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Last updated 9/28/05
Brown Bear Educare provides a stimulating program, which encourages learning through experience using developmentally appropriate materials and equipment for young children. Staff are supportive of children's learning experiences by providing an atmosphere in the classroom that is positive and calm. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity, independence, problem solving skills, muscle development and self-help skills.
Our educational program offers a balance between child and teacher initiated activities. Each child has the opportunity to gain practice in all areas of development on a daily basis.
Toddler activities include art, language, large and small motor, sensory and discovery. These activities are planned to promote the development of basic toddler tasks; self-help skills, independence, trust, and language and motor development.
Our toddler program offers a balance between child and teacher initiated activities. Each child has the opportunity to gain practice in all areas of development on a daily basis. Toddler activities include art, language, large and small motor, sensory and discovery. These activities are planned to promote the development of basic toddler tasks; self-help skills, independence, trust, and language and motor development.
Our toddler classes are divided into small groups according to age and developmental levels in the Upper Building. At 9:00am the children come in from outside and start their morning with a little Music & Movement. Children dance and imitate the teacher’s movements. Once the dancing is over, the children then sit down for a short Welcome Circle time where the teacher welcomes the children through a song.
Next, the children move into their Free Choice time. During this period the toddlers may choose from a wide variety of activities – climbing, dancing, building blocks, playing musical instruments, looking at books or sensory. Diaper changing and potty training also occur during this time.
At 10:00am the children clean up their room and
wash their hands for snack. The toddlers sit at their assigned seat at a table
that is just their size and have a nutritious snack with their teacher.
After a full tummy, it’s time to get the wiggles out outside on the
playground. The toddlers love to play in the sand box and ride in their
little cars. On hot summer days, the children love to play in water in our
grassy area.
After a while, the children are ready to come back inside for art. The toddlers love to explore the different ways to use paint, crayons, paste or other art utensils. Art projects are displayed throughout the classroom hanging from the ceiling or the walls.
After a busy morning, the children are ready for lunch. Once the children have been diapered and gone potty, they know what comes next! The children sit at the table with their teacher and eat a family style meal. Toddlers learn to ask for more food when they need.
Once lunch is over, the children are ready to take a nap. Naptime typically lasts until about 2:30 or 3:00 depending upon the child.
After naptime, the afternoon schedule is less formal. Children eat snack soon after everyone is up and diapered. Depending upon the weather, they may go outside for a while or have free play inside with music, sensory, blocks and other various activities.
All in all, the toddlers at Brown Bear Educare have a good time and build a strong bond with their teachers, classmates, and the director.
Orientation
We constantly strive to offer the highest quality of educational childcare. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Kelly. (425) 637-0089
Our toddler classrooms are designed to help acclimate from toddler to preschool type activities. Developmentally, children will focus on their language skills. They will work on potty training and be able to dress and undress themselves. They will learn how to clean up after themselves and begin to demonstrate good manners.
What can I expect on my child’s first day?
On your child’s first day, he/she meet his/her teacher. A cubby space to place your child’s extra clothing and a mailbox for artwork and notes will be provided. You should also have a sign in/out sheet by the end of the day on the designated clipboard. You are required BY LAW to sign your child in and out each day and sign the paper with your FULL SIGNATURE.
What do I do if my child cries when I leave?
When you drop your child off in the morning, make sure you leave him/her with a teacher and not alone in the classroom. Quickly and cheerfully give your child a good-bye kiss, a smile, and a reassuring word that you will be back after work. Dragging out your departure will only make your child feel more insecure. Do not sneak out when your child is not looking. Usually your child will settle down shortly after you leave. If you are concerned about a tearful departure, we encourage you to call us 1 to 2 hours later. A typical full time child will take one to two weeks to adjust. However, depending upon the temperament of the child, part time children may take up to a month to acclimate. Your child’s teacher will do everything in her power to make your child’s time here comfortable and fun.
What do I need to Bring? (Don’t forget to LABEL all of your child’s belongings)
ü Two weeks worth of diapers (calculate about 4 to 5 diapers per day for a full time child).
ü A least one full box of wipes.
ü Clothing (see details below)
ü “Slip on” or Velcro shoes
ü Winter Jacket in Fall and Winter
ü A group of Family Photos that we may use to make your child’s family poster
Brown Bear Educare provides sleeping mats, sheets & blankets. We also provide Desitin and A&D diaper ointment. You only need to request at medication release form so that we may use diaper ointments on your child if needed.
Clothing:
Dress your child for PLAY: Provide clothing for your child that is okay to get stained or messy. It is unreasonable to expect children at this age to stay clean in this type of environment. If you will be going somewhere special after school, you may provide clothes for your child to change into and we will be happy to assist changing your child before you arrive. All you need to do is write a note and hand the note and change of clothing to your child’s teacher. Please give us a “reminder” call before you leave work.
Dress your child in layers: We prefer children wear short-sleeved shirts for indoor play. Children wearing long sleeves, often get them wet while washing their hands. They should also have a sweater to put on when it is too warm for a coat or too cold for t-shirts.
Provide extra “easy to put on” clothing: At this school, we teach children to learn self-help skills through encouraging children to change themselves. Children should have at least 3 sets of clothing, especially socks and underwear, while potty training. For potty trainers or children who have recently potty trained, we REQUIRE that you dress your child in sweat pants.
Do not dress your potty training or trained child in the following: Keep in mind that your child will be in a hurry when pottying because she/he will be afraid of missing out!
ü Snap clothing – such as onesies or snapping overalls
ü Overalls – are too difficult for children that are in a hurry to get off and on by themselves.
ü Tights
ü Tie Shoes
ü Belts – do not dress your child in oversized clothing which requires a belt
Shoes (ie. Velcro): Tie shoes are often difficult for young children to put on or take off. They also become untied frequently which can be a tripping hazard. Children change in and out of their shoes several times a day. Because of this, we REQUIRE that you provide your child with “SLIP ON” or VELCRO shoes.
What if my child needs medication?
Parents must provide oral medication for their child in their original containers. You must complete a Medication Release form for over-the-counter medication, However, if the label indicates that you must “consult a physician” for the amount to be given, then a doctor’s note is required with the dosage recommended by your doctor.
Children may not attend school if he/she:
Has Pink-eye: red eye with discharge indicating a cold. It is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and quite difficult to get rid of in a group child care setting.
FEVER: has had a fever of over 100 degrees within the past 24 hours
Diarrhea: Has had diarrhea within the past 12 hours
Is unable to participate in normal activities. (for instance, if you fill your child is not well enough to go outside, then he/she should stay home.)
What if my child will be late or not attending school?
We request that you call us if your child will be late arriving or will not be attending school. We track absences. If your child has an illness, please let us know immediately so we can determine whether or not we need to make other parents aware of possible illnesses that are going around. Tardy children should not arrive later than 9:30am unless pre-arranged with your child’s teacher.
What do we do for birthdays?
Parents are encouraged to provide STICKERS on the day of your child’s birthday. Brown Bear Educare will provide a special treat. Some choose to bring other treasures for their child’s classmates. Others have parties outside of school. Which ever you choose, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
ü No food should be brought from home wothout permission from Kelly
ü Parents may provide little gift bags; Playdough, sunglasses, or other non-choking hazard toys.
ü If you choose to bring toys, do not bring balloons or other “child choker” toys.
ü If you leave a camera with your child’s teacher, we will be happy to take photos for you.
How do you celebrate Holidays?
Each year we have several children’s parties. Parents are always invited to assist. Parties are held the Friday before the actual date. If you do not wish your child to participate, we will let you know when the festivities will be so that you can keep your child with you until we are done. If your child is not scheduled to come on that day, he/she is still invited to attend the party.
ü Halloween: Children love to dress in costumes. We have our party in the morning with trick or treat STICKERS (No candy please). Remember; read the label –The children sing songs, and trick or treat the other building. The preschoolers take turns going through the haunted house. The party ends at about 10:40 and the children change back into their play clothes and go outside.
ü Thanksgiving: Children learn to make home-made mashed potatoes.
ü Valentine’s Day – Dress in red or pink! Children may bring valentine’s cards for all their friends. We will provide you with a list of names of all the children in the school. Please, no candy.
ü St. Patrick’s Day – Dress in Green! We usually celebrate with cookies and green milk.
ü Easter – Preschoolers decorate Easter Eggs and participate in a hunt.
What happens if I am later than 6:00 pm to pick up my child?
Like you, the employees of Brown Bear Educare would like to get off of work on time. There are hefty fines for late pick-ups. If you show up right at 6pm, please be courteous and depart as quickly as possible. The staff of Brown Bear Educare will try to have your child changed and ready to go when you arrive. The employees need to leave the building no later than 6pm.
How will I know when there is a special event?
There are several ways we communicate special events to parents:
ü Flyers posted on the doors and bulletin boards
ü Notes sent home in mailboxes
ü Sign up sheets set near the sign in/out clipboards
ü Verbal reminders
ü Calendar of Events posted or given to you.
Who do we speak with when we have a problem?
We hope that your family experience with Brown Bear Educare is a positive one. All the employees strive to provide quality education and care for your child. If you have any concerns, please contact Craig (financial) or Kelly immediately so that we can resolve any issues in a swift manner.