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Dec. 13, 2011
I have heard that using sign language in the preschool classroom can help reduce conflicts, but I’m not convinced. How might this work?
In signing classrooms, adults report fewer instances of biting, hitting, and screaming because children are better able to express themselves, which in turn reduces their level of frustration and makes them less likely to engage in aggressive behaviors. Furthermore, some preschoolers are more apt to tune out or not listen when they become emotionally upset. Signing not only helps children express their own feelings, but it can also help them pay closer attention to the feelings expressed by others, as well as to the proposed solutions. In other words, some children’s eyes are open more than their ears during conflict resolution, which means signing can be an especially effective strategy for expressing and sharing feelings, and communicating solutions.
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Dec. 1, 2011
Sequoia Children’s Center
2012 Holiday Schedule
January 2 New Year's Holiday
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 20 Staff Development (Presidents Day)
May 25 Staff Development
May 28 Memorial Day
July 2 – July 6 Summer Break
August 31 - Staff Develpoment
September 3 Labor Day
October 8 Staff Development (Columbus Day)
November 12 Veteran’s Day Holiday
November 22 & 23 Thanksgiving
Dec. 24 – Dec. 31 Winter Break
Sept. 1, 2011
WE'RE BEST BY NAEYC TEST!
It's true, we've just completed an extensive validation process by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The new NAEYC professional criteria reflect the latest research in child development and best practices in early childhood education. We went through an extensive self-study process, measuring and improving our program according to NAEYC standards. NAEYC has validated that we have met all standards and we have received high commendations.
Our new NAEYC accreditation is valid until Sept. 1, 2016
It's true, we've just completed an extensive validation process by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The new NAEYC professional criteria reflect the latest research in child development and best practices in early childhood education. We went through an extensive self-study process, measuring and improving our program according to NAEYC standards. NAEYC has validated that we have met all standards and we have received high commendations.
Our new NAEYC accreditation is valid until Sept. 1, 2016
Sept. 2, 2011
Back to School Changes for 2011-2012
This past month of August, we have been making plans for the new “school year” which begins right after Labor Day. The September Staff Development Day is traditionally a time for our Toddler and Preschool teachers to clean and prepare the classrooms for a fresh start. This year we are also making a fresh start in some teacher and classroom assignments. Next week we will schedule transition time for children, teachers, and parents to introduce themselves to one another in their new context. Then on Monday Sept. 12, the new assignments will begin.
The teacher and classroom assignments will be follows:
· Toddler Option Room #2: Sandra Alvarado & Isabella Morocho
· Toddler Preschool Room #3: Alexis Cousens & Shorikka Harris
· Three-Year-Old Preschool Room #4: Nelida Morales & Jessie Vasquez
· Four & Five-Year-Old Preschool: Alma Ortega & Carol Mclalan
· Floater Teacher: Loyda Guevara
We are also expanding our curriculum base to include practices and materials from HighScope Curriculum. The HighScope Curriculum emphasizes adult-child interaction, a carefully designed learning environment, and a plan-do-review process that strengthens initiative and self-reliance in children. Teachers and students are active partners in shaping the educational experience. Teachers will be utilizing HighScope resource materials and training throughout the coming school year.
I know that changes are not always welcome. Please be as patient and positive as you can be. I believe that with some time and your support, these will prove to be beneficial changes for the children, teachers, and parents alike.
The teacher and classroom assignments will be follows:
· Toddler Option Room #2: Sandra Alvarado & Isabella Morocho
· Toddler Preschool Room #3: Alexis Cousens & Shorikka Harris
· Three-Year-Old Preschool Room #4: Nelida Morales & Jessie Vasquez
· Four & Five-Year-Old Preschool: Alma Ortega & Carol Mclalan
· Floater Teacher: Loyda Guevara
We are also expanding our curriculum base to include practices and materials from HighScope Curriculum. The HighScope Curriculum emphasizes adult-child interaction, a carefully designed learning environment, and a plan-do-review process that strengthens initiative and self-reliance in children. Teachers and students are active partners in shaping the educational experience. Teachers will be utilizing HighScope resource materials and training throughout the coming school year.
I know that changes are not always welcome. Please be as patient and positive as you can be. I believe that with some time and your support, these will prove to be beneficial changes for the children, teachers, and parents alike.
Jan. 5, 2011
Illness Policy Reminders
We are experiencing our fair share of colds as everyone returns from the winter break. RSV (see attachment) has also been reported by parents in the Infant Program. In order to maintain a healthy environment at SCC, teachers and childern wash their hands vigilantly throughout the day, and teachers clean and disinfect tables, shelves, and classroom materials. Every morning the teachers perform a quick wellness check of each child, as well as periodical checks during the day. The teachers do not diagnose any illness, however, it is the TEACHERS responsibility to determine whether the child may stay at school based upon signs and symptoms of illness or discomfort of your child. When a teacher refuses a child at the beginning of the day due to illness, or calls you to pick up a sick child you must abide by the teacher's decision. It is the PARENTS responsibility to provide current emergency contact phone numbers at all times, secure back-up care for their ill children, and/or keep their ill children at home. Also, please advise the teachers and the SCC office of your physician's diagnosis so we may be alert for possible exposure to contageous illness.
The required response time for sick child pick up is within one hour . Failure to cooperate with the illness policy jeopardizes the health of not only the children, but the teachers as well! Everyone must cooperate in order for YOUR child and every child to have a healthy environment!
The required response time for sick child pick up is within one hour . Failure to cooperate with the illness policy jeopardizes the health of not only the children, but the teachers as well! Everyone must cooperate in order for YOUR child and every child to have a healthy environment!
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