The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter

As we gear up for the exciting summer months ahead, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and reminders with you all.

Firstly, I'm thrilled to announce that our centers and clubhouse programs have been hard at work putting together our summer calendars, which will be released soon. Please take the time to review them carefully so you're fully aware of the upcoming activities and events in your classrooms. Any additional updates will be promptly added to our newsletter calendars, so keep a close eye on them to plan your days accordingly.

With many of our seasonal staff returning and some vacations planned, it's essential that we maintain open communication. If you have vacation plans, please remember to provide advanced notice to your families. Additionally, if you need to submit any summer vacation requests, please do so as soon as possible, as our weeks are filling up quickly.

A positive attitude is key to creating a supportive and nurturing environment, both in the workplace and in the classroom. Remember that positivity not only benefits you but also enhances the learning experience for our students. If you ever have any concerns or issues, don't hesitate to reach out to your Site Manager or Executive Director. Clear communication is vital for addressing any questions, policy reminders, or procedural matters effectively.

As we embark on this summer journey, let's shift our focus to enjoying life to the fullest. Have fun with the kiddos, cherish moments with your families, and embrace the joy of spending time with loved ones. Life is precious, and maintaining a positive outlook will only brighten your days.

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Let's make this summer unforgettable for our littles and ourselves!

* Make sure your bleach and cleaner bottles are labeled clearly and kept in a locked cabinet. This includes, swiffer wet pads, disinfecting wipes, lysol spray, etc

* Have your rooms closed properly at the end of the day. Toys must be put on shelves properly, rooms vacuumed, all food and crumbs are cleaned up and your room is ready for you the next day!!

* It is your responsibility to check the posted schedule and your email for important information.. Please be sure we have an email address on record.

*Please help remind the families of upcoming events in the center! Utilize the daily reports app or classroom newsletters/boards for reminders.

* Bedding: Don’t pile up bedding on top of each other. Please keep bedding on each child’s individual cot or crib.- This is especially important to decrease the spread of germs and infectious diseases. The state has required that we keep each child's bedding separate. Have the family bring bedding in a recyle bag and leave it in the bag on their cot when not in use.

* Please remind parents about children wearing closed-toed shoes.

* Please update emergency book information; this includes the Emergency Book Information Sheet, the Emergency Information Page, and the Child Fact Sheet.

"What suggestions would you make to make Carelot even better?"

Click the link below by June 25th to enter your answer!

Last Month's entries: No entries! $20 will go back to Carelot!

Don't forget to just click the link and submit an answer for your chance to win $20!

Killingly and Brooklyn will be next for visits. Please make sure your portfolios are up to date including your NAEYC classroom portfolios and the childrens.

The video below is a webinar from NAEYC that explains that is required in your classroom portfolios. I- Excited about less documentation!

https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning/tools

Talking with parents about reminders from the office and about their child’s day is very important. If we are trying to get items back from families, such as, fundraiser forms, RSVP’s for events/programs, paperwork (physicals or emergency forms) it is important that you assist us! It also establishings a connection to the families in your classrooms.

Here are a few tips that will help:

1. Add a reminder with Procare Connect App

2. Add the reminder to your white boards each week

4. Verbally remind a parent at drop off or pick up time.

Communication is the key to success. Please be sure to let your families know what is going on in the classroom and around the center. Family and teacher relations are key in providing each child the best education! Get to know your children through your family interactions! Connect home and school!

Dramatic play kit: $50 to spend on classroom supplies- NO submissions

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DON’T MISS THESE FUN DATES!

Here's a rundown of June’s festivities you might want to include in your classroom:

9th– Donald Duck Day

11th– Hug Day

18th World Jugglers Day

23rd– National Pink Day

27th—Sunglasses Day

30th– Meteor Day

Encourage outdoor exploration by placing the following objects in a child's backpack or bag: magnifying glasses, tweezers, small shovel, Ziploc bags for collections, crayons, markers, and a clipboard or notebook for observational drawings. While on an outdoor adventure, encourage your young scientists to draw an interesting sight such as a bird’s nest, rock formations or an ant hill. These drawings increase the powers of observation that are so important to science discovery. Collect rocks, leaves, sticks and place in collection bags for your science centers! Even small children can trace rocks and leaves!

Request for leaves are used to give the director/site manager all of the needed information at least TWO WEEKS in advance. This will enable the director to find a substitute well in advance of the date the staff person is unable to work. Time off request forms can be found in the staff room or the office. It is important that all staff understand that the act of handing in a Request for Leave does not in itself constitute an automatic granting of time off. The director/site manager will grant time off based on the following criteria:

· No more than one person from each classroom may be absent at the same time. When two individuals request time off at the same time, the individual with the most seniority will be granted the request.

· Requests for single days of time off will be granted on a first come first serve basis

· All staff must indicate first, second and third choices for vacations. 3-4 Weeks notice is requested for vacations that extend more than 2 days in duration so we can accommodate your requests.

· Once vacations are approved the employee will be informed.

· Check the calendar and request leave boards!

· Blackout Dates:

JUNE 3rd TO JUNE 14TH and AUGUST 26th to SEPTEMBER 6th- 2024 ( the first two weeks of June and the Last week of August and 1st week of September- this will allow all staff on hand when we transition the end and the beginning of the school years)

Email: hr@carelot.net
Website: www.carelot.net
Location: 315 Flanders Road, East Lyme, CT, United States
Phone: 860-739-1993
Facebook: facebook.com/carelotctr