Child Care Chronicle - Elizabethtown Child Care Center

Child Care Chronicle
February 2016
A few reminders...
While we know that it is tempting to leave your
warm car running in the parking lot on cold
mornings and afternoons, it is absolutely
essential that you turn your car off when
entering the building! Accidents happen every
year in parking lots when unattended cars are
left running. It is also necessary to park in the
lined parking spaces… this includes when
picking your child up from the bus near the
covered entrance.
Please remember to send hats, mittens and
boots for your children. We do go outside almost
daily. Boots are nice even if there is very little
snow. The playground tends to get very muddy!
Also, it is very helpful if you label all items with
names.
Don’t forget to have your child wash his or her
hands upon arrival. Hand washing is the best
way to cut back on the spread of germs. We
have really appreciated your cooperation in
keeping your children home when they are sick.
This has really helped to cut down on the spread
of illnesses
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Power Packs Program is Here! Power Packs
provides ingredients and recipes for meals to
qualifying families over the weekend, as well as
general food staples, like cereal and peanut
butter. Applications are available on our website,
or in the office. See Allyson for more
information! Enrollment is open now!
In the rare case of closing under extreme
weather conditions or of a delayed opening or
early dismissal, please listen to 90.3, 96.1, 103.3
or TV stations WGAL (NBC 8), WHP (CBS 21),
CW 15, WHTM (ABC 27) or WPMT (FOX 43).
Some of these stations have online listings, and
you can even sign up for text or email alerts.
Parent’s Night Out is coming up! It is on Feb
12th from 6:00 – 9:00. The cost is $10 per child
payable in cash at the event. Look for
information in your child’s basket soon.
Fun Ways To Exercise As A Family
Heart disease is the number one killer in the
United States and February is Heart Month.
Here are some great ways to get your family and
their hearts in shape…
Go for a pre or post dinner walk.
Building a walk into your daily schedule ensures
that you won’t put it off. To make walking more
enticing, make a game out of it. Count how
many dogs you see, for example.
Crank up the music and dance!
Push the furniture aside and have fun!
Turn TV commercials into a fitness break.
Invent silly names for simple exercises such as
calling push ups “Bob The Builder Muscle
Builders,” and then do them until the show
comes back on. You go also jog in place during
these breaks.
Walk or run for charity.
Model the value of exercise and giving back to
society by teaming up with your children for a
fund-raising race.
Inchworm News
February 2016
Dear Families,
January Recap
In January, we drew snow pictures, talked about snow and cold weather, and read a lot of stories. We
played with blocks, played in the tunnel, and blew bubbles. We pretended to build a snowman, talked
about winter animals and fun winter activities.
Personal Achievements
Peyton can walk while carrying toys, and often carries a toy to another child or to a teacher. She likes to
pat other children on the back if they are sad or upset. Peyton likes sitting at the “big girl” table for meals.
She enjoys standing the toy people up on the floor or on a shelf. One of her favorite activities is to laugh
and squeal while she is being chased around the room by Avery or Brianna.
Brianna is practicing walking while holding the teacher’s hands. She likes to play with the stuffed
animals, and enjoys trying to put on the dress up clothes. Brianna has fun chasing Peyton around the
room, and likes to climb on the climbing shapes. Brianna enjoys sharing the “big girl” table with Peyton
for breakfast and snack, and is eating nearly everything on the toddler menu now.
Avery is walking independently. He likes to carry a toy and wave his arms over his head as he gleefully
shouts and walks across the room. Avery giggles as another baby or a teacher chases him around the
rocking chairs. Avery is beginning to eat finger foods from the toddler menu, and likes to cuddle with the
teacher when he is tired. One of his favorite toys is the nesting cups.
Hudson has begun crawling this month. He enjoys his new freedom, crawling around the room to
explore toys. He is trying to pull himself up at the tables, and likes to laugh and “talk” with the other
babies. Hudson is eating some finger foods now. He likes to explore the shakers, studying the objects
inside and shaking them to hear the noise they make.
Harper has begun to crawl this month, and is able to get across the room very quickly. She also is pulling
herself up to stand at the sensory table, and is working on figuring out how to get back down to a sitting
position. Harper is eating some finger foods, and is very vocal when she wants the other babies to play
with her. Some of her favorite toys are the peek-a-boo blocks and the maracas.
Casey is very good at sitting up independently now. He gets excited when a teacher shakes a maraca for
him, then he wants to shake it himself. He likes to play with the busy box in the book corner, and enjoys
standing in the bouncer. Casey likes to “talk” to the other babies, and laughs when they “talk” back to
him. His favorite toys are the rattles and the maracas and shakers.
SPECIAL EVENT: Brianna turned one year old on January 14! Happy birthday, Brianna!
Looking Ahead
We will learn about love and friends in February. We will sing songs about friends, and talk about our
families and how much we love them. We will draw a Valentine picture, and we will read books about
friends and family. We will practice hugs and gentle touches, and learn to comfort our friends when they
are sad.
The Inchworm Staff-Miss Chris, Miss Stef, and Miss Lynn
Firefly News
January flew by without much snow and the fireflies are ready for some. Please bring
snow pants and boots so we can enjoy any snow we may get. We would like to do a card
exchange at our Valentines party on February 12th. The following is a list of names of everyone
in the room.
Genesis
Morgan
Cora
Shawn
Benjamin
Nola
Noelle
Yana
Gabriella
Bentley
Reed
Sydney
Emelia
Oliver
Things we did last month
Shawn and Noelle enjoyed the different art projects we did the biggest hit was making hoof
prints with the little ponies.
Benjamin and Morgan had a lot of fun with the farm set. They set up some great farms with
fences and people to feed the animals.
Gabriella and Genesis like sorting the animals in the farm set as well. They would put all the
different animals in different areas.
Sydney and Nola had a lot of fun climbing on the climbers and sliding down the other side.
Bentley, Oliver, and Reed had a lot of fun with the ball chasers. They laughed a lot when the
ball would come out some unexpected side of the chaser and surprise them.
Yana, Emelia, and Cora enjoyed the new play cameras we got. They would take pictures of
everything.
Some exciting things also happened to Gabriella and Genesis. Gabriella became a big
sister and Genesis is wearing big girl pants. We are so excited for both these girls so if
you get the chance tell them congratulations.
What is going on this month?
This month we will talk about everything winter from the weather to the clothes we wear. We
will also talk about things we love!
Song of the month.
Here’s a Valentine. (Sung to Frere’ Jacque)
Here’s a Valentine, here’s a valentine, just for you, just for you.
It has hearts and roses, it has hearts and roses, kisses to kisses too
Chipmunk Chatter
February 2016
Weekly Units of Study
February 1 – Groundhogs and Shadows: Penguins and Ice
February 8 –Friendship and Valentine’s Day
February 15 – Dental Health, Healthy Hearts and learning about My Plate –
the USDA nutrition guidelines
February 22 - Author Appreciation – Dr. Seuss
February 29 – March 4 – opposites
Special Days
February 2 – Groundhog Day – Wear your pj’s and bring a flashlight
February 12 – Valentine’s Day card exchange and Friendship party
February 15 – Visit from Parkside Dentistry for Dental Health Month
Class List
Commented [C2R1]:
Commented [C3R1]:
Abby
Addy
Easton
Hunter
Kyla
Lily
Olivia
Reed
Ruth
Silas
February 20 – Happy Birthday Silas!
Parent Reminder: When the “Feels Like” temperature is 25F and above we are
required to go outside for a short time. If there is snow, please provide
boots. Thank You, Chipmunk Staff
Commented [C1]:
Bluebird Newsletter
February 2016
In January we talked about snow and building snowmen and all the fun things you can do
in the snow. When we do get snow and temperatures are warm enough (the “feels like”
temperature is 25F or higher) we will take the children outside to play. Please pack snow
pants if you have them, boots, and hats and gloves of course. It’s a lot of work to get the
class dressed for a snowy day outside but they have a lot of fun.
Just a reminder to continue to wash your child’s hands upon arrival at school. This will
help reduce the spread of germs. Thank You.
This week we learned about bears. The Bluebirds enjoyed many different activities.
Cameron and Preston acted out the story of Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Chase and
Semaj listened to bear stories in our bear den. Arwen and Ethan retold the story of the
Three Bears with figurines and doll furniture. Jannssen and Nicholas dressed up some of
our stuffed bears.
February Themes:
1-5 Groundhog Day and Shadows, Dental Hygiene
8-12 Hugs and Hearts, Valentine’s Day
15-19 Healthy Habits, Germs and Doctor
22-26 Transportation
Dates to Remember:
4 - Happy Birthday Semaj!
5 – Happy Birthday Chase!
12 – Valentine’s Day Party- you may send in
Valentine cards for the class if you like.
15 – Visit from Parkside Dentistry for Dental Health
18 – PALS with Explorers
23 – Happy Birthday Ethan!
“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”
Class list:
Arwen
Cameron
Chase
Ethan
Jannssen
Nicholas
Preston
Semaj
Cub/Hive Newsletter
February 2016
We would like to extend our thanks to the families who participated in our "Jobs and Community" focus
in January by coming in to talk about what they do. The students enjoyed meeting and hearing about
their friends' parents and grandparents! The children enjoyed pretending to be painters, carpenters,
nurses, pharmacists, dog trainers, and restaurant workers throughout the week. They learned new
words and concepts and really grasped the concept of what their adults do "out there" while they are at
school. We just love partnering with you as we teach your children! If you have thoughts or ideas for
weekly themes, please feel free to share them with us.
It's finally feeling and looking like winter! It's been hard to be cooped up inside with the weather being
too cold to play outside. We get outdoors whenever we can, but when we're stuck inside, we look for
fun, educational ways to expend energy. We dance, do yoga or calisthenics, and play charades. We
ride tricycles, scooters, and scooter boards downstairs, and we make it more challenging by creating
mazes to ride through. We roll on the gym mats, walk on the balance beam, and do tricks on the
jumping board. We provide balls with a basketball hoop, hula hoops, and stompers on a regular basis.
Sometimes we get the parachute out for group games, or work on gross motor skills like skipping,
hopping, running, etc. We are fortunate to have musical Ms. Angela, who plays piano while the students
move to the music in their own interpretive ways. Obstacle courses are another great way to encourage
problem solving and working together. What looks like plain old "playing" to an observer, most often
has a learning goal: practicing motor skills, social skills, problem solving and thinking, logic and
planning, following directions, being creative, and having fun!
What are you excited about for snow?
Addie: making snow angels
Andrew: to go sledding
Ayden: throwing snowballs at each other
Brooklyn: going to a sledding hill
Cayden: snowballs
Chiara: sledding
Ehnay: making a snowman
Ella: making a big snowman with mommy
Eloise: building a snowfort attached to a
snowslide
Gaby: drinking hot chocolate
Gwen: snowballs
Jacob: a snowfight
Keith: building a snowman
Leanna: me and my Grammy are going to build a big huge snowman
Liam: making snow angels
Lorelei: making toys out of snow
Marshall: making a snowman
Paige: sledding
Palmer: throwing snowballs
Sonja: making an igloo
Sophia: a big snowstorm
Dates to Remember:
February 8: Liam's birthday!
February 12: Heritage House
February 15: Dental
Hygienist Visit
February Fox Newsletter
A new month is here already and we have lots to do! Here are some things to think about and
prepare for winter: If school is cancelled and the temperature isn’t too cold we will go outside
and play in the snow. Your child will need a coat, boots, gloves, snow pants or a change of
pants. We go outside when the “feels like” temperature is 25F or above.
In January we celebrated the New Year, did investigations to discover precipitation that occurs
in the winter, discussed ice animals and learned about trains. Each child had their own great
ideas, questions and knowledge about each topic. I’m excited for this month's topics of:
Feb. 1-5 Groundhogs and other small animals
Feb. 8-12 Valentine’s and kindness
Feb.15-19 What can we make with snow? If there is snow we will go outside and explore. In the
classroom we will make creations that we could normally make in the snow.
February 15 Visit from Parkside Dentistry for Dental Health Month
Feb.22-26 Bright smiles all around! We will learn about keeping our teeth clean and healthy.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Explorer / Investigator/ Fox Newsletter
February 2016
Well it has been a rather cold January so be sure that your child has gloves and hats to go outside. We
do go outside on a daily bases when the temperature is above 25. Don’t forget if school closes to
bring in snow pants and boots. Be sure to bring snow boots and snow pants if there is snow on the
ground. Thank you very much!
February 1
February 2 – 12
February 12
February 15
February 16 – 19
February 22 - 26
We will celebrate Groundhog’s Day. We will create shadows and make a special
treat. Don’t forget the last one out of bed is the groundhog!
We will study the heart. We will focus on eating healthy and exercise.
We will also share what makes us a good friend.
The Explorers and Foxes will be going
to the Winter’s Heritage House leaving at 9:15.
In the afternoon we will have a Valentine celebration, A sign up sheet will
come later. There will not be Valentine card exchange.
We will have a visit from Parkside Dentistry for Dental Health Month.
We will study healthy teeth. There are some really great science
Experiments we will do.
Author study of Pat Hutchins: Her books have some great math and
Language activities. Book titles: Don’t forget the Bacon, Changes Changes,
The Doorbell rang, The Wind Blew, Rosie’s Walk.
You may notice some extra people or changes coming to the classrooms. The center is getting ready
for our State inspection that will happen sometime this spring.
Thank you to all the parents I got to see at the parent/teacher conferences. I had a great
time connecting with some I don’t get to see on a daily basis. Also, thank you to all the Fox parents
who have made the transition from downstairs to upstairs so smooth. I will miss working with Mrs.
Rogers daily. However she will be around helping us out. There is even a possibility she may do a
music class for the center.
E-TOWN BEARS FEBRUARY 2016 NEWSLETTER
Last month some of our 4th and 5th graders volunteered to lead some of our
centers we offer in our school age program. Sydney prepared a lesson on
“Weather and Erosion”; Ty, Destiny, Bailey, and Aidan took turns in guiding our
children in the large motor activities; Vivienne and Natalie helped in the art
activities; and Keegan guided our children in some fun Math activities! We
discussed some of their thoughts and feelings on leading the activities. Some of
them shared that it was at times very frustrating when the children wouldn’t listen,
follow directions and overwhelming but they all agreed that the over all experience
was fun and they would do it again! They also shared that the experience was
helpful for them and if they are ever put into a group project at school they feel
comfortable and confident to take the lead position if offered! We have a bunch of
great kids and we love teaching them in a fun way!
Once a week, we have discussing the topic on “RESPECT”! The children
have come up with a definition on what Respect means to them, Synonyms on
Respect as well as Antonyms for the word Respect! We will continue to have
discussions on Respect towards not only for adults but for everyone and for
things! We have posted the information we have discussed so far on a partition in
our program! Please, take the time to look at what your child/children are doing in
our program through pictures we have posted as well as their creative art projects!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
February 12: Early Dismissal
February 22, 23, 25: ECCC Conference with Mrs. Yvette (Look for a
conference sign-up sheet to discuss your child’s developmental profile in our
school age program!)
FRIENDLY REMINDER:
*In the event of SNOW or ICE, check out the following for information about
closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals:
Radio: 90.3 (WJTL), 96.1 (WSOX), 103.3 (WARM)
Television: ABC 27, CBS 21, CW 15, FOX 43, NBC 8
*PLEASE remember that most afternoon we try to go outside when it feels like it’s
above 25 deg.F! Have your children dress appropriately: hats, gloves, and boots
(if it snowed)! Maybe an extra set of socks/snow pants can be kept in their
basket!