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A Newsletter from Baby's Space September, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 9 |
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Baby's Space is a holistic, research-based approach to infant through 3rd grade education, adolescent mental health services and support for children and families residing in poverty and violence.
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The Importance of Environments
Dear Friends,
At Baby's Space, we concentrate on a holistic approach to early childhood education, which includes rethinking the environments where children and teachers spend their days. Toddlers and preschoolers aren't miniature grade school students, so you won't find shrunken versions of desks or the traditional furnishings found in elementary schools. Rather, our environments are designed for development, discovery, movement, learning and interacting with caregivers.
An exciting initiative we're currently undertaking is bringing our environments to our Baby's Space replication partner, Northside Child Development Center in Minneapolis. With the environments, Northside is fully integrating the holistic approach to childcare that's unique to Baby's Space. I think you'll enjoy the article and pictures about this exciting installation in this month's newsletter.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Terrie Rose
Founder and Executive Director
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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!
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Heard In The Hallways"I love my teacher!" A student's announcement to her parents after the first day of classes at Tatanka Academy, our Kindergarten through 3rd grade school.
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Heroes Welcome Gisela Valdez!
This month we welcome Gisela Valdez, Tatanka School Coordinator. Gisela's job is to lead, mentor and support our teachers, staff and volunteers as well as establish strong connections with students and their families.
 | | Gisela Valdez |
Gisela joins Baby's Space with more than 25 years in child care and education. She specializes in working with students, families and colleagues of many backgrounds, ethnicities and races.
"I strongly believe that every child deserves a high-quality learning experience and in the importance of early identification of issues that interfere with learning," says Gisela. "I want to be a leader and build strong and positive relationships. My background, my personal and professional experiences and my passion for teaching will bring good values to the program."
Gisela has already made an impact at Tatanka hiring new staff and teachers and preparing for the school year, which greeted new and returning students Monday, August 29.
Gisela and her husband have three daughters and enjoy their very opinionated dog. When she's not working, Gisela likes movies, reading a good book, playing tennis and walking around the lakes. Welcome Gisela!
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Garage Sale Proceeds Benefit Baby's Space
Volunteer Anz Johansen and Terrie Rose recently hosted a garage sale benefitting Baby's Space. If you're planning a garage sale this fall, consider contributing some or all of the proceeds to Baby's Space. The donation is 100% tax deductable.
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Anz and Terrie setting up the sale.
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Baby's Space Brings Acclaimed Environments to Northside Partner
Baby's Space is installing our unique, custom environments in two toddler classrooms at our replication partner, Northside Child Development Center in Minneapolis.
The high-quality, wood-construction fixtures are designed to be learning landscapes that create a focal point for activity. The landscapes feature a nature scene with a soothing color palette. The environment is comprised of a variety of levels, inclines and textures that encourage toddlers to explore while also providing space for caretakers to comfortably interact.
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Currently, Northside has a pleasant, but very traditional space.
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This custom, nature-inspired concept will be installed at Northside
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The space is customized to reflect the cultural and educational factors of the center and its students. The physical environment also supports an infant's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development while reinforcing the center's program goals.
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Annual Baby's Space Carnival
Thank you volunteers and donors for supporting our 3rd annual carnival! This is a much-anticipated event for our students and families.
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Our carnival-attending kids love the Bounce House! |
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The fish pond awards prizes. |
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A happy student ready for the next game. |
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Family Night
Family Night continues to be a popular community building event. Pictured below, a dad and his child have fun with beach balls at a summer event. Strengthening families is part of the Baby's Space program. This fall Baby's Space is expanding family nights by offering age-specific evenings. Expanding this popular program is generously sponsored by Coughlan Companies.
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Thanks to Coughlan Companies, Baby's Space will expand Family Nights this fall. |
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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!
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