📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Learn about the developmental stages of young children from birth to age 5 and discover fun, hands-on activities that support learning and growth at home.

✨ Gain a better understanding of how children develop and explore practical ways to support their development through everyday experiences.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4vHfcnX

⸻

🏡 Orientation to DC Child Care Connections
📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Join DC Child Care Connections for an overview of the services and resources available to support families across the District.

Learn about DC CCC’s responsive services and evidence-based supports that promote high-quality early care and education.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/3PQJJ3C

⸻

📅 Talleres Familiares de Junio

Acompáñenos este junio en dos sesiones virtuales gratuitas diseñadas para apoyar a las familias con niños pequeños.

⸻

🌱 Apoyando el crecimiento y desarrollo infantil
📅 Jueves, 11 de junio de 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Aprenda sobre las etapas del desarrollo de los niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años y descubra actividades divertidas y prácticas que apoyan su aprendizaje y crecimiento en el hogar.

✨ Obtenga una mejor comprensión del desarrollo infantil y explore maneras sencillas de apoyar el aprendizaje a través de las experiencias diarias.

👉 Regístrese aquí: https://bit.ly/4vHfcnX

⸻

🏡 Orientación sobre DC Child Care Connections
📅 Jueves, 25 de junio de 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Únase a DC Child Care Connections para conocer los servicios y recursos disponibles para apoyar a las familias en todo el Distrito.
Conozca más sobre los servicios y apoyos basados en evidencia que promueven el cuidado y la educación temprana de alta calidad.

👉 Regístrese aquí: https://bit.ly/3PQJJ3C

🥕 Free Community Food Distribution

On the second Wednesday of each month, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the Capital Area Food Bank provide fresh produce and food items to the community.

📍 Lederer Gardens
801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

👉 Learn more:
https://cafbveggiescopy.splashthat.com

💙 Helping families access fresh, nutritious food.

⸻

🥕 Distribución gratuita de alimentos para la comunidad

El segundo miércoles de cada mes, el DC Department of Parks and Recreation y el Capital Area Food Bank ofrecen frutas, verduras y alimentos a la comunidad.

📍 Lederer Gardens
801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

👉 Obtenga más información:
https://cafbveggiescopy.splashthat.com

💙 Apoyando a las familias con acceso a alimentos frescos y nutritivos.

cafbveggiescopy.splashthat.com

Learning to take responsibility for mistakes is an important part of growing up. When children learn accountability, they build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills that can benefit them throughout life.

This article from Parents outlines a simple five-step process to help children stop making excuses and start taking ownership of their actions.

✨ Learn how to help children:
• Recognize and acknowledge mistakes
• Focus on solutions instead of blame
• Build honesty and accountability
• Develop confidence through responsibility

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Own Their Mistakes Learning how to take responsibility is understandably challenging, but here are some tips to help kids stop passing the buck.

🖐️🌈 Did you know that sensory play helps build important brain connections in young children?

According to Forbes, activities that engage a child’s senses can support:

✨ Physical development
✨ Emotional regulation
✨ Creativity and exploration
✨ Independent thinking
✨ Overall well-being

can also be especially beneficial for children with sensory processing differences by helping address their unique needs and challenges.

From finger painting and water play to sensory bins and play dough, simple activities can provide powerful learning opportunities.

The Power Of Sensory Play In Childhood Development The rich neural pathways formed through sensory play facilitate learning and growth in all children, regardless of their neurotype.

So important! Which show do your little(s) already watch and which will you start? Franklin, Little Bear, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood seem to be timeless -- "oldies, but goodies." 😊

Too much screen time can overwhelm a toddler, leaving them cranky and uninterested in other activities. When they do get TV time, make sure to try these shows, which entertain kids with gentle pacing, lo-fi animation, and heartwarming messages. Link in the first comment to learn more.