Crystal Stairs

Each month, the Early Learning Support Specialist (in our on-site Resource Library) provides opportunities for learning through hands-on activities, resources, children’s books, toys, and other learning materials. During the week of March 11-16, our Resource Library hosted the 2nd Annual Brain Awareness Week Resource Fair welcoming participation by child care professionals (preschool teachers, community college child development students/ professors, license exempt kinship caregivers, and licensed family child care providers) in our service area. Our 2019 focus, “The Importance of Self-Care for a Healthy Brain”, focused on maintenance of a balance of daily physical activity and nutrition, while utilizing simple and practical ways to relieve/release stress. Each participant received materials (canvas, brushes, painter’s tape, acrylic paint) and to create a personal art masterpiece using the “Resist Art” technique. Participants received DANA foundation Brain Awareness Week resources, free gift bags, enjoyed a “Build Your Brain Salad Bar” and sampled “Berry Green Smoothies”.

This is our second year participating in BAW, and is becoming an event to look forward to each March. We’ve found that BAW not only introduces our community to the DANA Foundation and it’s important Brain Development Research, it also opens the door to several conversations. Our focus on “self-care” was well received and provided an opportunity to start a deeper conversation about healthy brain function.

Start the conversation, meet people where they are, and know your target group. Remember “the what” AND “how” by planning activities that highlight the importance of healthy brain function (the what) in ways that are relevant to them (the how).