Mission Statement
  
To elevate child development to a new level by leading the social and emotional growth and education of young children by providing a safe, welcoming, home-like environment with a caring, educated and professional staff that promotes partnerships between parents, children, and other early childhood professionals. 
 
 
Upcoming Dates

January 1st:   Closed for New Years Eve
January 6th: Annual Activity Fee Due
January 6th: School Age Day
January 8th: P.A.C. Meeting 5:00pm
January 11th: SNL @ K2 5:00pm-10:00pm
January 20th:  School Age Day



Closure Dates for 2020

Please click   here  to view the Katie's Kids Center Closure list for 2020.    

            

January Notes of Interest

No Outside Food
We have noticed an increase of children eating food from home in the classroom, particularly at drop off. We understand that it is hard to find time in the morning to get a good meal in before coming to school so we respect that your child my still be finishing a morning snack upon arrival. However we can not allow outside food in the classrooms anymore due to DCFS regulations, except on special occasions (ex: store bought birthday treats). If your child is still finishing their food when you get to the center, please feel free to have a seat with your child on our couch in the lobby to allow them to finish their food. Once you enter the classroom, the food will have to be thrown away or taken home with you. Thank you for your understanding!



Hand-washing at Drop-off
Hand-washing is an important part of our daily process and the best way to cut down on germs. Our staff do a great job at ensuring all of our children are washing hands at the appropriate times throughout the day. But it has been noted that we are missing a crucial time period...Drop-off! Please help us cut back on the outside germs being brought into our classroom by washing your child's hands when they enter the classroom upon arrival each day. Not only is this is a DCFS requirement that we need to follow, but it is a healthy habit to have as we soon enter into sick season. 

PayPal Account
Katie's Kids now has a PayPal account to be used for fundraising purposes. There is now a permanent button at the bottom of our newsletters so you can easily find the link to donate in the future. We hope this makes future fundraising easier on all of our families. 
Staff Kudos

Do you have any positive moments you want to share about our staff? If so, we want to hear them! We have created a new Google form called Katie's Kids Kudos. The form is easy for you to access from home, so no need to take extra time at pick up and drop off. Simply click on the button below, fill out the form, and submit. We will be sure to share these positive moments with our staff, as well. 


  Kudos!

Winter Weather Closures

In the event Katie's Kids is closed due to weather, please refer to our website at www.katieskids.net or our facebook page. 
The closure will also be posted on WJBC, WBNQ, or WBWN



Help spread the word of Katie's Kids!
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or colleague looking for care?  For every family you refer to Katie's Kids we will apply a $50 credit to your account after the family has been with us for 90 days.

Saturday Night Live

Saturday, January 11th
5:00 -10:00 p.m.
@ the Links (K2)


Enjoy a night out on your own! We will watch your kids. Children ages 3+ have the opportunity to watch a movie and use their artistic abilities to create a masterpiece of their choice! Free play activities will be set up for children under the age of 3 years. If you have any questions please ask the KKLC Leadership Team. 

Health Corner

Exercise in Childhood

Kids are naturally active. They love to move and play. But as they get older they tend to involve themselves in more and more sedentary activities, such as watching TV. Below are some articles about the importance of exercise in childhood and activity ideas. 



Community Connections
















Our community has great things to offer families! This section of the newsletter is to help you connect to the variety of community events occurring  in the Bloomington/Normal area. Enjoy!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Children under age 5 can earn a free tote bag by reading 1000 books before Kindergarten. Click here for more information.


Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Click here to view the 2019 - 2020 Season of Events

Frozen Junior will be presented on January 4th. Click here for more information.

Children's Discovery Museum
Click here for the December schedule of events, including Jammie's and Jingles.

Downtown Bloomington First Friday Events
On the first Friday of each month Downtown Bloomington businesses showcase their wares and artistic abilities. Click here for more information.


Ideas for Home
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Sorting and Classifying are two concepts children love to engage in! Here is a link for an activity involving these skills. 


 
Loose Parts Donations  

We, at Katie's Kids, would like to keep utilizing loose parts in our classrooms throughout the year.  Therefore, we are inviting parents and families that are interested to keep the supplies coming!  If you choose to donate you can drop the materials off at the front desk at any time!
  
Be sure to look through our center for how the loose parts are being used within the curriculum! 
  
Thank you in advance for your donations, we look forward to seeing the creativity that stems from all of the materials!


Our Focus this Month: 
  • Q-tips (unused)
  • Bottle Caps (cleaned)
  • Popsicle sticks (unused)
Meals to Go

Did you know? In order to make our foot print a little less on this Earth, we use reusable food containers for our Meals to Go! We kindly ask that you rinse your containers and return them to the front desk at your earliest convenience . We will wash and sanitize these containers to be used for our next meals. 

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January 2nd

Hawaiian Pork Sliders
Coleslaw
Blonde Brownies
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January 9th

Omelettes 
(Topping options: Bacon, Ham Sausage, Green Pepper, Onion, Mushroom, Spinach, Tomato, Swiss, Cheddar, American)
Hashbrowns
Oatmeal Jam Bar
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January 16th 

Chicken Drumsticks
(Sauce Options: Buffalo, BBQ, Teriyaki, No Sauce)
Potato Wedges
Scotcheroos 
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January 23rd

Bacon Cheeseburger
(Optional toppings: Mayo, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Lettuce)
Mac & Cheese
Snickerdoodle

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January 30th

Grilled Shrimp
Wild Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Peanut Butter Bars


Getting Healthier...
At Katie's Kids Learning Center, we are committed to providing the best possible nutrition to you and your family.  We hope you enjoy the following recipe: 
 
Cinnamon Yogurt Fruit Dip

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup plain organic yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • Fruit, to serve


Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Taste, and adjust honey, vanilla or cinnamon as desired



 

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Katie's Kids Learning | @ the Links | 309.663.5800 |  [email protected] | www.katieskids.net
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