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
- National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
- Universal Human Rights in the Workplace, Shortlister
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH
- 6 Reasons Why Learning a Language is Important for Children, EF
- 10 Language Games for Kids That’ll Keep Them Engaged and Learning, Fluentu
- 15 Reasons for Kids to Learn a Foreign Language, Panda Tree
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 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
- LIHEAP Enrollment for Heating Bill Assistance Now Open, 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
- Reading Ready Pittsburgh Offers Resources for Families and Caregivers, Trying Together
- Kindergarten Here I Come Releases November Books for Preschoolers, Trying Together
- Short Stories for Children, AmericanLiterature.com
