The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter
Carelot Children's Center ~ March 2024
A message from Holly Bevilacqua
Dear Carelot Team,
Happy March to each and every one of you! I hope this month brings you all joy, success, and plenty of reasons to smile. Speaking of smiles, I can't wait to see all your bright faces lighting up our Facebook page over the coming weeks!
Now, let's talk about something very important: Provider Appreciation. It's right around the corner, and our fantastic PTO has some amazing events planned to show our gratitude for all your hard work and dedication. For those of you who are new to Carelot, get ready for breakfast, lunch, dinner, little surprises, and much more! You are the heart and soul of Carelot, and we truly appreciate everything you do in shaping the minds of our future generation. This year's events are going to be spectacular, and I have no doubt you'll love the fun activities we have in store. Let's all support the PTO by participating in fundraisers and events. Remember, the funds raised through these events directly contribute to the supplies, equipment, and events that make Carelot so special. Stay tuned for our upcoming spring fundraisers and encourage your families to join in and support our cause.
Now, let's talk about growth. Just as our children grow and develop, we must also grow and adapt as professionals. While routines and consistency are invaluable, it's important to recognize and accommodate the different stages of development in our classrooms. Take the time to review your program requirments and understand the developmental needs of the children in your care. Adjust your activities and schedules accordingly to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all. Remember, challenging behaviors may often be a sign that children need more stimulation and engagement. Lean on your colleagues for support and feedback, and together, let's create environments where every child can thrive.
As always, my door is open for any feedback or suggestions you may have. Whether it's a text, email, or message on Facebook, I'm here to listen. Your input is invaluable, and together, we can continue to make Carelot a place where every child feels supported and inspired.
Here's to a fantastic month ahead!
Payroll withholdings and taxes
As we approach the new tax year, it's important to ensure that all your tax deductions are in order. If you need to make any changes to your tax deductions for 2024, please don't forget to request a new form.
Simply reach out to Patty (southadmin@carelot,net or 860-739-1993), and she'll be happy to forward you a DocuSign form for you to complete and return. This will enable us to make any necessary adjustments promptly and accurately.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Celebrate you!
3/4: Arianna- East Lyme Center
3/8: Anne-Marie- East Lyme Center & Thalia- Clubhouse
3/11: Tina - Killingly Center
3/12: Anne our north Administrative Assistant
3/17: Juanai- East Lyme Center
3/22: Milagro- Clubhouse
Thank you for your dedication!
Adam-Maint./Lawns- 10 yrs
Barbara- EL- 2 yrs
Kayla - EL- 2 yrs
A little humor for the week!
Hot News
"What is something that you appreciate about Carelot?"
Complete the link below by March 25th!
No entries for February! $20 goes back to Carelot!
Incentives
Congratulations to our February Incentive Winners:
Taylor- Waterford Preschool for the best dramatic play area for February. Thank you for sharing and bringing the theme into all areas of your classroom!
Briannna- East Lyme Preschool for posting the nost curriculum related posts on our staff facebook page. We love seeing the children growing and learning!
NAEYC NEWS...
Social Studies- 2.L
Children are to be provided with a variety of learning opportunities that foster self identity and an emerging sense of self and others. The curriculum is to reflect ways to allow the children to be a part of the classroom community so that each child feels accepted and gains a sense of belonging. The children through varied activities and lessons will learn about diversity in culture, family structure, ability, language, age and gender in non-stereotypical ways. The children will learn about the community, physical characteristics of their local community (intro. to geography) and explore social roles in the family and the workplace.
Holidays: Families and program staff ask themselves why children should learn about this holiday. Is it developmentally appropriate for those in the group? Why is it important for specific children and families?
· Activities are connected to specific children and families in the group. This linking helps children understand holiday activities in the context of people’s daily lives. Children should have the chance to explore the meaning and significance of each holiday.
· Both children and staff honor every group represented in the classroom. This respect does not require that every holiday of every group must be celebrated; otherwise, classrooms would be celebrating all the time! It does require, however, that once families and programs have decided on what holidays to celebrate, none should be treated as though they were “unusual.” Children should recognize that everyone’s holidays are culturally significant and meaningful.
· Activities demonstrate the fact that not everyone in the same ethnic group celebrates holidays in the same way. Families may provide examples of their own unique traditions.
· Families and program staff work together to plan strategies for children whose families’ beliefs do not permit participation in holiday celebrations. Families should take part in creating satisfactory alternatives for the child within the classroom.
Focus is on meaningful ways to celebrate holidays without spending money. Families may find certain holidays stressful because of the amount of commercialization and media pressure to buy gifts. Teachers can help by showing children that homemade costumes and gifts are very special and that celebrating can be joyful without gifts.
BRING THE COMMUNITY INTO YOUR CLASSROOM!
Collect maps of the area, menus, and pictures of things around town, clean out your recycled materials and add them to your dramatic play area, and stop by a local business and see if they will donate something to your classroom (Ex: pizza shop (boxes, menus etc) Local papers/grocery ads that are mailed out are also a great piece of material to add to classroom centers.
In April we will be hosting an art show for our family event. Please DO NOT send home your art work that you create during Youth Art Month. More details will follow ….
CHECK OUT WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING: GREAT JOB TEAM!!
- What families 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 Elara 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 Jake 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 Lily was 3months 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!
CHECK THIS OUT
If you need to hand something on a wall- Please only use removable Command Strips- No stapling or taping to the painted walls- Thanks so much for your help
Bulletin board of the week
Cute idea
Check this out
Reminders:
Here are some important reminders to keep in mind:
Shift Communication: Always remember to call two hours before your shift starts and speak directly with a staff member. Don't assume your message has been received unless you get a response back from your supervisor.
Bleach Bottles: At the end of the day, please ensure that bleach bottles are taken to the kitchen for refilling. If you want to make a solution to disinfect surfaces around your kitchen, take a 1 quart (32 oz) spray bottle. fill it about 3/4 full and add 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of chlorine bleach, and then fill it to the 32 oz mark. Additionally, make sure to wipe down the inside and outside of your garbage cans when they become dirty and at the end of the day.
Leave Requests: As per policy, requests for leaves must be submitted two weeks in advance. While we strive to accommodate requests, once the biweekly schedule is complete, no leave will be granted, and you will need to work your scheduled shifts. This advance planning helps maintain consistency in our programs. Please note that time off without pay is discouraged.
Thank you for your attention to these reminders. Your adherence to these guidelines helps ensure smooth operations and a positive work environment for everyone.
Carelot Children's Center
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