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A Message From Kathy.

Every child is unique, learning in different ways and at different stages by utilizing all their senses. That’s why you should be aware of the activities your center has planned. The children must be given ample opportunities to enjoy a varied set of experiences and materials that will encourage a multi-sensory and whole brain learning atmosphere. And because families should be considered an integral part of  the program, you should exercise your ability to engage in communications with your child’s teachers. In this way, working and student parents will give, and receive, the support, assistance, and encouragement so vital to the success of the child care experience. Your communication experiences might include some or all of the following: orientation activities, informal telephone conversations, written notes, face-to-face conversations, family mailboxes at the facility, e-mail, center memos and newsletters, bulletin board postings, conferences and formal meetings, and parent gatherings such as pot luck dinners, graduation ceremonies, and other formal events.  No matter how it’s done, contact between teacher and parent is vital for the successful progress of your child; so make it a point to get involved.

Finally, you should make the effort to obtain information on the licensing history of the facility, including any and all complaints or violations it has received. For that information, go to this page at the New York State Office of Children & Family Services web site, fill in the facility county, type, and zip you are looking for from the respective drop-down menus, then hit the “find day care button” for a list of all facilities in that area.  With each facility listed you’ll find a link entitled: “Click here for more program information”. By selecting it, you’ll be taken to the page of information you’re seeking about that facility.  Of course, if you know the facility you’re looking for, you can fill in more fields at the very beginning of the search.  This search is for NY State only.

By clicking on NACCRRA and entering your zip code, you can search for your local state agency that provides similar information.

If you’re going to leave your child with someone for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to find out what type of atmosphere will surround your baby. They should give you a handbook or brochure that provides you with ample information on the program’s practices. Those that don’t have anything on hand might say it’s currently being revised.  Let them know that you’re willing to wait until it’s completed before committing to that facility. After all, are you going to leave your child without first knowing (in writing) how your child will be nourished both physically and emotionally? If they’re true professionals, they should be fully aware of all your concerns and prepared for you to request something that outlines their policies. A large enough entity will most likely have prepared a published handbook that will cover everything important to you, from their mission statement to complaint procedures and everything imaginable in between.

Ask specifically about the caregivers’ training and education. Caregiver’s with degrees/and or special training with children are more likely to exhibit the skill and temperament to better help your child learn. Find out if the staff attend classes, workshops, and activities to improve their skills. Also, learn how long caregivers have been there; It’s best if your child is with the same person for at least a year. Those that come and go make it more difficult for your little one, because the energy it takes to get used to someone new might better be channeled toward learning.

At the Alice Brown Early Learning Center, a quote from their 59-page Policies and Procedures Handbook clearly states their Educational Philosophy. Quoting in part, “our basic philosophy is one of freedom to learn, grow, and make choices rooted in the principles of constructivist early childhood education”. It goes on to clearly explain that our model is built on the belief that children “learn through play and meaningful, reciprocal relationships”. Our staff and student teachers are encouraged to exhibit flexibility, allowing the children to learn at their own pace. As your child attends each day, they experience activities that are positive steps in their growth and development in a wide variety of ways; “physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively”.

Is all this going to be affordable?...be sure to read:

How Will You Pay For Your Caregiver?

and find everything you need to know in your next step toward

creating a perfect child care experience.

★ CHILD CARE Tips

Let’s have some wet fun this summer; but not the sweaty kind.

There’s all kinds of things you can do with your children that won’t take a whole lot of effort, especially when temperatures soar into the ninety and one hundred degree range. Here are just a few:

Freeze! Place plastic bugs, toy cars, or other small treasures in your ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Then hand a piece of ice to your child (age 3 and up) and have her melt it in her hands until the prize emerges.

Sponge-Worthy! Give each of your kids two buckets--one filled with water and the other empty--and a sponge. Instruct them to transfer the water from one bucket to the other using only the sponge. (four buckets and two sponges add up to a fun contest between two children).

Ooblick: Mix equal parts of cornstarch and water to create this fun, gooey suspension!

Wacky Walking: (Thanks Lisa!! ooeygooey.com) The idea here is that the player’s dramatize the “who-what-where” suggestions as you call them out.

Example...”Walk like it’s WINDY.”

Suggestions: Windy, Hot Sand, Icy, In Glue, On a Tightrope, Raining, In Deep Snow, On Eggs, In Space, A Frog, A Kangaroo, A Baby, You Are Happy, you get the idea.

Suggestion: End on a “walk” that is calming.

Have fun this summer!!!