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Greetings,
This time of the year brings many changes to UCDC and the classrooms. Even though it is summer, the level of commitment and energy that is expended in this building is unwavering and remarkable. The teachers are meeting with new families from within the program, enrolling new families into the program and into their classroom, juggling transition and visiting schedules, helping children to get adjusted to new classrooms, planning exciting activities (did you see the Titanic?!) and saying goodbye to our big kids that will going to kindergarten. Teachers are also managing classroom schedules; this is prime time for vacations and enjoying some time off. Acclimating new students and new teachers to classrooms requires a lot of attention.
I wanted to take a moment to thank the classroom teachers and substitutes, the office staff (Marlene, Jennifer, Jocelyn and Jamie), and all of the students. Without their commitment to UCDC, the classrooms, and the children and families, you would not see the outstanding, excellent work that happens on a daily basis at the center.
This week I was doing a tour with a new family. One of their questions that they asked was, "What makes UCDC unique and special?" Without hesitation, my response was, "the teachers and the staff that arrive here every day ready to go above and beyond to make each child's experience joyful, beneficial and special." It is truly what I believe to be the magical part of my day. Watching and listening to what the teachers do and say is always amazing. They know unique and special things about your children and they capitalize on that knowledge every minute that they spend with them. I have worked and observed in many centers and I know that having such extraordinary teachers is not always the norm.
There are always certain things that we
have to do. What I love the most about being here every day is that I get to see the things that we don't really
have to do or
need to do, happen in the best way possible.The work is not always easy, there are challenges, and yet the teachers still manage to come to work with a smile on their face, ready to do their best work.
My sincere gratitude and thanks to the special group of individuals that make it possible for families and parents to do their best work each day.
Warmly,
Mary Beth
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude ~ Cynthia Ozick
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Curriculum in the Classroom
Infant Two
Through our walks around the neighborhood, the children in Infant Two get to be involved in a variety of experiences. This includes science experiences through watching flowers grow and the leaves changing color. They also get to witness the changes in the weather and activity of the animals seen throughout the walk.
The children grow in their language development as we talk about the many things experienced throughout the neighborhood. We discuss the colors of the cars, houses, and plants, the numbers found throughout the neighborhood, the different vehicles seen, and workers we may pass by.
Even before leaving the classroom, the children are part of the conversation and outside time experience. By allowing the children to make predictions on what we might see outside, they are given the chance to think about what has already been seen on our walks before, what they hope to see again, and something new they think will be found. The conversation before we leave the classroom give the teachers talking points on the walk allowing them to engage each child. Even discussing what should be worn when we go outside (Do we need a jacket, hat, sunscreen, etc.?) can open up a variety of opportunities for conversation.
Allowing the children to get outside and experience the neighborhood around them gives them opportunities to grow in areas that are difficult to replicate in the classroom. Providing the children an opportunity to grow in their physical development is a major bonus to walks, but there are many other areas of growth that happen when children get to experience time outside.
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Welcome to UCDC!
This month, we are lucky to be able to introduce TWO new teachers to our UCDC family. Jamie Kim is a substitute teacher in our program who will work Monday through Friday from 8:00-1:00 pm. As a substitute teacher, you must be familiar with all age groups as well as get to know a large amount of children! Jamie is up for the task and is excited about being a part of UCDC. Read a little more about Jamie below:
My name is Jamie Kim. I am from Seoul, South Korea where I received my Bachelor degree in English and English Literature. During my time in school, I studied abroad for a year in Ireland and another year in Vancouver, Canada. After I finished my schooling, I taught English to preschool students for four years. My favorite part of teaching is watching children learn and grow. I really look forward to helping the students at the UCDC by creating a fun and educational learning environment. I am so happy to be teaching again here at the UCDC!
Maureen Cassidy is the new Assistant Teacher in Infant Two. Maureen comes to us with many years of experience working with children including parenting her own four daughters. Read on to learn more about Maureen...
I was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and then resided in State College for 22 years. I recently relocated to Latrobe, PA. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University and since then have been working with children in many capacities for the past 30 years. I taught Kindergarten and first grade, worked as a Director of a child care center, took care of children in my home, taught Sunday School, instructed swim lessons for children, and was an international and interstate cross border child custody advocate. I am also blessed to be the mother of four wonderful daughters, the third of which is starting at the University of Pittsburgh this fall in pre-med. I am so grateful and honored to be part of the daily lives of the children at UCDC in the great gift of life!
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Moving On?
Over the next few weeks, a lot of families will be ending their UCDC experience as their child goes off to Kindergarten. If you're leaving, but still interested in receiving the Weekend Events email each week, please email Jamie at jmw170@pitt.edu and I'll make sure you're added to the list. Thanks!
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Enjoying the Outdoors at UCDC
The closing of the playground was a hard concept to swallow at the beginning of this journey, but the teachers ability to make turn it into a positive experience is evident. The children have been engaging in extremely valuable and fun activities!
The teachers' creativity is definitely shining as they come up with outdoor experiences inside (dirt sensory tables, planting inside, etc) as well as traveling the neighborhood with new eyes. The children are taking many walks and discovering new parts of their typical walk in Oakland that were once left uncovered. Cicadas have been collected, sticks have been transformed into at least twenty different creative ideas, and the children have been thoroughly enjoying nature.
It's really amazing to see what they can come up with without the use of equipment! It's like we always hear, children love to play with the box. Our experiences in nature have been the same, they are unconcerned with the fact that we're lacking playground equipment and are extremely happy to be IN nature enjoying what it has to offer!
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Our Philosophy
UCDC utilizes a child centered, extended family approach that is fostered by supporting the developmental needs of all children. We foster children's self esteem, creative abilities, sense of belonging and success by implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on NAEYC and Keystone STARS standards, through a play-based approach to learning. We support families and partner with them to provide an environment that welcomes their collaboration and supports both cultural and family preferences.
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