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| Welcome Fall! | October 2011 |
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 Greetings!
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you all today. After spending a lot of time thinking and praying about how to best lead the child care, myself and Pastor Blake (senior pastor at First Free) have decided to promote Shari Watson to the position of Co-Director! We were able to announce this change to our teachers and the church staff this morning, and it was met with the same enthusiasm that we feel with this change. Shari and I have worked together for the last six and a half years and then as Director and Assistant Director for the last three years. We have been able to build a wonderful partnership and team work approach to managing the child care, and we are excited to look to the future and co-pilot the center together. This is a new position for both of us, and we are going to be learning as we go. I am so thankful that Shari has accepted this position and is excited to come along side me in leading our teachers, families, and the children. Beginning this week, I will be dropping to working four days a week. This will give me the opportunity to spend more time at home with my children. Other than that, our hours will for the most part remain the same. Shari will still be here in the mornings, but when we have parent meetings and other activities, both of us will adjust our schedules to be together at those events. Shari and I are both looking forward to carrying the responsibility of the child care together - Please join with us in celebrating this wonderful change in both of our lives. Sincerely, Royale |
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Great Friends, Exciting Opportunities, and NQACC Staff
We have been blessed to enjoy the company of some amazing teachers and staff over the last several years. It is always fun to get to know them a little better... Did you know that five people on our staff and one person on the church staff grew up together in this church? One of our current staff members is a former student of Anna (Green Monkeys) and Johanna (Red Bears)! We have two sets of sisters in this group. Several years ago, two of our teachers had their first job working for the Wednesday morning mom's group that met at the church.
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| | Evan Simmons and Cindi Morris |
Dan (FFMC facilities) Melissa (Yellow Ducks) Jessica F(Everywhere!) Evan (Everywhere!) Marci (summer Kids Kamp) Cindi (Kids Kamp) Jessica Furukawa says: "Melissa and Jessica are sisters and have known each other since Melissa was born. ^_^ Cindi and Jessica met at FFMC in the
 | | Melissa Park, Dan Stover, Jessica Furukawa |
third grade. Melissa and Marci would have met in the 1st grade Sunday school class.(I don't know the years but if you want to do the math I graduated highschool in 2004!)Jessica met Dan when He and his mother came to welcome them to the neighborhood. Dan introduced Jessica to Video games. Jessica and Melissa met Evan at church as well! I remember running around SPU with Dan and Melissa, we would go across the street and climb the "rock walls" at the SPU parking lot, climb the tree in our back yard, watch Dan jump off of high things (he did that a lot) Cindi and I loved to read together, play videogames, go on adventures and all that fun stuff! Marci and I liked to argue! Cindi, Marci, Melissa and I also did some homeschooling together. Jessica and Melissa moved to shoreline in 2000 but still kept in touch with Cindi and Marci" ********************************************************************************************************* Paul and Jessica Tibbils-Riley
 | | Paul and Jessica Tibbils-Riley |
" For the last two years my wife and I have desired to do a short term mission together. After much prayer, planning and saving, our time has finally come. We will spend three weeks in Costa Rica from October 19th to November 10th.
Our trip will have two focuses. The first is helping a business that is improving peoples lives, and the second is a Christian ministry. We will volunteer for a week on an organic family owned chocolate farm called La Igunaia. (For more information and great photos, check out www.laiguanachocolate.com). We will also visit a fair trade coffee farm. (Fair trade means that they pay workers a good wage, make sure conditions are safe and improve the community with projects like wells, schools, or hospitals.)
We will spend two weeks at Roblealro, a Christian social service organization that helps needy families and children. They provide counseling for parents who struggle with drug use or abuse in the family. Roblealto also provides care for orphans. (For more information go to www.roblealto.org).
This trip not only offers us an opportunity to serve but also offers the children a chance to learn and help as well. I have left some chocolate that the kids will get to try when Cindi reads to them an update e-mail about our experience on the chocolate farm. Also after we get back we will share photos, more chocolate, and stories of our trip. The kids will draw pictures and write letters to the kids at Roblealto and they will receive letters from the kids when I return. If you are interested, children can bring donations for Jessica and I to take to the kids at Roblealto. I will have a box on the brown table marked "Donations" where you can drop things off.
Possible items include...
- Play dough
- Puzzles for little children (ages 3-6)
- Short-story books with sounds for little children (ages 1-6)
- Animal books with sounds for little children (ages 1-6) to stimulate their language skills
- Educative games of shapes or colors
- Shape blocks such as triangles, squires, or stars.
- Any other early-stimulating things you consider helpful
We would love prayers for safe travel, being effective in a different culture, and being able to help the children in our program learn from our trip as well.". |
 Don't Just Sit There! Move!
By Mary Ann Abbott, Parent Consultant, North Seattle Community College Hazel and Dalton watched the rain pour incessantly on the roof. It was last week when Seattle's brief summer left, and fall began. I thought to myself, "Well, there goes the trip to the playground today." And, then, I thought, "Well, how about a favorite video, now that we can't play at the playground? What's the harm in that?" (Plan B!) And, so, Hazel, 3, and Dalton, 2, my two wonderful grandchildren, sat on the couch and watched a video that afternoon. That was on Sunday. Fast forward to Monday, the next day, when I attended a professional workshop which happened to be on child obesity. I've always had an interest in that topic since I know the importance of teaching children to eat healthful foods. And, I have followed some of Michelle Obama's efforts to educate families on this issue. Her website, letsmove.gov, has valuable information for families. Here's some of what I learned at the workshop: - Today's children have too much sedentary time and screen time. (Grandma did it today!)
Today's children do not have enough physical activity. (Slightly guilty.) - Today's children eat foods with more added fats, sugar, and salt. (Should check more.)
- Today's children eat snacks with too many calories, rather than a fruit and/or veggie. (Try not to.)
- Today's children eat too much fast food, rather than eating family meals at home. (Some.)
- Today's children eat a lot of processed (canned, boxed, packaged) foods. (A little guilty.)
- Today's children do not get the 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day. (Fruit, yes; veggies,not so much.)
- Today's children are influenced by ads, as short as 10 to 30 seconds, for unhealthy foods. (Not sure what they've seen?)
So, I was responsible for encouraging my young grandchildren to be sedentary! Definitely guilty! I did know better. But, what do you do when it rains? It rains a lot in Seattle. We've read many, many books; I guessed I should listen for movement tips. Here are The National Physical Activity Guidelines: - Moderate to vigorous activity for children each day: 30 minutes for toddlers, 60 minutes for preschoolers
- Several 15 minute bouts of physical activity per day.
- Two or more hours of inactivity is discouraged.
- Outdoor play 2 or more times a day.
- Limit any screen time (TV, Computer, videos) to less than 2 hours a day. None for children under 2.
- No TV in bedrooms.
WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE WHEN THE RAIN HIT? *I could have picked a shorter video. * I could have made a family rule: No sitting during TV commercials or video pauses! Do some body movements/stretches instead. *We could have played a pretend game: move like different animals, fly like an airplane, drive your car, sail like a boat, climb up a mountain, ride the train, jump in puddles, roll down the hill, skate, etc. *We could have done some yoga stretches/poses: poses --tree, lion, dog, mountain, volcano, triangle, warrior; stretches -cat, cow, dog. We could have done other exercises. *We could have played with hula hoops and music: roll them, jump in and out, skip through, etc. We could have played musical chairs. We could have sung "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes." * We could have played with toys which encourage physical activity: balls, jump ropes, inside riding toys, racing cars, bowling, hide and seek, jump over, squeeze under, etc.
WE COULD HAVE DONE THESE MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES! Next time when I'm caring for Hazel and Dalton, I will remember the obesity workshop. We won't just go for the video when it rains or when Grandma runs out of ideas. We'll do physical stuff! Will you join me in planning to be physically active with your young children, even when it's rainy in Seattle? Make this a year of moving all year long! (Watch for more child obesity prevention tips in parent resources at the Center.) |
What Matters Most... The Soul of Parenting, October, 2011
By Jan Pendergrass, Pastor for Children and Families at First Free Methodist
I heard recently children smile 400 times a day on average, whereas adults are at about 15. Kids laugh 150 times a day while adults average about 6 times. And kids play between 4-6 hours a day while most adults get in about 20 minutes of fun. So what happened?
Today's "Fruit of the Month (or Fruit of the Spirit!) Club" is JOY. What can we learn from our kids about joy? It's certainly not true for every child in the world, sadly, but perhaps it's fair to say that most kids who are not yet tainted by the harsh, cruel world have an inner joy that we adults can only envy. Have you ever watched a child whistling or humming joyfully while playing with the simplest thing, or even while helping mom or dad do some menial task? For most kids, their outlook on life is not clouded by urgent to-do lists, hurting friends and family, illness and financial hardship. Ignorance is bliss!
Miraculously, like when they make friends in seconds out of total strangers, kids can find joy in the simplest things and in the most difficult circumstances. Their innocent and carefree enjoyment of a bug, or a single marble, or a puddle makes me think about the difference between happiness and joy. The older we get it seems, the more we need to make us happy. Could it be conversely true then, that with less there is more joy? I can't help but think of the old song, "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free!"
Minister and Author John F. MacArthur writes: For most people happiness is possible, but it's also fickle, shallow, and fleeting. As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, or happenstance. If circumstances are favorable, you are happy; if not, you're unhappy. Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, regardless of your circumstances. In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord." The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing and obeying him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances.
Easier said than done, huh? Right now the husband of one of our staff members is very ill and in the hospital. A diagnosis is not clear and the prognosis is even more unclear. I have been communicating via email with her these past 24 hours and the peace and calm she exudes because of her trust in God is truly inspiring. The circumstances she and her husband are finding themselves in are certainly not happy. But somehow she is finding peace knowing she and her husband are in God's hands, and her testimony truly is that the joy of the Lord is her strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
God brings peace and assurance to us when we do the right thing and trust him regardless of our circumstances. We all want our children to obey us even when they don't like it. Someday we hope they will understand our motivation was pure love and what might have seemed mean or unfair at the time came from the desire to protect and nurture because we know what is best for them. Thinking about this from the child's perspective helps me to realize why I at times have such a hard time truly believing that God is working all things together for good, as is promised in Romans 8:28. We just don't see the full picture yet.
It's all about trust! I have found that when I am giving my concerns to God in prayer and remembering to be thankful for the many blessings I have, true joy which is so natural, simple and beautiful in our children, is within my grasp. I pray that is true for you, too!
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
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Licensing Visit
On Wednesday, September 28, we had our annual state licensing visit. It went well. here are a few comments we received from the licensors:
"It was a pleasure being here today. I am not sure I've ever been able to say that."
"We can tell when teachers are putting on a show. None of your teachers were. They are all genuine and engaged with the children."
They left to make it to another appointment and will be back in sometime next week to go over the things we need to work on. It is their job to help us find those things and we are thankful for them. When we learn of what we need to work on, I will send another e-mail out to you and let you know.
Remember: if you would ever like to see any of our licensing compliance agreements, you are encouraged to make an appointment with Shari and myself to go over them.
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Coming Soon
October 2011
4 - Well Child Day
20 - Open House and Teacher Art Show
31 - Halloween Parade
November 2011
9 - Picture Day
11 - Veterans' Day, Center Closed
17- Red Bears Kindergarten Readiness Meeting
24 - 25 Thanksgiving Center Closed
30 - Christmas Craft Adventure and Dinner October 2011
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In The Know... 
We have often talked of the importance of the partnership between parents and educators. We are so thankful to have a strong relationship with all of our families. One of the wonderful ways that relationship is strong is in how we can share information together. If you learn something new, that would be helpful to other parents, let me know. Each month, I will include a new "In the Know" from one of our own parents. IN THE KNOW - October 2011 Did you know that King County has a website where you can see if there is a sex offender living in your neighborhood? None of us like thinking about things like this, but it is something that we should be very aware of.
King Count Sheriffs' office has a website where you can enter your address and then see a map showing where registered sex offenders live around your neighborhood. You can also sign up to receive e-mail notification when someone moves into your neighborhood.
It is better to be in the know than in the dark.
Check out: Here at the child care, we have recently been notified of someone recently released in the 7300 block of Mary Ave. in Ballard. |
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Well Child Day
North Queen Anne Child Care and Seattle Pacific University have partnered together to create "Well Child Day"
SPU Nursing students will be coming into the center to help interact with our amazing children. They will have their stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs and children will get to listen to their own heart rate!
The nursing students are going to have the opportunity to learn how to interact with children, so that a visit to the doctor will not be traumatic for children, ours and the future children these nursing students will work with.
We are excited about this opportunity. The nurses will not be recording any vital information about specific children, there will be no report to give at the end of the day. This is an experiential activity for the children and nursing students.
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Reading Recommendation by Sandy Simmons...
Knowing that I was writing an article about books, my niece Beth and her daughter Alyssa dropped by my office to share three favorite library books they have enjoyed. I was pleased that Alyssa, age 2 1/2, enjoyed such a good variety of reading. On the fun side was a book called Hogwash! It is written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jim McMullan. (Beth claims that this book is difficult to read without a southern accent.) The story is told in poetry, and humorously illustrated in bold colors. It is likely to tickle the funny bone of children about 3-6 years old. Being springtime, Farmer decided it is time to clean all his animals. The antics begin when it's time to clean the hogs. In a battle of wills the farmer and the hogs each plots to either accomplish or thwart this plan. Check out this book and see what happened!
Hurry Down to Derry Fair, written by Dori Chaconas and illustrated by Gillian Tyler, celebrates the county fair in the lives of the rural community. While Dinny, our main character, can't wait to get to the fair and enjoy the amazing attractions, animals, cotton candy and the carousel; his family is busy preparing to participate in the fair's contests and events. How will Dinny get to the fair on time? Well, it is Grandma to the rescue! (I liked that part!) Parents and children alike will love the soft, classic illustrations.
The Boat by Helen Ward and illustrated by Ian Andrew is a beautiful book, both in the story and artistry. It demonstrates how one perceptive boy makes a difference in his community by bringing reconciliation between the grumpy old man with his strange animal collection and the townspeople who were afraid of him. The story is set it motion by a flood and a boat that floats down to the boy. This book will appeal to children who could get caught up in a good story, but may not have the attention span for a longer book.
If your children want to share their favorite books with me, I could write about them in my next Reading Recommendations.
Sandy Simmons |
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| Halloween Parade - October 31 | |
Our annual Halloween Parade and Classroom Parties are going to be on October 31. Please join your child in their classroom at 2:45 to help with getting costumes on and then out the door for the parade beginning at 3:00. Once the parade is complete, there will be a short party in each classroom. Remember the center closes at 5:00 p.m. on this day.
Guidelines for costumes - please do not do any costumes that are scary, no ghosts, witches, werewolf or things like that. Story book characters, heroes, and nursery rhyme characters are a great place to start. (Remember if a hero carries a weapon of any kind, the weapon must stay home)
You can sign up to bring treats for the party - please remember that we can not have homemade treats and we are a NO NUT child care center. Treats need to come in their original container. Teachers will post sign up sheets on or near their doors the week before the party. |
| Contact Information | |
Center Directors
Royale Lockhart - royale@nqacc.org Shari Watson - shari@nqacc.org
206-281-2919 |
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