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At UCP Charter Schools, we are committed to our belief that the arts play a pivotal role in reinforcing and enriching the learning experience for every student. Across all our campuses, we prioritize arts integration as a cornerstone of our educational approach. Within the vibrant tapestry of our UCP community, a promising 2nd-grade artist, Nalani, has recently stolen the show. Nalani, affectionately known as Lani to her friends and teachers, is a standout student at our UCP Healthy West Orange Campus. Renowned for her exceptional intellect and unwavering determination, she approaches her studies with a rare diligence that sets her apart. Nalani's commitment to learning is evident in her impressive academic journey, with a notable rising trend in her test scores since the beginning of the year, observed by her teacher, Ms. Clifford. In Ms. Clifford's eyes, there is no limit to Nalani's potential, and she passionately believes that the only direction for Nalani is up. Nalani's recent success in the Angels for Kids Foundation's art scholarship contest exemplifies the impact of arts integration in our curriculum. Angels for Kids is a non-profit, privately funded organization that improves the lives of children in need under 16. Through their yearly scholarship, where students entered a Christmas card design, Nalani won first place and received one hundred dollars. Her card was also published through Shutterfly. This achievement not only highlights Nalani's exceptional artistic talent but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing such talents within our student body. Regardless of the subject matter, Nalani consistently presents her best efforts in her work, showcasing her achievements with a 'humble smile of satisfaction.' This unique blend of dedication and modesty not only defines Nalani's academic approach but also serves as an inspiration to her peers and a source of pride for our UCP community.

Diving into the Marvels of STEM Exploration at UCP! At UCP, our STEM Saturday events are more than just gatherings; they are gateways for young minds to explore the thrilling realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. With a mission to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and ignite passion for STEM fields among students, our recent events on January 20 at the Pine Hills campus and January 29 at the Downtown campus were nothing short of a resounding success. Assisting Science Fair Projects: A highlight of these events was our ability to support students participating in the Science Fair, offering guidance and assistance with their captivating science projects. Community Collaboration: We brought together a dynamic mix of students, educators, professionals, and UCF volunteers, creating an atmosphere filled with interactive activities and captivating demonstrations. Hands-On Exploration: Students were immersed in hands-on activities curated to become their science fair projects, with a choice of 20 different experiments! Enthusiastic mentors and experts guided participants, fostering critical thinking and encouraging questions. Excitement Throughout the Day: The sense of excitement and encouragement reverberated as students collaborated, shared ideas, and learned from one another throughout the day. 📅 Mark Your Calendars! Next STEM Saturday Open to all students, Kindergarten and up. 💕 Don't miss out—complete the form for more information. Pine Hills Osceola Downtown BCA West Orange Seminole Let's continue to fuel the passion for STEM and inspire the next generation of innovators!

Written By: Lacey Conner of Family Wellness Pro As parents, we are always on the hunt for new ways to keep our children entertained and educated – especially when confined indoors! Whether it's a rainy day or a quiet weekend at home, having a roster of engaging activities can be a real lifesaver. From board games that take us back to childhood to crafts that stir creativity, there are numerous ways to turn indoor time into a fun learning adventure. Today, UCP Charter Schools shares some fun ideas to get you started. Family Time with Board Games Board games are more than just a fun pastime; they are a way to engage young minds in strategic thinking. Traditional games like chess provide an entertaining introduction to strategy. On the other hand, international classics like Scrabble or Monopoly can help kids enhance their vocabulary and mathematical skills. Spending an afternoon huddled around the game board brings the family together and sparks healthy competition and laughter. Make Cards to Show Appreciation Gratitude is one of the best traits you can teach your children, and a great place to begin is by using this free online card maker to help them show appreciation for their grandparents, teachers, or even their friends. There are plenty of templates they can use and customize as desired. This is also a fantastic way to develop their creativity and express themselves! Puzzling Out the Fun Puzzles offer a fantastic way to engage children indoors. They can improve kids' cognitive abilities, hand-eye coordination, and patience while providing them with a sense of accomplishment once completed. Plus, it is a beautiful way for children to recognize and appreciate the beauty of their homeland. Moreover, these puzzles, steeped in iconic imagery, can spur conversations about our environment, geography, and iconic landmarks. A Dose of Creativity Arts and crafts offer a colorful way for children to express their creativity. Activities such as painting a sunset, crafting kangaroos from clay, or creating beautiful aboriginal dot paintings provide a creative outlet and teach them about their culture. It's an engaging way to introduce them to the rich tapestry of our nation's artistry and indigenous heritage. Moreover, these creative pursuits can help children develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse artistic traditions that make the world so vibrant and unique. Encourage Good Posture Many children are self-conscious about their height. To help with this, you could encourage your child to stand (or sit) up straight, since good posture gives the appearance of being taller by straightening the spine. It is also a healthy habit, encouraging better breathing, healthier joints, and even reduced headaches. You can make a fun game out of it by seeing who can balance a book on their head the longest. Work on a Home Repair Project Together Another great way to spend time with your kids while also being productive and teaching them vital lessons is by working on a kid-friendly home repair project together, whether that’s changing the furnace filter, fixing a window screen, or demineralizing a faucet. This lays a great foundation for stewardship and responsibility. A quick review of the local housing market can help drive home the point that well-maintained homes are more pleasant to live in – and more valuable! Starting a Business Another excellent way to help prepare your children for the real world is by showing them the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, perhaps by starting a business! Some states have an LLC age requirement but others – namely California, Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming – do not. By going over the benefits of an LLC (which include liability protection and tax incentives), as well as the elements of a business plan and a marketing campaign, you can help prepare them for the business world! Learning Made Fun For parents working from home, educational YouTube videos can be a lifeline. Channels like "National Geographic Kids" and "Crash Course Kids" provide engaging content that spans various subjects, from science to geography. This digital learning experience, paired with the familiarity of the YouTube platform, can make education entertaining and accessible for children. Plus, it allows children to learn at their own pace, rewinding and re-watching as needed, ensuring they truly grasp the concepts presented. Singing to the Beats A karaoke night, belting out favorite tunes, or popular hits can turn a regular evening into a family fiesta. It is a fun way to boost children's confidence, improve their memory and listening skills, and introduce them to our rich musical history. It's all about letting loose and enjoying the music together as a family. Not to mention, it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the world’s diverse music scene, spanning various genres and decades. Building the Future with Aussie Innovations STEM-related activities can instill a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in children. Conducting simple experiments, playing coding games, or building a mini Sydney Harbor Bridge from toothpicks and marshmallows can transform learning into an exciting adventure. It's a glimpse into the world of possibilities that STEM offers, inspiring future innovators. Additionally, these activities can help children understand how STEM plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from the buildings we live in, to the technology we use. Indoor activities blend fun and learning, fostering cognitive development and creativity in children. Parents working from home can keep young people engaged and help them feel more connected to their roots through board games, making cards, starting a business, helping with home repairs, puzzles, arts and crafts, reading, YouTube videos, karaoke nights, and STEM-related activities. Seize these opportunities to turn every indoor day into a fun-filled adventure! For more information about UCP of Central Florida, visit www.ucpcfl.org

Written by: Wendy Thomson Director of Family & Child Support Services With Valentine's Day around the corner, February is known as The Relationship Month. For kids, it’s candy and hearts but for adults, it can get complicated. As parents, your role in fostering positive and healthy connections sets the foundation for your children's future relationships. Creating and maintaining healthy relationships is a crucial aspect of life. Let’s explore some ways to know if you are in a healthy personal relationship: 1. Trust: Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship. Be dependable, keep your promises, and maintain open and honest communication. Trust grows over time through consistent and honest behavior which will build the emotional safety needed in a healthy relationship. 2. Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship, but how they are handled makes all the difference. Model healthy conflict resolution by calmly discussing disagreements and finding compromises. Approach disagreements with a solution-oriented mindset. Focus on the issue at hand, avoid blaming, and work together to find compromises that benefit both parties. 3. Appreciation: Show gratitude for the little things not just big acts. Regularly express appreciation for your partner and the positive aspects of your relationship. Gratitude fosters a positive atmosphere and reinforces the value you place on each other. 4. Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Encouraging open and honest communication within your relationships creates a safe place where everyone can feel fully understood and heard. When your partner is speaking, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting and genuinely try to understand their point of view. Reflecting on what they have said before responding shows that you value their input. 5. Empathy: Empathy helps create supportive and compassionate connections. Acknowledge and validate your partner's feelings and demonstrate that you care about their experiences. People need emotional support during both challenging and joyous times. You don't have to solve the problem, just be there to listen and offer support. 6. Respect & Boundaries: Establishing and respecting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Value your partner's time and feelings by really listening to what they need and not forcing your opinion. Active respect goes beyond a passive acknowledgment of someone's worth; it involves actively demonstrating consideration and esteem for the other person. 7. Flexibility: Relationships evolve, and individuals grow. Embrace change and adapt to the evolving dynamics of your relationship. Recognize that you both bring different perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the relationship. Celebrate and learn from these differences rather than seeing them as obstacles. 8. Foster Independence: While a strong connection is important, it's equally crucial to maintain individual identities and interests. Maintain a sense of independence by taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Everyone needs space to pursue personal interests and maintain a sense of individuality. Remember that healthy relationships require ongoing effort and commitment from both parties. By incorporating these tips into your approach to relationships, you can contribute to the development of strong, fulfilling connections with others. If you are in a relationship that is unsafe and you want a safe, free, confidential space to talk it through, please reach out to your campus Clinical Counselors. We are here to help your child and family find health and happiness. Your physical and emotional safety always comes first, and we are here to support you through any challenges you may have.

Written By: Dr. Irma J. Rosa Cains We live in a remarkably busy world with busy agendas. We all feel stress, even our children; however, they do not always know how to express it. Sometimes stress is manifested in poor sleep patterns, meltdowns, behavior changes, and physical symptoms. It is especially important we do not overlook signs of stress in our children and develop outlets for them to relieve their stress. Physical activity is one of the strategies used to address tension and anxiety positively. So, Let's MOVE! First Step: Don’t set unattainable expectations. You don’t need to devote extended periods of time to exercise with your children. It is recommended for children to have a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day. You can break that into 2 30-minute sessions, 4 15-minute sessions, 6 -10-minute sessions, or whatever “distribution” of time works for you and your child. Second Step: Find an activity that your child enjoys. Go outside! Some fun activities are: Jumping Hula Hooping Walking Biking Swimming Yoga Third Step:  Use physical activity as a bonding time with your child. Be present! Put your phone or tablet away and interact with your child. Make eye contact. Take turns. Have Fun. Be Creative. You or your child can make a fun game out of any physical activity. Challenge your child to a hula hoop contest and see who can hula hoop the longest while standing like a flamingo Fourth Step: Have FUN! Allow yourself to enjoy those precious moments together. Be silly! Get Creative. Laughter is considered an effective relaxation technique.

Article Written By: Emily Grahams of Mighty Moms When it comes to parenting, we have the opportunity to shape future leaders through our actions and guidance. This article delves into approaches needed to help nurture leadership capabilities in children. As architects of the next generation, parents are equipped to lay the foundation for strong leadership skills early in their children's lives. Teach Them About the Initiative Encouraging children to take initiative and make decisions is crucial to nurturing their leadership potential. Allowing them to experience both successes and setbacks contributes significantly to their growth and self-confidence. When children have the autonomy to make choices, they develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and develop critical thinking skills that are vital for leadership. Lead by Example Actions speak louder than words. Parents who exemplify leadership qualities themselves have a profound impact on their children's development. Parents, regardless of their educational background, can instill the values of ambition and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in their children by demonstrating it in their own lives. Some ways to show these values are by encouraging problem-solving, setting realistic goals, celebrating effort, embracing failure, and sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges. Children learn from observing their parents, so the best way to shape your children is for parents to embody the qualities they wish to instill. The Importance of Goal Setting Teaching children to establish clear, achievable goals is a fundamental aspect of fostering leadership skills. This process not only cultivates focus and determination but also instills a sense of accomplishment and the ability to strategize for success. Things such as involving the whole family in setting achievable goals or discussing the why of those goals can help children set and work toward their goals and allow parents to empower their children with drive and persistence. Cooperation and Teamwork Leadership often involves working within a team and teaching children the value of effective teamwork is fundamental. Cooperative experiences enhance their ability to communicate, empathize, and work alongside others toward common goals. By involving children in group activities, parents provide them with valuable lessons in collaboration, conflict resolution, and understanding diverse perspectives – all essential leadership skills. Integrity Through Responsibility and Accountability Integrity, a quality that can constructed from an early age, is an essential quality of a leader. It is a steadfast pillar that remains unwavering. By imparting a sense of responsibility and accountability, parents set the foundation upon which integrity is built. By doing things such as encouraging open dialogue, engaging in conversations about moral and ethical dilemmas, and clearly defining and communicating the family's core values parents can play a vital role in shaping their children's character and instilling a strong sense of integrity that will guide them throughout their lives. As children grasp the significance of taking ownership of their actions and begin comprehending the repercussions of their decisions, they begin developing the ethical values that are essential for leaders to earn trust and respect. Decisive Minds: Encouraging Independent Thinking Leaders often need to make important decisions and encouraging independent thinking in children is essential for preparing them for leadership roles. Parents can support their children when making decisions by encouraging them to weigh their options to make informed decisions. This not only reinforces their critical thinking skills but also boosts their confidence in their ability to make choices. Encouraging children to think independently from an early age empowers them to become effective decision-makers as they grow. The journey of parenting is filled with opportunities to guide children towards becoming influential leaders. By focusing on these areas, fostering autonomy, setting a positive example, encouraging goal setting, etc., parents can provide their children with the tools and experiences necessary to develop the skills and character of a leader. This commitment to cultivating leadership qualities from an early age promises a generation of empowered individuals ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future. UCP of Central Florida is dedicated to empowering children with disabilities. Learn more about our events, programs, and services.

The choices for students, particularly for students with unique learning needs, have grown exponentially over the past decade. Florida is the nation's leader in providing students and their families with educational freedom, earning the number one in the nation ranking for the Center for Education Reform's Parent Power Index. Charter Schools and various Scholarship Voucher programs allow parents to select an option that best meets the unique needs of their child. Each option is different and there are pros/cons to consider for each one. Here is some basic information on each option as well as considerations: Charter Schools Charter Schools are non-profit agencies operating an innovative public school. There are over 726 charter schools located throughout Florida educating over 382,000 students. Charter Schools have accountability similar to other public schools (i.e. students take state testing, the school has performance goals, teachers are required to be certified, all staff are required to pass background screenings, etc.). There are different kinds of charter schools, including schools specifically focused on a type of disability (i.e. autism) as well as unique approaches (i.e. focus on arts/STEM). Tuition is 100% free for any child from Kindergarten – 12th grade (and some charter schools also accept students with an IEP/IFSP ages 12 months – PreK). You have to apply for admission to a charter school, and there is usually only a certain number of slots available. If more students than slots are available, then the charter school conducts a random lottery. Recent legislation allowed a child to attend any charter school regardless of where you live (as space allows). All services on a student's Individual Education Plan (i.e. therapy) are required to be provided. Each School District website will list the charter schools in that district. For more information: Private Schools There are many private schools throughout Central Florida, including some that focus on different kinds of disabilities using various approaches/service models, which allow parents a plethora of choices. Private schools are independent schools and are not monitored by the state and also not mandated by law to follow/provide the services from a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) such as therapy services. They are not required to follow any specific regulations regarding teacher certification (i.e. teachers are not required to have a degree/certification, undergo background checks, etc.) Florida supports parent's choice to attend a private school by providing opportunities to apply for and use various scholarships/vouchers. Please note - to use any of these scholarships – the child must withdraw from public school, which means the school district/school is no longer required to provide the student with free appropriate public education or provide any services (i.e., therapy). You cannot be enrolled in a public school (including a charter school) and use any of these scholarship programs. There is a cap on the number of scholarships available to be funded, and usually, you need to apply/get accepted before the beginning of the school year. The amount of the scholarship reflects the amount the student would have received in the public school to which the student is assigned. The scholarship may not cover the full costs of private school. Parents are responsible for any tuition or fees above the scholarship amount. Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program was established in 2019 by the Florida legislature. There are two FES programs – Education Options and Students with Unique Abilities. Educational Options Scholarship (FES-EO) The parent of a student may apply for and receive from the state a scholarship if the student is a Florida resident and is eligible to enroll in kindergarten through grade 12 in a public school in this state. Priority is given first to students whose household income level does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level or who is in foster care or out-of-home care, then to students whose household income level exceeds 185% of the federal poverty level but does not exceed 400%. Scholarship to be used for tuition/fees for private school. The average amount of scholarship is $7,400. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) For the 2023-2024 school year, an eligible student must be 3 or 4 years old or eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade in a public school in Florida and have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or has a diagnosis of a disability from a licensed physician or psychologist. Scholarship can be used for a Personal Education Savings Account (ESA) for their student, which can be used for private school tuition and fees, on-learning learning, tutoring, therapy, and other approved customized learning services and materials. In order to apply for either of the above scholarships – parents must apply to an eligible non-profit scholarship funding organization that is administering the program. Click the button below for more information Home Education/Home School Parents may choose to withdraw their child from public school and educate them at home. Please note similar to enrolling in a private school – the school district/school is no longer required to provide the student a free and appropriate education or any services such as services on their IEP (i.e. therapy) Parents must maintain a portfolio of records and materials showing student work and make it available to the school district if requested in writing. Students in home education programs must annually undergo one of five academic evaluation options and submit the results to the district school superintendent. Parents register their home education program with the school district, providing the name, address, and birth date of each student participating.

Article by Dr. Wendy Thomson For Parents, prioritizing your own well-being benefits your whole family UCP charter schools offer clinical counseling on-site at most of our locations, where students can be seen by one of our clinical counselors. Mental health though isn't just important for students, it is important for our parents to prioritize themselves as well. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s essential... here are things that may help: Make time for yourself For many of us, it can be a struggle to maintain our mental health. Achieving balance is a crucial part of creating happiness and meeting life goals. We must intentionally create time to recharge outside of daily pressures. This could look like taking a shower or bath, walking around the block alone (or with your dog), designating time to read, or some other preferred activity. Prioritize healthy choices Ongoing stress can make it easy to slip into habits that feel good in the moment but can be damaging in the long run. This means being thoughtful and intentional about how you’re treating yourself and your body. Small changes like making time to take a walk, doing a short exercise routine, or choosing to go to bed a little earlier than usual can reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed and resilient. Each "different" and "mindful" choice brings you steps closer to the relief you seek. Set boundaries In a world full of responsibilities and pressure, it can be easy to absorb other people’s fears and concerns without even realizing it. If you have a friend or family member who’s in the habit of sending worst-case-scenario news or is prone to sending anxiety-provoking text messages, practice a little emotional distancing. Let them know you sympathize but that you’re taking a break from worrying news, or simply hit the Do Not Disturb button. You can always reconnect when things are calmer. Reconnect with things you enjoy Self-care can be as simple as taking a shower. Finding time to get back in touch with things you enjoy or choosing to learn a new skill can be a great way to practice self-care. Maybe there’s a creative project you’ve always wanted to try or a book you wanted to read. Remember, being kind to yourself will not only help you stay calm during difficult times, but it will also help ensure that you have the bandwidth you need to take good care of your family. When you’re running on fumes, caring for others can tax your already depleted resources. When you prioritize your needs, you’re filling the tank, emotionally and physically, and that means you’ll be in a position to offer comfort and care to others when they need it most. Download our December article HERE for easy reference later

Article by Dr. Wendy Thomson The new year brings hope and often the opportunity for us to set goals for improvement. One of the greatest projects to start is decluttering. Both your space but also your spirit. Decluttering your Space Identify your “why” for decluttering your life. Set some ground rules. Identify things you will NOT keep using the 3-second rule. If you cannot decide within 3 seconds, out it goes. “Is this an item I’ve used in the past year?” If the answer was no, get rid of it. Focus on one space at a time. It took years (even decades) to accumulate your stuff. It is not going to magically disappear overnight. Take your time and prevent overwhelm by focusing on one area at a time. Sort your items into these four categories. Keep, Sell, Donate, and Throw Away. Use large dark garbage bags to put things in that are leaving your house. This prevents you seeing them in the bag and second-guessing if you should keep them. Once in the bag, it stays in the bag! Set goals to hold yourself accountable and reward yourself when you finish a large task. Decluttering your Spirit Identify the “emotional rocks” that weigh you down. Where forgiveness is needed, what do I need to let go of history? You cannot move forward with one foot in the past! Journal your thoughts. The act of writing down your thoughts takes them from your mind to your hand, to the paper. There is a therapeutic release when something leaves your mind, even if for a little while. Walk it off. Just a short walk can boost your serotonin levels and give you clarity. Instead of scrolling through social media, get up and walk. Your heart and mind will thank you! Ask for support. If you are struggling beyond these ways, our Support team is here for your family. UCP provides counseling for our families that is free and confidential. All our support staff hold Master's and Doctorate degrees in mental health and welcome the opportunity to help you. Ask your child’s teacher about it if you are considering reaching out for support.

Article content provided by Abigail Raines The holidays are quickly approaching, which means gift-giving is right around the corner! There are so many great toys on the market it can be overwhelming to decide what toys to buy your child. However, when it comes to toys, not all toys are created equally. Some toys specifically promote language, fine motor, and gross motor skills, which can help your child’s development! Here are some toy features to look for when selecting toys for your child: Less is more! | While toys with fun lights and sounds are attractive, simple, non-battery-operated toys promote descriptive language during play. Toys that promote building or construction | Blocks, marble mazes, pretend construction kits and magnet tiles encourage children to use their hands, which promotes fine motor skills! Toys that encourage active play | Pop-up tunnels, plasma cars, pogo stick bikes, and ball activities promote gross motor skills and encourage children to get up and move! Toys that encourage pretend play, creativity, and imagination | Arts/crafts, pretend kitchen, puppets, and dolls will promote language, fine motor and gross motor skills. Toys used for pretend play encourages independence, problem-solving skills and help your child learn their likes and dislikes. Books | Books promote so many different skills! Reading with your child is a great way to time to bond with your child. Reading can be an independent activity. Even if your child is not reading yet, having your child look at pictures in a book can foster the love of reading early! Every child is unique! If you would like specific gift suggestions for your child, reach out to your child’s therapist or teacher! You can also download our suggested gift guide below for ideas. Gift Guide for Different Ages

Article content provided by Dr. Kristy Bautista The art of shoe tying is an important milestone for the development of any child is the experience and great sense of accomplishment. This milestone can also be difficult to accomplish and frustrating for children and parents. Fine motor, visual discrimination, bilateral hand manipulation, eye-hand coordination, visual perception, and motor planning (sequencing) are important foundational skills to acquire the skill of shoe tying efficiently and successfully. Tips & Tools It takes the use of two hands. It takes the ability to discriminate and identify objects and textures. It takes the ability to use your eyes to guide their hands. It may require verbal directions to understand directions and steps. It takes the ability to remember steps and sequences. It takes time and patience Activities to Try Shoe Tying Egg Carton Activity This hands-on shoe-tying task helps kids establish the skills they need to learn to tie their shoes in a fun and stress-free manner Two-colored training kid's shoelaces Shoe laces are extra wide so it's easier for little hands to grab, plus they are two-toned which means it is easier for your child visually to use them. Steps for shoe tying Put both laces on one side of the shoe. Pick up one lace and go over and under the other lace. Hold the ends of both laces and pull tightly. Pick up the middle of the left lace and pinch it at the bottom. Pick up the other lace and wrap it around the loop. Questions about ways to help your child achieve shoe tying? Contact Dr. Kristy Bautista-Harris, Lead Occupational Therapist at kristy.bautista@ucpcfl.org

Article content provided by Danielle Waters Did you know that too much screen time could result in decreasing your child’s cognitive and language abilities? A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics finds a relationship between higher-than-recommended screen time and lower organization of brain white matter to support language and literacy.  The AAP developed screen time recommendations for babies and toddlers because children 0-3 develop more quickly at this stage than any other. Too much screen time does not allow for play, reading and in person interactions that support brain development. Research also associates too much tv-viewing/viewing videos on hand held devices with later attention problems. How much Screen time is okay? Remember these are guidelines, and as parents, we still need to focus on maintaining healthy limits and make time for other important activities such as physical activity and sleep. It is important to have children take screen breaks. It is important to set up screen-free times (meal -time/hour before bed) and zones (no screens in the playroom/bedroom) to assist in keeping screen time limited. Be aware of signs that your child may need reduced screen time, including expressing anger when asked to turn off or put screens away, insisting on more screen time, and showing a preference for screens over interpersonal interactions. For younger children, it is best that they engage in educational games and or videos. Remember that just because it states it is educational doesn’t mean it always is. Make sure to monitor and be aware of what your child is engaging in. Add social language in by speaking to your child about the screen time they are engaging in. For younger children, watch videos with them and talk about it/ask questions as it is playing. For older, school-age children, when they finish have them retell you what they watched or played. Are you setting a good example? We all utilize screen time, and it is easy to get swept up and spend too much time scrolling on our social media accounts or watching videos. According to Common Sense Media, 95% of parents say their own tech use interferes with daily opportunities for talking, playing and interacting with their own children. This results in our children getting fewer verbal and non-verbal interactions during the day. Currently, research indicates that children need an average of 40 conversational turns per hour for optimal brain development and school readiness. Tips for setting up healthy screen time practices CHALLENGE: Winter break is fast approaching. How much screen time will your child have this winter break? Engage in a winter break challenge to find ways to decrease screen time in your home. Go to a playground, plan an outing with your child, play at home with your child, bake some holiday cookies together. The possibilities are endless. Have fun! References: The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight, 2020 Gilkerson et al., 2018 Language experience in the second year of life and language outcomes in late childhood. Pediatrics (2018) 142 (4): e20174276. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-4276 Christakis et al., 2004 Early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. Apr;113(4):708-13. doi: 10.1542/peds.113.4.708 Brown, A., 2011 Media Use by Children Younger than 2 Pediatrics (2011) 128 (5): 1040–1045. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-1753 Hutton, J. et al., 2019 Associations between screen-based media use and brain white matter integrity in preschool-aged childrenJAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(1):e193869. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3869