Elevated Dads
2026-08-06 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-08-13 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-09-03 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-09-10 17:30 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | The Children’s Council (Conference Rm) – 225 Birch St
This weekly Dad meet-up is an opportunity for fathers to gather and hang out with other male caregivers. The purpose is to share thoughts, questions, and concerns while building their community. This Circle of Parents group will meet weekly and offer free childcare and a meal!
The group is held on site at the Children’s Council on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:15PM. Email us at info@thechildrenscouncil.org for more information.

Open All Food Items
2026-08-07
Why it’s important:
Children must be able to open their own food so they can eat without frustration or delay.
How to do it:
Practice opening common lunch items like containers, wrappers, and drink bottles.
What to look for:

Opens most items independently
Tries before asking for help
Shows persistence

Pack & Unpack Backpack
2026-08-08
Why it’s important:
Managing a backpack is part of daily school routines and builds responsibility.
How to do it:
Practice putting items into a backpack and taking them out. Show your child how to keep things organized.
What to look for:

Packs and unpacks independently
Keeps track of belongings
Shows responsibility

Asking for Help at School
2026-08-09
Why it’s important:
Children need to advocate for themselves in a classroom setting.
How to do it:
Role-play asking for help in different situations. Practice using clear and polite language.
What to look for:

Uses appropriate phrases
Seeks help when needed
Shows confidence

Calm My Body
2026-08-10
Why it’s important:
Self-regulation helps children manage big emotions and stay engaged in learning.
How to do it:
Practice calming strategies such as deep breathing, counting, or taking a break.
What to look for:

Uses calming strategies
Recovers from emotions more quickly
Shows self-control

Babes on Blankets
2026-08-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-24 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-31 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-07 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-14 10:30 - 12:00 | The Children’s Playhouse
Babes on Blankets is a Circle of Parents weekly support group for parents of children ages 0-4 years (childcare available). At Babes on Blankets, you can connect with other parents who are experiencing similar challenges, concerns and questions about their little one. Each week, parents will be able to share and discuss their current concerns and joys, and also learn about one of many parenting topics focused on the first year of life and beyond. Bring a friend and meet some new ones too. Meets weekly on Mondays from 10:30 am – 12 pm at the Children’s Playhouse. For more information and/or to register, please contact Allison Rollans at allison@thechildrenscouncil.org or call The Children’s Council at (828) 262-5424.

Talk Positively About School
2026-08-11
Why it’s important:
Positive attitudes toward school reduce anxiety and build excitement.
How to do it:
Talk about fun parts of school—making friends, playing, learning new things.
What to look for:

Expresses excitement
Talks positively about school
Shows curiosity

ITS SIDS
2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:00
ITS SIDS

To give childcare providers an overview of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Identify the SIDS risk factors and describe ways to reduce the risk of SIDS in childcare. Discuss the requirements of NC laws that require placing infants on their back to sleep, keeping documentation and having a Safe Sleep Policy.

Read a First-Day Book
2026-08-12
Why it’s important:
Books about starting school help children understand what to expect and feel reassured.
How to do it:
Read a story about the first day of school and discuss what happens.
What to look for:

Engages in discussion
Asks questions
Relates to the story

The Postpartum Circle
2026-08-12 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-19 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-26 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-02 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-09 11:30 - 12:30 | Boone Unitarian Universalist (381 E King St, Boone, NC 28607, United States)
The Postpartum Circle is open to parents who are pregnant or with babies up to the age of 18 months. This includes biological and adoptive parents. We offer a nonjudgmental, supportive environment for you to share your experience, strengthen coping strategies for mental health and wellness, and connect with other families. This group meets in person every Wednesday from 11:30-12:30 PM at Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The group is free. and childcare and lunch are provided! Contact Sophie for more information at sophierudisill@thechildrenscouncil.org.

Play & Learn Group
2026-08-12 11:30 - 12:30 | Watauga County Public Library (140 Queen St, Boone, NC 28607, United States)
Our group schedule typically includes free play, group time (story time and songs included!), and snacks before departure. Play groups are a wonderful way to bond with your child through intentional play, but also a great space to connect with other caregivers! These groups focus on children aged birth through five years old.

Practice a Full School Day
2026-08-13
Why it’s important:
Practicing a full routine helps children feel prepared and reduces first-day anxiety.
How to do it:
Act out a full school day, including morning routine, activities, lunch, and transitions.
What to look for:

Follows the routine
Transitions smoothly
Shows understanding of expectations

Review My Skills
2026-08-14
Why it’s important:
Reviewing reinforces all the skills learned and builds confidence before the first day.
How to do it:
Practice favorite activities from previous months and highlight progress.
What to look for:

Demonstrates independence
Shows confidence
Uses multiple skills together

I’m Ready for Kindergarten! 🎉
2026-08-15
Why it’s important:
Celebrating readiness builds confidence and helps children feel proud and excited about starting school.
How to do it:
Celebrate with a special activity, certificate, or family moment. Talk about how much your child has grown and what they are looking forward to.
What to look for:

Expresses pride and excitement
Feels confident about starting school
Shows readiness across skills

CPR and Pediatric First Aid -
2026-08-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Private: Children’s Council of Watauga, 225 Birch St, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
CPR/Pediatric First Aid

This training is for early childhood providers who are currently certified or need full certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Participants must have a valid email to receive a two-year certificate and pocket card following the training. Cards will be issued by the American Heart Association.
Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch with them. There will be a short break between CPR and FA.

CPR and Pediatric First Aid -
2026-09-14 18:00 - 2026-09-15 21:00 | Private: Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Room, 2640 NC Hwy 105, Suite 101, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
CPR/Pediatric First Aid

This training is for early childhood providers who are currently certified or need full certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Participants must have a valid email to receive a two-year certificate and pocket card following the training. Cards will be issued by the American Heart Association.
Please note that you must attend both sessions to be certified. First Aid is scheduled for the 11th.
