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We bring you today news of an exciting event that will be taking place shortly in New York City: Infant Toddler Pajama Jam. It is for families and children 5 years and under.

We take the time to mention this news because there is everything good about the Pajama Jam program. Here are three features that are directly related to early childhood–positive early experiences, hands-on play, and a themed activity.

1. Early childhood experiences lay the groundwork for later life. The more positive these experiences are the better the next ones are likely to be. Birth to five are the all important foundation years.

2. Hands-on interactive play, especially the kind that takes place with family members, is the most powerful kind and can make the biggest positive difference.

3. Themed activities impact children in a major way. People learn best when as many of the five senses as possible are tapped – something to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. All will be present at this pajama jam event.

It is very easy to think that whatever you do with your baby during these earliest months makes no difference. However, just the opposite is true. These experiences are truly formative and have effects that will last forever. The loving and respectful interactions that you provide with every passing moment teach your baby as he or she grows to continue to provide him or herself with this exact same kind of care. It will also prepare your baby for the future when he or she will need to know how to provide these same or similar experiences for his or her own children. Read more about this at Social Skills Begin at Birth.

If you have any doubts about the impact of early experiences on later life, here is a story told by a parent that is likely to change your mind. While the names of the parent and her child has been changed, the information in the story is in its original form here at the 15 Pillars of Parenting

FUN is the secret salsa! Just imagine what it will feel like to your child to wear his or her own comfy pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal and then to proudly march in the Pajama Jam Parade!

Here is what this event holds for families:

Arts & crafts, story time, music, face painting, cooking, toddler yoga, mask parade, and more!!

These are the basics:

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2015

Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Place: Open Arms Preschool
155 E. 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
(between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue)

Cost: $25 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children)

$15 small family (1 adult and 1 child)

$ 5 for each additional family member including the child

Contact: Daseta Gray (347-524-4178) or Reeshemah Brightley (917-721-3648) or email educationservices@gmail.com

A special note from Dr. Sally: Send in your news about events that are specifically designed for children in the early childhood years. We are happy to describe the activities and explain the benefits for little ones.

Join us everyday here on Early Childhood News to read about how to make experiences for your children the best that they can be. Monday Morning Coffee, Tuesday Afternoon Tea, and Wednesday Evening Wine are full of tips directly related to parenting and how to impact children in positive ways.