Harrison-Marion Parents as Teachers

10/15/2026

Safe sleep is a team effort! 💙

Parents aren’t the only ones who may put baby to sleep. Grandparents, babysitters, family members, and other caregivers all need to know your baby’s safe sleep routine.

Before someone else cares for your baby, talk about:

💙 Baby sleeps on their back every time
💙 Baby sleeps in their own safe sleep space
💙 The crib or bassinet stays clear
💙 Safe sleep practices apply to naps AND nighttime

Safe sleep recommendations may be different from what grandparents or other caregivers remember from years ago, and that’s okay. What we know about infant safety continues to grow.

💬 Who is part of your baby’s care team? Tag a grandparent, babysitter, friend, or family member who helps care for your little one.

🔗 Share this resource with grandparents and other caregivers:
https://teamwv.org/our-babies-safe-sound/

🔗 NIH Safe to Sleep® also has evidence-based information families can use and share:
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

Everyone who cares for babies can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths, such as suffocation.

10/14/2026

Learning, Connecting, and Exploring in Portland, Oregon!

We had an incredible experience at the Parents as Teachers International Conference (PATCON26)! Throughout the conference, we attended inspiring sessions, connected with fellow home visiting professionals, and gained valuable knowledge and resources to better serve the families in our program and the communities we serve.

We also made the most of our downtime by exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, including a visit to Multnomah Falls and watching an unforgettable sunset on the West Coast!

Of course, no PAT conference would be complete without our annual selfie with Parents as Teachers CEO Constance Gulley! We also enjoyed reconnecting with members of the PAT National Team and conference committee.

Adding to the excitement, clues were hidden throughout the conference about next year's location. While my guess was wrong, the final reveal was worth the suspense... PATCON27 is heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

With next year's conference so close to home, we're excited for the opportunity to showcase what West Virginia and Appalachia have to offer. From the resilience of our families to the incredible work happening in our communities, we hope to make a lasting impression!

We returned home inspired, energized, and ready to put what we've learned into practice.

Thank you, Portland, for the memories! Pittsburgh, we'll see you in 2027!

10/08/2026

When it comes to a baby’s sleep space, simple is safest. 💙

A safe sleep space doesn’t need lots of extras. In fact, the safest crib may look a little empty!

For every nap and every night:

👶 Start baby on their back
🛏️ Use a firm, flat sleep surface
💙 Use only a fitted sheet
🧸 Keep blankets, pillows, toys, and bumpers out of the sleep space

If you’re worried about baby staying warm, appropriately sized sleep clothing or a wearable blanket can be used instead of a loose blanket.

Creating a safe environment is one of the many ways caregivers can support their baby as they grow and develop.

📸 Have a safe sleep space set up at home? Share a picture in the comments! Please make sure no identifying information is visible.

🔗 Explore NIH Safe to Sleep®’s Interactive Sleep Room and see what a safe sleep environment looks like:
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/safe-sleep-environment/room

🔗 More safe sleep guidance from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/sleep-safely/index.html

Learn how to help babies sleep safely.

10/01/2026

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month! 💙

Every sleep matters, whether it’s bedtime, naptime, or just a quick afternoon snooze.

Remember the ABCs of safe sleep:

💙 Alone, but nearby
💙 On their Back
💙 In a safe Crib

Baby’s sleep space should have a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet and stay free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, and other soft items.

Throughout October, we’ll be sharing simple ways families and caregivers can help create a safer sleep environment for babies.

💬 Let’s hear from you: What is one piece of baby sleep advice you wish someone had shared with you sooner?

🔗 Learn more from Our Babies: Safe & Sound:
https://teamwv.org/our-babies-safe-sound/

🔗 Evidence-based safe sleep information from NIH Safe to Sleep®:
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safe-sleep

Explore research-based ways, such as always placing babies on their backs to sleep, to help reduce risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths

09/18/2026

Looking for a fun way to get ready for Halloween? 🎃

Christ Episcopal Church is hosting a Halloween Costume Swap on Saturday, October 17 from 10 AM to 2 PM at 123 S. 6th Street in Clarksburg.

Bring costumes your family has outgrown and pick out something new-to-you. Everyone is welcome, and everything is free!

Costume donations are also being accepted now through the day of the event.

A fun way to reuse, share, and help families in our community get Halloween-ready! 👻

09/15/2026

Did you know West Virginia WIC has an online dashboard? 📊

The WV WIC Dashboard is a great resource for exploring information about WIC services and seeing how the program is supporting families across West Virginia.

Check it out here:
https://bph.wv.gov/photo-call-out/nutrition-services

WIC is an important resource for pregnant families and families with young children, and we love sharing tools that help connect families with supports in their community!

The WIC program which aims to improve the health of women, infants and children in West Virginia by providing quality nutrition and breastfeeding counseling and education; as well as health monitoring and nutritious foods.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/10/2026

It’s not too late to join! 💛

Libera’s Peer Support Group for girls ages 10–14 has already started, but families can still get connected. The group meets Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM at the Clarksburg Library and is completely free.

This is a supportive space for girls to build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, connect with others, and grow together.

Check out the flyer for sign-up information and details!

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Harrison Marion Parents as Teachers! 💙

Today we celebrate hardworking parents, caregivers, and families in our community.

We hope you get a chance to relax, have some fun, and enjoy time together!

📸 What is your family doing today? Share a picture in the comments!

09/05/2026

💙 International Day of Charity 💙

Giving back doesn’t always mean giving money. Sometimes it’s giving your time, helping a neighbor, donating something your family no longer needs, or simply showing kindness when someone needs it most.

At Parents as Teachers, we know that small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference for children, families, and our community.

📸 We want to hear from you!

What is one way you or your family gives back to your community?

Tell us in the comments OR share a picture of your family doing something kind, volunteering, donating, or helping someone else! 💙

Let’s fill the comments with some GOOD happening in our community!