SEPTEMBER 2020
Greetings!

WELCOME!
September is “Back to School” month for many of our families. Thank you for choosing Especially for Children. Whether you are a new family, returning from a summer off or never left, we are so glad you are here! At our center, we will continue to enrich your child’s education through the Creative Curriculum. A carefully planned, rich environment is the foundation for our program at Especially for Children. 

We are also working 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.

GOOD LUCK, KINDERGARTENERS!
Goodbye and good luck to our PreK graduates that will be attending Kindergarten outside of EFC. We will miss you all! Kindergarten families- thank you so much for sharing your wonderful children with us! It was a joy to be a part of their learning. 
PARENT REMINDERS
GOODBYE TO SUMMER
As the summer comes to an end, and cooler weather starts to arrive, now is a good time to go through your child’s cubby. Please make sure you have extra clothes for your child(ren) that are weather appropriate. Also, don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for those cooler mornings! 

 
PICTURE DAY!
I am working with CLIX Portrait Studios to come up with a date for fall pictures. Clix has many safety measures in place to ensure a healthy photo experience. Photographers will be wearing masks and will stay socially distant from the children. Only your child’s teacher will have contact with your child during their photo session. Please look for more information to come as we work on a date and time!


EFC CLOSED
EFC will be closed Friday, September 4 for an all staff in-service and Monday, September 7 in celebration of Labor Day. We wish you a safe and fun holiday weekend.
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
5133 W. 98th St. 
Bloomington, MN 55437  
(952) 831-1435 

Center Director:
Kathy Hane
CONNECT WITH US