Disclaimer: The recommendations and resources provided on this page are intended for general informational purposes only. While I strive to offer helpful and accurate suggestions, I cannot guarantee their suitability for every individual or situation. It is important for families to assess their own unique circumstances and consult with appropriate professionals before implementing any recommendations. I explicitly disclaim any liability for any damages or losses arising from the use or misuse of the information provided on this page.
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These are resources I've created through my years of working in childcare. A lot of them are works in progress - Since I'm always working on improving my services. Ranges from activities with kids, to my quick notes for first aid (*NOTE: these notes are not a replacement of trainings. Only applicable if you have the proper training), and different self-regulation strategies.
This is where I did most of my trainings, such as Orientation to Swim Lessons for Parents and Caregivers, Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector Administration, Advanced Child Care Training, First Aid for Opioid Overdoses, Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Becoming an Ambassador for Water Safety, and Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers. Some of them have to be renewed every few years, some of them are one-time trainings, and sometimes there are free ones you can take! Also a great place to get CPR masks and other useful, life-saving tools.
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An online and mail-based harm reduction service designed to reduce opioid overdose death, prevent injection-related disease transmission. Has free Naloxone (Narcan) training and will send free Narcan to your house, to be prepared in case an overdose happens.
Online or In-Person Training for how to save someone from life-threatening bleeding.
When his first book tour ended, Brad Montague missed hearing other people's stories so much that he launched what he dubbed a Listening Tour. First visiting elementary schools and later also nursing homes and retirement communities, he hoped to glean new wisdom as to how he might become a better grownup. Now, in this playful and buoyant book, he shares those insights with rest of us --timeless, often surprising lessons that bypass the head we're always stuck in, and go straight to the heart we sometimes forget.
Why I Recommend It: As a childcare provider, "Becoming Better Grownups" by Brad Montague is a must-read. Montague's insights, backed by Dr. June Lei Lee's expertise, emphasize the value of presence and engagement with our kids. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who introduces herself by what she loves rather than her title, Montague encourages us to instill a growth mindset by incorporating the word "yet" and understanding that failure, when done correctly, is a pathway to learning. Additionally, he highlights the importance of showing children that they are irreplaceable, echoing the ethos of Mrs. Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts. Through heartwarming anecdotes and practical advice, "Becoming Better Grownups" offers invaluable strategies for fostering resilience and empathy in both adults and children, guiding them to embrace their potential and cherish every moment.
Children are no strangers to cruelty and courage, to love and to loss, and in this unique book teacher and educational consultant Marietta McCarty reveals that they are, in fact, natural philosophers. Drawing on a program she has honed in schools around the country over the last fifteen years, Little Big Minds guides parents and educators in introducing philosophy to K-8 children in order to develop their critical thinking, deepen their appreciation for others, and brace them for the philosophical quandaries that lurk in all of our lives, young or old.
Why I Recommend It: This is my go-to book when a child asks me to explain a complex topic - such as the topics of courage, death, prejudice, humanity, compassion. This also includes topics that might not seem as complex, but truly are, such as friendship, responsibility, happiness, time, and other topics. The book has kid-friendly explainations and philosophical questions at the end of each section, and includes quotes and teachings from historical figures such as Plato, Martin Luther King, Jr., Shunryū Suzuki, Rita Manning, and many others.
Dave Grohl's book is a place for him to shed a little light on what it's like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams he had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to his time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with his daughters…the list goes on. He looks forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement.
Why I Recommend It: With having explicit language (it's how he talks), this would be a read just for parents. However, it's a mix of fun stories, with the undertone that experiences are better for development rather than buying luxury items. For example, some chapters are "Bedtime Stories with Joann Jett," "The Daddy-Daughter Dance," "DNA Doesn't Lie," and "Every Day is a Blank Page," reflecting on experiences that Dave Grohl had growing up - and how he's changed how he's raised his own daughters.
A hands-on children's museum, with exhibits on the arts, sciences, humanities, history and nature.
Why I Recommend It: I've volunteered there on and off since 2019, and they're always welcoming to the families that I bring in. Sometimes I have free passes from volunteering there.
Rose’s Inspiration Station offers a broad selection of supplies to choose from. Project choices aren’t hindered by a limited set of pre-packaged materials.
Why I Recommend It: A small family-owned, family-friendly business from a family that I've worked with for many years. As a creative person who studies human develoment, I can't emphisize enough how important it is to have your kids be creative, and Rose's Inspiration Station is the best place to do those creative activities.
You can interact with animals safely from your vehicle while exploring their drive-thru safari, on foot walking through their village walk-thru, or up close during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins.
Why I Recommend It: I've driven families to this park, and they always have a blast. As long as you're prepared for your car to get a little dirty, it's a great time.
A highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play.
Why I Recommend It: I travelled to Rochester, New York on a trip for a summit that some Virginia Tech students that were attending that was focused on all aspects of play, and how incredibly important it is to be able to and open to "play" throughout life. This museum was just across the street from our hotel, and we chose to give it a visit. It was incredible, with so much to do, including (but absolutely not limited to) an indoor zip line system, obstacle course, video game room, mini play "market" for kids, a room dedicated to Barbie and Women Empowerment, throwback/historical games, the original monopoly board, and SO much more.
*Only buy asterisked items if you are certified to use them.
Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit
Band-Aid Adhesive Bandage Family Variety Pack
No-Touch Thermometer for Adults and Kids, FSA Eligible
Globe Hydrogen Peroxide 3% First Aid Antiseptic
*First Responder Medical Tool Kit
*Mini CPR Keychain with Face Shield
*Adult/Child CPR Mask with O2 Inlet
Medvice 2 Reusable Hot and Cold Ice Packs for Injuries
Mindful Kids Bundle: Daytime & Bedtime
