Update: Changes!

Happy Labor Day, everyone,

I'm writing to tell you about a few changes at our little school. All good changes, I believe!

1. I am making this in-home daycare, my real home. Enrollment is still ok, but I lost a couple of students (due to job losses/changes) and feel that it would be in our best interest for me to live at the school. This will impact the environment, but it will allow me to invest more $ in materials and be more flexible with the hours of operation. Later in the month, I will be moving in all of our stuff, but have designated the large living room for the school. You will see a curtain come up, separating the dining area from the living room.

2. Due to a major loss of refrigerator space, you will now have to put ice packs in your child's lunch box. I would also prefer not to heat up lunches, but small Thermos containers work very well! Lunch boxes can be put on the shelf right inside the classroom/apartment door. Please also leave shoes downstairs and place backpacks/bags in the upstairs hallway. Coats/jackets will still go in the front hall closet.

3. I added a bunch of new materials last week and have a more formal curriculum coming for the fall. We are going to be working with themes this year. They will change periodically, but be based on the seasons and what's going on in the world. We'll have a nature table that we'll add items to. We'll take nature walks, but you are welcome to help your child find/bring in things that you find on your own nature explorations. We'll also have new art projects every week. I've found that the children really like to repeat the same activities over and over, so it may be more of a rotation as children lose interest... This week we'll be cutting and pasting with glue sticks and I've added a lined chalkboard for practicing writing/drawing. I'll be sending out a list of what we'll be focusing on each month throughout the school year. The calendar will also be a regular part of our day and they'll learn how to recognize their names in print.

4. I do have a cat that will be joining our group. If anyone has a problem with this and/or allergies, please let me know. He's a very friendly cat who is great with kids (he takes a lot of "love" from my boys!), but I do have the option of putting him in the basement during school hours, so please don't hesitate to let me know if you'd like me to do that.

I really believe that this move is for the best and that we'll have another great year at the school. It's been a joy working with your children and getting to you know you. If you know anyone looking for part time/hourly childcare (children 2years +), please pass on my information. So far, you have all been great with the referrals. Thanks so much! Also, if you want to increase your hours, let me know! :)

Have a great day!

Megan