The Ocean Courant Staff Newsletter
Carelot Children's Center ~ July 2020
A message from Holly Bevilacqua, COO
Wow, it is hard to believe Summer is here already. The past few months have been challenging but we have persevered and are still providing safe and educational care in all our sites. Thank you for all of your hard work, I cannot say it enough. Thank you also for being flexible with the OEC and CDC guidelines and the accommodations to the curriculum to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Face Masks- while I understand that these are annoying, they are guidelines set forth by the CDC and OEC. Remember that you can now remove them on the playground as long as you maintain social distancing!
We also do not have to take temperatures upon entrance into the building effective immediately.
I have purchased social distancing reminder mats for visitors and been on top of maintaining our supplies to keep things running smoothly. I do have a very small collection of items I purchase each time I am at a store so be sure to let me kno0w if you are low on required materials such as learners, makes, gloves, etc. Just tag me on the Staff Facebook page, text me at 860-460-8465 or email me at holly@carelot.net.
The CT Cares bonus money for staying open we decided to split amongst those staff that worked with the children. Your last bonus is in this week's check. Please know that we appreciate you all then you will ever know and have worked hard through this pandemic for our staff and families.
I have also caught us up on the programming calendars, updated the employee website, staff Facebook page, the Carelot public page in order to now move forward with "normal" day to day teaching and caregiving!
I would like to thank all of our staff who have contributed to our Staff Facebook Group! We all love to see your creativity and all the exciting activities you are doing with your kiddos! Great Collaboration!!! PLEASE KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM!
We will continue to keep you abreast of any changes that come from the OEC or CDC as they occur. Again thank you all and have great July with your kiddos and fellow staff!!!
Thank you for your dedication!
Happy 13 years!!!!
7/15-Vivian- Clubhouse7/15-Melissa- Corporate
Happy 2 year Anniversary!
7/16- Patty- Corporate
Happy 1 year Anniversary!
7/11- Kaitlyn- Chaplin
Celebrate you!
7/4- Matthew- Clubhouse
7/9- Alyssa- Corporate marketing
7/13- Donna- East Lyme
7/17- Shai- East Lyme
7/18- Quiana- EL Camp/Clubhouse
7/25- Sharon- Waterford
7/26- Shannon- Waterford
7/28- Mikaela - Killingly
7/29- Verna- Chaplin
7/30- Sokie- East Lyme
A little humor!
Reminders
- Please do your best to keep the playground clean and tidy. Toys should always be put away in their proper places, garbage should be picked up, water jugs should be taken inside at the end of every night, and wood chips and rocks should be swept and cleaned up to provide a safe environment for the children.
- Also, remember to wipe down toys and equipment as part of our cleaning routines. Inside and Out
- We know that it is very hot outside during these last summer months, so please be sure that you and your class are staying hydrated. Bring a spray bottle with water outside to cool off and don’t forget to be using the hose and sprinkler to engage in some fun water play. It is recommended that you bring a pitcher with cold water and some cups outside so that both you and the children are staying hydrated while running around in the heat.
- Please make sure you keep up with the center cleaning and decorating. I know that it is summer, but remember that fall enrollment is right around the corner and first impressions are everything! Please be sure your rooms are cleaned up before going outside, taking a walk, etc. Thank you for your help!
Hot News
"What is your favorite memory at Carelot?"
Submit answers to HR@carelot.net or on our staff Facebook page by July 25th! Click the link to answer the question!!
Last Month's Entries:
Chrissy: Miss Vivian of course for making masks for staff, that’s two thumbs up!!
Annie: Morgan Reynolds. She has done an amazing job over the past month putting the toddler program on track. Parents rave about her. Her Kid Reports are awesome, she leaves a cute personal lunch box note to parents to say their child had a good day, she changes out her bulletin boards often to keep them fresh, has the greatest circle time song...I could go on and on! She makes a difference every day in so many ways.
Kelly: Cheryl R. She has worked through this whole covid with no complaints and always stays later then she has too even off the clock. She will come in early and stay later if needed. So thankful to have her a part of Waterford Carelot.
WINNER:Our Random Draw app picked KELLY!!!!! You will get $20 in your net check!!! Let's see what you can come up with July!
Shared spaces!
Please pick up after yourself, Don't put things you don't want anymore from your classroom into an empty room, or stuffed in the art closet, put items away that you are returning to the art closet, clean up the staff or kitchen area if you did a project, planned, or just had lunch. These quick fixes saves lots of time in the future!
While these spaces are not always the major focus to families in the center, they do walk by them. Let's all take pride in our spaces - the ones we use daily or the ones we use on occasion.
When someone sees that our spaces are being cared for, then it shows awareness and how much you care. Please take the time if you see something to help fix it or notify someone so it can get taken care of effectively and efficiently.
Take Pride!
It's time to get back on track!
Summer is upon us, please follow the dress code at all times- All staff must wear something with the carelot logo on it. Aprons are always a great way to keep your clothes clean and follow the dress code at the same time!
Remember to close your room down at the end of the day. That includes taking your trash out, lock the doors and windows, and bring in the first aid kits from outside, floors clear of toys, and anything left on the floor.
All opening and closing staff need to sign off on the checklist and hand into the office daily. We want to make sure we are practicing all safety and health procedures!
Parents look at everything, so please have boards updated, artwork hanging up, counters cleared, cubbies cleared off and nice and neat. Referrals are the best form of compliments!
Some fun dates for the month of July
15 Cow Appreciation Day- Go out and give a cow a hug
Wish lIsts and supplies
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 alot! Please be descriptive!
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!
Have you completed your STATE REQUIRED TRAINING? Mandatory for all staff - 1 time training
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