SEPTEMBER 2020
Greetings!

ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, FOR OUR STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY AND MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, FOR LABOR DAY.
"WE'RE SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE HERE."
This is a perfect time to tell you…“We’re so glad that you are here.”
As we kick off this unique school year, 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 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 want to extend a special welcome to those of you who have joined us for our first ever Kindergarten program, which kicks off on Tuesday, September 8. We feel honored that you have chosen to stay with us and hope that your child and you will have a fantastic year in our Kindergarten classroom. 
CENTER HAPPENINGS
REV FALL SOCCER
RevSports will hold soccer classes again on Tuesday mornings, starting on September 15. Register here!
FALL PICTURE DAY
Picture Time will be here to take individual pictures on Wednesday, September 23. We are hoping to take our pictures outside and are limiting our picture options to only individual & composite classroom pictures for this year. If you child does not attend on Wednesdays, please speak to Anna about a good time to stop by. 
PARENT RESOURCES
ESTABLISHING ROUTINES
As we get back into our fall routines, we would like to offer some tips for smooth morning drop offs. It is important we all work together and know what to expect each day.

Keep goodbye rituals short and sweet--and positive. Give your child a big hug and say you will be back at pick up time, and leave. Every child is different, and some may need more assistance with transition into the classroom. We are here to help in any way possible.

If your child is comfortable and does not need assistance with drop off, please come in and say “hi” or give us a wave. This just lets us know your child has arrived and is engaged in the classroom.

Feel free to call! If your child had a tough time at drop off or if you just want to see how the day is going, please call us! We want you to feel comfortable and know that your child is loved and cared for.

Remember to call us by 9 AM if your child is not coming to school!! We like to know that our friends are healthy and safe at home! Our direct phone number is 952-835-0505. You can also communicate absences via Baby/Daily Connect directly to the teacher, or to Anna via email at EFC07@especiallyforchildren.com 
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
3300 Edinborough Way 
Edina MN 55435 
(952) 835-0505 

Center Director
Anna Wilson 
CONNECT WITH US