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NAEYC WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD 2015: CELEBRATING OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS!

April 12-18 is Week of the Young Child. This is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's biggest organization of early childhood professionals with more than 80,000 members and a network of 300 local, state and regional affiliates.

The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs/services that meet those needs.

NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life.

 

   April Happenings


  
 
 

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

We would like to honor your child's teachers with a special potluck lunch on Tuesday, April 7. There will be sign-up sheets located at the parent table if you would like to participate in this event. You may drop off your food item in the morning. The teachers look forward to this every year and greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 

FUN DAYS IN APRIL!

Because April is all about celebrating the young child and early childhood professionals, we thought it would be fun to have some special days! We hope to see a lot of participation!  

 

Wednesday, April 8 - Mismatch Day

Monday, April 13 - MN Twins Day

Thursday, April 16 - Pajama Day

Wednesday, April 22 - Crazy Hair Day!

Tuesday, April 28 - Hat Day!

 

April Highlights

Week of the Young Child: Family Activities

April 12-18 is the Week of the Young Child. (Though as parents, it likely feels that every week is the week of your child(ren)! :) In celebration of our youngest learners, NAEYC has compiled some great activities for families... 

 

>> Read more on the blog 

 

 

 

Twin Cities Family Events 

 

1/31-5/31 Sid the Science Kid:  The Super-Duper Exhibit! Minnesota Children's Museum

4/1-4/30 Farm Babies, MN Zoo Apple Valley

4/8-4/12 Disney On Ice Presents Frozen, Target Center

4/11 Goldy's Gallop Kids Run, TCF Bank Stadium

4/18 Super Pet Saturday, Minnesota Children's Museum

4/21-6/21 Peter Pan The Musical, Children's Theatre

4/25 Earth Day Cleanup, multiple locations throughout Minneapolis 


Find many more local family activities on MN Parent's calendar here

   Especially for Parents

PriscillaWilliamsEFCPres

 

SPECTACULAR SPRING! 

With spring (allegedly) on the horizon, I have started thinking about the best ways to shake off the months of winter. There are the numerous outdoor projects like getting the yard ready and tuning up the bicycles.  It is also a great opportunity for the entire family to re-engage with our amazing natural resources by walking around the lakes and hiking through woods.

 

Spring is a perfect time for children to participate in natural play. The melting of what little snow we had this year lets kids run, jump and roll around - all things that are hard on clothes but great for children's physical and emotional wellbeing.  Engaging in outdoor activities also gives children a chance to take a break from plastic toys in favor of natural materials such as sticks, rocks and water or simple elements of play like balls, blocks and sand.

 

What fun for you and your child to spend time picking dandelions, sorting sticks by their lengths, or pitching a tent for outdoor adventure!

 

At Especially for Children we are planning for nature-based play throughout the spring and summer.

We will be out on our playgrounds observing buds and bugs. Without bulky snow clothes on, sliding and climbing will be new experiences. And after shedding both mittens and boots we will get much better at throwing, kicking and catching balls.

 

It's wonderful to watch the children when they are able to enjoy the outdoors to its full extent. They will learn to be better observers as they watch the grass turn green, the flowers bloom, and the temperature change. We will help them describe these changes with new vocabulary. We will read books about nature and sing songs that celebrate spring and summer happenings. Through experiencing the contrasts of the seasons, children who live in Minnesota get a chance to truly understand the distinct beauties of spring, summer, fall and winter. Why would anyone really want to live anywhere else?

 

As spring unfolds and is quickly followed by summer, let's all get outside and take advantage of two of the best seasons Minnesota has to offer! 

 

 
  In the Community

LET'S GET EXCITED FOR SPRING!!

Spring Brook Nature Center has a **Brand New** SPRING FLING! On May 16 from 11 am - 4 pm they will be offering tons of family fun! 

 

Activities will include:

  • Climbing Wall
  • Cock-a-Doodle Zoo Petting Zoo
  • MinnAqua Fishing Education
  • Pond dipping
  • Live Animal at the Touch Table and a lot more!

Admission is $6/person, children 2 and under are free. For more info, please visit; www.springbrooknaturecenter.org 

 

PRESCHOOL FIELD TRIP

The preschool class will be walking down to Spring Brook to learn about recycling. Parent volunteers are welcome. Look for exact times to be posted soon!

   Parent Reminders

SPRING CONFERENCES

Spring conferences are coming up in May. Please watch for sign-up sheets in your child's classroom.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Breakfast with Mom will be Friday May 8.

EFC is CLOSED Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25.


Especially for Children
8885 Evergreen Blvd
Coon Rapids MN 55433
(763) 784-0901

Center Director:
Jessica Nunn

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