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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!
A set of 'new wheels' relieved a lot of frustration and made it easier for one ODN family to get to school everyday. Can you think of other ways to support children and families?
We thank Walt Disney World for adding its continuous support to ODN. Our 'Helping Kids Shine' grant award is special because it gives low to moderate-income families the ability to purchase daycare services at more affordable rates.
In this edition of ODN News, you will find research showing evidence that a 'Walk in the Park' may be just what the doctor ordered for children challenged with attention disorders. This is another reason ODN takes its children to the playground learning environment. If you can contribute or help install more natural play spaces on our playground, give us a call at 407-422-5291.
Finally, bravo to Savannah Ricks, a faithful ODN employee who has given ODN 39 years....Now that's the kind of workforce stability every childcare program needs!
Sincerely,
Patricia Zindler
Executive Director |
| A Bicycle Built for Three |
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 ODN and the Kiwanis Club of Orlando Help Young Mother
Sade Barkley has been bringing her two sons to ODN for a year now, and she claims to be blessed everytime she enters the building.
Last year, Barkley was seen riding a bike to school with both little boys sitting on the handlebars. Fearing for the family's safety, an anonymous donor, who happened to be an ODN volunteer, gave Barkley a zipped-up compartment seat for both boys which trailers behind the bike.
All went well until the bicycle broke. Having no means of getting the bike fixed, the family resorted to walking down the highway each day. Prompted by a Kiwanis Club member, ODN purchased a brand new Sun beach cruiser-style bike with chain oil for the family, as pictured above. The low-maintenance gift of transportation has made this family very happy again! |
| Disney Invests in Early Childhood |
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 ODN Receives Helping Kids Shine Grant
Visitors are instantly charmed by Disney's mural artwork and 3-dimensional birdhouses perched on the plaza walls of ODN's facility. But, it is Disney's 'behind the scenes' Helping Kids Shine grant dollars that give the most help in delivering ODN's quality care and education program to Central Florida's young children ages 0-5.
Last year, Disney awarded the downtown program near Parramore $20,000 dedicated entirely toward security upgrades that included an entry access system, color cameras and a digital video recorder used to monitor classroom, playground and facility activity.
Recently, the Disney crew brought balloons and a Mickey Mouse gift box containing a $10,000 check to directly support the early childhood education program for young children.
These back-to-back corporate gifts are a tremendous demonstration of Disney's wholehearted support of area families and the company's purposeful investment in children's school readiness and character development. Community investments made today reap bigger benefits tomorrow. Thanks, Disney! |
| A Career Choice |
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 On-the-job for 39 Years!
A lot has changed in Orlando's downtown scene since Savannah Ricks was first hired at ODN in 1970. Who would ever guess that her new job working with young children would become a lifetime career?
Many early childhood teachers become involved with programs for young children after starting a family of their own; but do not see the caregiver job as lasting. Meager wages, few or no benefits and little prestige have kept the childcare profession lagging behind other occupations. Yet, childcare is a job that people really love doing!
The variety, fun and tremendous satisfaction of watching and shaping a child's growth and development are the reasons Ricks stays at her preschool job day-in and day-out. Sticking with the profession for a span of nearly four decades may seem easy when you have tremendous patience and a genuine love for children; but few childcare workers will find a sense of loyalty that keeps them with the same employer for a lifetime of service.
Please join ODN in celebrating the remarkable career of 'Miss Savannah' who continues her commitment of giving positive influence and guidance to generations of young children. |
| Outdoor Walks Improve Test Scores |
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 Results of Attention Disorders Study
Getting back to nature may be an important tool in helping manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in children.
A small study of children diagnosed with ADHD and published online last August in The Journal of Attention Disorders found that attention and concentration improved notably when children took 20-minute walks outdoors.
Researchers also found that children who walked in natural settings did even better on test scores than those children who walked in urban areas. ODN knows the value of all ages having daily time to explore and discover their natural outdoor environments.
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Our program has immediate openings! Please share this e-news with your friends and colleages, and encourage them to recommend our VPK and school readiness program to families looking for high quality care and early education services at affordable rates for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
Thanks!
Pat Zindler
Orlando Day Nursery Association, Inc.
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