The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter

Hello Carelot Team,

Summer is indeed in full swing, and it's wonderful to hear about all the fantastic activities happening with the children. Your creativity and dedication truly make each day special for our little ones.

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, which not only enhances our workplace but also creates a vibrant learning environment for our children. Remember, if you have any concerns or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Site Manager or Executive Director. Clear communication is key to ensuring we address any issues promptly and effectively.

As we enjoy the summer months, it's also essential to start preparing for the fall ahead. I've already begun planning and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year. Whether it's event suggestions, theme ideas, or ways to improve our classrooms, your input is invaluable.

Please take a moment to check your classrooms thoroughly and compile your August Wish Lists. Whether it's books, toys, furniture, or arts and crafts supplies, let's ensure we're well-prepared for the new school year ahead.

Let's continue to enjoy our summer, recharge, and look forward to an exciting fall together!

As we navigate the last summer months and prepare for fall enrollment, let's ensure we maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our children and families. Please take note of the following reminders:

1. Playground Maintenance: Keep the playground clean and tidy by putting toys away in their designated places, picking up garbage, and sweeping up wood chips and rocks regularly. Many times I go on the playgrounds and see toys not put away, napkins blowing, etc. Our outside toys are just as important as the indoor toys. Let's work together to keep them in good repair while teaching the children care and respect! Remember to bring water jugs inside at the end of each day to prevent them from being left out overnight.
2. Hydration During Hot Weather: With the hot weather, it's crucial that both you and the children stay hydrated. Bring spray bottles with water outside for cooling off, use hoses and sprinklers for water play, and have a pitcher of cold water and cups available to ensure everyone stays hydrated while enjoying outdoor activities.
   
3. Center Cleaning and Decoration: While it's summer, it's essential to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of our center. First impressions matter, especially with fall enrollment approaching. Please tidy up your rooms before going outside or taking walks, as tours could arrive unexpectedly.
   
4. Safety with Cleaning Products: Ensure all cleaning products, especially bleach, Clorox wipes/spray, Lysol, etc., are stored securely per licensing requirements! These items must be kept in locked cabinets to comply with safety regulations and policies.

Thank you for your attention to these reminders and for prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone at Carelot.

With our increased enrollment and more tours visiting our buildings, it's crucial that we maintain a pristine environment. Please take a moment to thoroughly inspect your classrooms and shared spaces for any maintenance issues such as walls, cabinets, furniture, floors, doors, ceilings, fences, and windows. If you notice anything that needs repair, kindly communicate these items promptly so we can arrange for necessary maintenance.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to all staff members who have been actively contributing to our Staff Facebook Group! It's wonderful to see your creativity and the engaging activities you're conducting with our children. Collaboration like this enhances our curriculum and enriches our programming. I also utilize your photos for Family newsletters and our Public Facebook page/website. I would love to see photos from ALL locations so families can see all of our programs!

For those who haven't yet participated, I encourage you to join in and share your classroom experiences. If posting directly is challenging, please ask a co-worker or your site manager to assist you. This platform is an excellent opportunity for everyone to showcase their achievements and inspire each other.

Lastly, remember that our monthly incentives and Facebook posts are integral parts of our curriculum and programming. These activities are designed to encourage teamwork and creativity. I appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to seeing more of your interpretations and ideas!

Thank you all for your dedication to Carelot and our children. Together, we continue to create a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Question of the Month:

"Name 3 Characteristics of Carelot."

Click the link to submit your answer! The winner will receive $20!

WINNER: congratulations to Lorraine for winning the month of June question of the month!

How are those portfolios going?

Kililngly and Brooklyn- IT IS THAT TIME. We will be having a NAEYC visit anytime after your annual report date. Please complete your classroom portfolios and have them ready for review by September 30, 2024!

CHECK OUT the blocks in the picture. Great idea for your classrooms!

ALL sites: Please make sure you review all the requirements for NAEYC so when they do make a visit you are in compliance. You can find lots of detailed information on NAEYC.org

East Lyme - Annual Report is due 6-1-2025 (expires 6-1-2028)

Killingly - Annual report is due 10-1-2024 (site visit year - Expires 10/1/2025) - update class portfolios etc.

Brooklyn- Annual report is due 8-1-2024 (site visit year - Expires 8/1/2025)- update class portfolios etc.

Waterford- Annual report is due 6-1-2025 (expires 6-1-2029)

As a reminder, let's all strive to maintain respect and cleanliness in our shared spaces throughout the center. This includes hallways, unused rooms, art and supply closets, the staff kitchen, and workrooms. These areas are vital for our daily operations and should be kept neat and tidy for everyone's benefit.

Here are a few guidelines to ensure our shared spaces remain well-maintained:

1. Pick Up After Yourself: Always clean up after any activities in shared areas. Avoid leaving unwanted items from your classroom in empty rooms or stuffing them into closets. Return items to their proper places, especially in the art closet.

2. Clean Up Staff and Kitchen Areas: If you use the staff kitchen or workroom for projects or meals, please clean up afterward. This includes washing dishes, wiping surfaces, and ensuring everything is returned to its designated spot.

3. Maintain Awareness: While these spaces may not always be the primary focus for families, they do walk through them. Let's collectively take pride in keeping these areas tidy, whether we use them daily or occasionally.

4. Take Initiative: If you notice something out of place or in need of attention, take a moment to address it or notify the appropriate person. Your proactive approach helps maintain a positive environment for everyone.

By caring for our shared spaces, we demonstrate our respect for each other and our commitment to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere at Carelot. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our center clean and organized.

As we embrace the summer season, it's crucial that we uphold our standards to ensure a safe and organized environment for our children and families. Please take note of the following reminders:

1. Dress Code Adherence: Remember to wear attire with the Carelot logo at all times in all centers and clubhouse programs. Aprons are a practical way to keep your clothing clean while adhering to the dress code.

2. End-of-Day Room Closure Procedures: At the end of each day, please ensure your room is properly closed down:

   • Take out trash
   • Lock doors and windows
   • Bring in first aid kits from outside
   • Ensure floors are clear of toys and any items left on the floor

3. Daily Checklist for Opening and Closing Staff: All opening and closing staff must complete and submit the checklist daily. This helps maintain a clean and organized center, especially during tours when families visit.

4. Display of Flyers and Family Postings: Place flyers neatly on parent boards and the main family board at the building entrance. Avoid covering entry doors or walls, as this is both a fire hazard and creates a cluttered appearance. If you need smaller prints, please request them from the main office.

5. Maintaining Classroom Materials: The condition of your classroom reflects our commitment to a respectful and educational environment. Replace any items that are broken or worn out. You can request replacements by contacting Holly directly or posting on the staff Facebook page.

6. Books and Lesson Plans: Regularly assess and replace worn-out books. When planning lessons, remember to individualize them based on children's assessments and interests. Flexibility is key; follow children's cues and adjust plans accordingly to optimize engagement and learning.

Thank you for your dedication to maintaining high standards at Carelot. Your efforts contribute to a positive and nurturing environment for our children and families. If you have any questions or need further clarification on these guidelines, please don't hesitate to reach out.

8 National Blueberry Day

15 Cow Appreciation Day- Go out and give a cow a hug

17 World Emoji Day

20 National Ice Cream Soda Day

24 Tell an Old Joke Day

WOW!!!

Pink Party- Best party events, decor, dressed in pick goes to The East Lyme Center Toddlers! Miss Kayla and Miss Stacia planned an amazing day of pinkalicious activities! Great job! Their classroom won a $100 gift certificate to Discount School Supply-

Effective communication with our families is vital, especially when it comes to important reminders and updates about their child's day. Your efforts in this area are greatly appreciated, and here are some helpful tips to ensure we maintain clear communication:

1. Utilize the Procare Family App: Adding reminders through the app is a convenient way to keep families informed about upcoming events, required forms, and other essential information. This ensures they receive notifications directly on their devices.

2. Use Whiteboards Weekly: Incorporating reminders on classroom whiteboards each week provides a visual cue for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. This helps reinforce the messages and ensures families are aware of any upcoming deadlines or events.

3. Verbal Reminders at Drop-Off or Pick-Up: Personal interaction is key to fostering a homelike atmosphere. Take a moment during drop-off or pick-up to verbally remind parents about any outstanding items such as fundraiser forms, RSVPs, or paperwork. This not only ensures clarity but also acknowledges their involvement in their child's activities.

4. Briefing Staff During Shift Changes: Sharing information with staff who are taking over shifts ensures continuity in communication. This way, they can also provide updates to parents at pick-up time, maintaining a seamless flow of information throughout the day.

Remember, communication is crucial to our success in providing excellent care and service to our families. Your diligence in implementing these tips will contribute significantly to our efforts.

When you need something for a project, a toys breaks, or you want something for your classroom, add it to your monthly checklist wish list section. NO item is too small or too large. We may not always be able to get something right away but a wish list is just that- Wishes for your classrooms-

Our fundraising events are a great way to add extra funds to purchase such items. Help out and make sure you are aware of when they are happening and encourage your families to get involved and why!

Details- Wish list items are best when the most detail is given- size, color, description or even a photo helps out a lot! Please be descriptive! If you need buckets- give us the size, color or a picture, If you want a rug- include what it is for and the size needed- Details such as these will allow me to purchase the items you want and need.

CHECK- please check the supply and art closets before asking for items- it may just be tucked away or someone may know where to find something we already have!

ALL staff will be required to take a mandated health and safety course. I have provided the link below. The state is tracking this so it is not a Carelot requirement. It will be recorded on CCAC for OEC. Everyone must have this class completed by the summer. The class is 5 hours online training if you hold a CPR/1st Aid and Medication Certifications. If you do not hold all of these certifications, you will be required to take an 18 hour online class. This class MUST BE COMPLETED to work in our program as per the CT OEC.

Request for leaves is 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!

The request for leave form can be found on the employee website.

Blackout Dates 2024:

AUGUST 25th to SEPTEMBER 7th (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 year)

"Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning"

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