WY Quality Counts

Child care professionals! Are you signed up for this year’s Collaborative Conference October 11-12? There’s still time to apply for a grant to cover the registration cost! Apply here: bit.ly/WYQC-Grants

Looking for a fun summer activity? Try this!

The Wyoming Department of Health Needs Your Help to Inform Maternal and Child Health Priorities for the State of Wyoming!

Families with children ages 0-17 and youth ages 12-17 are eligible to participate in focus groups and surveys with incentives up to $200. The focus groups will be accessible in English, Spanish, and ASL, and the survey is available in English and Spanish.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jenny Hargett at [email protected] or Feliciana Turner at [email protected].

health.wyo.gov/publichealth/mch/mch-needs-assessment-2025/engagement/
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¡El Departamento de Salud de Wyoming necesita su ayuda para informar las prioridades de Salud Materna e Infantil para el estado de Wyoming!

Las familias con niños de 0 a 17 años y jóvenes de 12 a 17 años son elegibles para participar en grupos focales y encuestas con incentivos de hasta $200. Los grupos focales estarán disponibles en inglés, español y ASL, y las encuestas están disponibles en inglés y español.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en ponerse en contacto con Jenny Hargett en [email protected] o Feliciana Turner en [email protected].

health.wyo.gov/publichealth/mch/mch-needs-assessment-2025/engagement/

Social-emotional competence refers to the ways kids can effectively express their feelings and engage in positive relationships with others. While these seem like pretty basic skills, there’s a lot involved in learning them, and kids need a lot of support from their adults to practice.

bit.ly/WYQCprotectivefactors

Are your kids meeting their milestones? Early childhood developmental screenings are free across the state. Use this map to find the screening center in your community.

bit.ly/regional-map

Do you have kids entering kindergarten soon? What an exciting time for your family! Check out the Kindergarten Transition Toolkit and all of the free resources on this page to help get your family ready.

bit.ly/kindertoolkit

Kindergarten Transition Toolkit - WY Quality Counts The Kindergarten Transition A toolkit for families, educators, and communities The transition to kindergarten is a big, exciting time for the whole family. There is a lot to think about before kindergarten even begins! There are also many things you can do to help your children and your families get...

Getting your kids started with independent play can bring forth numerous advantages, including the enhancement of imagination, creativity, persistence, patience, problem-solving abilities, and much more.

bit.ly/independent_play

Your baby's body language can speak volumes about their needs and feelings. Responding to these cues not only helps them feel secure and understood, but also strengthens the bond between you. Every baby has their unique signals, and as you spend time together, you'll learn to recognize them. Here are some general cues to look out for!

bit.ly/Babys-Body-Language

Parenting can be tough, especially when children display challenging behaviors. It's crucial to have realistic expectations about their development and to understand their behavior. Learn more about setting developmentally-appropriate expectations for your children and what signs to watch for in their development.

bit.ly/Development-Expectations

Get ready for some indoor fun!
Kids learn best by doing, so why not involve them in everyday activities like setting up an indoor living room camp? It's a great way to build their confidence and spend quality time together. Check out our checklist to get started!

bit.ly/Living-Room-Camping

Stay in the loop with all the latest events, resources, and fun activities for your little ones in Wyoming!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and deliver everything straight to your inbox.

https://bit.ly/WYQC-Newsletter

Learn about the transition to kindergarten - from getting ready for the first day and into the school year - and how to set your family up for success!

https://bit.ly/kindertoolkit

Do you need help paying for child care? There is financial assistance available! Visit the Department of Family Services to learn the qualifications and to apply.

https://bit.ly/WYDFSsubsidy

Planning the perfect family trip? Look no further!

Whether you're into beachfront hotels, riverside holiday homes, or bush campsites, this guide covers you. Prepare to fine-tune your family break with the best and worst bits from the Heelers' holiday adventures!

bit.ly/Bluey-Perfect-Family-Trip

Get outside, get active, and exercise your kids' strong and healthy bodies with a super simple obstacle course designed for your own backyard. ⁠
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bit.ly/Super-Simple-Obstacle-Course

The Differences Between Speech & Language: Let's talk about it.
Speech and language may go together, but they are not the same.

bit.ly/Differences-Speech-Language

It’s Cheyenne Frontier Days! Download your free CFD Bingo page and talk about all of the fun things you see and do together.

bit.ly/Frontier-Days

Careful listening helps kids feel heard. Show that you understand their feelings through language that communicates empathy and understanding.⁠
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bit.ly/Language-Validating-Feelings

A solid foundation of communication between you and your kids is essential for building positive, healthy relationships and creating a safe space for discussing difficult topics as they grow older.

bit.ly/Communication-With-Kids

Creating a calm and happy home starts with being a responsive parent!

Being emotionally and physically available can help your kids develop a sense of safety and trust, leading to secure attachments. When kids feel safe and secure, they can thrive and grow.

bit.ly/Emotionally-Available-Parenting

Getting ready for kindergarten is an exciting time for the whole family! ⁠
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The transition to kindergarten is an ongoing process, so make it smoother by preparing early. The Kindergarten Transition Toolkit, created by the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council, provides resources and best practices for children, families, early childhood providers, school officials, and community leaders. Check it out to ensure a smooth and confident start to the school year! ⁠
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bit.ly/kindertoolkit

For families of young children, deciding where your kids will go to child care, preschool, or another early childhood setting is a big decision - and an important one!

In this video, explore the Head Start program by hearing from early childhood professionals and a mother of children who participate in the program in Jackson, Wyoming.

WY Early Child Care Programs - Head Start For families of young children, deciding where your kids will go to child care, preschool, or another early childhood setting is a big decision - and an impo...

Guided play is all about letting kids take the lead while gently guiding them towards a goal or new skill. It's play with a purpose!

bit.ly/Learning-Through-Guilded-Play

Secure attachments boosts brains. So, hug it out!

bit.ly/RGH-Hug

Do you need help paying for child care or before and after school care? There is financial assistance available! Visit the Department of Family Services to learn the qualifications and to apply

bit.ly/WYDFSsubsidy

Did you know that when kids are laughing, they're learning? So get to giggling - it will jumpstart your child's brain!

bit.ly/RGH-Giggle

Embracing the longest day of the year with sunshine, warmth, and endless possibilities. Happy Summer Solstice! ☀️