Swimming is a go-to pastime to beat the summer heat, but it’s important to always consider safety precautions when children are around any body of water. While nothing replaces adult supervision, introducing young children to swim lessons can be a proactive step to helping keep children safe. Swim lessons are readily...
The “summer slide" describes a student’s tendency to fall behind in academic progress over the summer months. Each year, many children of all ages face challenges as they begin school in the fall because of the “break” from reading and learning over the summer months. Children who do not maintain steady...
June is National Safety Month, a month-long reminder to take safety precautions all year long. While kids are enjoying sun, fun and never ending Popsicles during the summer months, parents can gear up for the long summer days by keeping safety in mind to ensure a happy and safe experience to...
It’s common for adults to overlook the importance of reading aloud to young children, but the activity is more essential to early childhood development than parents may think. Reading aloud to children stimulates healthy cognitive and emotional development. Early language and literacy impacts children’s ability to focus, set goals, control impulses...
Five simple steps for stimulating interactions with young children — at home, in child care or in preschool. When adults react and respond to young children’s babbles, gestures and cries, they are doing more than providing good, nurturing care. They're actually laying the groundwork for children's future growth and development—helping to...
High-quality educators make an incredible difference in the lives of children by providing knowledge, support, inspiration and so much more to the young minds who enter their classroom each day. Not only do teachers elevate children’s minds to reach their best potential, but they also ensure a foundation of knowledge...
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., the holiday is typically associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. While the Cinco de Mayo has an expansive history and is ceremonial at its core, parents...
Southwest Human Development's annual Grow A Reader virtual book drive ensures that kids in low-income communities receive the books they need to succeed in school. For families who struggle to make ends meet, purchasing new books simply does not compete with priorities like providing food, clothing and shelter. Children without access to...
Scheduling an appointment with your child’s dentist before age 1 has many benefits. Families commonly have the misconception that children don’t need a dental visit until their first teeth emerge; however, the earlier visit the better. Visiting the dentist as an infant not only helps to form a bond with their...
Youth with giving spirits help to make the world a better place, no matter their age. Meet Aly, an incredible 10th-grader with a passion for helping children with disabilities. Aly chose Southwest Human Development for her school’s passion project assignment after learning about the agency’s programs and services through her participation...