Individuals and groups can check out a StoryTRACKS set for events, block parties, park activities, etc. Borrowing them is free but there are requirements. Find out more about these “picture books on parade.” It’s a great way for families to combine reading together, physical activity, and Alaska’s beautiful outdoors.
Blog
Looking ahead to kindergarten
If your child is entering school this fall and you’re wondering, will he be ready? Are there ways we can prepare her for success? Check out this lively brochure, “I am ready!,” from the Alaska Dept. of Education & Early Development or find more ideas on our website.
New statistic raises important questions
All Alaska children begin school ready to succeed – that’s Best Beginnings’ vision. But how do we know if they are “ready to succeed”? Here’s a startling new statistic. Fewer than 20 percent of children entering kindergarten in Alaska are prepared in all the ways experts say is important for success in school. That’s according Read More
Tempering Temper Tantrums
Are temper tantrums inevitable? Not necessarily. Toddlers with more developed language skills are better able to manage frustration and less likely to express anger by the time they’re in preschool. Researchers at Penn State University found a connection between children’s early language skills and their ability to manage anger and frustration.
Safe Sleeping for Alaska’s Babies
When the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission instituted new safety standards for cribs in child care, many of Alaska’s centers faced the cost of purchasing new, safer cribs. To the rescue came thread, with both free cribs and training in safe sleeping practices.
Take it outside
As of mid-May, the spring of 2013 has been a big disappointment in terms of weather. But hey, it’s still warmer than it was and we have all that daylight! So bundle up the kids as needed and explore all the activities that spring and summer have to offer in Alaska.
Ketchikan partnership rolls out new tool
It’s your son’s first day at a new child care facility. How do you convey information about him to his new caregivers? A toddler is placed in foster care. Is there an easy, comfortable way for the foster family to learn about the toddler and her background, and share information about her in the future? Read More
Our Voices Count
Talk about a frenetic time. When the House Finance Subcommittee on Education unexpectedly reduced funding for Best Beginnings and Parents as Teachers, people who believe in what we’re doing came out of the woodwork to share their stories. We won’t have a final answer on funding for early learning until the operating budget is approved. Read More
Will you be bold and brave for Alaska’s children?
What happens in the Alaska Legislature matters – really matters – for early childhood. Best Beginnings and our early childhood partners have come together with a priority list for state funding and attention. Tell your legislators you’re with us: early childhood matters!
Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation supports Imagination Library
For the second year running, newborns at the Alaska Native Medical Center can be enrolled in Imagination Library before they and their moms even leave the hospital. That’s thanks to Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation (HANF) renewing their contribution and making this possible. Read More
