Prince Edward Child Care Services

May is Speech and Language Month, and it's a good time to think about your child's overall development.  Staff at the Ontario Early Years Centre here in Picton have recently been training in Nipissing Development Screens, Best Start on Track Guide.

We know that parents know their children best, and we would like to put resources in your hands that will make you aware of developmental milestones for your child, and help you identify concerns.

We have been working closely with Community Partners to help develop a referral pathway for Doctors to use in referring families with concerns on to services that can help and to do assessments.  Please feel free to speak about your concerns with our trained staff members at any of our playgroup locations.  Early identification and intervention is critical and we can help you get the referrals you need to help your child reach their full potential.

The following websites will offer you great resources that you can view on-line or download and print.  You may need to copy and paste this into your browser to access the sites below:

Nipissing District Developmental Screen - www.ndds.ca
Ministry of Children and Youth Services - www.ontario.ca/child
Ontario Early Years Centres - www.ontario.ca/earlyyears
http://machealth.ca/programs/18-month/p/as-direct.aspx
www.beststart.org/ontrack_english/1-introduction.html
www.hpechu.on.ca
www.FRP.ca
www.pechildcareservices.ca
www.triplepontario.ca

Let us know how we can help.

Submitted by Susan Quaiff, Deputy Executive Director

Hi there!  My name is Lori Clark and I'm the Preschool Teacher at Pinecrest Public School.

I'm very excited to share the things I love about Early Childhood Education, learning and growing with the Preschool children and providing them with the skills and tools needed for Kindergarten.

We offer a safe, nurturing, inviting and play-based program for children 2.5 to 4 years of age.  The play-based environment encourages children to engage in enjoyable and stimulating learning opportunities which, in turn, encourages exploration that capitalizes on their natural curiousity and exuberance.  These learning opportunities take into account the individual child's interests, prior experiences, changing needs and increasing knowledge in all areas.

Our Preschool program is based on the Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) which utilizes the 6 domains of child development:  social/emotional, communication, language, literacy, cognitive and physical development.

Mark Ferguson, Prince Edward Child Care Services' Toy Lending Librarian, provides many valuable resources to enhance the program.  Mark visits us every 2 weeks and we choose a variety of items which reflect and promote extended learning experiences.

I thoroughly enjoy being with the children, observing their positive outlook and their focus on strengths, needs and interests.

I also cannot stress enough the importance of developing partnerships and open communication with parents and families, as well as fellow Early Childhood Educators and Community Partners; all working together to achieve the best possible learning experiences for our children.

Hello my name is Krystal Moore and I'm the cook at Prince Edward Day Care.   I also have my ECE diploma and have worked with a variety of age groups.

Every week I shop at No Frills and buy nutritious food/ingredients for your children for their snacks and lunch.  I also shop for snack for the school age programs as well.

I have been integrating more homemade meals into the menu and changing how I make the snacks and lunches for the children.

We have our menus posted two weeks at a time for all to see.  We provide morning and afternoon snack as well as lunch.  We follow the Canada Food Guide and include all of the four food groups.

We are a peanut-free centre and have worked closely with families when their child(ren) have allergies.  We make sure our food items are prepared properly and with care......a lot of label reading.

Some favourite snack and lunch items are: hard-boiled eggs/crackers, chicken quesadillas, salad, peaches and multi-grain nacho chips and salsa for dipping.

Being in the kitchen has been a great experience and I am enjoying it.  Nothing is better than when the children are eating lunch  and say 'thank you Krystal, its sooo yummy".  That always puts a smile on my face!

If you have any snack or lunch ideas please let me know....or something your child(ren) really enyoys.....lets talk about it!  We would welcome any ideas you may have to share.

As Spring gets underway, we have watched some exciting changes outside.  The children have watched while the pussy willows in our yard have shown us a pretty coat that is soft to touch.  Then, they were surprised to see that they turned yellow and later leaves appreared.  We have also been searching otuside for bugs and flowers and were delighted to find our first dandilion in the yard as well as some worms and a couple of butterflies.

We have also been very busy planning for Easter and making Easter cards for our families.  There have been quite a few discussions about what happens at Easter and I can tell you that the Easter Bunny was mentioned in most of them, as well as chocolate.  We have had a few egg hunts in the classroom and had some wonderful eggs drawn, coloured and cut out by our group.  We have also enjoyed doing the bunny hop and pretending to deliver or hide eggs.

Now it is time to start looking forward to Mother's Day and planning some special gifts to make for all of our Mothers.

Here is a quick and easy idea that your children might like to try at home:

SALT DOUGH

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Put the flour and salt in the bowl and with a wooden spoon mix in the water a little at a time until the mixture forms a ball of dough.  Sprinkle some extra flour on your work surface and put the dough in the centre.  Roll our the dough until it is about 1/2" think.  Preheat over to 325oF.  Cut out some shapes or use cookie cutters or you could even make long ropes of dough and braid or twist them.  Bake your shapes for about 30 minutes.  Let them cool and then let your children paint them.  They can make great gifts or just do them for fun.

Have a great Spring everyone!

Submitted by Sharon Evenden, Preschool Teacher, Prince Edward Day Care

Hello! my name is Jillian Blemkie and I am a Preschool Teacher with Prince Edward Day Care Centre.

I would like to take a moment and discuss the method in which we do our planning, its called ELECT (Early Learning for Every Child Today).

It is a tool used for implementing activities when an Early Childhood Educator is planning for your child. These activities are created by your childs own interest and are expanded on by their teachers knowledge, research and materials on the topic.

We create age appropriate experiences that expand your childs curiosity and mind. We make it fun to learn and be creative. Teachers may provide books, pictures, toy figures, puppets, dolls and extra materials to enhance your childs interest. For example, a plain piece of paper and a pencil could help your child create a 'jungle' on paper. Using paint and wood, we could then build the animal a home. A child who may be interested in 'Dinosaurs' could be directed to look at trees, volcanoes, blocks, puppets and other tools which could lead to the child wondering about their food, habitat and shelter.

The teacher could go in any direction with these topics under the areas of science, math, drama, language and literacy, music and circle time or even going for a community walk to your local museum or zoo. With this process your child succeeds in learning all they want to learn about the topics.

Now you can imagine what your childs day is like. We capture that with pictures of the moments and provide documentation of the learning that has taken place and post it bi-weekly for all to enjoy. We want the parents to know what their children are learning and the fun they are having while learning. Documenting could consist of observing and charts as well.

If you have any questions about ELECT please do not hesitate to ask.

Hello!  My name is Robyn Cowan and I am the Infant Teacher at Prince Edward Day Care Centre. I have worked with all age groups but especially enjoy working with the infant group. I enjoy watching them learn, grow and develop.

The infants I currently work with really enjoy sensory play, so I thought that I would provide you with some ideas that you can use at home: water play (adding a touch of food colouring to the water), goop, playdough, sand, painting with hands/feet, texture mat, walking on bubble wrap, peek-a-boo, mirror-mirror, shakers and textureballs.

Our room can accomodate up to 6 infants. We have a crib room for infants still in cribs and cots for the older infants. We have our our playground area where they like to push/ride toys and dig in the sand or play in the grass.

Feel free to drop in on us when ever you like.

Choosing a Caregiver for your child can be very stressful, especially if it is for your first child.  Here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind while looking for that perfect someone. 

Make sure the person:

1.  Has a warm personality, is nurturing, energetic and enjoys being with children.

2.  Relates well to other children in her care and to your own child.

3.  Understands the normal stages of child development and has the patience to deal with each stage.

4.  Has a flexible daily routine that includes good nutrition, rest time, messy, active and quiet play, books, music and outside time daily.

5.  Is planning on providing child care for a long time.

6.  Makes you feel comfortable and confident in her abilities to handle day-to-day activities as well as emergencies and minor illnesses.

You should also ensure that:

1.  There are no more than five children being cared for at one time.

2.  Of these five children there are only two under the age of 2; three under the age of 3.

3.  The home appears to be comfortable, safe and clean.

4.  There is an open door policy whereby the Caregiver does not mind you popping in from time-to-time.

5.  There is a variety of age-appropriate toys, materials and equipment.

6.  There is an area for quiet time and nap time.

7.  There is an outdoor play area which is used daily.

8.  There are outside play equipment and toys for all ages.

Finding the person that is just right to take care of your child can take time.  Start looking early so you are not rushed and panicked.  Perhaps a Caregiver with a licensed agency will give you that extra reassurance you need to feel confident in your choice.  Our Caregivers have all been screened through police checks, fire inspections, immunizations and have non-smoking homes.  Regulations set out by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services and the Board of Directors of Prince Edward Child Care Services must be followed by each Caregiver.  Homes are inspected by monthly visits which alternate between scheduled and non-scheduled visits. 

For more information please feel free to follow-up on the Home Child Care webpage, click on Licensed Child Care Programs, call 613-476-8142 or email Donna Young at dypeccs@kos.net.

Submitted by Donna Young, Home Child Care Coordinator

Did you know an orange that still has its peel on will float, and will sink once the orange is peeled?  Did you know that oil, honey and water don't mix but will separate?  And if you add a quarter, a grape, and a corkscrew they each stop at a different level?

Every Tuesday during the months of January and February we ran Science/Math and Messy Play Playgroups which alternated each week.  The children absolutely love it.  Children love discovering new things, and asking the famous "why?" question.  Most people don't think about doing science with their children, but it can be super simple.  Having your child help with cooking or baking is science.  Measuring the ingredients, seeing how the product changes as you add different things.  Even making playdough is science...and children LOVE it!  They love to choose the colour, add and mix the ingredients, and then getting to play with itafterwards is the biggest reward.  Asking questions like how does the laydough feel?  What could we make with it?  Can you pinch it?  This all also helps with language and fine motor development.  Getting out magnets and a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic materials for your child to explore and sort is a great science activity.  Even talking to your children about the weather can be science and help develop language.  There are lots of websites to help give ideas for science activities to do with children of all different ages.  One of children's favourite science activities to do is to make a volcano.  You can do it with items you already have in your household and make it as big or as little as you would like.  Try this:

Materials:
2 cups of water
1 tbsp. baking soda
A few drops of dish detergent and food colouring
2 tbsp. of vinegar
Soda bottle

Directions:
1.  Add water, baking soda, dish detergent and food colouring to bottle. 
2.  Add vinegar and watch the volcano erupt! (reaction causes soap bubbles to rise out of the top lie an erupting volcano!)

They also love doing anything messy, and now that the weather is getting nicer you can take them outside to save your house from becoming the mess!  Anything from finger painting, foot painting, water play, goop, jello, mud - they like anything that gets them messy.

So bring the scientist out in your child!

Any questions about our playgroups or other programs feel free to email me at bqpeccs@kos.net.

Submitted by Kelsey Ferguson, Early Learning Facilitator

A day in the life of a toddler involves a lot of exploring, learning and discovering through play. They have a variety of different toys available to help with their fine motor, gross motor and sensory development.

Toddlers love music.  Listening to it on a CD, scarf dancing, shaking shakers or singing songs with them.  They love it all and it always seems to make them smile.

Toddlers enjoy books.  Board books or soft books are the most appropriate for the toddler age group.  Pop-up books are a favourite as well as touch-and-feel ones, and books with bright colours.

The toddler group enjoys craft activities.  They love to glue and paint, especially their hands and feet.  Sensory activities too, playdough, sand and water....always exploring different textures.  Washing up is the best part as toddlers love to wash their hands in the bubbles!

Outside time is another big part of their day.  They love to run, jump, kick and walk around the playground.  If there is a vehicle to push or pull they will find it.  Our new climber is great fun and a super work out for the toddler group. It's always fun to climb up and slide down as much as possible.

I really enjoy being the Toddler Teacher, watching the children grow and learn each and every day.  They are always smiling and laughing and their hugs make me very lucky to do what I love to do. 

If you have any questions about the Toddler program I would be happy to help.

Submitted by Lisa Mercer-Burrows, Toddler Teacher (working with children 16 months to 2.6 years old)

Though we really haven't experienced much of a winter, spring is just around the corner.  At Prince Edward Child Care Services we have used the winter to ask families what kind of programs they would like to see.  We have listened to all of your comments and observations and are now ready to put some new initiatives into action.

At Prince Edward Day Care, planning is underway to change the way we deal with meals and snacks.  Our goal is to support children in making healthy food choices and creating life long positive habits.  The children will be participating in growing and preparing the food we will be using in our programs.  Krystal, our creative cook, will be focused on moving away from processed meals and snack choices and developing learning opportunities with each meal.

We have also heard from families asking for programs for children 6-12 years old.  We are starting out with a New March Break Day Camp which will be held at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Picton.  Stacey, the March Break Day Camp Coordinator and Danielle, the program Supervisor, are looking forward to having a great time with their group over March Break.  The children will experience a wide variety of activities which support the development of literacy and social skills, physical activities and most of all FUN!  There are still a few spaces available if you are looking for March Break activities.  Check back regularly for updates on activities for 6-12 year olds...Please pass on any creative ideas you may have!

In our Family Resource and Ontario Early Years Centre things are HOPPING...pun intended.  Our playgroups throughout the County are busy, full of children and parents having a great time.  Please check our website for a scheduled group that is convenient for your family.

As always I would love to hear from families.  If you have comments or ideas please feel free to post them.  You can also reach me at 613-476-8142 or edpeccs@kos.net.

Submitted by Tamara Kleinschmidt, Executive Director

Good morning!  I'm Stacey Stanford, JK/SK School Age Teacher at Prince Edward Day Care.  Although I have worked with all age groups, the JK/SK children are by far my favourite - they are so smart!

I hope everone enjoyed their Family Day long weekend.  I know my family did.  My boys and I headed to the Sandbanks Provincial Park, walked the beach and the trails...so much fun, even for my four year old.  We walked for 2 hours.  They loved it. 

So my question is, "What can we do to entertain our children?".  Some suggestions...play games, read some books, go on the computer.  There are lots of fun children's websites. 

Get outside!  The weather has been amazing - no snow, let the kids ride their bikes, take a long walk, talk about animals in their habitat.  Which animals are sleeping for the winter?  When do they wake up?  Children are very curious. 

Cold day - stay inside and make some playdough.  Here's my favourte playdough recipe:

1 pkg. Kool Aid
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup boiling water
2 tbsp. cooking oil
food colouring (matching Kool Aid colour)

Combine the dry ingredients.  Mix together boiling water, oil and food colouring.  Pour on top of dry ingredients and stir together.  It will feel really gooey at first, but let it cool.  Perfect playdough!

Don't forget March Break is fast approaching.  Lots of fun programs to do through Prince Edward Child Care Services Day Care Program and March Break Day Camp at Queen Elizabeth Public School.  Call Margie 613-476-5566 or Kim 613-476-8142 for more information.  You can also check for details on the March Break Day Camp on the home page here on the website.

Do you have any other suggestions for fun with the kids?

As a Prince Edward Child Care Services' staff member for the last 20 years, I have seen many benefits of attending your local playgroup.  For those of you who have never attended a playgroup, they are located throughout our Community, within schools, and at the Ontario Early Years Centre located at 10 McFarland Court, Picton.  You can see the Playgroup Schedule with locations and times inside the most recent Newsletter on the website.

Playgroups are for all families with children birth to six years of age; a place for families and children to experience social interaction not only for your child, but for you as well!  Early Learning Facilitators can help refer you to specialists that can answer questions and/or concerns you may have about your child's development, health care needs, safety concerns, parenting programs and much more.

One of the most moving memories I have experienced, to show the benefits of playgroup, was several years ago.  I met a family who were having trouble with their child in Junior Kindergarten.  The child was having difficulty transitioning into an environment where he would be away from Mom all day.  The child eventually needed to be removed from the classroom as the adjustment was too much, for both him and Mom.  The family began to attend playgroup most mornings and as the weeks went by the child became more independent and often played with the other children without Mom by his side.  The following Fall when the child began Junior Kindergarten and through his Playgroup attendance had gained socialization experience, was independent, self-confident and had developed self-help skills that assisted him in being successful in the classroom.

The praise from local teachers and principals where we facilitate playgroups is testimony that a child needs a place to go where they can socialize, interact and learn through play; all in the same environment where they'll begin school.  So don't waste another day at home!  Find a Playgroup near you and learn through play with your child.  After all, you are your child's best teacher.

Submitted by Mabel Pringle, Early Learning Faciliator