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
- October Recalls on Children’s Products, Trying Together
- Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Awareness Days
- 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
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Children and Youth: Activities and Games, United Nations
- Universal Human Rights in the Workplace, Shortlister
- National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH
- 6 Reasons Why Learning a Language is Important for Children, EF
- 15 Reasons for Kids to Learn a Foreign Language, Panda Tree
- 11 Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age, Brighter Futures Indiana
WORLDWIDE FOOD SERVICE SAFETY MONTH
- New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available, Trying Together
- Healthy Eating Guides: At the Grocery Store, Trying Together
- Your Gateway to Food Safety Information, Foodsafety.gov
Week-Long Observances
DECEMBER 6-12 IS NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK
- Find Flu Vaccines, Vaccine.gov
- Flu Shot: Your Best Best 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
- LIHEAP Enrollment for Heating Bill Assistance Delayed Until December for 2025-26 Season, Trying Together
- Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families, 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
- Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect
- National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
DECEMBER 21 IS NATIONAL SHORT STORY DAY
- Buzzword Pittsburgh, Buzzword
- PA Promise for Children Releases November Booklist for Children, Trying Together
- List Suggests Books for Children About Being Afraid, Buzzword
- Short Stories for Children, AmericanLiterature.com
