Early Childhood Education Matters
(Pictured above - Jenny and Ainsley Stacey reading a story at their home during an Early On visit.)
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Thank you for helping us spread the word about this newsletter with everyone who wants to stay informed about programs and services for young children and their families in Berrien County. If you haven't subscribed to the Early Childhood Education Matters newsletter, please click on button at the very bottom of the page to be sure to receive future issues. If you have suggestions about what you would like to see included in the publication, please let me know!
Kerenda Applebey, Berrien RESA Early Childhood Education Director
Important Learning Happens through Pretend Play
Henry, who is just over two years old, is expanding his make-believe skills in an Early On classroom.
Submitted by Kimberley Shaffer, School Social Worker, Early On
Through pretend play, children learn about themselves and the world. They experiment with role play and work to make sense out of what they've observed.
How to encourage pretend play:
- Play together face-to-face so your child can copy your gestures/pretend actions.
- Follow your child’s lead – play with things your child is interested in.
- Keep it simple – repetition is fun.
- Take turns – the play becomes a “conversation.”
- Choose "toys" that encourage imagination.
- Introduce new ideas when they can link ideas together – e.g. if they like to play with cars, take them to the mechanic.
GSRP EXPANDS!
Submitted by Tia Miller, Berrien RESA Supervisor of Preschool Services
This year, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) welcomed two new classrooms! We now have a total of 31 classrooms at 16 different sites across Berrien County! Blessed Noah's Ark and Lylabugs and Buttons, both located in Benton Harbor, each serve 16 GSRP children. We are excited to expand and partner with these childcare centers and offer free preschool classroom opportunities to more families. These two new sites have spent many hours going through GSRP training and both opened their classrooms mid-September. Please join us in welcoming them to the GSRP family!
Blessed Noah's Ark
Tynisha Bell, Owner/Teacher
Lylabugs and Buttons
Tilla Anderson, Owner/Teacher
PAT Makes a Difference!
Submitted by Tami Smith, Parent Educator, Parents as Teachers
Do you want to learn more about the Parents as Teachers program? Visit the Berrien RESA website for more information!
It's Time to Welcome Winter!
Welcome Winter
Join us! So many fun activities will be featured as well as Olaf, snacks, Santa and Mrs. Clause (in a separate room so you only have to visit if you choose), and a room full of "SNOW". Come at 2:30 OR at 6 p.m. All guests will go home with a new book, lots of photos and fabulous family memories!
Thu, Dec 8, 2022, 02:30 PM
711 Saint Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, MI, USA
November Playgroups Featured the Yummy Yucky Book
Look what I made!
Where will you drive to today?
November's FREE book - Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli
Submitted by Laura Robinson, Family Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
The November Playgroups were enjoyed by many! Activities included grocery store play, apple art and playing cars on the vehicle mat. Every family went home with a copy of the Yucky Yummy book at NO COST!
Be sure to check out January's calendar for upcoming playgroups (see below)!
Check out the January Playgroup Calendar!
Your Opportunity to Get Involved
Be a Part of the Parenting Matters Conference!
In 2018 and 2019, we held our first Berrien County Parenting Matters Conference. It was a big hit! Unfortunately, just a few weeks before the 2020 Conference, COVID-19 forced us to put our plans on hold. However, we have good news! We are getting organized to hold the 2023 Conference this spring!
The most important part of putting on this conference is to have a group of parents/caregivers of young children who want to make it successful! You can get involved in many ways - helping us to spread the word, volunteering the day of the conference to help keep things running smoothly, lending your expertise/experience to a specific aspect of the conference prep, and/or joining the Steering Committee. If you would like to know more about your options for getting involved, please email Laura Robinson, Berrien RESA Parent Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, at laura.robinson@berrienresa.org.
Non Discrimination Clause/Title IX
Optimizing Student Outcomes through Collaboration and Transformation
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer and for all other concerns:
Breanna Bell, Director of Human Resources
Berrien RESA , 711 St. Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Title IX Investigators: Kevin Clark, Technology Services Director and Breanna Bell, Director of Human Resources
Title IX Decision Maker: Chris Machiniak, Assistant Superintendent
Title IX Appeals: Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent
Title IX Final Rule (Clark Hill). For procedural information, please review Berrien RESA's Board policies.