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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 21h

There is so much to celebrate this month! Check out the monthly, weekly, and daily observances we've shared, add them to your calendar, and start your celebrations!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Music and movement can help children feel seen, celebrated, and confident. 💛 This joyful affirmation song from @JoolsTV invites children to sing, dance, and celebrate who they are. Representation matters. 🎶✨ youtu.be/Qe_5XP5wslo?...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Thoughtfully designed early learning environments invite children to explore, connect, imagine, and build confidence every day. Watch this short slideshow for spaces that have been set up for playful success! 🌈🧩✨

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Peekaboo can change the world! 🌍👶 In this short TED Talk, seven-year-old Molly Wright shares powerful, research-backed ways everyday play, talking, and connection help children’s brains thrive by age five. Watch and share: youtu.be/aISXCw0Pi94

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! Invite children to collect a few small, safe nature treasures from outdoors and turn them into a mini museum! Encourage them to arrange their finds, describe what they notice, and explain why they chose these treasures to put on display!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

High-quality classroom interactions start with educator well-being. This Teachstone blog shares practical reminders for preventing burnout: small moments of self-care, leading with authenticity, and giving yourself flexibility to adapt when plans change: bit.ly/4bTU5Ye

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Peeling fruit, twisting snack lids, or using tongs to serve food are powerful fine-motor workouts hiding in plain sight. These movements build the strength and coordination kids need for writing, buttoning, zipping, and using scissors all through play and real-life practice!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Check out The Discovery Source's "5 Strategies to Turn Big Emotions Into Teaching Moments" to download research-backed tools for educators, caregivers, and families who want calmer classrooms, and more confident kids: thediscoverysource.com/resources

thediscoverysource.com

The Discovery Source

Research-based educational kits, training, books, and classroom resources that help educators, families, and communities support children with confidence.

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! 🌟Let's give our little learners practice naming their feelings and recognizing their own names in print! Check out this article from Zero to Three to learn more about the stage of drawing your child is in! bit.ly/4qbRZJa #UPK #FunFriday

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Looking for meaningful, engaging storytime resources? Tandem’s free video playlists offer stories in multiple languages, plus talking tips, vocabulary, and easy at-home activities to keep learning going: www.tandembayarea.org/storytime-vi... 📚✨

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Join us for a LinkedIn Live conversation about how community and family perspectives have informed California's UPK work! Register here: www.linkedin.com/events/75038...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Fine motor play is so much more than “busywork.” ✨ Watch this short video to uncover the truth behind these powerful little activities—and see how they build the skills children need for learning, independence, and confidence!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

ATTENTION EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS! Explore LENA’s FREE resources to help strengthen teacher-child interactions and support young learners’ language development! Find practical tools, research, and inspiration designed to make every conversation count! bit.ly/4bLm3oX

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Check out the CALECSE learning series, "Tiny But Mighty: Growing Inclusive Transitional Kindergarten Classrooms!" REGISTER NOW: calecse.org/events

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Join CDSS and WestEd on select Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., for practical sessions on inclusion, belonging, collaboration, accommodations, family communication, and supporting challenging behaviors. REGISTER: cainclusion.org/bt/event/inc...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Fine Motor Monday is all about building strong little hands! 💪 Watch this short video to learn how playful activities like play dough, tweezers, tongs, sponge squeezing, and spray bottles help develop hand strength for everyday skills!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Register for the NAESP webinar, Beyond Good Intentions: Building a System of High Expectations for Students with Disabilities on September 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) bit.ly/3UzNyfd

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Fun Friday is here! 🎉Watch this quick video for playful name activities you can do with your child this week! Each one is easy, engaging, and full of learning through fun. Which one will you try first?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Free SEL Curriculum for California Educators! Think Equal is offering the first 2,000 Pre-K/TK educators to sign up the full program (print + digital) and free training - at no cost, thanks to the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Register for a virtual info session: bit.ly/4wvPov1

bit.ly

Think Equal CA Info Session Registration

Thank you for your interest in our award-winning Social and Emotional Learning program for Early Years. Think Equal covers 25 competencies and skills rooted in social justice and mental health by…

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

In case you missed it, the webinar recording of The Discovery Source's recent Lunch & Learn, "Preparing Young Children for Natural Disasters" is available NOW: drive.google.com/file/d/1PEs8...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

There is so much to celebrate this month! Check out the monthly, weekly, and daily observances we've shared, add them to your calendar, and start your celebrations!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Get access to hundreds of FREE live, and recorded expert-led professional development sessions and earn PD certificates while growing your skills, confidence, and leadership as an early childhood professional! earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Sign up for the ongoing professional development series to deepen the implementation of California's Native American Studies Model Curriculum. Sessions have already begun and run through December! Register now at hcoe.org/nasmc

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! Let's play a missing number game! Set out a line of numeral cards, have your child cover their eyes while you secretly remove one, then invite them to use their counting skills to figure out which number is missing. Practice number order, attention, and memory!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The research has always made it clear: Play-based learning WORKS! Hear more from early education leader, Jesse Ilhardt, as she discusses "How Play Helps a Kid's Brain Grow" in her December 2022 TED Talk: youtu.be/61yMFm40lIA?...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

It's FINE MOTOR MONDAY! Play with plastic or paper cups you already have on hand! Check the video for fun ways to stack, scoop, and build with cups to boost fine motor skills, coordination, and even some gross motor practice. How do you use party cups with kids or students?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

NEW RESOURCE ALERT! The UPK Curriculum Evaluation and Implementation Toolkit is here! Download now: cauniversalprek.org/resource/uni...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! This week we’re using dominoes to make learning early math skills more fun! Have children match the number of dots on a domino to numeral cards to connect how many they see with the written number. How do you like to use dominoes for learning?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Watch this short video to see what’s new in the DRDP (2025) and how it supports inclusive, research-aligned assessment for your program! Visit the California Department of Education’s DRDP page to learn more! www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/des...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Don't forget to register for our next P-3 Webinar, "Supporting Leaders to Create a Culture for Play Across the P-3 Continuum" happening on August 27, 2026 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.! Register here: bit.ly/4z0DoUS

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

It's FINE MOTOR MONDAY! Power Up Your Play Dough with simple add-ins that make playtime even more fun! Watch this short video for beads, buttons, rolling pins, and more to boost finger strength and creativity. What’s your favorite play dough add-in?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

In this prerecorded Teachsone webinar, "Reading Aloud with Purpose," Michele LaCoursiere-Ferrer shares practical, research-based read-aloud strategies to boost engagement, comprehension, and vocabulary. Watch now: youtu.be/gfxUWHcOsi0?...

Check out this prerecorded webinar from Teachstone: Reading Aloud with Purpose: Interactions to Foster a Love of Literacy

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! This week’s activity is all about spotting the alphabet outdoors! Take a short walk with your kids and look for sticks, branches, and shadows that look like letters. What letter shapes do your kids find in nature?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Check out the free virtual learning series from CALECSE, "Tiny But Mighty: Growing Inclusive Transitional Kindergarten Classrooms!" It explores developmentally appropriate practices that strengthen Tier 1 instruction. REGISTER: calecse.org/events

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

SPOTLIGHT ON: The Colusa County Office of Education Podcast! In this episode, “Building Bright Futures,” Alissa Maas talks with Ginger Harlow of First 5 Colusa about its history, programs, and local impact. Listen now: www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wrwgh-...

Spotlight On: Colusa County Office of Education Podcast
Image: The Colusa COE Podcast, Building Brighter Futures, November 20, 2025
Communications Director Alissa Maas sits down with Veronica Sandoval, CCOE's Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, to talk about countywide instructional supports, enrichment opportunities for students, and inclusive learning.

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Let’s play with colorful dot stickers! Watch this short video for easy, low-prep ideas that build finger strength, coordination, and make learning more visual and fun. How do YOU use dot stickers with kids or students?

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! Let's make a Mystery Bag! Add items to a bag that have something in common. Have your child pull out one item at a time and guess what is the same about the objects. A simple game that builds those important early literacy skills all through play! #UPK #FunFriday

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Mark your calendar! The next P-3 webinar, Supporting Leaders to Create a Culture for Play across the P-3 Continuum, is coming August 27, 2025 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Register now: bit.ly/4z0DoUS See you there!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Explore the Learning Policy Institute’s new report on how CA local educational agencies are making progress toward UPK and what challenges persist with implementation: learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/ca-u...

California's Universal PreKindergarten Implementation, 2024-25, Victoria Wang, Learning Policy Institute

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

It's FINE MOTOR MONDAY! Craft pom-poms are perfect for tiny hands – they’re soft, colorful, and just the right size for practicing pincer grasp, hand strength, and coordination. Save this post for easy, screen-free activities you can do at home or in the classroom!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

There is so much to celebrate this month! Check out the monthly, weekly, and daily observances we've shared, add them to your calendar, and start your celebrations!

Monthly Observances: August
Family Fun Month
National Black Business Month
Children's Eye and Safety Month
National Immunization Awareness Month

Daily Observances: August
National Friendship Day: 8/2/2026
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day: 8/4/2026
National Book Lover's Day: 8/9/2026
Women's Equality Day: 8/26/2026

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Let's "paint" outside! Children will use clean paint rollers and buckets of soapy water to “paint” outdoor walls, fences, and playhouses—building gross motor skills, practicing cooperation, and having fun with mess-free pretend painting in the sunshine!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Language is how young children describe, compare, sort, sequence, and talk about “how much.” Download SEAL’s Language Functions tool to get practical prompts, examples, and questions you can use every day to grow children’s language, thinking, and confidence: sealorg.app.box.com/s/vmvviz5c5e...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Today’s Fine Motor Monday is all about sand play! 🏖️ As children dig, pour, pinch, and sift, they strengthen the small muscles in their hands and build coordination and control—key foundations for writing and self-help skills. Let’s dig in and play! ✨ #FineMotorMonday

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Looking for a high-quality preschool for your 3 year-old? Great preschool programs nurture early learning, social skills, and school readiness in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves a strong start! Check out our Family Guides for guidance: bit.ly/43TOBrV

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Let's play CUP TOWER BLAST! Children will build tall plastic cup towers and use water squirter toys to blast them down—practicing turn-taking, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination while they play!

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Desired Results Access Project released its fall training schedule for the updated Desired Results Developmental Profile! Find trainings for your team here: www.draccess.org/Professional...

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

It's Fine Motor Monday! 🎨 Painting helps strengthen hand and finger muscles, improve grip, and develop hand-eye coordination. It’s a fun way to build the fine motor skills needed for writing, cutting, and everyday tasks, all while getting creative! #FineMotorMonday

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Outdoor play is essential for rich, authentic interactions with children. In this Teachstone webinar, explore how nature-based play sparks conversation, builds curiosity and confidence, and supports CLASS in outdoor settings: youtu.be/Ih6wihVoUDY?...

Check out this prerecorded webinar from Teachstone, Getting Outdoorsy with CLASS: Going Beyond the Classroom Walls to Engage Children in Meaningful Interactions

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California's Universal PreKindergarten @cauniversalprek.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

It's FUN FRIDAY! Let's make a stuffed animal ZOO! This will give children practice in categorizing objects using specific vocabulary and attributes! Watch this short video to learn more about how this activity aligns with the updated PTKLF! #FunFriday #UPK

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