Strengthening Families Newsletter
Highlights from the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham
DADS & DISCOVERIES THIS SATURDAY AT 10AM
Sign up required to get your ZOOM link! Having trouble email us @ jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us
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DADS & DISCOVERIES RESUMES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 10:00 AM
STILL TIME TO JOIN THE WINTER SESSION. SIGN UP TODAY!
IT'S ALL ABOUT STREAM! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
As we begin 2021, our learning will focus on Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math (STREAM), and yes it is very real and very important to understand that the learning of these concepts start early. Children are mesmerized by the cause and effect of simple experiments and creations made from everyday experiences. We will test basic concepts of snow melting, what objects float or sink, and fulfilling our imagination with a box. After all,, anything is possible!
What is STREAM?
STREAM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. In layman’s terms, children are encouraged to use their hands to explore, ask questions, and to think and talk about what they are doing. We will use recycled materials, household items, and tools. We add an "R" for reading together, a primary focus that is integrated into our routine with stories, songs, movement, and more! Finally, family education information will be provided to describe activities that we plan to complete in groups, as well as suggested activities that you can try at home. Hope you will join us! Register here!
We love when parents take the lead! If you would like to share a favorite story or activity, email us at: jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us
For more prerecorded and engaging early learning programs, visit the Early Childhood Alliance virtual program page located on the ECAF website. Click here for quick, easy, and direct access!
CLASS SCHEDULE & SIGN UP INFORMATION!
Play, Learn, and Grow Together Program Schedule
Sign Up Today!
Early Literacy Survey
Ages & Stages Parent Quesionnaire (ASQ)
PLAY, LEARN, AND GROW TOGETHER WITH GRACIE - NEW AFTERNOON TIME TUESDAYS 3:45 PM
LET'S GO TO KINDERGARTEN WITH JEANETTE - WEDNESDAYS AT 12:00
PJ FAMILY STORYTIME - THURSDAYS AT 6:00 PM
BABY TALK/PARENT CHAT WITH JANE & GAYLE - FRIDAYS AT 1:00 AM
THE ECAF PARENTING JOURNEY SERIES: A PRERECORDED FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM
We will try to offer a road map stopping and exploring common grounds, celebrating developmental milestones, sharing inevitable pitfalls, and refueling with the energy that keeps us moving. These sources or tools advance our knowledge and provide us with more information allowing us to anticipate what may be ahead and plan our travels into Parenthood and Early Education accordingly. Let’s call it a guidebook that leads us through the parenting journey , not alone, but together as the journey can sometimes be lonely and it is always more fun when we have others join us, and, it’s easier to reach our destination safely. No matter how many stops or bumps along the way, we aim to ensure future opportunities for successful excursions.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR 1ST STOP ON OUR ROADTRIP: DIALOGIC READING
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE PARENTCHILD+ PROGRAM! CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Did you know Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF) is the home for your local ParentChild+ program? Our program offers virtual visits for families with young children age 16 months to 36 months right here in Framingham for two years! The ParentChild+ Program will help your family in your role as your child's first and most important teacher. Our Early Learning Specialists share fun ways to help your child learn at home with free books and toys! We envision a world where every child enters school ready to succeed because every parent has the knowledge, skills, and resources to build school readiness where it starts: the home!
Throughout the 23 week school year, an Early Learning Specialist brings each week a gift of a high quality educational toy and book for your child to keep. Visits are 30 minutes long twice a week and can be scheduled at your convenience, day or early evening. You'll learn creative ways to read and play with your child and become actively involved in your child's education. We work together to ensure language isn't a barrier. There is NO COST!
So if you are a family who lives in Framingham with a child 16-36 months or know someone who you think may be interested, contact us at 508-782-6932 or email jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us for more information.
To learn more about the internationally recognized home visitation program, CLICK HERE!
FAMILY EDUCATION
BILINGUAL STORY TIME AND ACTIVITIES
Raising Emerging Bilinguals Thank you Mae, Maya, and Mateo for sharing stories and important conversations with the ECAF family!
- Storytime Bilingüe featuring “Baby Teeth/Dientes de bebe”
- Storytime Bilingüe featuring “This Bug Needs a Boat/Esta oruga necesita un barco”
- Storytime Bilingüe featuring “Los bebes aman/ Babies Love”
Storytime with Vera
- STORY TIME IN PORTUGUESE - "Vamos à caça de um Urso" (We're Going On a Bear Hunt)
- STORY TIME IN PORTUGUESE - "O Sapo Vai ao Médico"
FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS & MORE
WGBH FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES & MORE
WGBH Family Fun Activities and More
FEDERATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (FCSN)
OUTDOOR RX
Virtual Program 1: Bark Rubbing
Virtual Program 2: Nature Bracelets
More Comprehensive Resources.from Outdoor RX and the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Resource Guide For Early Childhood 2020 Edition
RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS INCLUDING FOOD SECURITY AND OTHER EMERGENCY RESOURCES
- City of Framingham Resources - click the link to access the City of Framingham website. There is helpful information and resources for residents as well as the latest updates on the CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHILD CARE REOPENING Guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Spanish - Portuguese - ChineseAn important creative and family friendly educational message about wearing masks
- Massachusetts Home Visiting Initiative Comprehensive list of resources
- MASS 211 need help call the multilingual hotline 24/7 to access resources at: 1-877-211-6277
- Social Story What Nathan and His Friends Can Do English Spanish Portuguese
- Hello I Am A Virus! A kid-friendly booklet about COVID-19. Author: Manuela Molina Cruz
English - Spanish - Portuguese - Arabic - Free From Audible Books - Children's Stories
ABOUT THE VIRTUAL HOME
The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF) has created virtual Play, Learn, and Grow Together programs for you to enjoy at home. Each week we will focus on a theme and create a Play, Learn, and Grow Together experience over the course of 2 - 3 videos. In addition, we will share other familiar programs that will include: PJ Family Story Hour. Let's Go to Kindergarten, Baby Talk, and more. We hope these videos will provide your family with ways to come together through literacy.
We will also share other links to programs, resources, and tips to help you navigate your daily routine. You can access the videos and resources in the following places:
- ECAF Email Communications
- ECAF Strengthening Families E-Newsletter
- ECAF Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham Facebook Page
- ECAF Live with The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham Facebook Group
- ECAF website
- ECAF Twitter
Contact Us
Email: jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/domain/72
Location: 31 Flagg Drive or 49 Lexington St Framingham
Phone: (508)782-6932
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlychildhoodallianceofframingham/
Twitter: @strongstart16