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"WE'RE SO GLAD THAT YOU'RE HERE."
As we begin our fall program, we welcome you! We appreciate your decision to choose our center and we take seriously the responsibility you have given us. Whether you are new with us this fall, or whether you have been at the center for years, we are excited to watch this year unfold. Our staff looks forward to forming special relationships with you and your child. Have a great fall!
THANK YOU
A big "Thank You" to all of the families that were able to attend our 40th Anniversary Picnic at Lake Susan Park! We had a beautiful Minnesota night with great food, entertainment and great company. Many have asked about the food vendor and you can contact the "Pizza Makers" at www.partypizza.org. Thanks again and we look forward to another great year at Especially for Children.
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FIELD TRIP
The Dolphin and Monkey classes will be heading to Minnetonka Orchards on Thursday, September 22 to pick apples. We will tour the orchard, have a special snack and pick an apple. Please sign the field trip log for your child to attend. Parents are welcome to attend the field trip-just add your name to the field trip log.
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PICTURE DAY
Please mark your calendars for Lifetouch Picture Day on Wednesday,
September 14. We will be doing all individual photos that day.
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ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Jean Kretzschmar - "Music with Mrs. Jean"
"Mrs. Jean" is how the children address our music teacher, who teaches classes every other Tuesday morning to the toddlers, 3's and 4's. Jean has her degree in music/music therapy from the University of Iowa. The classes combine singing songs, playing instruments, listening, moving, building confidence, and learning about music.
Sarah Weston - Jr. Jazzercise
Every Monday morning, she will perform movements to music, keeping in mind the age level of the child and allowingchildren the opportunity to keep fit. Jr. Jazzercise is held weekly for all toddlers and preschoolers. There is an extra charge of $1.Sarah also teaches adult Jr. Jazzercise classes and lives in Minnetonka with her husband and daughter.She loves teaching this class!!
Jackie with Gitssmart Computers
Computer classes are held on Wednesday mornings for ages 3-5 years old. We will have a "Demo Day" for your child to experience computer class on Wednesday, September 7. We will have information available on-site if you have questions. Class will typically be held on Wednesday mornings each week. Payments are made separate to Gitssmart Computers.
Karen Laughlin - Sign Language
We are fortunate to have Karen teach basic sign language to our toddlers, 3's, and 4's each week. Karen has a degree in Early Childhood Education from U-W Madison. Karen offers an interactive class based around themes that we are studying here at EFC. The charge of the class is a $1.50 per child. Our classes are held on Friday's with the first class being held on Friday, September 9.
Kyle Witherow - Play, Tap, and Go!
Kyle is a former public school music teacher who now introduces young children to music concepts. His course is a pre-piano course where children learn about high/low notes, variations in sounds, as well as being introduced to many instruments. His class is Thursday afternoon's at 2:45 pm beginning Thursday, Sept. 15. He will have a "Demo Day" the first week of September in the afternoon. Please watch for signs. This class is for older toddlers (Chipmunks) and all preschoolers and payment is made separately to Kyle.
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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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