The Benefits of Pre-K Might Last Longer Than We All Thought

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 28, 2019

Having kids attend preschool programs can have a significant impact on preparing them for entering kindergarten, but what are the long-term benefits of pre-K? A study has a surprising answer.

The study, out of Duke University, found that students who attended a structured, state-sponsored pre-K program were more likely to excel in reading, writing and math compared to kids who did not attend the same program. It also found that kids who had structured learning starting at age four were less likely to require special education or to have to repeat a grade.

photo: Mike Fox via Unsplash

The study followed the progress of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students born between 1988 and 2000, tracking data like year-end math and reading scores all the way until eighth grade. It also tracked personal data, like birth weight, parents’ education, race and socioeconomic status and found that, for the most part, the benefits were the same across the board.

However, in certain cases, the benefits were greater for kids at a determined disadvantage. For example, students who were economically disadvantaged gained more in test scores than their peers who were not economically disadvantaged.

It is important to note that this study was limited to just 900,000 students in two state-funded programs in North Carolina with the intention of evaluating the financial investment into these specific programs. It’s not to say that these findings aren’t significant outside of North Carolina. Broader research would need to be conducted to confirm similar findings for universal pre-K programs in general—and this study is a great start.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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The Name Game: Picking the Perfect Name for Baby

by Suzanna LoganMarch 31, 2018

Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most special parts of parenthood—and one of those most daunting. For starters, you are naming a human being. For life. You want something unique, but not too unique, a name that will suit baby from infancy through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The pressure is on, but there are surefire ways to rock this baby-naming business. Read on for our best tips.

photo: Laura Logan Photography

Look to Family Ties
Begin your search by considering your own family tree. Choosing a family name has a number of benefits, from carrying on a legacy and honoring a loved one to imparting extra special significance to your little one’s name right from the start. Just be ready to navigate a common pitfall: Naming baby after a family member can create mixed feelings among others in the family. Tread lightly and use compassion, but remember, in the end, it’s your baby, your choice.

photo: Marty Haddig via Flickr

Seek Inspiration
If finding the perfect name seems overwhelming, think of it like a treasure hunt instead. It’s an adventure, and the treasure could be anywhere! Try a quick Google search or browse a naming website like Nameberry. Or, thumb through your favorite book, look up historical figures, or consider personally significant people or places. One mom we know stalked the TV credits of her favorite shows. Another browsed the keychains at Walt Disney World.

Create Criteria
Because you’ll be attuned to every name you hear, establishing a list of moniker must-haves will keep your list from getting too lengthy. Do you want a name that has a specific meaning, like “peace” or “strength”? Only want a name that starts with the letter J? A name with three syllables? Use your criteria both to find potential names and weed out others.

photo: Christy Lynne Photography

Consider the Classics
A safe way to avoid trends and reach baby-naming success is to look to the top 100 list put out by the Social Security Administration. The names include the 100 most-popular names for boys and girls every year in the past 100 years and include classics like James, David and William for boys and Elizabeth, Emily and Grace for girls.

Play Favorites
Once you and your partner have settled on potential names, ask yourself if you both absolutely adore each name. Not just like the name, but love the name. Once you have a set of faves, continue to narrow down the list the old-fashioned way: Write them down. (Or go high-tech and create an Excel spreadsheet.) Next, look up the meanings, say them each out loud (a name that sounds great on paper may not be as appealing when spoken), check out the initials and monogram, and try the first and middle names together to see how they sound.

photo: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

Talk It Out
In a perfect world, your child’s name would appear in the stars, and both parents-to-be would immediately agree it was The One. If only. Baby naming can be a hot topic between parents-to-be that can leave both parties feeling a little tense. Set ground rules at the start:

1) Be kind and open-minded.

2) Don’t belittle a partner’s choice.

3) Rules out names with any negative connotation for either partner (we’re looking at you, exes and 7th grade gym teachers!).

4) Enjoy the process!

Once you’ve agreed to the rules, create a list of favorites separately, and then compare. Don’t love any of the same ones? Compromise by having one choose the first name and the other choose the middle name. (Then, switch that order if there is ever a baby #2.) Or, choose baby’s name the very easiest way of all—by downloading an app! Babyname is the Tinder of the baby world. You both swipe right on names you like, left on names you don’t. When you have a match, it alerts you.

Celebrate
Breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate. You just named a human.

What do you think if the best way to choose a baby name? Share your advice below!

— Suzanna Palmer

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The Bay Area’s BOMB Power Moms

by Erin FeherNovember 10, 2016

The Bay Area is home to heavy hitters of every stripe, from tech to sports to food. And it’s no surprise (to us, at least) that many of the people who make this city great are ambitious, creative, multitasking moms whose families have inspired them to aim higher and excel in their fields. We highlight a few of our favorite Bay Area Power Moms right here—click through to see them all!

Ayesha Curry, Author and Chef

This mother and entrepreneur has been solidly reigning as THE Bay Area power mom since her MVP-collecting husband, Steph Curry, put their family in the spotlight with a record-breaking streak of Warriors wins (including a championship). But Ayesha is far from the typical ball-player's wife. While Steph punched the clock on the court, Ayesha has built her own food and lifestyle empire, all while tending to their two girls, Riley (3) and Ryan (1). Her cooking career started to heat up back in 2014 when she started posting cooking demonstrations on her Youtube channel, Little Lights of Mine. By 2016 she was BFFs with chef Michael Mina, and the two recently collaborated on the pop-up restaurant International Smoke at The Mina Test Kitchen. Her cookbook, The Seasoned Life: Food, Family, Faith and the Joy of Eating Well just came out in September and features more than 100 recipes, plus a peek into what life at home looks like for the Bay Area's first family. Of course, her very own reality show—Ayesha's Homemade—is in the works, but expect it to be more substance than salaciousness, as this devoted Christian is about as anti-Kardashian as it gets.

Proud Moment: "Making the NYT bestseller’s list."

Words of Wisdom: "Get on the floor and play with your kids! Cook with your kids!"

Do you know any Bay Area Power Moms who should be included on this list? Tell us in the comments below!

–Erin Feher

All images courtesy of the subjects unless otherwise noted.

Sister, Sister: Cool Classes for Mixed-Age Siblings to Take Together

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyDecember 30, 2014

Running here, there, and everywhere is a sure way to zap the energy of any mama of many. Check out these fun, educational, and multi-age classes where your kid and his sibling (no matter the age difference) can learn and play together.

Photo: Art Jamz

Art Jamz
Get your art on at a Freestyle Session in the ArtJamz art studio. Kids ages 3-18 are welcome to participate and pay to use a variety of medium to express themselves. The sessions are held each weekend and are led by art-trained “Creative Enablers” who help guide the creative process for the young participants.

Ages: 3-18

1728 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-629-3780
Online: artjamzdc.com

Photo: Miss Amy’s Music via Facebook

Miss Amy’s Music Makers
These mixed-age music classes are the perfect way to introduce your under 6 year old siblings to music in a fun, interactive environment. They sing, they dance, they play instruments and they have fun. The program is based on Music Together, a music education program created to help youngsters tap into their musical potential.

Ages: 0-6

Past Tense Yoga
3253 Mt. Pleasant St., NW (Columbia Heights)
(or)
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
1830 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
Online: missamysmusicmakers.com

Photo: Excel Into Action via Facebook

Excel Into Action Zumba Kids
Zumba dance fitness is an awesome way to get your little people moving. ZumbaKids instructors teach classes to children between the ages of 4 and 12 so if you have kids interested in trying it they can do so together. The music and movements are manageable and kid friendly, and it’s a great way to help your kids beat the winter slump.

Ages: 4-12

Locations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
703-927-8653
Online: excelintoaction.com

Photo: Lil Omm via Facebook

Lil Omm
Looking for a little family friendly balance? Your kids can find it alongside you at Lil Omm in their Family Yoga class. They also have great courses for tons of age groups. Whether you have a toddler and a newborn, or a couple of grade schoolers who want to get their omm on synergistically.

Ages: 0 and up

4708 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Tenleytown)
202-248-6304
Online: lilomm.com

Do you have a favorite mixed-age kids class? Tell us about it in the Comments section below.

—Amanda Rodriguez

We’re Hiring an Editorial Assistant

by Erin LemSeptember 27, 2013

Red Tricycle is currently seeking an outstanding, engaging and enthusiastic editorial assistant to join our team in Sausalito, California. The editorial assistant will report directly to the Editorial Director and Managing Editor. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), be highly organized, totally in-tune with the digital media parenting space (what’s new, what’s cool, what’s so last year) and possess a keen desire to excel with and learn from a small team of hard-working, fun people who love what they do. This is a full-time, in-office position (sorry, no work from home).

Responsibilities:
— Under the Editorial Director and Managing Editor’s supervision, EA will proofread and copyedit local and national stories for consistency, readability, and brand style.

— Identify emerging trends and content opportunities. Pitch story ideas on a weekly basis.

— Proofread marketing & promo social media shout outs.

— Write content for the National, Bump + Baby, and Food editions.

— Write business profiles on behalf of our advertising team.

— Assist in all things editorial related, whether this means communicating with the City Editors and freelance writers, updating content, or perusing blogs to discover the coolest (and easiest) way to throw a Pirate-themed birthday party. The sky’s the limit.

Qualifications:
B.A. in English or Journalism
Familiarity with Red Tricycle editorial brand with ability to adopt writing to express RT style
Can easily whip up quality copy in no time flat aka you need to be impervious to writer’s block
Ability to edit copy & fact check in an online environment under deadline
Experience working at an online publication in an editorial capacity
Familiarity with parenting and digital media trends
Knowledge of WordPress

Email your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Editor AT tinybeans.go-vip.net for consideration.

Join Our Team: We’re Hiring a Marketing Assistant

by Jacqui BolandMarch 12, 2013

Hi. Are you looking for a really fun job? One that will change the world, make you feel good about what you’re contributing to the community, a gig that you can’t stop talking about among your friends and family (to the point that it’s secretly starting to annoy them? Shhh! You didn’t hear it from us).

Are you the type of person who still likes to go down the slide at the playground? Do you find yourself watching Phineas & Ferb alone after the kids go to bed (or maybe you don’t even have kids yet)? Do you like to dress up for any occasion, not just Halloween?

Then you’ve come to the right place. We’re looking for a few bright, creative, and totally awesome people to add to our dynamic growing team and help deliver on our mission to help parents have more fun with their kids.

Our offices are based in Sausalito, Ca (a mecca of fun, including the Bay Area Discovery Museum, SeaTrek, the Marine Mammal Center and this really awesome toy store).

We are looking for a highly motivated Marketing Assistant with strong organizational and problem solving skills to join the expanding Marketing team. Reporting to the Marketing Manager the Marketing Assistant will assist with new market launches, market research, outreach, local partnerships, SEO and Social Media.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assist Marketing team with the new market launches and market research
Manage local partnerships and in market media sponsorships
Assist with the creation and implementation of social media campaigns across all Social Media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Reddit, Google+)
Assist with SEO keyword optimization and link building strategies
Prepare and send press releases and build a media list for Red Tricycle
Minimum 1-2 years previous Marketing/PR experience
B.A. in Marketing, Business or related field essential
Proficient in MS Office applications; specifically MS Excel
Strong project management skills and attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
A self starter with the ability to solve problems independently and to work on your own with a given set of instructions
A multi-tasking person with an exceptional follow-up skills
Desire to work hard in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment.
Have the ability to be flexible, self-sufficient and a team player
Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines

Desired Skills & Experience

Minimum 1-2 years previous Marketing/PR experience
B.A. in Marketing, Business or related field essential
Proficient in MS Office applications; specifically MS Excel
Strong project management skills and attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
A self starter with the ability to solve problems independently and able to work on your own with a given set of instructions
A multi-tasking person with an exceptional follow-up skills
Desire to work hard in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment.
Have the ability to be flexible, self-sufficient and a team player
Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines

Sounds like a good fit? Apply today by sending your resume and cover letter to jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net.

Ride on!

Join the Team- We’re Hiring!

by writerredtriJune 21, 2012

Red Tricycle is currently seeking a dynamic Event Marketing Coordinator to join the marketing team of our fast-paced digital media start-up in our San Diego market. The Event Marketing Coordinator will help build awareness and boost subscriber growth with in market presence at key local events.

Skills/Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, marketing, or a related field.
• Excellent Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google Docs/Calendar skills.
• Experience with social media
• Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Professional appearance and event presence
• High level of organization, attention to detail
• Effective project management skills
• Strong grasp of using online research tools and familiarity with business directories
• Able to work effectively under little or no supervision

To apply, email jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net with your résumé and cover letter.

Join the Red Tricycle Team- We’re Hiring!

by writerredtriJune 21, 2012

Red Tricycle is currently seeking a dynamic Event Marketing Coordinator to join the marketing team of our fast-paced digital media start-up in our San Francisco market. The Event Marketing Coordinator will help build awareness and boost subscriber growth with in market presence at key local events.

To apply, email jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net with your résumé and cover letter.

Join the Team- We’re Hiring!

by writerredtriJune 15, 2012

Red Tricycle is currently seeking a dynamic Event Marketing Coordinator to join the marketing team of our fast-paced digital media start-up in our New York market. The Event Marketing Coordinator will help build awareness and boost subscriber growth with in market presence at key local events.

To apply, email jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net with your résumé and cover letter.

Join the Red Tricycle Team, We’re Hiring!

by Drea LesterJune 13, 2012

Red Tricycle is a digital media company that provides smart and savvy hyper-local content to its ever-expanding online community of parents in cities nationwide. Our mission is simple: To help parents have more fun with their kids, by offering the latest in things to see, eat and do in their neighborhood. We deliver the scoop directly to our subscribers’ inboxes with bi-weekly Newsletters that serve as a word-of-mouth guide on what’s current and cool for kids.

Red Tricycle is looking for an experienced Digital Account Manager in our San Diego market to manage and provide outstanding customer service to our portfolio of local and national online advertising clients. The ideal candidate has media sales and online advertising experience with client management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities:

Be the face (and eyes and ears) of Red Tricycle to your advertising clients, connecting with key agencies and direct clients
Generate new prospects, cold call them and close sales. You’ll start with some assigned accounts, but most will be new business
Experience in selling to both local clients and larger advertising agencies.
Strong presentation skills
Create integrated, creative advertising packages to appeal to key clients
Our salespeople are teachers and consultants for our clients. You’ll help customers understand the parenting advertising landscape. Help them to learn how blogs and social media are really shaking things up.
Solid PowerPoint, Excel and Word skills.

More About Us:
Red Tricycle is a digital start-up based in the Bay Area. We currently have 6 editions across the country with plans to scale exponentially in the next two years. This job offers a competitive commission program, flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home. This position is based in the San Diego market. You’ll join an experienced team, with traffic and sales support who are savvy in the tech start up world.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to us at jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net

ML Interest Tag: excel

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