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LEARNING TO GROW, GROWING TO LEARN
We will be kicking off our summer theme of Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn. We will be putting in a few raised gardens on the preschool playground so that over the course of the summer, we will be able to introduce children to the process of growing. They will be able to dig, plant and water as well as harvest, prepare and of course, taste!
UPCOMING EVENTS


PRESCHOOL GRADUATION
On Thursday, June 2, we will be having our preschool celebration from 4:30-5:30. We will have light refreshments and will recognize our preschoolers who will be going off to kindergarten in the fall.
happyfathersday

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
On Thursday, June 16 we would like to honor all of the dads (and moms) for a special happy hour out on the playground. Starting at 4:00 we will offer a special treat to share with your child! 

PARENT REMINDERS
SUMMER PARENT REMINDERS
*Please remember to bring in non-aerosol sunscreen that is labeled for your child. Now that the sun is deciding to shine, we will be going outside more with the children. Please apply in the morning and we will apply it as needed throughout the day.

*Occasionally we like to have "water days."  Your child's teacher may ask you to bring in a swimsuit and towel or change of summer clothes in case they spontaneously have a fun water day!

*Please send your child to school in sturdy shoes like tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals. We are requesting that the children do not wear flip-flops while at EFC. We know they are cute, but we want everyone to stay safe while at school. 

*Now is a great time to replenish and replace your child's sets of extra clothes with ones that are weather appropriate.

SUMMER VACATION REMINDERS
Summer is a popular time for vacations and in order to make sure we plan accordingly, there is a vacation calendar at the parent sign-in table. Please write your child's name on the days he/she will not be attending. Remember if your child is on vacation five consecutive days (and you have been enrolled for six months or longer), you can receive a credit for � week's tuition.  
STAR WELLNESS
star wellness
TROPICAL STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
  • 1 � cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • � cup milk
  • 1 � cups yogurt
  • 2 Tbls white sugar
  • 1 cup crushed ice 
In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Smoothies are a great way to sneak more fiber and antioxidants into your kids. They can be easily adapted for individual tastes and even children with dairy allergies can enjoy them. 
IN THE COMMUNITY
fruitsandveggies
EVENTS AROUND BLOOMINGTON
BLOOMINGTON FARMERS MARKET
The Bloomington Farmers Market is celebrating its 10th season and is held outdoors Saturdays June-October. In celebration of the 10th season the Bloomington Farmers Market will be offering four Pop-up Markets offered on select Tuesdays at various spots. These markets will continue to connect growers and producers directly to the public and emphasize quality and freshness. Please see the Bloomington City website for the dates and locations.

ARTS IN THE PARKS
Arts in the Parks begins and includes musical performances, moonlight movies and fireworks. All of these programs are free of charge and open to the public. There is a complete listing of all events on the Bloomington Arts in the Park website.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
SPLASH INTO SUMMER
Summer weather is finally here, and that means it's time to play outside. For many families, summer in Minnesota consists of special time in and around water. Lakes, beaches and pools are hot commodities once the temperatures begin to rise. How do you keep your family safe around water while still having fun?
 
A first basic rule is to always be within sight and sound of your child when around water. Even as your child becomes comfortable in shallow water, stay within reaching distance of him. It only takes a split second for him to slip on a rock or lose his balance.
 
Don't assume that someone is watching. When in a group, make sure that one or more adults are responsible for keeping their eyes at all times on the children who are in or near the water.
 
ALWAYS have your child wear a life jacket when around large bodies of water - in lakes, on boats, etc. Remember that water wings are not life preservers. The type that attach only to the child's arms will not keep the child's face and airways above water. Even the type that circles the chest should only be used when an adult is actively supervising the child and it should not be substituted for a life jacket.
 
Avoid distractions while you are responsible for children who are with you near water. Cell phones or conversations with friends can easily take away your focus.
 
Don't assume that if a child is splashing around in the water that he is just having fun. He may be struggling to keep his balance or to touch the bottom. And know also that drowning can be silent. Children count on adults to closely supervise them in the water. We can't let them down.
 
Swimming lessons can be invaluable for children, even as young as six months old.
In lessons children are taught to respect water. They learn that water can be stronger than they are. They also learn things like safety flips that encourage children to flip onto their backs in the water. The back is the safest position in the water. Children who use goggles should occasionally be encouraged to swim without goggles. That will give them the confidence that they can still swim successfully even if they don't have goggles on. It is also a good idea to let a child swim occasionally dressed in a t-shirt, water shoes and even a sweatshirt. This practice lets them know that if they ever fall into water with their clothes on, they won't need to panic. These methods of teaching water safety to children at a young age will further their respect for water and make them aware of their surroundings.
 
Children who learn water safety can look forward to a lifetime of fun around the water. We hope you and your family enjoy many types of water sports this summer!

TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
Now-6/5 Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Children's Theatre, Minneapolis
Now-9/5 Dinosaurs, MN Zoo, Apple Valley
6/3-6/5 Edina Art Fair, Edina
6/18-End of Summer Big Back Yard, Science Museum of MN, Saint Paul   
6/19 Father's Day 5k Walk & Run, Maple Grove
6/24-7/31 Annie jr. Stages Theatre, Hopkins


We'd like to share with you a few highlights from our spring in-service training, which focused on positive and effective ways to introduce healthy foods to children and on STEM learning in early childhood education.



Especially for Children
5133 W. 98th St.
Bloomington, MN 55437 
(952) 831-1435

Center Director:
Kathy Hane
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