As the alarm clock rings for the start of the second half of the school year, children are packing their backpacks and preparing to return to the classroom. Starting school after a long, well-needed winter break is hard, and kids may struggle getting back into a routine. 

Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families with concerns about their children. It serves all families, including children both with and without formal diagnoses. Each month, it is offering in-person or virtual educational programs.

Education in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) is of growing importance at many schools. Here are a few in the greater Cleveland/Akron area that are featuring STEM makerspaces.

Senders Pediatrics announced applications are now being accepted for the Bee K.I.N.D. (Kid, Initiated, Nice, Deeds) Grants. Ten children, ages 6-13 in Northeast Ohio, with ideas on how to spread kindness in their school, neighborhood and community will be awarded $75 micro grants.

Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Melissa Koski Carney of "I Crashed the Web" shares what she's learned when completing a reading challenge in 2021 and how you can back into reading, along with books to get you started.

The Akron Zoo welcomed a total of 13 animal babies last year, making 2021 a "baby boom" to remember. Watch this video to see footage and photos of the babies born at the zoo in the last 12 months.

Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Michelle Dickstein, life coach, shares her experience in the role of caretaker in a COVID quarantine home.

It's time to put down the pencils and books and go exploring. From art and history to STEM topics, find educational events and activities in the greater Cleveland and Akron areas that are designed specifically for homeschool families.

When it comes to family game night, it’s easy to just dust off the tried-and-true from your closet. After all, those classic board games have their charms — and, for many, a nostalgic kick. When you’re tired of sliding down chutes, climbing up ladders and trudging through Candyland, but still want face-to-face play time with your kids, consider these terrific new alternatives for tabletop fun.

Over the past decade, many schools have introduced “makerspaces” to enhance their STEM/STEAM education. Working in these spaces prepares students to be competitive in the future economy and become innovative, problem-solving, creative thinkers.