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The Sandcastle Times
April 2024
Vote CARELOT! Thank you!!!! 4/7 to 4/28
Best Preschool
JOIN US FOR PRESCHOOL!
Fun Camp Themes!
A message from Holly Bevilacqua, COO
Hello and Happy Spring to all!
It's a joy to see the sunshine and feel the warmth of the season finally arriving! As we embrace the change in weather and the blossoming of spring flowers, we're thrilled to announce a lineup of exciting programs and educational activities for your children here at Carelot.
This month, our theme is "Spring is in the Air!" Children will embark on explorations of Flowers, Signs of Spring, The Week of the Young Child, Our Earth, and a Rainbow of colors. Stay updated on all these enriching learning activities by checking out the calendar of events on our website.
Our website is an invaluable resource, featuring Program News, Special Events, employment opportunities, and PTO updates. We've been diligently working on program improvements, and we extend our gratitude to all our families and staff for their valuable input. Don't forget to participate in our question of the month; your feedback helps shape our programs!
Mark your calendars for the exciting events lined up during the Week of the Young Child! From Music Monday to Family Friday, there's something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.
We hope you're making the most of our Procare Parent App. This tool allows our staff to communicate with you throughout the day, sharing photos and videos for child assessments.
Technology plays a significant role in enhancing our teaching methods, and Procare Connect enables direct communication between you and your child's teachers. Please ensure your email address is up to date, so you don't miss out on your child's milestones and daily activities.
Looking ahead, we aim to further integrate technology into our classrooms, providing teachers with access to records and the ability to document milestones and notes seamlessly. Your support and cooperation are invaluable as we strive to enhance the learning experience for your children.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education and growth. Here's to a fantastic spring season filled with learning, growth, and joy!
Just a few reminders:
If you have any changes to you address, phone number or employment, please send us an email so we can update your emergency information.
Our family referral program is a great way to earn tuition credits while sharing our wonderful centers and clubhouse program with family and friends. Ask your site manager how you can earn tuition credits!
Please make sure that you label all items that come into the center. Especially lunch items!
Please remember that we are not allowed to prep food for any meals. Please send in items for your children ready to be served. We are able to heat items in the microwave as long as they are ready to heat.
In hopes that the warmer weather will continue, please remember our policy on open-toe shoes/sandals. Due to safety concerns, open-toe sandals, jellies, or flip flops should not be worn. Please make sure shoes protect their feet and are safe for the playground.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
We like to occasionally remind families about the importance of nutritious meals for young children. Although packing meals at home for school is time-consuming, the types of foods that your child finds in his or her lunch box help to determine the energy that he or she has for participating in school activities. When selecting lunches, please consider those that are low in fat, sodium, and sugar. For example, some of the ready-made snacks or lunch meals look appealing but are low on nutritional value. It may take a few minutes, but it is worth your time to make a peanut butter or cheese sandwich and add a piece of fruit. Yogurt and fresh fruit make nutritious snacks. Please help educate your child about nutritious eating and snacking so that he or she will benefit from these lessons now and in the future!
Check out Pinterest for some great school lunch ideas!
Click the link below for more information on Childhood Nutrition
Tuition increase at Centers-
This month marks the first billing with our new tuition rates in East Lyme, Waterford, Killngly and Brooklyn. This increase is a measure taken to maintain the quality of care and education that we provide to your children.
It's important to note that this increase will allow us to:
- Attract and retain highly qualified educators: Offering more competitive salaries and compensation to our dedicated employees!
- Enhance program offerings: Story tellers, Music with the Music Man, travelling aquarium are just a few incoming programs as well the improvement of toys, equipment, playgrounds, etc for the children's educational experiences.
- Offset rising operational costs: From utilities to supplies, the costs associated with running a childcare center have continued to escalate. The tuition increase will help us cover these expenses without compromising on the quality of our services.
"What form of communication about your child’s progress do you appreciate the most? Their Portfolio, Parent– Teacher Conferences, Family App, Newsletters etc?”
The winner for March was: Congratulations to Jamie R! Elara attends our Brooklyn Center. Congrats on winning a $25 tuition credit. Thank you for submitting an answer to our March Question! It's easy to win by just submitting an answer! $25 tuition credit!
March answers: "What is one thing you appreciate about Carelot?"
I love that everyone is like my extended family. PK loves everyone there and you have all been so helpful through some recent trying times in our house and family dynamic. Thanks for taking such good care of my tiny human but also all the kiddos!
Friendly and easy going
How much effort they ALL put in to help my daughter conquer potty training!!
Updates and communication on Procare
I love how personable the staff is - always friendly and accommodating to our questions as parents and to the needs of our son. It’s nice to see how much they pay attention to his personality traits :)
I appreciate each and every teacher at Carelot, especially Ms. Jenn! She always makes sure both children are safe. When my son got off the bus, he was very upset and Ms. Jenn was quick to recognize this and contacted me immediately, even though it was a school related issue. I am always thankful for Carelot!
Flexibility-- rigid rules can get in the way of providing individualized care
I appreciate lily's teacher, Miss Bonnie. She treats lily like her own, is so supportive of her and holds her accountable. I get an update everday of how her day was and it always includes something positive even on those hard days. She is amazing at what she does. She was yhe first staff i met during the tour when my daughter was 3 months old and she works with her 4.5 years later !!!! We are going to miss her, having someone else help u raise your child is so scary but she has made it so much easier. Thank you !!!!
We are new to Carelot and so appreciate the teacher's help with my girls adjusting to a new childcare center. The teachers have been welcoming, patient and supportive!
Friendly & welcoming environment
Caring staff and a great place for my daughter to make friends!
The family feel.
I appreciate Carelot for always understanding that if yoi have a family emergency that there is no problem that you may need time off and are always will to help . I have had to fly home to Ireland and Never had to worry about my job . That is an unbelievable feeling to actually know that your bosses are there for you.
How staff is always appreciated with gifts or paid t/o days
I like the app to share information about changes to my daughter's schedule
My coworkers, I can always depend on the people around me for assistance or just a laugh to get me through a rough day.
Click the link below to answer April's question and have a chance to win a tuition credit!
Thanks for helping us make our programs better! Without everyone’s input, we are not able to effectively assess how our programs are doing! We appreciate you taking the time to help us assess our policies, procedures, curriculum, and more!
PTO news....
PROVIDER APPRECIATION:
The PTO is looking for donations for events that are being planned for our staff. Email pto@carelot.net to be a part of our event planning or for donations or questions.
CLICK THE LINK below to help us recognize our amazing teachers!
Summer Fundraiser: Popcorn Fundraiser! Stay tuned for details!
Or you can make a donation to help by clicking the button below!
Creative Art is an important part of our daily curriculum!
Van Gogh Creations
All around Carelot……….
Summer camp enrollment has begun. Do you know a child between grades K-5? Our summer camp is the perfect place for them to spend their summer! Weekly themes are planned with amazing activities, field trips and programs to keep them engaged all summer long! Sign up early as our spots fill up quickly!
PRESCHOOL CAMP- The Clubhouse @ The Friendship School
K- GRADE 5 CAMP=- East Lyme, Killingly or Brooklyn
Wish list items- Drop off at any Carelot location
Pots, plants, seed, potting soil, outdoor toys like bubbles, chalk, games, hula hoops, flowers etc
Any old working Ipads, Iphones or tablets for our classrooms!
ALL ITEMS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE FRONT ENTRANCES - PLEASE JUST EMAIL YOUR SITE MANAGER IF YOU ARE DROPPING OFF WISH LIST ITEMS.
Spring is in the AIR!!!!!!
Sunshine Smilea!
Waterford PD Officer Hodges came for a visit
Spring is in the air!
Carelot Children's Center, Inc.
"Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning"
Providing education to Children ages 3 months to 12 years!
Email: adminassist@carelot.net
Website: www.carelot.net
Location: 315 Flanders Road, East Lyme, CT, United States
Phone: 860-739-1993
Facebook: facebook.com/carelotctr