Project Connect CFCE

Did you know reading can reduce stress, make a person more empathetic and children who are read to in their early years are more likely to become good readers in adulthood. This is why National Family Literacy Month is so important.

Help us observe this amazing month by participating in Project Connect's Family Read-a-Thon! Mark your special Project Connect calendar everyday that you read to your child(ren) and turn into Ms. Jacquie at the end of the month for a free book! (One per family.) Calendars available at the center.

We are also hosting a November Book Drive. We appreciate any donations of gently used books, infant to adult, to benefit the April Family Fun Fair used book giveaway and The Bartek Recreation Center book bin.

Babies and toddles grow and change so quicky. Project Connect, with support from MA Dept. of Early Education and Care, can help you learn more about your child's overall development using a survey called "The Ages & Stages Questionnaire."

As parents, you are your child's first and most important teacher. We want to help you provide the best start for your child by giving you the opportunity to keep track of your child's development. Questionnaires can be provided every 2, 4 or 6 months and include questions about some things your child can and cannot do. The questionnaire asks about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal social skills.

If you would like to receive the age-appropriate questionnaire. please contact one of the Parent Educators during a playgroups, scan the QR code provided here, or click the link: https://www.asqonline.com/family/aeb8d8

We will provide support for you and your family every step of the way!

Playgroups will begin the week of November 4th and end the week of December 16th. Please include your child/ren's name, birth, home address and phone number when signing up. All groups birth through 5 years old are held at Project Connect's center unless specified. Please email Jacquie at jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com to register for all classes below. *Families can sign up for 3 playgroups max, not including drop-ins, nighttime groups, Saturdays and walking groups*

Mondays, beginning November 4th and ending December 16th

Toddler Time from 9:30-10:45 am, early walkers to 2.9 years old with Ms. Beatrice (non mobile siblings welcomed) Toddler time allows children to learn through play at their own pace and discover their own interests. Activities will include sensory, fine and gross motor and social emotional experiences, followed by circle time

Fun with Early Literacy from 9:30-11:00 am, 2.9-5 years old with Ms. Sarah (non mobile siblings welcomed) Come join us as we explore stories in a more preschool-like setting. Friends will have the opportunity to engage in sensory, fine motor and social emotional experiences that are all tied to the story of the day. (This group is offered twice, please choose one to attend)

The Baby Group from 11:00-12:00 pm, birth through pre-walkers with Ms. Beatrice (siblings welcomed) This playgroup is designed to support babies and their parents/caregivers to play, share ideas, and chat about the ups and downs of parenting. Activities will support a baby’s social, emotional, and physical development. Each week will also include facilitated conversations to build community and share skills & resources with each other.

Lunch Bunch from 11:30-12:45 pm, 2.9 - 5 years old (non mobile siblings welcomed)

with Ms. Sarah Is your child attending the ELC? Come join us on your way home for lunch, a story and some playtime. This experience will be a great way to help your child learn to independently navigate the lunch routine that they will encounter in Kindergarten (opening items in their lunchbox, eating in an allotted time and cleaning up after themselves). We will eat upon arrival (as they will most likely be hungry) and then have a story followed by a little free play. Open to anyone looking for a fun social lunch!

Tuesdays, beginning November 5th and ending December 17th

Walk and Talk with Friends @ Highland Park from 9:15-10:15 am, birth-5 years old with Ms. Beatrice Get that morning fresh air and chat with other parents and children. At the end of our walk we'll do a short story time together. Location: 104 Mechanic St.

Playtime @ the Gym from 9:15-10:30 am with birth-5 years at the Bartek Recreation Center with Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley Join us for gross motor activities and circle time. *Note: This is drop-in playgroup, no registration required.* Location: 81 Pine St.

Fun with Early Literacy from 9:30-11:00 am, 2.9-5 years old with Ms. Sarah and Ms. Ashley (non mobile siblings welcomed) Come join us as we explore stories in a more preschool-like setting. Friends will have the opportunity to engage in sensory, fine motor and social emotional experiences that are all tied to the story of the day. (This group is offered twice, please choose one to attend)

*Note: This group is not run on November 5th*

Mixed Group from 10:45-12:00 pm, birth through 5 years old with Ms. Dana

This playgroup is based on promoting children's developmental milestones including: social/emotional, language, cognitive and movement in play setting. Activities include free play, reading and circle time.

Tinkergarten @ Capron Park from 11:00-12:00 pm 18 months-5 years old with Ms. Beatrice (siblings welcomed) Tinkergarten is an outdoor nature play group that supports children's sensory, motor and social-emotional development. Within the context of a guided play invitation, children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, be creative, take healthy risks and get a little dirty. Tinkergarten curriculum follows the seasons and is a product of Highlights for Children. Location: 201 County St. (the side away from the zoo and playground, next to the forest dept. building).

Lunch Bunch from 12:00-1:15 pm, 2.9 - 5 years old (non mobile siblings welcomed)

with Ms. Sarah Is your child attending the ELC? Come join us on your way home for lunch, a story and some playtime. This experience will be a great way to help your child learn to independently navigate the lunch routine that they will encounter in Kindergarten (opening items in their lunchbox, eating in an allotted time and cleaning up after themselves). We will eat upon arrival (as they will most likely be hungry) and then have a story followed by a little free play. Open to anyone looking for a fun social lunch! *Note: This group is not run on November 5th*

Wednesdays, beginning November 6th and ending December 18th

Fun in the Kitchen from 9:15-10:15 am, 2-5 years old with Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley (non-mobile siblings welcomed) Each week you and your child can make some easy, nutritious snacks. This is a fun way to foster your child's cognitive, fine motor and social emotional development. Let's get cooking!*Note: When signing up please inform Jacquie of any allergies or food concerns; this group is being offered twice, please choose one*

Fun in the Kitchen from 10:30-11:30 am, 2-5 years old with Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley (non-mobile siblings welcomed) Each week you and your child can make some easy, nutritious snacks. This is a fun way to foster your child's cognitive, fine motor and social emotional development. Let's get cooking!*Note: When signing up please inform Jacquie of any allergies or food concerns; this group is being offered twice, please choose one*

Arts & Crafts & Play from 1:45-3:00 pm, birth- 5 years old with Ms. Beatrice In this playgroup, children are invited to participate in arts and crafts that focus on process, creativity, and exploration of materials. (Some crafts may be more suited to children 18 mo+ but all are welcomed) Free Play and art activities will both be open to children.

Thursdays, beginning November 7th and ending December 19th

Arts & Crafts & Play from 9:15-10:30 am, birth- 5 years old with Ms. Beatrice In this playgroup, children are invited to participate in arts and crafts that focus on process, creativity, and exploration of materials. (Some crafts may be more suited to children 18 mo+ but all are welcomed) Free Play and art activities will both be open to children.

Playtime @ the Gym from 9:15-10:30 am with birth-5 years at the Bartek Recreation Center with Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley Join us for gross motor activities and circle time. *Note: This is drop-in playgroup, no registration required.* Location: 81 Pine St.

Yoga and Mindfulness from 9:30-10:30 am, 2- 5 years old with Ms. Sarah (non mobile siblings welcomed) Come join us as we have fun moving our bodies through songs, stories and games. Please bring a towel or yoga mat for you and your child(ren). *Note: This group will not run on

Nov. 7th*

Fridays, beginning November 8th and ending December 20th

Music and Movement from 9:00-10:15 am, birth-5 years old with Ms. Cheryl This lively group will nourish your child's love and natural enthusiasm for music, movement and fun! (This group is offered twice, please choose one to attend)

Yoga and Mindfulness from 9:30-10:30 am, 2- 5 years old with Ms. Sarah (non mobile siblings welcomed) Come join us as we have fun moving our bodies through songs, stories and games. Please bring a towel or yoga mat for you and your child(ren). *Note: This group will not run on

Nov. 8th*

Music and Movement from 10:30-11:45 am, birth-5 years old with Ms. Cheryl This lively group will nourish your child's love and natural enthusiasm for music, movement and fun! (This group is offered twice, please choose one to attend)

Lunch and Literacy Play from 11:30-12:45 pm, 3-5 years old (non mobile siblings welcomed)

with Ms. Sarah Calling all friends who would like have a friendly lunch followed by 3 school readiness centers. Areas of focus will be, letters, sounds, fine motor and rhyming activities.

Attention Dads, Granddads, or really any male figure in your child(ren)'s life join Ms. Cheryl for playtime and refreshments with your child(ren). Come, enjoy a special time with your child(ren). Ages birth-5 years old *Note: Please let Jacquie know of any allergies*

Join Ms. Cheryl on this special Music and Movement. This group will nourish your child's love and natural enthusiasm for music, movement rhythm and fun! Ages birth- 5 years old

Attention Mom, Grandmas, or really any female figure in your child(ren)'s life join Ms. Cheryl for playtime and refreshments with your child(ren). Come, enjoy a special time with your child(ren). Ages birth-5 years old *Note: Please let Jacquie know of any allergies*

In this program nationally renowned storyteller/ musician John Porcino will spin a patchwork quilt of his most beloved tales and songs to celebrate the new year and warm up the chilly winter's day. Together we'll enter a world were woolen mittens burst into laughter and snow banks melt to reveal a blooming heart. Joyful, warm, playful stories and songs that celebrate winter's hidden light. Best fit for ages 18 months to 6 years old. Program paid by the Mass Cultural Council/Attleboro Cultural Council. *Registration preferred, walk-ins welcomed*

*Families can choose up two of the following sign-up week (1/6-1/10) specials to attend, not including Playtime @ the Gym*

Come join Ms. Sarah and Ms. Beatrice of everything building and construction. Ages birth-5 years old.

Come join Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley for gross motor activities and circle time.

*Note: This is group is a drop-in, no registration required*

Come join Ms. Sarah for an hour full of fun activities that will focus on those little muscles in the hands! Ages 2.6-5 years old (non-mobile siblings welcome)

Tinkergarten is an outdoor nature play group that supports children's sensory, motor and social-emotional development. Within the context of a guided play invitation, children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, be creative, take healthy risks and get a little dirty. Tinkergarten curriculum follows the seasons and is a product of Highlights for Children. Ages 18 months-5 years old

Come and experience fun with paints, shaving cream, water and more. This is one mess of time, dress appropriately! Ages 18 months - 5 years old

Come join Ms. Dana and Ms. Ashley for gross motor activities and circle time.

*Note: This is group is a drop-in, no registration required*

Join Ms. Sarah and Ms. Beatrice while they read We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. They will bring this book to life with fun activities related to the story and every family will receive a copy of the book! For ages 18 months to 5 years old.

This community building group will be focused on the parenting interests of participants. We will discuss topics such as navigating parental stress, raising confident kids, positive discipline, potty learning, bedtime and naps, technology, and more. The intention of this group is that participants will both share and receive wisdom about the parenting journey and have fun with each other. Children are welcome and will have the opportunity to play within sight of their caregiver ( or sit with them) but are not required to attend.

In this workshop, parents will learn habits and strategies to take care of themselves and calm their own bodies in moments of stress. The research-based information will support parents to handle the challenges of parenting with more calm, more confidence, and less guilt.

In this workshop, parents will learn strategies for making reading time with your child(ren) interactive, engaging, and character-building. Parents will also learn ways to integrate early literacy skills that prepare children for Kindergarten and for a life-long love of reading.

Join us with your questions and/or ideas for a discussion about disciplining children with respect, connection, and love. Ms. Beatrice will facilitate this workshop with a respectful parenting perspective that prioritizes teaching behavior skills, strong parent-child connections, and the emotional wellbeing of parents & children.

Thank to all the families who ordered from Katie's Kookies and Scholastic. We raised $104! from Katie's and the scholastic fundraiser we were able to add two new books to Project Connect's library. More information about upcoming fundraisers check out our newsletter. Next meeting will be Monday, December 2nd from 6:00-7:00pm. If you would like to join please email pcfcpto@gmail.com

Project Connect will be closed and no playgroups will occur on the following dates:

November 11th Veterans Day

November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break

December 24-31 Winter Break

January 1st- New Years Day

A big THANK YOU! to the following families for their generous donations:

Backovski, Benoit, Bruno, Cano, Chheng, Fogarty, Haskell, Kou, Krell, Lemay, Lewis, Lynch, Miller, Muller, Perches, Rudder-Kelley, Santarpio, Skerker, Turgeon, and Wickerson

and a big THANK YOU! to any family that has donated books to the library and participated in our PTO fundraisers!

Staff:

Andrea Witherell - Coordinator

Jacquie Capitanio - Sr. Clerk Typist

Parent Educators:

Beatrice Conover

Sarah Dorfman

Cheryl Killion

Dana Walker

Program Assistant:

Ashley Choquette

****Please ask how the ASQ Questionnaire can help support your child's development*******

Telephone: 774-551-8251

Location: Attleboro High School, 1 Blue Pride Way Attleboro, MA

APS website: https://pcfc.attleboroschools.com/

Facebook: Project Connect Family Center- Attleboro CFCE

Instagram: @attleboro_projectconnect_cfce

Email: jcapitanio@attleboroschools.com

Project Connect is grant funded by the MA Dept. of Early Education and Care and supported by the Attleboro Public Schools.