SEPTEMBER 2020

Greetings!

HELLO, SCHOOL YEAR
It is hard to believe that we are already saying goodbye to the summer. It feels as if we were just celebrating Memorial Day, and now we are approaching Labor Day. We have had a wonderful summer and while we are sad to see it end, we are all very excited for the upcoming school year. We wish the best of luck to all our children who will be going to Kindergarten this fall!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
"WE'RE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE."
We think that this is a perfect time to tell you that……
“We’re so glad you are here.”

As we begin our fall program, we welcome you! We appreciate your decision to choose our center and we take the responsibility you have given us seriously. Whether you are new with us this fall, or whether you have been at the center for years, we want to say, “We’re glad that you’re here.” We know you have hopes and dreams for your child that we can help fulfill.     

We will work hard to:
  • Keep your child safe
  • Maintain our environments to promote good health and sanitation
  • Love and nurture your child
  • Provide challenges that stimulate your child’s development.

We’re excited to watch this year unfold. Our staff looks forward to forming special relationships with you and your child. Ask any questions you have about our classroom procedures or activities. Visit anytime!!
PARENT REMINDERS
EFC CLOSED
EFC will be closed on Friday, September 4, for staff in-service and Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday.
PARENT RESOURCES
FALL RECIPE: SQUASH POT STICKERS

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and seeded, fresh cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 scallions, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 20 wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

DIRECTIONS
Step 1
Put squash, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until squash is very soft, about 12 minutes; drain. Transfer to a medium bowl; mash with a fork until smooth. Stir in scallions and ginger. Stir together sesame seeds, 1/4 cup water, and remaining 1/2 cup soy sauce in a bowl; set sauce aside.

Step 2
Place 1 scant tablespoon filling in the center of each wrapper; brush edges with water. Bring up corners to make a triangle; press to seal. Place on a baking sheet; freeze until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 10 potstickers, and cook, shaking pan frequently, until bottoms are golden brown. Turn pot stickers over; very carefully pour in 1/2 cup water, and cover. Steam until most liquid is evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish; cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and pot stickers. Serve with dipping sauce.

Recipe taken from marthastewart.com
ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
SEPTEMBER: A MONTH TO CONNECT!
There is always an excitement about September at Especially for Children, even in a year as uncertain as this one. As summer winds down, we look forward to the new routines and change of pace that fall brings.

There is so much information available to guide our teachers in designing their daily routines and curriculum. We continue to use The Creative Curriculum as the framework for our programs. For infants and toddlers, the curriculum focuses on routines and experiences that help children and caregivers develop relationships with one another and begin to explore the world around them. In preschool and PreK, project- and inquiry-based studies provide learning opportunities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

In addition, we have the criteria from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation, the Minnesota PARENT AWARE program, the MN licensing standards and the assessment tool we use called Desired Results. Providing Early Childhood Education is definitely not babysitting!

We know that interaction with caring adults is central to your child’s development. So we want to partner with you to help your child feel confident and secure with us.

The Search Institute (www.search-institute.org) developed research         
on what children need from relationships, in addition to people who express caring. It is a good list to share and consider as we partner for the benefit of your child.

Express Care – We will show your child that we like him/her and want the best for him.

Challenge Growth – We will challenge your child to continuously learn.

Provide Support – We will help your child complete tasks and achieve goals.

Share Power – We will listen to your child and let him/her help in making decisions.

Expand Possibilities – We will help your child expand his/her horizons and connect her to opportunities.

As we begin the school year, please know that it is our strong desire to have close relationships with you as well. We will share stories, tell you of your child’s experiences with us and help you to feel confident that your child is learning both life skills and school readiness skills. We hope you will share with us the joys and challenges you are experiencing as parents. Together we can form a great team of caring coaches for your child!
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH
Especially for Children
6125 Cahill Ave.  
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 
(651) 450-1994  

Center Directors:
Fle Jensen and Kristine Berg
CONNECT WITH US