An enriching high-quality early education is such a meaningful start, and BASIS Independent McLean’s Early Learning Program brings exactly that to families in the Northern Virginia area. Situated on a sprawling 11-acre campus in Tysons Corner—less than 15 miles outside of Washington D.C.—the age 2 through grade 12 private school helps lay a foundation for success with a world-acclaimed curriculum that thoughtfully balances kids' natural tendency to question, explore, and create with more formal academic instruction. And at the heart of it all is a deep love of learning, instilled in students by nurturing and compassionate expert teachers.

If you'd like to learn more about the Early Learning Program at BASIS Independent McLean, read on or sign up for an upcoming virtual open house.

As we all embark on the school year, let's not forget about the importance of eye health. Most eye doctors recommend that kids get a comprehensive eye exam each year to help identify any possible conditions. Children diagnosed with nearsightedness or "myopia"—a common condition that makes distance vision blurry—may be able to benefit from advances in myopia management that slow its progression, making early diagnosis that much more meaningful.

Read on to find out what parents need to know to ensure their kids are getting the best eye care for lifelong vision health—and to learn about Brilliant Futures™ Myopia Management Program with MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, a new option available for age appropriate children dealing with myopia.

Chicago-area families are starting to miss their favorite stores and restaurants right now, and with at least two and a half more weeks left in the stay-at-home order, many local businesses are missing their customers, too. We've already listed lots of small, local toy stores and bookstores delivering to locals, and by now, you may have enjoyed Mother's Day brunch for pick up or delivery from one of our local picks too. Many of these local restaurants are catering to families every day.

Lots of other local businesses in Chicago still need a boost. We've rounded up 19 small businesses working hard to keep their doors open, while also helping to support our community, and we're hoping you can lend your support in return. Remember: It's best to order directly from the small businesses rather than a third-party delivery service whenever possible. Purchasing gift cards to use later is another great way to shop small and help these local businesses thrive now and in the future.

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps, and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins. Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!