|
|
|
A Newsletter from Baby's Space August, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 8 |
|
Baby's Space is a holistic, research-based approach to infant through 3rd grade education, adolescent mental health services and parent support for children and families residing in poverty and violence. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baby's Space Remains Open During Minnesota Shutdown
Dear Friends:
Thanks to your generosity, Baby's Space remained opened during the recent Minnesota state government shutdown. Our decision to remain open was made from a baby's point of view. Children in poverty need the consistent care and emotional and social development that's provided daily at
 | |
"I wonder when educating and caring for children under the age of 6 will be seen as essential?"
Dr. Terrie Rose |
| |
Baby's Space.
Like many childcare centers, we were affected by the stop in childcare reimbursements. The uncertainty surrounding the shutdown affected our parents, who were worried about loss of income or jobs if they didn't have reliable childcare as well as our dedicated staff who worried about the potential loss of a paycheck.
Fortunately, we have a solid cash reserve. Between planned vacations and staff willing to take leave without pay, we were able to keep our expenses low.
Early childhood development and intervention is a proven strategy to help vulnerable children in poverty succeed. Our local research supports this as does a recent program sponsored by Harvard University. Check out the results at www.developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/multimedia/brain_hero/
While our lobbying and advocacy helped avoid deeper early childhood development cuts in Minnesota, I wonder when educating and caring for children under the age of 6 will be seen as essential? It's time to stop blaming parents in poverty for having children and start providing consistent, enriched early childhood education to ensure children have the skills and emotional competencies necessary for 21st century adulthood.
Best Regards,
Terrie Rose
Founder and Executive Director
P.S. The month of August presents two great volunteer opportunities! Donate a backpack filled with school supplies for a Tatanka Academy student or volunteer at the Baby's Space carnival on Thursday, August 25. See below for details. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Birthdays for Baby's Space!
Our sincere thanks to friends Sharon Gregoire and Kristine Sabes who took the opportunity of their birthdays to benefit Baby's Space.
 | | Terrie and Sharon Gregoire |
Sharon threw herself a big birthday party and asked friends and family to forgo giving traditional gifts in favor of cash to buy new indoor play equipment for the Baby's Space infant room.
Kristine Sabes celebrated with a birthday lunch and asked for diaper donations in lieu of gifts. Guests received cards at their place settings that featured pictures of beaming Baby's Space students and a message about the good work done daily at our center. An impromptu presentation about Baby's Space was made and we received donations in honor of Kristine!
These parties are not only a celebration of Sharon and Kristine's birthdays, but a celebration of the kind and thoughtful people they are. A note attached to a check honoring Sharon sums up the gestures perfectly, "Please accept this donation in honor of Sharon Gregoire's birthday. The world is a better place because of her efforts." From everybody at Baby's Space, thank you Sharon and Kristine!
 | |
Center Director Debbie Lund happily accepts diapers from Kristine Sabes' party. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Heroes Marjorie Fedyszyn
"I could easily make room to work with kids once a week."
Those are the simple, but powerful, words thought aloud of Baby's Space by Marjorie Fedyszyn a busy professional and mother of two school-aged daughters.
Each Tuesday morning, Marjorie works with Tatanka Academy kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students with reading, phonics, math and letter recognition. Classroom tutors like Marjorie provide a vital link between teachers and students as they provide support in any academic area to reinforce material learned in the classroom.
 | |
Marjorie makes a difference in just one hour per week. |
According to Marjorie, one of the best aspects of working with young students is the love and exuberance they bring to school. "It's the only place I know where you are hugged countless times in a day," said Marjorie. "Getting to know each child as an individual is also a huge draw. Seeing the progress that the students accomplished by the end of the school year made me happy for them."
Marjorie was an active aide in her daughter's kindergarten class and applied the same skills and techniques at Tatanka. Plus, she uttered those important words, "I can make time in my schedule," and made the time commitment that's paid off in unimaginable ways.
Marjorie lives in Minneapolis with her husband John, two daughters and a fuzzy dog named Pippin. Thank you for your weekly dedication Marjorie!
|
|
|
|
|
Calling All Clowns: Volunteers at the August 25th Carnival
Cap off your summer with an evening of laughs and fun by volunteering for the annual Baby's Space Carnival Thursday, August 25th. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. We need volunteers to set up and run booths. Contact center director Debbie Lund at 612 729 5171 for more information. debbie@babyspace.org |
|
Actions & Outcomes: Harvard Takes Us for a Ride
A new link is featured on www.babyspace.org and it's an interactive game in a driving format that shows how actions taken by parents, teachers, policymakers and others can influence life outcomes for the children and their community. Take a look at this worthwhile video, which is collaboration between the Harvard Center on the Developing Child and the University of Southern California Creative Media & Behavioral Health Center. The unique storytelling video is designed to inform the public discourse around policies and practices that support healthy brain development during childhood. Check out the game at www.developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/multimedia/brain_hero/ |
|
|
|
Annual Backpack Drive!
We are looking for backpack and school supply donations to prepare our Tatanka Academy students for the upcoming school year. Please consider bringing a backpack and supplies to our Baby's Space location by August 26 or send a check for $40 to cover the approximate cost. Click on the donate tab to the right.
Kindergarten Supply List
- 1 backpack, no wheels
- Paint shirt (men's package, size large)
- 2 pocket folders
- 2 spiral notebooks, wide rules
- 8" x 5" school box (plastic)
- 1 package fat markers, classic colors
- 1 watercolor set
- 2 dry erase markers
- Scissors
- 2 glue sticks
- 1 bottle Elmer's glue
- 1 box Kleenex
- #2 pencils
- Clorox wipes
- 1 roll paper towels
- Ruler
- Sheet protectors
- Ziploc bags
|
|
|
|
1st and 2nd Grade Supply List
- 1 backpack, no wheels
- 4 glue sticks
- 8" x 5" school box (plastic)
- 1 box crayons, 24 pack
- 6 spiral notebooks, wide ruled
- Paint shirt (men's package, size large)
- Tennis shoes for recess and gym
- 1 package fat markers, classic colors
- 6 pocket folders
- 1 box plastic sheet protectors (3 hole punched)
- 1 box Kleenex
- 1 roll paper towels
- Ziploc bags
|
|
To Donate
Click below on the >donate icon and be directed to giveMN.org, a secure way to donate and 100% of your gift goes to Baby's Space. If you prefer to contact us directly, download our Baby's Space Donation Form for credit card and check donations that may be sent directly to us. Thank you!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
