I hope a relaxing and restorative Spring Break was enjoyed by all.  We are on the downslope for the end of school year. The next two months will surely fly right by. 

This month Kindergarten students will begin their transition to the Children's Kiva Montessori School's Elementary/Middle School Program by visiting the school during work period throughout the end of April and May.  Kindergarten parents, please check your parent folders next week for a timeline and permission forms.  

The month of April has been reserved as the Month of the Young Child in the State of Colorado; please join the many organizations working for the youth of our community by participating in the many upcoming events- see below for event fliers. I highly recommend the screening of The Raising of America-Wounded Places, I hope to see you there.  

April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Awareness Month; you can show your support by donning blue during the month of April and posting to your photo to your Instagram or Facebook Account (#ChildAbusePreventionMonth, #CO4Kids) "April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by presidential proclamation in 1983. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. In Child Maltreatment 2014 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau) it was reported that in FFY 2014 in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, an estimated 646,261 children were victims of child abuse or neglect; and 1,580 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. The majority of child abuse cases stemmed from situations and conditions that can be preventable when community programs and systems are engaged and supportive. A community that cares about early childhood development, parental support, and maternal mental health, for instance, is more likely to foster nurturing families and healthy children."  Locally Four Corners Advocacy Center works hard for the youngest members of our community by providing support to children and families, providing education to educators, youth partners and community leaders, and victim advocacy. Four Corners Child Advocacy is currently holding their Annual Appeal in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month to support their services; please consider a donation to this valuable community resource.  You can visit their appeal page and learn more about their services here.  

You have probably been wondering what in the world the blue newspaper stand is doing in the front playground. It has a special purpose, I assure you.  Read more about our plan below...Little Free Library.

Children's House is set to be evaluated by Colorado Department of Early Learning's new rating system, Colorado Shines during the month of April.  Part of our evaluation requires a Parent Survey that we will use to evaluate program, family engagement, and outreach effectiveness. An email was sent with the survey link embedded, if you did not receive this email please use the following link to access this important survey: Colorado Shines Parent Survey Our license number is: 64764.   Remember you are a partner in your child's education; Children's House values your input. We appreciate and thank you in advance for submitting your survey response by April 29th.