Research shows that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for you and your baby. But it also can be difficult to manage breastfeeding in today's hurried world. Learning all you can before you give birth can help. The decision to breastfeed is a personal one. As a new mom, you deserve support no matter how you decide to feed your baby. Learn more here.

Does your child dream of becoming the next Olympic star or pro athlete? While we all want to support our children's goals, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages a commonsense approach when it comes to sports training. Here's why.

Participation in sports has clear benefits for children's health and development. Sports can help improve concentration, reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence. However, organized sports can also lead to stress and challenges that can be harmful if a child is not prepared for it.

If your child is going to participate in sports, you can help them by practicing these important mental skills

Whether your child plays organized sports or just loves being active outdoors, hot weather can pose serious health concerns.

As temperatures in all parts of the U.S. trend upward, kids face a rising risk of weather-related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This includes exertional heat stroke (EHS), linked with intense exercise in hot weather. EHS is a leading cause of sudden death in high-school athletes, particularly football players.

Click here to learn how hot weather can affect kids, especially when they're exercising and playing hard, and how to help protect against heat stress.

Backpacks are packed, pencils are sharpened and the new school year is in full swing. But your child’s success and wellbeing at school goes beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities give your child a well-rounded elementary school experience.

This guide will teach you about the importance of extracurricular activities for kids, and give you ideas for how to pick the best one for your child.

“We’re leaving in five minutes! Hurry, get your socks and shoes on!”

Every morning, I remind my kids to keep getting ready before rushing out the door for school. Sometimes, it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones who have a hard time with the morning routine.

In the “Operation Rise and Shine” episode of the new PBS KIDS show, “Lyla in the Loop,” Lyla and her siblings keep missing the bus for school. After a family meeting, Lyla, her twin sisters Liana and Louisa, and her brother Luke try to brainstorm what they need to do to catch the bus on time. They find out that there’s not just one thing making them late, but many things! Read more here.

Entering a new environment can be scary for preschoolers. Find out how to overcome separation anxiety for a happier first day of school. Learn more here.

My kids love having their friends over for a playdate! As a parent, sometimes the planning and logistics can get challenging. But the fun, learning, and friendship that comes from the playdate is always worth it.

The Wombats are another family full of fun and play. The newest PBS KIDS podcast features the playdates and problem solving of Zadie, Zeke, and Malik, who invite listeners to play, dance, and sing along.

To celebrate the new podcast series, here are eight playdate ideas for preschoolers to enjoy with friends and family!

Mosquitoes long have been taking a bite out of warm-weather fun. Now, that bite carries with it the danger of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Click here for more.

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. In 2022, 180 people died in the U.S. from weather-related excessive heat, according to Injury Facts. Read more here.

Families, teachers and children are better together. That’s why the Child Care Resource and Referral Network is proud to serve as a navigator for families, expertly assisting them in finding high-quality child care and connecting them with additional opportunities to meet their needs.

Is your family struggling to make ends meet? Could you or someone you know use assistance with paying for utilities, accessing a food pantry, or connecting to job training or employment services? Call 800-886-3952, ext 2. to learn more!

For personalized support in finding a child care program that best meets your family's needs,

contact CASY, Child Care Resource and Referral, Family Engagement Specialists

at 800-886-3952 and choose option 2.

Our Family Engagement Specialists will follow up with you by the next business day when you submit the online form.

Do you prefer a language other than English? ¿Habla español? Ou pale kreyòl ayisyen? ဗမာစကား ပြောတတ်လား။ Our family specialists can support you in any language, whether via emails or texts, communication over the phone or a conversation in person. We can provide information in any language you need on finding quality child care, paying for care and connecting to resources your child needs to grow, learn and develop. For free, personalized information on child care and other resources, complete our online referral request form or connect with your local child care resource and referral agency for assistance.

As of April 1, 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) has increased. You may now be eligible for child car assistance. Visit these links for more information.

Income Guidelines to be approved for CCDF:

https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/files/Income-Get-on-CCDF.pdf

Income Guidelines to stay on CCDF at recertification:

https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/files/Income-Stay-On-CCDF.pdf

On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4-year-olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Applications for the 2024-25 On My Way Pre-K vouchers will be available beginning April 1, 2024. Any child who will be 4 by August 1, 2024 (and not 5), is eligible to apply for this funding to support a high-quality pre-kindergarten program that best fits their family’s needs. Help your child gain critical skills — apply at OnMyWayPreK.org.