The power of unstructured play for children of all ages! #DoTheBasics #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay Graphic from Kindermusik

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let us honor Dr. King's life and legacy by giving ALL children a great start in life! The Basics are five 5, simple, powerful ways we can do that. #MLKDay #DoTheBasics

Basic Principle 5: Read & Discuss Stories! Follow along for tips on how to make this principle part of everyday life with your child. 📚 #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories

Children need lots of free physical activity! Even if your child can't get in the ideal amount of activity for their age, prioritizing play as much as possible is so beneficial for their mental & physical health. #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay Graphic from @1000hoursoutside

Household items that you already have are the very best toys! Toddlers love putting objects in the basket & dumping them out, counting the toys as they put them in, naming the colors, climbing in & out of the basket, & so much more! #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay

Unstructured play is free, fun, and one of the very best gifts you can give your child for their physical, mental, and emotional health! #DoTheBasics #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay Graphic from @getthekidsoutside

"Tummy time" is the time that babies spend awake & playing on their stomachs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that tummy time should always be supervised by an adult. So many important reasons for tummy time but here are just a few! #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay

How great is this?! #DoTheBasics #ExploreThroughMovementAndPlay instagram.com/reel/DR6m7lKgZ…

How to read to a baby! Great ideas from @tinydropletclub #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories

Every month is a great month to do The Basics! Here are simple ideas for February as you turn everyday moments into learning and bonding opportunities with your child. 💕 #DoTheBasics

Simple tips for shared reading time with your little one from our friends at Reach Out & Read! #DoTheBasics #MaximizeLoveManageStress #ReadAndDiscussStories

Happy Valentine's Day! Children don't need grand gestures, exciting outings, or big gifts to feel loved. Connecting with them in meaningful ways is simple (and free!) Here are 10 simple ideas to get you started. 💕 #DoTheBasics #MaximizeLoveManageStress

Shared reading time with your child isn't just good for their brain, it's good for your parent / child bond! What will you read today? 📚💕 #DoTheBasics #MaximizeLoveManageStress #ReadAndDiscussStories

Timing is everything! Young children are naturally active, as they should be. Work with their energy levels, not against them. 📚 #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories

Reading to your child as early as possible expands their word bank and promotes school readiness in far more powerful ways than you might realize! What will you read together today? 📚 #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories Graphic from @1000hoursoutside

Just 5 minutes a day adds up to an estimated 78,000 words per year! What will you read with your child today? 📚 Graphic from @georginathespeechie #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories

Reading with our child isn't just about brain growth, vocabulary, and bonding. Books can be a powerful tool for naming, understanding, and processing emotions. 📚💕 Graphic from @asweetandsimplehome #DoTheBasics #MaximizeLoveManageStress #ReadAndDiscussStories

If your 4-year-old is eligible for First Steps 4K, then their siblings (0-12) automatically qualify for child care. Siblings can use our scholarships at any of our partner centers for both child care during the day and after school care.

"Children look to their parents and caregivers to help them feel loved, safe, and secure. Reading aloud with your child is one way to help your family cope with stress." Learn more from our friends Reach Out and Read! #DoTheBasics #MaximizeLoveManageStress #ReadAndDiscussStories

The 1st day of spring is right around the corner! Celebrate the new season with picture books! Many of these are classics you may have enjoyed when you were a child. Visit your local library branch for these titles & many more! 🌷📚 #DoTheBasics #ReadAndDiscussStories