SEPTEMBER 2020
Greetings!

GOODBYE, SUMMER!
WOW, how times have changed!! We want to take the time to thank our families for your support and efforts to ensure the health of our children, teachers, and other families!! We know the burden it has caused many of you, but together we will get through this!!

Please continue to wear masks, sanitize your hands, ensure your child wash his/her hands upon arrival to their classroom, and limit your time in the room as all these things will limit your own and other exposure. Stay healthy!!

We are sad to say goodbye to all our PreK graduates!!! We know that they will do great time and have fun in kindergarten!! We want to welcome all the new children and their families to the EFC. It will be a fun learning year!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS
When you put your child into a childcare program, you are, in fact entering a new interpersonal relationship with another adult(s). Someone else important and influential is becoming a part of your child’s life. As staff, we strive to communicate with you and listen to your input. We hope that by talking openly with one another we will team up to develop the best possible plans for your child’s growth and development. When a child senses that his teachers and his parents are comfortable with one another, she will be able to relax, have fun, and get the most out of the experience. Please feel free to take time to talk with your child’s teachers, even about fun and exciting things that may be happening at home!
PARENT REMINDERS
EXTRA CLOTHES
As the weather changes please make sure and replace your child’s extra clothing for the season at the center.
CENTER CLOSURES
Remember the center will be closed on Friday, September 4 for Professional Development day and Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. Have a happy, safe, and healthy 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
Center Director
Lisa Ward
CONNECT WITH US