Cradle 2 Crayons - FourSquareChildCare.com

2013 Fall Newsletter
(952)891-5437 [email protected] foursquarechildcare.com
Scheduled Monthly Enrichment Activities:
Travel Tots- Miss Paula brings the wonders of the world to the
classroom in hopes of building an understanding and appreciation of
other cultures!
Stretch-N-Grow with Anna- Anna’s program is designed to promote
exercise and wellness for children. Children get to be “Stretch and Grow
Stars” while they learn to enjoy exercise and build good healthy habits.
Costume Kim- Kim features a different theme each month. Costumed
for the month, Kim entertains and educates while kids have a blast
visiting “destination imagination”!
Reading with Echo the Service Dog- Echo is member of a program which utilizes therapy animals to help kids
improve their reading and communication skills and also teaches them to love books and reading.
Scholastic Book Club:
I will start sending home the Scholastic book orders monthly again. It is a fairly inexpensive way to
create a home library. There is always a $1 book, plus there are no shipping charges. Check your
child’s daily notes for due dates.
Just visit www.scholastic.com/parentordering and use Activation Code: GWXBH
Daycare closings coming up:
October 14th: Columbus Day- Staff in service training
November: Thursday the 28th and Friday the 29th
December: Tuesday the 24th Wednesday the 25th
Daily Notes:
At 4Square we try to efficiently communicate your child’s day. It can be challenging since we interact
with parents mainly at drop off and pick up times, some of the most hectic moments of the day. Please
make an effort to check your child’s note each night. That will keep you updated with any upcoming
events, etc. If you want to speak with Phil, Amy, or your child’s lead teacher, please let us know either
in person or through email. We will have scheduled conferences again this year. More info on that will
come later.
School Year Schedule:
Please have your child here by 8am if you would like them to have breakfast at 4Square. We want to
try and have things cleaned up by 8:30 so we can start the day.
Staff Development/ Holidays:
In effort to keep our staff up to date with the latest in early childhood education, Phil and I recognize
the importance and many benefits of continuing education. We would like to be able to provide our
staff with more opportunities to attend these trainings. However, in order to keep Four Square
properly staffed, we have been limited to evening and weekend hours for scheduling them. In order to
allow ourselves sufficient time for staff development, we need to add two days to our yearly
scheduled closings.
Just a reminder if a holiday falls on a Saturday, Four Square will be closed the preceding Friday. For
holidays that fall on Sunday, Four Square will be closed the following Monday.
Four Square Scheduled Closings (newly added days are highlighted)
1) New Year’s Day
2) Good Friday
3) Providers Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day)
4) Memorial Day
5) July 4th
6) Labor Day
7) Columbus Day
8) Thanksgiving
9) Friday after Thanksgiving
10) Christmas Eve
11) Christmas Day
Tuition Increase
As stated in the Parent Handbook, childcare rates will increase annually to account for the rising cost
of living. This year, tuition rates will increase $5 per week for infant through school age care. These
new rates will become effective the third week in October.
Family Pictures:
If you could provide a picture of your family that would be wonderful! We would like to copy them,
laminate, and then post for the children to see. You will get the original back.
School Pictures:
Pictures should be in sometime next week. We will send home all the pictures, and then you can
decide which ones you would like to purchase and return the rest. The prices will be included in the
package.
Goodbye Mr. Buck!
It is with mixed emotions I announce Mr.Buck is leaving Four Square to work at Country Joe Homes. It
is a good opportunity for Buck, and we are very excited for him. He will still be around to visit,
especially since his fiancé Miss Jessica is still with us. Right now, Mr. Phil plans on taking his place, and
spending time with the school age kids after school.
Four Square Atmosphere:
We believe in creating a warm, positive, and respectful learning environment for the children.
Together the children and their teachers are working to create classroom rules, giving the children
ownership of their classroom. All Four Square staff use a positive discipline method, focusing on good
behavior. Together we are trying to instill values in each child, which hopefully will last their lifetime.
Children learn how to behave through positive interactions with adults.
Look for pictures of all the children in the hallways… It will give everyone a chance to learn who their
child’s many friends are!
Toys from Home:
It is our intention to provide a high quality, safe, and nurturing environment, supplied with a variety
of developmentally appropriate materials, which we incorporate into a flexible yet predictable
schedule. In order to decrease the amount of valuable time teachers spend resolving conflicts that
arise from children bringing toys from home, we ask that you limit each child brings to one or two
“comfort items” (blanket, stuff animal, etc.). As always please let Mr. Phil or me know if any concerns
arise from this new guideline and we will be happy to work out different arrangements to meet your
family’s needs.
News in the Nursery!
The babies never cease to amaze us! It has been so exciting watching the milestones reached in every
kid. From smiles and coos, to crawling and walking! Aleena and Madelyn are having fun exploring in
the toddler room, and interacting with the toddlers and their teachers. Xander and Emily are very
close to walking! Xander can do it; he is just giving us a hard time. Sami, Braddax, and Nora are
getting around good! Ava, Trenton, and Landen are working hard on sitting up and rolling over!
Lastly, we have a new group of cuddlers; Lila, Logan, Maverick and Aubriana.
The children have really embraced sign language, and we are excited to continue to incorporate more
signs into the day. The themes for September are the color red, apples, new friends, family, and all
about me!
Our goal in the nursery is to give the children consistent, prompt, and loving care. In doing so, the
infants will develop trust. Establishing trust supports children’s curiosity and exploration. We follow
a flexible schedule in order to accommodate each individual child’s patterns for eating, sleeping,
diapering, and interacting unique daily routine.
Lastly, Miss Machela is back! We are excited for Maverick to join our daycare family, and thrilled to
have Machela working with us again. We have missed her!
~Miss Machela, Miss Megan, Miss Sarah, and Miss Katie
Toddler Times!
The toddlers had a fun-filled summer. While we are sad to say goodbye to our wonderfully wet water
days, we are very excited to get back into our school year routine. Watch for a monthly toddler
newsletter and calendar in your child’s folder. In the newsletter you will find the focus colors, shapes,
letters, and numbers for the month. In September we are working with the themes; School, Apples,
and All about Me.
In addition to picking up everything in your child’s folder on a daily basis, please also check out our
new parent bulletin board! It is located next to the children’s file folders and will display general
communication and reminders pertinent to the toddler room.
The toddler room can be crazy messy during free play. Sometimes it’s hard to even see the floor.
Please know we are having fun and learning. Toddlers learn best through play whether building with
blocks, running, dancing, chasing balls, pretending to care for a baby or talking on the phone. They are
learning so much from all these experiences. They enjoy and look forward to repetition, such as
listening to the same song or story over and over. Each time an activity is repeated it builds their selfesteem and overall confidence.
We arrange the environment and provide materials to encourage exploration and experimentation;
offer a variety of activities and experiences to promote creativity; and interact with the children in a
way that encourages them. Children are eager learners, wonderfully imaginative, and creative! We
simply have to give them the tools.
We will continually have 3 teachers in our room, as well as Grandma Mimi for visits. Grandma Mimi is
a blessing, and simply comes to volunteer her time. She loves spending time with the toddlers and
they LOVE her!
~Miss Pam, Miss Jessica, Miss Kelly, Miss Madelyn, and Miss Tayshia
Centers and Circle Time- Preschool Fun!!
Happy fall!! What an exciting time! Preschool is quite a landmark in your child’s life. We have had a
wonderful start to September. The kids are adjusting well as we ALL settle back into the school year
routine. They are doing a wonderful job listening and participating.
The first few weeks of fall we are going to focus on the basics of preschool. Why each individual child
is special and unique, emotions, table manners, and manners in general. We let the children know
they are loved, valued and respected through our words and actions. This helps them feel secure,
which in turn allows them to appreciate, respect and get along with other children and adults.
Children who learn to reach out and empathize with others, to accept and celebrate differences
amongst each other, and to effectively communicate their feelings, also learn how to resolve conflicts
in positive constructive ways; encouraging each child to find fulfillment while taking pride and
ownership as they become contributing members of the community.
We will slowly incorporate more structure into the day incorporating academic teacher led activities,
continuing to work on the concepts mentioned above. Each child will be introduced to a wide range of
practical knowledge, which will promote social, emotional, physical and academic growth.
In addition to the Four Square Newsletter, all preschool families will receive a newsletter specific to
their preschool child called Centers and Circle Time. Make sure to look for it each month, and let me
know if you did not receive September’s. It includes the daily schedule we follow.
Miss Jackie’s Mini Minds (M&Ms)!
Miss Jackie and Miss Amy work as a team with the help of an assistant during the day. From 1:30-3pm
Miss Jackie takes the children entering kindergarten next fall, along with the children in half day
morning kindergarten, into the Great Room. The M&Ms work on handwriting, math, art projects,
reading, and large motor skills. They have time for whole group instruction, as well as center based
activities so Miss Jackie has the opportunity to work one on one with each child.
Goodbye school agers
We had children going into kindergarten all the way up to 5th grade this summer. It was a fun mix of
ages, and Miss Jackie did an amazing job helping create summer fun. Between field trips, enrichment
activities, and Great Room fun, I think it is safe to say we wore them out! The children who entered
kindergarten were: Mylie, Avery, Jaxson, Lydia, Lilly, Sarah, and Claire. It was bitter sweet! I am happy
I don’t have to do it again for another year. What a mix of emotions dropping everyone off at school,
especially the ones with tears in their eyes. However, it was the first year I have ever had the
opportunity to experience that! What a blessing to be so involved in their school experience!
~Miss Amy, Miss Jackie, Miss Tayshia, Miss Mandy, Miss Lara
Teachers Corner:
~These bios will be posted in the hallway~
My history in childcare originates back to the year 2000. I have worked in all different early
childhood settings, and over the years developed a love and appreciation for children and
their families. Watching each child grow and develop to their fullest potential and being
involved as a part of this growing process makes my profession very rewarding. I feel
incredibly blessed to be given the opportunities that I have been to create and promote
safe, fun, nurturing, and loving environments for children to grow, thrive and learn in.
My husband Phil and I ran an in-home family childcare since 2005, and learned to love the
family feel that was created. However, we both agreed it was hard to meet each different
age groups specific
needs. That is when
we decided to look
at how we can
create a program
that gives children
the loving, safe,
comforting
environment our
home did, filled
with learning
experiences
designed for each
different age
group; from tummy
time with infants to science adventures with our school age students. After a year of
looking at different locations, we fell in love with Crossroads Church. It was exactly what
we were looking for, and only a mile from our home.
My goal is to have each child emotionally, physically, and academically ready for
kindergarten, and then experience that landmark with them. Watching kids enter
elementary school after all their hard work at 4Square is such an overwhelmingly amazing
experience.
My husband Phil and I have two children, Mikayla (age 10) and Mason (age 8). Over the
past year our daycare family has grown more than expected or ever imaged. Thank you for
entrusting us with your child. There is an abundant amount of love at 4Square, and there
isn’t any other place I would want to raise my own children. The staff, children, and families
are such a blessing.
“Children are miracles…..we must make it our job to create, with reverence and gratitude, a
space that is worthy of a miracle.”
~Miss Amy
Owner and Lead Preschool Teacher
“I was raised in South Saint Paul, Minnesota and went
to college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth,
where I earned a degree in Elementary Education. My
husband Todd and I have three outstanding children,
Carly 17, Zachary, 16 and Sydney 13.
Teaching is my passion. My experience includes
working with every age level from preschool to sixth
grade in all academic subjects including Art, Music
and Physical Education. I have also worked with
special needs children encompassing a large variety of
unique behavioral and physical circumstances in pullout and integrated classrooms. Assessing the needs of
children and adapting to them for instruction or behavior management are strengths of
mine. I am elated be a lead school age teacher at Four Square where the needs of the
individual student truly come first.
My main goal as an educator is to help students reach their full potential academically and
emotionally. Nurturing and stretching their natural abilities to become independent
thinkers and problem solvers is very important to me.
Four Square provides me with the exciting opportunity to be a team member working with
the family and staff to solve academic and behavioral development.
Your children are genuinely loved at Four Square and I’m proud to be a part of that”.
~Miss Jackie Kuran
Lead School-Age Teacher
I have been teaching a pre-school program (Bright Beginnings) for over 8 years and have
been involved in Children’s Ministry for over 15 years. My husband, Mark, construction
estimator, and I have been married for 24 years and have lived in Lakeville for over 20
years. We have 3 children: Chris (22, attends UW-Madison, majoring in Meteorology), Nick
(19, attends UW-Stout, majoring in Packaging), and Noel (12, attends Kenwood Trail
Middle School). I also have to include my constant
companion and shadow; my dog Selah. I LOVE children,
dogs, books, arts and crafts, dancing, water, dark
chocolate, chai, God, and laughing. I am so thrilled to be
the Four Square Toddler teacher! I LOVE my toddlers!
~Miss Pam
Lead Toddler Teacher
I was born and raised in small town Iowa and am lucky to be the youngest of 4 children
who are all very close. My mother ran a home daycare for much of my
childhood and my parents were involved in the foster care system for
part of my teen years. I attended Upper Iowa University with a major
in Criminal Justice.
I have three kids (Mylie-5, Madden-3, and Maverick 9 wks.) who
continue to amaze me daily. Our family moved to MN 5 years ago for
my husband’s (Denny) job and I was fortunate enough to stay home.
Children have always been a passion of mine, as I love seeing how
children grow and change from one day to another. Children are our
future and should be given the starting blocks to be successful in life. It
begins from the moment they are born
and is an ongoing process of love. My
number one goal within my classroom is to ensure that each
child feels loved, safe, and secure so that they have confidence
in themselves to grow and blossom.
I feel very honored to be such a big part of your family’s lives
and I look forward to what the future holds!
~Miss Machela
Lead Infant Teacher
I moved to Minnesota 3 years ago with my husband of 9 years, Jeff, and my two sons, Alex
(age 7) and Carter (age 5). I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where I
attended the University of Georgia. I earned a Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science and Speech Communications.
I have been incredibly blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for the
past 7 years. My boys have taught me many things; patience,
unconditional love, and to dream big. Jeff and I are so very
proud of Alex and Carter. They continue to surprise and amaze
us every day!
I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Four Square family and staff. I am dedicated to
loving and caring for your children, as if they were my own, every day.
Thank you for entrusting your most precious gift(s) to us!
~Miss Sarah
Infant Assistant
I am the lead assistant in the toddler room. I am from Minnesota and
have lived here my entire life. I have always enjoyed being with kids
and they seem to gravitate towards me too! After I had my son,
Gaberiel (now 3 years old), it became apparent that I wanted to
teach children positive lessons and most importantly, to love
everyone and everything.
I decided to go to school for early childhood development and plan
on graduating in two years. I am very thankful to be a part of Four
Square and am looking forward to teaching, loving, playing, and
learning along with your children!
~Miss Jessica
Toddler Assistant
Hi Four Square families! If you haven't met me or don't know me, My name is Katie Kozulla.
I work in the nursery full time as one of the assistant teachers. I
absolutely love it. Not only do I get to see all the babies reach
their different milestones, but I also get to witness them
learning and understanding what we teach them day after day.
I would like to tell you a little about where I've been and where
I'm headed. I've worked in all different sorts of daycare
settings for almost 6 years now. My future
goal is to one day have an in-home
daycare. I plan to go back to school this
spring semester, and finish. I'm excited to
learn more and come back with fun, creative ideas I could incorporate
into my room. If you haven't taken a peek in the nursery, or want to
say hi to an adorable baby, please stop by! Not only do we love the
company, but so do the babies as well.
~Miss Katie
Infant Assistant
Hello Four Square Families!
My name is Megan and since I probably haven’t met you all already, I will give you a little
background about myself.
Naturally, I have a love for children. My mom started an in-home daycare when I was about
5 years old and ever since then I had an ambition to do just the same. I grew up constantly
around other children and always loved helping my mom in any way I could with the
younger children. I think this has greatly contributed to my career choice as I’ve grown up.
In January my family welcomed our first granddaughter/niece, Ellianna, into the family and
she has become such a huge part of my life.
Currently I have been helping Phil and Amy out wherever they need me, but mainly have
been in the baby room. I graduated high school from Lakeville North in 2009 and attended
St. Cloud State University for two years with a general focus in Early Childhood
Development/Education. I started working at Kindercare Learning Center in the summer of
2009 and throughout schooling and travels have worked there up until April, 2013.
After leaving St. Cloud I went overseas to Australia for a year where I was an au pair for 3
beautiful little Aussie children. This was an amazing experience that has given me a
different perspective into the childcare world. When I arrived back to the states after
Australia I still had that travel bug so I traveled to a small town in the mountains in Italy
where I was an au pair for one five year old girl. I au paired there from April until July of
this year.
I met Phil and Amy before I left for Italy and I asked
them if I could join the 4Square family upon my
return to the states. I had heard so many good things
about 4Square and I love how it has such a family
oriented feel. I’ve been working at 4Square for about
4 weeks now and I felt a part of the family
immediately! I can’t wait to get to meet each and
every one of you and of course your lovely children!
~Miss Megan
Assistant
Hi! My name is Madelyn and I was recently hired as an
assistant teacher here at 4Square. I am SO excited and
have loved every minute! I’ve enjoyed any and all
interaction with children from a very young age and knew
at that point that I wanted to be a teacher. I started the
Early Childhood and Youth Development program at
Dakota County Technical College when I was 16, and
graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree at
18. Working at 4Square has given me amazing opportunities to not only put everything I
learned to practical use, but to daily learn new things right alongside your amazing
children. I’m working on learning everyone’s names, and if you see me sometime I’d love it
your 4Square family!
~Miss Madelyn
Assistant
My name is Mandy May and I graduated in 2008 from Randolph
High School. I began my next step in life at Riverland Community
College in Austin, MN, where I focused mainly on my generals as
well as played softball and basketball. I am now currently
attending Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN
where I plan to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Youth &
Development. I plan to transfer next fall to Southwest Minnesota
State University in Marshall, MN, where I will pursue a Bachelor
Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a niece, Sophia who is
4 and a nephew, Sawyer who is 2 1/2 that I love spending time
with. I love kids and being able to watch them grow as well as help
them with this process. Some interesting facts about me are that
my favorite colors are lime green & pink, my favorite food is green & black olive pizza and
my favorite movie is Love & Basketball. I coach 9th grade girls basketball at Randolph and
just completed my internship at Jenny's Puddle Jumpers Daycare in Northfield. I enjoy
working out, playing softball in the summer and spending time with my family and friends.
I am super excited to join the “Four Square Family” and having the opportunity to work
with you and your children.
~Miss Mandy
Assistant
Hi, my name is Lara. I started working at Four Square in
May of 2013. I work in the preschool classroom on
Fridays, helping Amy and Jackie. Monday through
Thursday I work as a nanny. I love coming into Four
Square and interacting with all of the children, parents,
and staff. It's a very fun place to be!
Before working at Four Square I taught preschool at a
different center for about three years. I have a B.S. in
Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of North
Dakota. Throughout college I worked in childcare centers with various age groups.
In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends, read, and spend time
outside.
~Miss Lara
Preschool Lead Teacher
I grew up in Apple Valley with two amazingly supportive parents
and a younger sister and brother. I graduated from the College of
St. Catherine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sport Science
and an Associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in
2006. I haven’t ventured far since, as I currently live in
Farmington with my two boys, Jace (7) and Michael (3 ½). I love
being a mom and consider it my number 1 priority. I also work in
Northfield as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Therapy Program
Director at a retirement community. As a working parent, I know
all too well the joys and anxieties that can accompany a daycare
experience. That’s why I am so grateful to be given the
opportunity to help Ms. Pam 3 mornings a week in the Toddler
Room. I love being on the other end of the “drop off” by
comforting and reassuring kids and parents as they begin their
days. Through families I work with, I have been able to see first
hand that while our children might be sad at times when we leave
them, they quickly become happy and excited to be there because of the loving and
nurturing environment that Four Square provides. I am so happy to now be able to provide
the kind of love, comfort, reassurance and encouragement for other families the way Four
Square staff has for mine!
~Miss Kelly
Toddler Assistant
Hey! My name is Tayshia Zuehlke. I was hired here at Four Square in February 2013, and
have been working as an assistant teacher mainly in the toddler and preschool room! I
graduated high school in 2011, following graduation I attended St. Cloud State University
where I worked on getting my generals done for two
years. This year, (2013) I previously transferred to the U
of M to work on majoring in Social Services. After
graduating college, I would love to work in the Children’s
Hospital as a social worker for children who have cancer. I
love kids and I am so blessed to be given the opportunity
to work with your kids here at Four Square and have such
an amazing family of coworkers by my side.
I love having a connection with both the kids, and parents!
So If I haven’t met you already... introduce yourself
because I would be more than happy to meet you and get to know more about you!
~Miss Tayshia
Assistant
Hello! My Name is Courtney Parchem. I live in St. Paul, MN
with my 4 year old son Rumor and my 10 year old bird
George. I am #2 of four girls, Amy being #1. I was recently
hired on as the Office Manager of Four Square. I came to
rescue Amy from all of the paperwork and am really excited
to do so. In addition, I have been helping in all of the
classrooms and love it. It has allowed me to get to know all
the children very well. Having an extra set of hands
throughout the day will be very helpful
I came from Ratner Steel Supply Co. out of Roseville, MN. I
worked very closely with the programmer creating our system. I also oversaw the training
of new employees, as well as all administrative work. Before
that, I worked as the Executive Assistant for a Fitness
Franchise.
I am very creative and love anything crafty. I am excited to
use that gift at Four Square for decorating as well as
organization. I’ve already started having fun in the
Preschool/ School Age room ;)
Thanks for welcoming me into the Four Square family with
open arms! It is a wonderful place for my son and me to
spend the week.
~Auntie Courtney
Office Manager
Working with kids was not something I never saw in my
future. I started working with Amy in our in-home
daycare in January of 2007. Unsure how it would go, I
was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much. The
relationship formed with the children and their parents
is very unique and rewarding. We became a family.
Opening Four Square has been a roller-coaster of
emotions, however just as our in-home, we became a
family; this time with more kids, and now teachers and
assistants.
I have many tasks during the week. From preparing the
meals/menu, to transporting the school age kids. I also
make the schedule and manage the budget. Along with many other miscellaneous jobs to
fill my day, I sometimes feel my hardest job is monitoring how much money Amy spends on
toys/enrichment activities. 
Thank you for trusting us with your children. As a father of two kids, I acknowledge the
importance of what that means. Family is number one for me, and my children Mikayla and
Mason mean the world to me. I am proud to have them be a part of the Four Square family.
~Mr.Phil
Owner
Hello, my name Jolayne
Parchem, mother of Amy and
Courtney, along with two
other daughters. I am so
excited to be part of the Four
Square family. It is so
wonderful for me to be able to
work with my daughters and
be with my Grandchildren.
Spending time with my family
is very important to me. This
opportunity to be part of Four
Square has me very pleased,
and feeling very fortunate.
I love getting to know all of
the children! The things they say are quite funny, which makes me laugh and laughter
always creates a wonderful atmosphere. In addition, they are a large part of Amy’s life.
From a very young age, Amy has had a unique passion for children. She is living out her
dream, and I am able to be a part of that dream.
Four Square is an amazing place to spend the day. It is filled with love, laughter, hugs,
creativity, kisses, and lots of smiles… The children have welcomed me with open arms.
What a blessing each individual child is!
~Grandma Jojo
Assistant
17671 Glacier Way
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952)891-5437
(651)210-4099 Phil’s cell
(651)894-2756 Amy’s cell
[email protected]
foursquarechildcare.com
~We have an office manager now! Don’t hesitate to ask for her if Phil and Amy are
unavailable. Miss Courtney is currently becoming trained in to answer all
questions/concerns.