Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for December observances:
Month-Long Observances
Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month
- November Recalls on Children’s Products, Trying Together
- Safe Toys and Gifts Month, American Public Health Association
- Choosing Safe Toys, KidsHealth
- 7 Tips For Buying Safe Toys For Children, Health Park Pediatrics
Universal Human Rights Month
- Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together
- National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
- Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect
Learn a Foreign Language Month
- 6 Reasons Why Language Learning Is Important For Children, EF
- 11 Reasons Why Your Child Should Learn a Foreign Language, VIP Kid
- 10 Language Games for Kids That’ll Keep Them Engaged and Learning, Fluentu
Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
- 2023 Food Resources, Trying Together
- New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available, Trying Together
- Healthy Eating Guides: At the Grocery Store, Trying Together
Week-Long Observances
December 4-8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week
- Find Flu Vaccines, Vaccine.gov
- Flu Shot: Your Best Bet For Avoiding Influenza, Mayo Clinic
- Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine, KidsHealth
Days of Recognition
December 2 is Special Education Day
- Early Intervention FAQ, Trying Together
- When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child? Trying Together
- Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together
- Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services, Trying Together
December 3 is National Roof Over Your Head Day
- Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families, Trying Together
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Application Period Opens November 1, Trying Together
- Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5
- Housing Resources, United Way PA 211
December 3 is International Day of People with Disabilities
- Early Childhood Inclusion, Trying Together
- Talking with Young Children about Disabilities, Trying Together
- The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together
December 5 is National Communicate With Your Kids Day
- How To Address War and Traumatic Experiences With Children, Trying Together
- Talking with Young Children about Disabilities, Trying Together
December 10 is Human Rights Day
- Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together
- National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
- Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect
December 21 is National Short Story Day
- Buzzword Pittsburgh, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources For Families and Caregivers, Trying Together
