January is an ideal time for child care programs to set goals that foster growth and support the well-being of both children and staff alike. By establishing resolutions for your program, you can help develop a culture of unity and provide encouragement for families to share similar commitments to safety, growth, and community.
One simple, but impactful resolution is to prioritize shared mealtime experiences with the children in your care. Plan for group meals where children and staff can eat together. These moments create opportunities for open communication, model healthy habits, and foster a sense of belonging among children.
A fantastic way to ensure your program is supporting continued physical development in the new year is to incorporate daily, gross-motor activity into your program. Activities like group walks, music and movement sessions, and outdoor play help children build healthy habits while strengthening peer connections.
For younger children, focus on small, achievable group goals that build essential life skills and confidence. Activities like practicing handwashing together, tidying up as a team, or dedicating time to read aloud encourage responsibility and foster cooperation.
To strengthen the connection between your program and families, consider sharing these ideas with parents. Urge families to prioritize device-free meals at home to reinforce communication and quality time. Suggest simple physical activities, like family walks or dance parties, to promote healthy habits outside the classroom.
By working together—both within your program and in collaboration with families—you can create a supportive environment that nurtures children’s development and inspires positive habits for the new year!