The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter
Carelot Children's Center ~ October 2019
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.
Back to School Night is just around the corner! Please make sure you have turned in your agenda for that evening to your Site Managers for review. It is also important to speak to your parent’s about what typical behaviors to expect from the children over the year. Communicate with your Parents and let them know this is a night they don’t want to miss! Back to School Night is mandatory for all full time classroom teachers/assistants. Get your classrooms ready by cleaning and organizing. Make sure you have updated artwork on the walls. Make your rooms cheery and inviting as always. (I know this isn't very difficult from all the pictures of your classrooms that you have been sharing on our staff facebook page!)
Make sure your child portfolios are up to date as the parents have the perfect opportunity to check them out! Just a reminder that portfolios are not allowed out of the building to do at home due to confidentiality. Most importantly...Have fun!!!!!!!
I have shared some great ideas to set up for back to school night on our facebook page. Please share your back to school night photos with us as we are all excited to see what you planned.
Programming Calendars: Our programming calendars will be done this 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!
Taylor - Clubhouse- 6 years!
Shantea- Killingly- 3 years
2 years
Naomi- Clubhouse
Rhonda- Killingly
Crissy- Clubhouse
Jordan- Clubhouse
1 year
Kelsey- Brooklyn
Sharon- Waterford
Celebrate you!
10/6- Christopher- Waterford
10/6- Sean- Clubhouse
10/19- Brooke- Clubhouse
10/22- Mimi- Waterford
10/23- Allison- Brooklyn
10/25- Charlene- Killingly
A little humor for the week!
Hot News
" Why did you choose Carelot for your employment?"
Click below to answer our question of the month!
Last Month's Entries:
If you could have one wish for your classroom or center what would it be?
Vanessa- Brooklyn: If I could make one wish for my classroom/center it would be remove the old carpet in my infant room, replace with flooring and a few small area rugs.
Tasha- Killingly: More storage in the classroom would be one thing that I would love for my classroom/ the center.
WINNER: The winner is: Tasha from Killingly- She was the one who won 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 via email hr@carelot.net or our staff facebook page
NAEYC NEWS...
STAFF FACEBOOK PAGE: You may have noticed criteria added on our staff facebook page related to classrooms and curriculum. These are actually criteria for your classroom portfolios. So please share your ideas and you will be able to utilize these to put right into your classroom portfolios. They will be done before you know it!
NOTE: Missing items observed in classrooms- Mulitcultural 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 make ups as well as "traditional"
Killingly and Brooklyn and Waterford Staff: Your porfolios should be completed 100%. Keep up the great evidence! Killingly don't forget you should also have one for your school age classroom.
Classroom Standards and Expectations- Be Ready for the next site visits next week. We will be checking the items listed.
Classroom standards are established to ensure a uniform feel to all Carelot Centers. All rooms should have a welcoming feel upon entrance this includes the appearance, smell and sound of your rooms. (Plug ins are not allowed in our setting – please use non electric scented items such as sprays, stick ups, potpourri – out of the reach of children, and non electric alternatives. This is accomplished by having welcoming bulletin boards, neat shelves and centers and communication boards that are colorful and properly headed. Curriculum should be evident from teacher area with current lesson plans and theme lists to current themed books being displayed along with art work throughout the room. It is imperative that a family can tell what your 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.
All shelves shall be clean of any glue residue from previous labeling – goo gone works great
Cubbies:
All cubbies shall be labeled with child’s name using colorful cubby labels that are all the same.
Tops of cubbies shall be clear of clutter and contain children’s portfolios and teacher clipboard. 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, 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 previous labeling – goo gone works great
Bulletin Boards: The corporate office will be making you required postings and laminating them for you to replace the ones that you have or are missing.
All classrooms shall have a parent 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, table cloths 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 theme list, calendar of events etc…
Bulletin boards should be neat and current at all times.
Tips for having neat bulletin boards can be found in the resources of 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 back side of 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 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.
No painting or wall papering 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.
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.
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, 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, 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 as 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 clean 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, lightswitches, counters, windows, windowsills, etc.
Music:
Classrooms should only be playing curriculum related cd’s, 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 must be played at levels that still allow conversation to be held with out 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 the 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 ON YOUR WISH LISTS.
A treat for your families
A great way to get volunteers and donations
Tell them they are appreciated!
Continuing Education for September
This month you have an article and also a video- You will receive 1 hour.
This month's incentive- Win !!!
INCENTIVE WINNERS:
- Share a photo of your kids participating in any theme related activity to hr@carelot.net for a change to win a $50 gift certificate to Discount school supply. Contest runs 9/1 to 10/30.
- Share a photo of your kids participating in any theme related activity to hr@carelot.net for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. Contest runs 9/1 to 10/30.
- Post or comment on our staff facebook page- each time you post or comment for the month of October you will earn a point. The person with the most points will be awarded Fabulous Turkey Day gift basket valued at $25!
- Fall Fundraiser: The classroom with the highest sales will win a cookie party for their classroom! Butterbraids and Otis Spunkmeyer products- Runs 10/25 to 11/15- Delivery the week of 12/16 for the holidays.
- Best Door Decorations- Winner will be picked on 11/1 - submit your pictures on the facebook page and include #ceilingdecor
Congrats to Miss Sokie for being our top facebook contributer for September!
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.
Cleaners and Toxins: Toxins must be locked up in the center and not in child space....This includes air fresheners, floor cleaner, and white board cleaner.
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: are to be kept out of the reach of children.
Reminders:
· Any time off needs to be submitted on a request for leave form. Last minute schedule changes causes inconsistencies and stress on 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 9:30am 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 9am you are IN your room by 9am! 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 times.
· 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- please be sure you are keeping the playgroung environment safe and tidy. If you find equipment with cracks or broken toys, please add to your maintenance list or discard 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
Help needed- South Event!!! ALL welcome to help
Check this out
Sitters needed
Back to school night!
Back to School Night- Wednesday, October 16th!
Parents & Children will be there 5:30-6:30pm or 6:00-7:00pm depending on your center. Staff Should plan on 1/2 before and 1/2 hour after your scheduled back to school night.- Mandatory for all Full time classroom staff
This is a night for our parents to see what their children do each day! The children are invited to attend with their parents!
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