Kirkwood PAT

Sept 2023

KPAT Happenings

KPAT Happenings

Hello KPAT family!


We are so excited to be back in the swing of things (well...almost!) and are really looking forward to a fun filled year. New families, please accept a huge warm welcome from our team; we are thrilled to have you join us.


This first newsletter of the school year is jam-packed with information. Discovery Room will be opening again (don't know exactly what this is? Ask your Parent Educator!), Snowy Day returns and lots of other opportunities sprinkled in. While we know we won't be able to offer days & times that are always good for everyone, we do truly try our hardest to offer a variety. We know that ages of kids, work schedules, child care, and many other barriers can work against you when wanting to join in. If you have a specific need, please let one of our staff know! Maybe someone else is struggling with the same thing. We can't make promises, but we are a group of problem solvers here at KPAT; we might be able to make something work, so never hesitate to ask!


This is exactly how one of our new presentations for fall came about: The Dad Dyad (see below). Dads are unique and face their own challenges as parents, grandparents, and caregivers. We hope lots of our amazing male caregivers out there will be able to join us as we dive into the circumstances modern dads may face.


If you are on social media, we are active on Facebook and Instagram and often post updates or last minute group or class openings or things happening around town.


Thank you so much for your participation in our program. We LOVE our families!


The KPAT Crew


P.S. FALL is coming! Let's give Mother Nature a nudge to bring us a long, mild weather autumn.

KPAT Happenings
Mealtime Madness

KPAT SKIP HOP PODCAST

We are always looking for topics for our next podcast! Our podcast topics are driven by YOU! First up this year in September we will discuss our favorite parenting books: what we are reading, what we recommend, and why. Submit future ideas here! You can find all of our past podcast episodes on our website www.kirkwoodpat.com or on Spotify.
Mealtime Madness
KPAT FALL GROUP CONNECTIONS

KPAT FALL GROUP CONNECTIONS

Let the fun begin! Here is what is on tap in the coming months around here so far. If we have pop up opportunities as time allows, we will for sure let you know. We have more ideas than we have time and space, sometimes! Trust us, we want to do ALL the things.


Discovery Room! (see below for link to dates/times)


New this year...we will have some opportunities to sign up for car seat installation or to have your car seat checked. One of our amazing parent educators, Tara, was certified as a technician over the summer!


9/6 Yoga with Complete Harmony at Kirkwood Rec Center (parent & child)


9/22 Morning Mingle @ The Magic House


9/26 Amigos Sing With Me!-Babies begins-see sign ups for dates/times


10/3 Connection Before Correction: A Positive & Conscious Approach to Discipline (Zoom)


10/11 The Dad Dyad


10/24 Amigos Sing With Me-Toddlers begins-see sign ups for dates/times


10/25 Morning Mingle @ The Magic House


11/12 Snowy Day

KPAT FALL GROUP CONNECTIONS

Discovery Room


Sign up to beat the heat in the Discovery Room. Click the picture below to sign up. If the day you are looking at is full, definitely check back the night before or morning of. We tend to have some space as little ones get sick or plans change last minute.

Screenings for ages 3-5 years

It is time for your child's annual screening! If your child is age 3 years through 5 years old, we are taking appointments for the school year and have lots of availability so far! This is a great way to get an overall picture of where your child is at developmentally and/or chat with staff about concerns. To schedule a screening you can call our office at 314-213-6137 or fill out this form and we will contact you with available days and times.

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FAMILY FOCUS: Keepin' it Local

We hope you enjoy this new feature in our communication where we highlight YOU! If you own a business and would like us to showcase it with families in our community, please reach out to let us know. You can send a note to Penny Chastain penny.chastain@kirkwoodschools.org. We will publish them weekly on Family Focus Friday.


First up: Heather Jacobsen with @2intheLou on Instagram!


"Hey there, I'm Heather Jacobson! Around six years ago, I traded in Dallas life for the wonderful community here. It was hard to leave my friends and family but now my hands are happily full with two kiddos aged 4 1/2 and 2 1/2. Exploring St. Louis opened my eyes to incredible local businesses, beautiful parks, and fun hangout spots. That's when I launched my Instagram, 2inthelou. My goal? Connecting with fellow moms and giving a shoutout to the fantastic places around town. I'm all about showing moms that they can totally navigate outings with two kids. It's tough, no doubt, but definitely doable and rewarding. One of my series is Map Out The Week where I give ideas of places and things to do on certain days. I love embracing St. Louis and making unforgettable memories with my family and friends!"

Coming Up in the Community...

Check out a new feature on our website: Skip to the Lou: Wander, Play + Explore St. Louis with Young Kids! This will be updated with new information as we come across it. We are hoping it is yet one more spot to find ideas to connect with each other and with your kids!


Greentree Festival/Parade


Westchester Popsicles on the Playground Wee Ones Event

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44AFAD2DA1FB6-popsicles


Kirkwood Library Parenting Series:

September 28: Parenting with Big Emotions @ 7-8 pm


October 16th: Loaded Topics @ 7-8 pm


December 4: Nurturing Family Connections Through the Holidays @ 7-8 pm


October: Watch for the Summit All Seasons Market to transform into a pumpkin patch experience!


October 7th: Kirkwood Police Department Open House (more info to come!)


October 21st: Early Childhood Fair at Kirkwood Early Childhood Center hosted by the Kirkwood Social Justice Committee-details to follow soon!


October 25th: Kirkwood Parks & Rec Trunk or Treat (more info to come!)


October 26th: Downtown Kirkwood Halloween Walk

Digging Into Diversity

Digging Into Diversity

Rosh Hashannah begins September 15th, and Yom Kippur begins September 24th this year. If you do not celebrate these events as a family, but would like to know more about them, check out these resources:


Rosh Hashanah


Rosh Hashanah for Families


Book Ideas for Young Children-Rosh Hashanah


Book Ideas for Young Children-Yom Kippur

Digging Into Diversity

The 2023-2024 KPAT Crew!

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Give your Parent Educator a "PAT" On The Back!

Want to sing the praises of your parent educator? Have they helped you through a recent struggle with a great strategy or maybe brought a awesome activity or idea? We would love to hear about it! We happen to think they are pretty awesome, too. Submit the goodness here!
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Reach Out!

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Kirkwood Parents as Teachers

100 N. Sappington Rd.

St. Louis, MO. 63122

Penny Chastain

Program Coordinator

314.213.6137

penny.chastain@kirkwoodschools.org

100 North Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO, USA kirkwoodpatmo@gmail.com 314.213.6137 kirkwoopat.com