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| Children's Book Recommendation |
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Many of the children in the center have enjoyed sitting on Sandy's lap and hearing a story. As my son's grandma, I have benefited from her interest and passion for GOOD children's stories. Sandy has agreed to share her passion with us. Each month in our newsletter she will make a recommendation for a favorite children's book.
This month:
A boy enjoying a peaceful time by the lake is interrupted by a series of frightened, fleeing animals. What is behind this? What could he do? This book by Mike McClintok published in 1958 is still a favorite in Random House's Beginner Books series for beginning readers. It is one of my favorites to read to children because the language, as well as the story and illustrations, captures their attention. As in most stories of that period there is a simple moral to the story, about not jumping to conclusions. I would recommend this book for children 3 to 6 years of age. (It is available to borrow-just ask me.)
Sandy |
| Keep Me Home if... |
| A reminder!
With the cold and flu season upon us, and information from the CDC talking about a severe season of H1N1 virus (swine flu) it is important that we all work together to keep our children and ourselves healthy.
Things we are doing here in the center...
1) We will call and send your child home with symptoms of the flu.
2) Frequent handwashing
3) Calling parents immediately when a child has a fever or other symptom that excludes from child care.
4) Expecting parents to arrive within a timely manner to pick up their ill child.
5) Teaching children and practicing ourselves - covering our cough and washing hands.
Things you can do at home and here in the center...
1) Keep your sick child home. If you are unsure, ask yourself the following question,"Would I want my healthy child around another child with these symptoms?"
2) Arrive at the child care AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (within 1 hour) when you recive a call that your child is ill.
3) Wash your hands and your child's hands upon entering the classroom.
4) Have a plan for back up care, for the days you can not miss work, but your child is ill and can not attend child care.
5) Have back up people on your emergency contact sheet incase we cannot reach you when your child is ill.
Children are most successful when teachers and parents work together. You are responsible to partner with us in keeping your child and the other children in our center healthy, by following these guidelines and the Keep Me Home If... policy found in the parent handbook and on our website.
Keep Me Home If...
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| Celebrating 40 Years! |
| NQACC is 40 years old this year!
To celebrate, we would like to introduce new classroom names!
Our toddler 1 room is going to be the Yellow Duck room
Toddler 2's will be the Purple Bunnies
Room 3 will be the Orange Giraffes
Room 4 will be the Blue Birds
Room 5 will be the Green Monkeys
Room 6 will be the Red Bears
and School Age will be the White Owls
We are all excited about our new classroom names!
(You should hear some of the quacking and chirpping around the center today) | |
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Greetings!
Today is our annual teacher in-service. It is a day each year that I enjoy working with the teachers in a different setting than our normal day in and day out. We start our in-service day each year with breakfast with the church staff. After a time of food and fellowship with the church staff we review policies and discuss any upcoming events, and share some training together. After a potluck lunch, the teachers work in their classrooms for rest of the day, preparing their rooms for your child to come in tomorrow morning. The in-service day is filled with anticipation and excitement for the new "school year" and all of the fun activities that happen each year.
We hope that each of you are filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the new things happening this fall! |
| Parent Education at NQACC |
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| By Mary Ann Abbott, Parent Educator
North Seattle Community college
Parent Education is an important part of the program here at North Queen Anne Child Care! This article is to more fully explain how this commitment works, both for new and continuing families at the Center. As a faculty member in the Health and Human Services Division at the College, I serve with about 20 other faculty members in the Parent Education Section. This Center has contracted with the College for over five years to bring parent education opportunities to the families here.
As Parent Consultant here, I am available to parents for consultation, support and encouragement, and the sharing of resources. The opportunities can take many venues; listed below is an overview of some offerings for the year.
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WHAT'S HERE FOR PARENTS. . .
INTEREST SURVEY-It will help me if each family will fill out an interest form (watch for it in your child's attendance folder) and return it to my Parent Education box at the Parent Center. Tabulating your interests will help me select useful and appropriate resources for you.
REGULAR VISITS-I will bring a parent resource twice a month on Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. I'll be happy to chat informally about any parenting issues at that time. My first visit will be in September. I plan to be available during Open House on October 21.
PARENT MEETINGS-Parent meetings are being planned for selected months, usually on a Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. on topics of interest.
The first scheduled parent workshop is "Kindergarten Readiness" for parents of children in Rooms 5 & 6 on Wednesday, November 18, 5-6 p.m.
It'll be an overview of what kindergarten teachers expect, how to select a school/program for your child, the Seattle Schools and their changing procedures, and general questions from attendees. While the parents attend the workshop, their children stay in care in the classes. Watch for an opportunity to sign up for this workshop - and watch for information on other topics and other classroom meetings as the year progresses.
CONSULTING-I am happy to schedule an appointment to talk in depth about an issue or concern, even discuss some parenting questions by email. I can be reached by phone here at the Center or by email maryann@nqacc.org.
CLASSROOM VISITS---At a parent's request, I can observe a child in the classroom setting and give the parent feedback about the child's development/activities/meaningful connections. Several parents have found it useful to get a "snapshot" of their child's day.
PARENT TALK SESSIONS -This is an opportunity for parents to meet together with me for the purpose of exchanging ideas and sharing helpful tips with each other. Watch for information on "Parent Talk" sessions.
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SOME DISCLAIMERS!
This program for parents does not assume that parents need to be "educated" and that parents have no expertise in parenting. It does not suggest that parents need to be filled up because of some sort of deficit. Most parents have a sense of what is needed but occasionally get stumped on how to do it and just need a little help getting over a parenting hurdle.
Providing parent education honors the fact that parenting a child is a full-time job! It takes a lot of energy. It takes a lot of wisdom. It takes practice. There's trial and error -and successes, too!
Parent ed also suggests that some small thoughtful idea can revolutionize a family. When parents get weary and discouraged, a renewed look at a situation can be energizing. Sometimes parents need support from other parents who share a similar concern.
Many times an objective view from an experienced early childhood professional who has observed lots of young children will give great insight. Sometimes parents just need a little "boost" for the parenting journey.
I do not have all the answers regarding parenting techniques. True, I am a parent. True, I am a grandparent. True, I have worked in the early childhood field for over 25 years and the NSCC faculty for over 12 years. True, I do have some knowledge and experience regarding parenting.
But, the goal is not to "set parents straight!" The goal is to come alongside parents, to give assistance and encouragement during the parenting journey!
I am honored to have this opportunity at North Queen Anne Childcare and I invite you to participate in these opportunities.
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| Chapel Time at NQACC |
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| Chapel Time is a fun time at NQACC!
Guided by Mary Ann Abbott, chapel director, it's a time when children learn from the Bible, through stories, songs, creative activities, and games. At the heart of each lesson is a Christian principle or value. This fall's Bible lessons illustrate this commitment.
September Focus --God Made a Beautiful World for Us!
(sun, moon, stars, day, night, rainbow, plants, animals, people, etc,)
October Focus -- God's Care for Abraham, Noah, and Moses
November Focus --Thank you, God, for Our Families!
(A few less chapels this month since Mary Ann will be on pilgrimage
to Israel, November 3 -16.)
December Focus - The Story of Jesus' Birth
Chapel is scheduled for Monday and Wednesday mornings in each class, Toddler 1 through Room 6. The bulletin board outside the front office gives highlights of the weekly chapel teachings, so parents can participate in the learning. Watch also for copies of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
THE WEEKLY CHAPEL SCHEDULE-Mondays and Wednesdays
Toddler 1 --10:20--10:35
Toddler 2 --9:15--9:30
Room 3 --9:35--9:50
Room 4 --9:55--10:15
Room 5 --10:40--11:05
Room 6 --11:10--11:35
Feel free to contact Mary Ann for questions or comments about this special ministry at NQACC: maryann@nqacc.org
Know your target audience. Who are your most important customers, clients or prospects, and why? Know what is important to them and address their needs in your newsletter each month. Include a photo to make your newsletter even more appealing. |
| What Matters Most...The Soul of Parenting |
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Dear Parents,
I know you are trying to eek out every last bit of summer! But if you're like me, you welcome the fall for many reasons- personally, it's my favorite season with the leaves turning, the clear blue skies and clean, crisp air! And I can't help it, but I just feel and do better with family routines in place for school, even with all the activities!
I want to encourage you to make regular church attendance part of your fall routine as well. At this time of transition, why not make a new commitment to the Spiritual Development of your family? We'd love for you to join us at First Free Methodist. Here's what Sundays will look like for children, starting September 13th.
KidTown, 3rd floor (Elementary, K-5)
9:30
Children worship with their parents for the first part (Sanctuary service).
They will be dismissed to go to KidTown during the sermon for "Children's Church."
11:00
Children either stay from 1st hour, or join us at 10:45 for our 3 part program:
10:45-11:10 community building play time.
11:10-11:25 music and puppet show.
11:25-12:10 age-specific Bible class.
TotTown, 2nd floor (Age 2 by 9/08 to Pre-K)
9:30 and 11:00
Classrooms open at 9:15:
Twos and young 3s to room 4.
Older 3s up to Pre-K go to room 6.
TinyTownNursery, 1st floor: Open all morning!
Wednesday Nights for Kids! Our mid-week program kicks off on September 23rd.
For elementary kids, after dinner at 5:45, we'll offer open gym again from 6:15 to 6:45. The KidTown Clubhouse will then happen up on the 3rd floor until 7:45 with Bible-based games and activities. Our nursery and preschool programs are from 6:30 to 7:45 and are for kids whose parents are on-campus and involved with the Wednesday night adult programs.
Don't hesitate to contact me at jan@ffmc.org, or call the office at 281-2240 if you have any questions. Happy fall season to you all, and we hope to see you soon at FFMC!
~Jan Pendergrass, Pastor for Children and Families
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