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Since 1921, we have provided early education and critical development services to thousands of infants and children. But we haven't done it alone. The more you know, the more we grow! |
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Greetings!
In case you haven't noticed, Orlando Day Nursery is growing its membership and presence in Orlando!
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic cares about ODN's success educating young children living in poverty. Handing over the keys to a Kia Borrego was huge but secondary to the impression Howard made at the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Press Conference - all because he took time to look into our children's eyes and talk with them directly as important people.
In this edition of ODN News, you will find the latest research showing evidence that poverty afflicts children's brains through malnutrition, stress, illiteracy, and toxic environments. This is why ODN's mission of 'providing quality and affordable childcare and early education services for the young children of low-income families' is so vital to improving the quality of life in Orlando.
Congratulations to ODN's Graduation Class of 2009. We know these children have a better chance of success in school because ODN's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program has consistently elevated its kindergarten readiness rate. Recently, ODN rated 272 on a 300-point scale (91% achievement) as calculated by the Florida Department of Education.
Thank you for adding your support to what works!
Sincerely,
Patricia Zindler
Executive Director |
| Dwight Howard Donates Kia Borrego |
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 ODN Attends NBA Press Conference
When Dwight Howard was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 10 VPK preschool children from ODN were given front-row seats to see Howard receive his heavy trophy and national recognition.
The children were noticeably well-behaved and awed by the drama and importance of the event. This didn't stop them from making comment, however, when comparing Dwight's height with others on stage.
Howard soon handed the keys of a Kia Borrego to one little girl, and the children joyfully climbed in and out of the vehicle, as if it were a new playground.
This gift is unique because ODN has not previously had transportation in its program, which opens up new opportunities. Thank you to the Orlando Magic and its champion player, Dwight Howard! GO MAGIC - our hometown team! |
| Ready for School |
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 VPK Graduation 2009
Family and friends attended a festive Cap & Gown ceremony at ODN to commemorate their child's successful completion of Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK). At the event, children enjoyed performing and receiving their diplomas on stage while cameras flashed to freeze the action forever.
ODN is proud of its 30 young graduates and expects them to do well in kindergarten when school starts in the fall. Most recently, 91% of ODN preschoolers were determined to be ready-to-learn. This is quite an accomplishment considering the challenges facing children from non-English-speaking homes having little or no income.
ODN's success is attributed to its expert staff, developmentally appropriate curriculum and enriched learning environment that incorporates community involvement. |
| Poverty and Brain Power |
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 New Research on Poor Children
Certain brain functions in some low-income nine- and ten-year-olds show patterns equivalent to the damage from a stroke, according to a new study to be published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.
'It is a similar pattern to what's seen in patients with strokes that have led to lesions in their prefrontal cortex,' which controls higher-order thinking and problem solving, says lead researcher Mark Kishiyama, a cognitive psychologist at the University of California-Berkeley.
'It suggests that in these kids, prefrontal function is reduced or disrupted in some way.' Research also suggests that these effects are reversible through intensive intervention such as focused lessons and games that encourage children to think out loud or use executive function."
This article appeared online in ChildCareExchange.com | |
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Our organization needs your help! Share the information in this e-news with your friends and colleages, and encourage them to become members and advocates for early childhood education. Your investment in early education will change lives and improve our community!
Sincerely,
Pat Zindler
Orlando Day Nursery Association, Inc.
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