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Dear (Contact First Name),

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EFC!
On February 22, Especially for Children will have been providing quality child development programs for 42 years! Congratulations, EFC!

REMODEL UPDATE
We are still on track to be finished with our remodel early part of February! The past few weeks the construction team has been busy painting, finishing electrical and installing ceiling tiles. In the coming weeks they will be putting the finishing touches on the trim and installing flooring. Once we have a final date of move in we will be sure to update everyone.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve the center.

UPCOMING EVENTS
VALENTINE EXCHANGE
The Toddler and Preschool groups will have their Valentine exchange on Wednesday, February 14. In early February, each classroom will communicate how many children/adults are in the room.   

THE MAGIC OF DR. SEUSS
On Wednesday, February 28, at 10 AM our toddlers and preschoolers will be jumping into the world of Dr. Seuss. The "Magic of Dr. Seuss" features a colorful backdrop, lots of audience participation, and amazing magic especially designed to illustrate the Dr. Seuss books including, The Cat in the HatThe Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, and One Fish Two Fish. A nd, as in all of Robert and Lynn Halbrook's magic shows, a couple of very magical creatures might be dropping by. If you're able to, stop on by at 10 am to join in the fun!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!!!
February 26 to March 2 j oin us for a week filled with fun!
 
Mon 2/26:       My Many Colored Monday 
                          Wear as many colors as you can!

Tues 2/27:       Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast
                          Wear the color green!

Wed 2/28:       Whacky Wednesday! 
                          Wear your clothes backwards,  inside out or                                                mismatched.
                          Magic of Dr. Seuss

Thurs 3/1:       Cat in the Hat Day!
                          Wear your favorite hat!

Fri 3/2:            HOP on POP
                         Hop out of bed in your favorite pajamas!

STAR WELLNESS
star wellness
STAR WELLNESS INDOOR ACTIVITIES
February in Minnesota usually means we need some fresh ideas for indoor activities. Here are a few to help keep children and parents active on those cold days:

FREEZE DANCE: Put on some energizing music and encourage kids to do their best dance moves. They must pause when you stop the music, only resuming dancing when you turn it back on. Let the kids take turns being the DJ to control the music.

SCAVENGER HUNT:  Write a list of items and read them to your children one at a time (or let older kids carry their own list) so they can look throughout the house for the objects in question. Things like puzzle pieces, utensils, crayons, or books with specific pictures on the cover are some ideas to start. Up the ante by giving hints instead of a list, giving tips like "Find something that comes in pairs (socks or shoes) or "Find something that is round and edible" (apple or orange).

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
THREE "LOVES" AT EFC
At EFC, three of the overriding goals we have for the children are to expand...
 

     *   A love of self

     *   A love of others

     *   A love of learning

 

A child's first experiences of love come from within the family. As parents you have no doubt experienced the fierce love you develop for your child/ren. This love gradually becomes ingrained in so much of what you do-it affects not only how you relate to your children, but how you operate in the world. As your children grow, the love you show them provides both a foundation for their love of self as well as an example of how to love others.
 
As parents you not only foster this relational love, but also create a love of learning by the experiences you share as a family, the questions you ask (and answer) and the routines you establish.
 
At EFC, your child is in a new environment. Being able to hold on to love of self, love of others, and love of learning in a group setting with a new set of adults and children requires practice, trial and error.  Our teachers get to know your child in a way that is different from parental love. We encourage your child to experience new challenges, and we let her know that she  is very special to us. We create a classroom  community where confidence is built.

On a daily basis, we show your child that we care about him and want the best for him. All of this contributes to strengthening his love of self.
 
And, as we help children gain social skills, we always remember how important it is for children to learn to love others. When they experience playing with and solving problems with other children and adults,  they develop empathy. They also see the value of give and take, and the joys of friendships.
 
Many parents worry about whether their child will be ready for kindergarten. The question we need to ask is "Does your child have a love of learning?" That is what will greatly impact whether or not he/she will be ready to master new skills at every level of development. At EFC we feel confident that your child will love to learn because we will:
  • Take the time to listen
  • Let your child know he is loved
  • Have expectations for her
  • Discipline with love and consistency
  • Provide your child with daily challenges
  • Find a variety of ways to make learning fun
  • Give your child opportunities to solve problems so he/she can experience successes, as well as the failures, that come from experimenting.
Please also know that we seek your support and advice as we learn to truly know your child. As partners we can all watch your child flourish and reach his/her full potential.

TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
Now-2/10  Winter Carnival , St. Paul
Now-2/10 Ice Castles, Stillwater
Now-2/11   Wells Fargo Winter Skate, St. Paul
Now-mid-February  Centennial Lakes Ice Skating, Edina
Now-2/19 Leo Lionni's Frederick, Stages Theatre, Hopkins
Now-3/18 The Wiz, Children's Theatre Company, Mpls
Now-5/13 Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit, MN Children's Museum,  St. Paul
2/10 TC Field House Run, U of MN, Mpls
2/10 Valentine's Day 5k, Lake Nokomis, Mpls

Try walking around with a child who's going, "Wow, wow! Look at that dirty dog! Look at that burned-down house! Look at that red sky!" And the child points and you look, and you see, and you start going, "Wow! Look at that huge crazy hedge! Look at that teeny little baby! Look at the scary dark cloud!" I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world-present and in awe.
-Anne Lamott
Last week's winter storm likely prompted a sense of wonder in your child--and maybe in you. The beauty of the fresh snow and the different ways it allows us to interact with our environment (if only slowing us down a bit!) are truly causes for wonder... 

Especially for Children
3370 Coachman Rd.
Eagan, MN 55121
(651) 452-0043

Center Directors:
Leea Reid
Pam Tuft
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