The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter
Carelot Children's Center ~ October 2022
A message from Holly Bevilacqua, COO
Happy Fall Everyone!!!! The crisp air is a great way to get into the Fall Season!!!!
I can't tell you how proud and amazed I am to see the learning activities that are happening each day in your classrooms. The children look happy and I know they are learning so much! Keep up the great work! Sharing on our Staff Facebook page is a great way to share your classroom, get new ideas and keep up to date on all upcoming events or reminders. I would love to see some of the great activities or classroom environment ideas incorporated into your classroom and curriculum. Please SHARE on the Facebook page. What you share is what we use for marketing and sharing with the community and families.
Just a reminder that your child portfolio schedules started back up again. Always have them up to date and available so the families have the opportunity to check them out! Just a reminder that portfolios are not allowed out of the building to do at home due to confidentiality.
Programming Calendars: Our programming calendars will be done next week and sent out for November to February. Thank you for your patience during this super busy time of year.
Thank you for your dedication!
4 years
Rhonda- Killingly
Crissy- Clubhouse
3 years
Kelsey- Brooklyn
2 years
Rhonda- Killingly
1 year
Jaron- Waterford
Priya-Clubhouse
Celebrate you!
10/4- Isabella- Killingly/Brooklyn/Chaplin
10/14- Barbara- East Lyme
10/26- Noah- Clubhouse
10/27- Aiden- Clubhouse
A little humor for the week!
Hot News
" What is your favorite family activity to do in the FALL?"
Click below to answer our question of the month!
WINNER: The winner is: Tina From Killingly!- She was the only staff who submitted an answer to the question for September. Thank you for taking the time to answer the question of the month.
All staff can have a chance to win cash- just submit your answers by clicking the link below
NAEYC NEWS...
STAFF FACEBOOK PAGE: This is a great way to get ideas from other classrooms and programs for curriculum items. Please continue to share - share - share!!!! I also love seeing all the great lessons you do in your classrooms with your children.
NOTE: Don't miss these items in your classrooms- Feel free to ask for ideas or help! Multicultural pictures, pictures in the community including jobs by various ages, genders, etc. Multicultural toys (Block people, dolls, English/Spanish sound toys, items from around the world, ethnic food in dramatic play, menus from different ethnic restaurants, etc) Math and Science (graphing, science pictures, cause, and effect, picture cards, etc) Literacy (examples of writing or literacy incorporated into other centers in the classrooms.)
Social Studies! Maps- grocery flyers or other store flyers, community workers, families of diverse makeups as well as "traditional" families.
Killingly, Chaplin, East Lyme and Brooklyn, Waterford Staff: Your portfolios should be completed 100%. Keep up the great evidence! Chaplin will have the next visit anytime within the 1-9 months. Be ready!
LABEL!!!! Neat and Legible
Inviting Circle/Meeting area
Cozy Book Corner
Classroom Standards and Expectations- Be Ready for the next site visits. We will be checking the items listed.
Classroom standards are established to ensure a uniform feel for all Carelot Centers. All rooms should have a welcoming feel upon entrance this includes the appearance, smell, and sound of your rooms. This is accomplished by having welcoming bulletin boards, neat shelves and centers, and communication boards that are colorful and properly headed. The curriculum should be evident from the teacher area with current lesson plans and theme lists to current themed books being displayed along with artwork throughout the room. It is imperative that a family can tell what their classroom is working on by looking around the room. Below are some requirements to help achieve our goals.
Shelving:
All shelves shall use only like bins with matching covers if covers are used. This creates an organized uniform look that encourages respect for toys.
All bins shall be labeled with both words and color pictures that match the shelf label. This encourages word association and beginning literacy. Words shall be upper and lower case letters so you are also making a print-rich environment.
All shelves shall be clean of any glue residue from the previous labeling – goo gone works great
Cubbies:
All cubbies shall be labeled with the child’s name using colorful cubby labels that are all the same. A photo also helps the child and builds classroom community.
Tops of cubbies shall be clear of clutter and contain children’s portfolios and teacher clipboards. All portfolios shall be in the same color binder and labeled with matching labels.
Mailboxes should be on top of cubbies with matching hanging folders for each child in the class, matching name labels, and tags placed so that they are staggered for easy viewing (start at left and go to the right when inserting tags)
All cubbies shall be clean of any glue residue from the previous labeling – goo gone works great
Bulletin Boards: If you are in need of clean, wrinkle/rip free required postings, please add what you need on your monthly communication forms so we can get them made.
All classrooms shall have a Family information bulletin board, Volunteer information board, teacher bulletin board, children’s art bulletin board, and theme bulletin board.
All bulletin boards must be bordered and colorfully backed with fabric, tablecloths, or paper. Children’s Art and Theme bulletin board should reflect curriculum items and be changed no less frequently than monthly.
Bulletin boards should contain headings, made of fabric, paper, wallpaper, etc…, for the board, and if appropriate all items that are on the board - i.e. Parent Information Board would contain headings for the theme list, calendar of events, etc…
Bulletin boards should be neat and current at all times. No curling paper- falling off borders.
Tips for having neat bulletin boards can be found in the resources in your centers, on Pinterest, our Facebook page, or just ask! Items should be headed and backed with color-coordinated construction paper.
Be sure to cut out the center of letters and be neat – tracing letters on the backside of the paper upside down leaves the display side clean even if you are not the best cutter.
Room Decorations:
Room arrangement should reflect different areas of curriculum and rearrangement of a room requires director/site manager approval
Ceilings should have art and theme-related items hung from them to bring the ceiling down toward the child’s level.
Ceilings should not be cluttered but should contain enough to create a creative atmosphere.
Walls should contain items at children’s level that reflect age-appropriate curriculum items/social studies and community as well as multicultural items. ALL at the children's eye level.
No painting or wallpapering should occur without Executive Director Approval.
Centers:
All classroom centers shall be labeled and stocked according to curriculum guidelines.
Centers shall have ceiling signs or clear signage to delineate the centers in preschool rooms as well as a CENTER CHOICE board for the children to choose areas they want to work in during the center time.
The dramatic play area has home-like touches including plants, rugs, local menus, recycled items such as cereal boxes, cleaned coffee mate, cool whip, sour cream containers etc … Also should change to reflect the seasons or themes- Example: pumpkin patch, firehouse, vet, etc.
Counters:
Counters and shelving should remain clear of clutter and always appear neat and organized. Containers should be used to allow proper storage of loose items such as spoons, forks, pens etc… ALL spoons, forks, bowls, and cups must be in a container with a lid or you can use the plastic bowl covers
Toys:
Toys should all be CLEAN and in good repair. Any broken toys, or torn soft materials (climbing blocks, couches, pillows ) should be thrown away and the Director/Site manager should be notified in writing immediately for proper replacement. Add the item to your monthly wish list. Many items need to be replaced to meet curriculum and NAEYC requirements.
Please note that there should be duplicates of the same type of toys in ALL classrooms to allow enough for each child.
Windows:
Windows that go outside shall have matching curtains to the theme or color of the room. Window treatments should be washed periodically. Please do not block any windows between classrooms as these are observation and for security.
Window treatment, windows, and window sills should be washed and cleaned at all times.
Cleanliness:
Classrooms should be clean and neat. Checklists are provided for guidance on daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines. Please use them! Wash around sinks, wipe down walls, shelves, toys, light switches, counters, windows, windowsills, etc. This is their home away from home.
Music:
Classrooms should only be playing curriculum-related CDs, and classical and instrumental music appropriate to schedule in the classroom ie nap time music should be calming and soothing – nature sounds, etc are great.
Music is to be played at levels that still allow the conversation to be held without yelling over the music.
Home-like touches:
It is imperative to add home-like touches to a classroom to meet the standards of Carelot. Photos of the children and their families, plants, throw rugs, curtains, decorations related to the season and themes, and more. Home-like touches give a room a personal feel and should be kept within the guidelines of not cluttering a room or space but enhancing it. This has many different meanings to everyone so to be sure items are appropriate check with the director before bringing them in. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT STUFFED ANIMALS ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR ALLERGEN AND CLEANLINESS REASONS. PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THESE TYPES OF DONATIONS OR PUT THEM ON YOUR WISH LISTS.
REMEMBER THAT YOUR CLASSROOM IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. Showing you care about your environment only enhances how much you care about your very important job in the early childhood education field.
Infant room - bright and cheery
Quiet area for Cribs
Home-like Dramatic Play
Construction Center!
Continuing Education for October
Remember it's not housekeeping its dramatic play
Dramatic play center idea
Be creative and make your dramatic play parallel your curriculum
Theme related science center
Fall science center ideas
Change writing center to reflect your curriculum
This month's incentive- Win !!!
INCENTIVE WINNERS:
- Question of the month: Tina- Killingly- Yahoo!!!! $20 cash in your next check!
- Best Dramatic Play pet/family - NO SUBMISSIONS
- National Playdough day- NO SUBMISSIONS
Incentives are only sharing what is already part of the curriculum or programming for the month. Share!!! You could win! $100 in prizes were not awarded due to a lack of participation.
Licensing reminders from OEC
Medications: Only Medication Certified staff can accept and administer Medications.
First aid kits: Every center/clubhouse program shall have 3 complete first aid kits- 1 in the center, 1 for field trips, and 1 on the playground at all times when children are outside.
Maintenance items: If you see something that needs repair, air vents dirty, dirty or missing ceiling tiles, etc. please inform your site manager or Executive Director immediately. ADD ALL items to your monthly checklist before submitting.
Cleaners and Toxins: Toxins must be locked up in the center and not in the child's space...This includes air fresheners, floor cleaners, disinfecting wipes/sprays, and whiteboard cleaners.
Infant straps: All infant seats, strollers, high chairs, etc. must have working and clean straps in them at all times.
Sensory Items: Items that are put in your sensory bins/tables must meet the choking size requirements for under 3. This includes Gel/water beads in toddler sensory - They are considered choking hazards.
Plastic bags/purses are to be kept out of the reach of children.
Fall uniform orders- GET YOUR LONG SLEEVE TEES and HOODIES! DEADLINE 10/12
Reminders:
· Any time off needs to be submitted using the request for leave form that is on the Employee website. Last-minute schedule changes cause inconsistencies and stress for everyone. Please plan your appointments appropriately allowing you plenty of time to submit your request two weeks prior or plan them outside your work hours.
· When calling in sick for the day- please allow 1-1 ½ hours before the start of your shift. Check out the call-out procedure if you are unsure of who to call. Consistency is very important for everyone and we need to have that time to find a replacement. If you are an afternoon part-time employee, you must call the center by 9:30 am so we can plan accordingly. You must speak to someone!
· Please be on time & ready to work in your rooms for your scheduled shift! Everyone is scheduled to cover numbers so it is pertinent if you are scheduled for 9 am you are IN your room by 9 am! Also, lunch breaks are running over from time to time so when your lunch relief arrives, you are officially on your break! Please be courteous to your co-workers and watch your time.
· Know your numbers. You need to know how many kids are in your care at all times.
· Chemicals for the center are to be stored in locked supply closets. Do not store chemicals in your rooms. Please be sure your spray bottles with Cleaner are locked up in your classroom and clearly labeled.
-PLAYGROUNDS- Keep the playground environment safe and tidy. If you find equipment with cracks or broken toys, please add it to your maintenance list or discard it and let your Executive Director know. All playgrounds should be cleaned up at the end of the day just like your classrooms. If something is broken or you feel you do not have enough sand or need a new sandbox cover, toys, balls, etc please add it to your monthly checklist or email HOLLY@CARELOT.NET- The children should be cleaning up the playground just like they do in the classroom- ALLOW 5-10 minutes at the end of your playground time to put sand toyy away, park bikes, etc.
Transition Time Tricks By Jean R. Feldman, PH.D.
Stand up! Sit down! Clean up! Calm down! Hurry up! WAIT! Too many transitions in the day can be frustrating for children as well as teachers. But it doesn't have to be that way. With careful planning and a few "tricks," your day can move more smoothly and many behavior problems can be avoided. And the good news is that transitions provide a great time to "exercise" children's grains. Children love music; they love to move and they love surprises-the very activities that stimulate children's brains according to recent brain research (Wolfe, 1996).
Circle Time
By following the same schedule every day, children learn what to expect and program in certain behaviors (Jensen, 1996). 'Indicator' songs are an effective way to let children know when they are about to begin a new activity.
Clean Up: Clean up is another time during the day that can be a chore for children and teachers. Use a minute timer to help children bring closure to their activities. Set the timer for five minutes, then explain that you will have a "whisper" clean up when it goes off. Model what you want children to do, and encourage them to help you. "Let's see. Where does this car belong?" Give choices to those children who are not cooperating. For example, "Fran, do you want to put away the puzzles or the books?" A cheerful song at cleanup time will also involve children.
Line Up Little ones don't like to wait, and they don't like lines, so avoid them whenever possible. However, when you do need to line up, play pretend games. For example, "Let's be a train. Everybody put their hands on the person's shoulders in front of them. What kind of car are you on the train? Choo-choo, here we go." Challenge children to be "as quiet as snowflakes," to "tiptoe like elves," to "move in slow motion,"
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