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Please join us for EFC's 40th birthday celebration on Tuesday, September 20, from 5:45-8 PM. We will host a dinner & concert performance by the Teddy Bear Band at Centennial Lakes. We hope you can join us for an evening of fun & celebration in honor of Especially for Children. Please RSVP here by September 15 to help us with our planning. Thank you!
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FIELD TRIP
Preschoolers are going to Como Zoo on Friday, September 16! Bring a bag lunch & comfortable shoes. Parent volunteers are welcome to join us!
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FIRE DEPARTMENT VISIT
The Edina Fire Department will visit our center on Tuesday, September 27.
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UPCOMING HOLIDAY
Especially for Children will be closed for teacher in-service on Friday, September 2, and for Labor Day on Monday, September 5. We wish you a wonderful, long weekend!!
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EFC ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Karen - Sign Language
Karen returns in September to teach sign language classes to our Penguin & Polar Bear groups. Karen has a degree in Early Childhood Education from U-W Madison. She offers an interactive class based around the same themes that we are studying here at EFC. Classes are held on Monday mornings, starting at 9 AM.
Kyle - Music with Mr. Kyle
Kyle is a former public school music teacher who now introduces young children to music concepts. His course is a pre-instrumental course where children learn about high/low notes, variations in sounds, as well as being introduced to many instruments. Kyle will sing with the toddlers and Puppy classes every other Monday morning.
Nikki - Stretch-n-Grow
Coach Nikki has a degree in Community Health Education and is a Certified Health Education Specialist, and fitness instructor. Stretch-n-Grow is designed to promote exercise and wellness for children through games, music and stories. A short wellness lesson is followed by warm-up, exercise and cool down; teaching children that exercise is fun and important for good health! Nikki is here every other Thursday morning and teaches all our toddler & preschool groups.
OPTIONAL (PARENT PAID) CLASSES
Soccer Shots - Monday mornings
For the first time ever, we will offer fall soccer classes. We were very happy with the Soccer Shots program this summer, and will continue with classes this fall. We have been promised that Coach Sam will return; he was terrific over the summer! Please register no later than Friday, September 9!
Kiddy Keys - Tuesday afternoons
Mr. Kyle returns on Tuesday afternoons for an optional music class for preschoolers. In Kiddy Keys, children are introduced to rhythm & music exercise that develop small & large motor skills, memory skill building, recognition of the music alphabet and musical terminology. Demo classes will be held Tuesday, September 13.
Kid Dance - Wednesday mornings
In Kid Dance, a variety of dance styles including basic ballet technique, jazz, tap and creative dance are taught by our long-time instructor Amy. Dancers also participate in two annual shows, complete with costumes, in December and May. If you are interested, please let your child's teacher know; your child can attend a trial class before signing up!
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ESTABLISHING ROUTINES
As we start our fall routines we would like to offer some tips for morning drop offs. It's important we all work together and know what to expect each day.
- Keep goodbye rituals short and sweet--and positive. Give your child a big hug and say you will be back at pick up time, and leave. Every child is different and some may need more assistance with transition into the classroom. We are here to help in any way possible.
- If your child is comfortable and doesn't need assistance with drop off, please come in and say "hi" or give us a wave. This just lets us know your child has arrived and is engaged in the classroom.
- Feel free to call! If your child had a tough time at drop off or if you just want to see how the day is going, please call us! We want you to feel comfortable and know that your child is loved and cared for.
- Remember to call us by 9 AM if your child is not coming to school! We like to know that our friends are healthy and safe at home! Our direct phone number is 952-835-0505. You can also communicate absences via Baby Connect for your infant or toddler.
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TRANSITION TIME
Welcome to our fall program! The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for children and families. Some of your children are in their first days at Especially for Children while others are heading into fall after a fun summer program of Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn.
Autumn is often a time of transition for families, and we want you to know that we are here to support you and your child through the opportunities and challenges that transition times bring.
If your child is new to our program or moving into a new classroom for the fall, please know that our teaching staff is ready with extra hugs and moments of comfort. Older children may have questions about areas of the classroom or new routines, and our teachers are prepared for several days and weeks of everyone settling in.
Teachers will spend time setting and reviewing classroom expectations on a regular basis; this helps children understand and feel comfortable with their surroundings. Children gain a feeling of control and a sense of order when they know what is expected of the group.
When emotions-whether they be excitement, anxiety or uncertainty-come to the surface during times of transition, it is an opportunity for supporting social and emotional development. As researchers from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) write, "acknowledging a child's feelings validates emotions, teaches emotion words, and helps children learn to handle their feelings appropriately."
Through the following example of a classroom transition, they advise caregivers to:
- Acknowledge the emotion with words ("Caleb, it's hard to clean up. I can tell you're worried about leaving your castle.")
- Engage the child in problem solving ("What can we do? Would you like to take a picture? Save it in your cubbie?")
- Help the child follow through on a solution ("Let's save it on a shelf for tomorrow and go over to snack.")
Labeling emotions and identifying a solution helps children transition and teaches them appropriate ways to respond to difficult situations.
These strategies can be applied during bigger life transitions (e.g. starting a new school) as well as the daily transitions that are affected by that change.
Some additional tips that help children through transitions are:
- Give advanced warning that the child can understand ("After we read one story, it will be time to get in the car.")
- Develop rituals
- Keep your language simple
- Get down to your child's level
Please let your child's teacher or your center director know if we can be of additional help during this season of transition. We are excited for our fall program and for all of the learning, growth and development that will take place for your child this year!
Information taken from:
Beyond the Journal, May 2008, NAEYC
Parents.com
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TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
Now-9/30 Big Bugs, MN Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen
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Sue Smith has worked for Especially for Children - Edina/Edinborough since August of 1987, making her the teacher with the second-longest tenure in the company! Read about Sue in our latest 40 Spotlight on the
Parent Blog.
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