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Stay & Play News
Fostering communication between families and staff August 2007
In This Issue
Happy Birthday
Parent Corner
News from the Director
Program News
Important
Dates
 
August 8th- Field trip to the Post Office

September 3rd- CLOSED for Labor Day.

 
September 12th- CLOSED for Day of Caring/ Satff Development

Happy Birthday

We wish these children a wonderful birthday in August.
 
Gianna
Betsy
Zachary
 
If your child is having a birthday this month, chances are that I need updated medical forms on file.

 

GraceParent Corner
Moody Already?
I can't get a handle on my 20-month-old's moods.  He is happy one minute, furious the next.  Is this normal?
 
Check out how to curb this behavior.

zero to three
News from the Director Boating 
 
A few things that I would like to share with you.
First, Stay & Play is coming on our three year anniversary.  We are very pleased to see how we have become a resource for families looking for a variety of child care options.  It is hard to believe that three years ago we only had three children registered and on most days you could find staff without any children- cleaning, planning and marketing our new program around the county.  Now we have over 150 families registered and a waiting list for some services we offer.  We appreciate all of the families that have used our service and have recommended us to their friends and in the community.
With this anniversary we also had to reapply for our state license.  Stay & Play had an unannounced visit from the Bureau of Child Care Licensing in July by the licensing specialist, who found no violations of critical rules.  The areas that needed work were related to children's files not being up to date.  It is very important that all files are updated annually.  If you know that your registration form or your child's medical form has not been updated please ask me for the appropriate forms.  Staff will also be asking parents who come in on a regular basis to update files.  Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.
 
Second, families that attend on a regular basis will be receiving a letter in the mail regarding rate changes, effective September 1st.  Also, there will be some addendum to the Parent handbook which will be available mid August and include changes in days that we are closed and an inclusion policy.  Those families who do not receive this information will be able to access it Mid- September on our website The HUB Family Resource Center
 
AndyProgram News
 
This month the children will be learning about their community and the important occupations that adults have within the community.  We will talk about doctors, nurses, and dentists and how they are helpful.  We will also talk about fire fighters, police officers and what they do to keep us safe.  And of course our friendly mail carriers and librarians.  The children will have lots of opportunities to use the dramatic play area filled with dress-up clothes and props to dramatize what they have learned.
The children will also be choosing their own jobs to help the Stay & Play community.  These include setting up snack and activities, caring for our plants, and being the line leader. 
Of course the children will continue to be introduced to new songs and fingerplays related to this months theme.
Any parents interested in coming in to talk about their career and share some fun experiences with the children, please feel free to set up a time with the staff.
Read Aloud Rhyme
 
Look What I Can Do!

When I was just a baby,
I couldn't count to three
or make up funny stories
or say my ABC's
 
When I was really little, I needed lots of help
learning how to use a spoon
and how to dress myself.
 
But now that I am older,
just look what I can do-
I can dance and talk and sing
and whisper I love you.
- Clara Thomas McClure
Sophia
 
Soft as a Whisper
As you read this poem, when you come to the end, lean over and whisper into your child's ear.Then in a normal voice, say, "Now you whisper to me."
Explain that there are times when it is best to whisper or use a soft voice (when others are sleeping, for example).  Talk about when to use soft and loud voices.
We appreciate the relationship building between Stay & Play staff and families.  Please feel free to offer any suggestions that might make our program the best in the area.
Sincerely, 
Stay & Play Staff