-To make these trips possible, some schools depend on parent volunteers to drive. Let the teachers know how many children you can comfortably accomodate in your vehicle. Be aware that there may be scuffles and discipline issues along the way.  You should be sure to get to the school at least half an hour before leaving. Getting all the kids organized with car seats etc… is a major undertaking.

-Keep in mind that while the children are at school, they know the rules and what is expected of them, however, during the excitement of  being in new surroundings, the children can sometimes act up and get a bit unruly! Do not be hesitant to follow the teacher’s lead in setting the guidelines. It’s very important. This bring us to the subject of dealing with your own child . There have been times when a child feels they don’t have to listen to you and become totally disruptive, in this case you can either ask the teacher to take over ( we really don’t mind) or you have to be the disciplinarian and take the child away from the group for a bit with the premise they can return only if they are willing to listen to the rules. We really won’t think you’re a meanie and will appreciate you taking action. It can get awkward when a parent does nothing and a teacher has no choice but  to step in to keep control. 

There have been times when parents feel uncomfortable about letting their children go away from the school and this is totally understandable since the children are so young. Feel free to express your concerns  and don’t feel funny about it, other accomodations can be made that day. It’s great when people and organizations can be brought to the centers to do presentations! If you  have any suggestions, please let your center know! There are some great groups out there that will bring play equipment, animals, and other activities right to them. They can have fun and learn something new right within the safety of their own school! 

Anyway, if you decide to hit the road with the little ones, have a safe and enjoyable trip!

~ Jackie and Jo-Jo

Over the years it appears that even preschools are shy about celebrating holidays. We totally get that there are people of different cultures celebrating other holidays, one such holiday right now is Passover. Why can’t we acknowledge them all and share our traditions with one another? Isn’t that what it is all about anyway? There are always parents who are willing to come in and share their family traditions with the class. What a wonderful thing!

We are taking a stand here and I hope more of you will join in. It’s time to once again ENJOY and CELEBRATE special days and feel free to do so. So we will sign off here by saying Happy Easter!

~ Jackie & Jo-J0

In his honor, we would like to share a few of  his inspiring quotes with you:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer in any direction you choose.You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Thank you Dr. Seuss for bringing smiles to the faces of both young and old all around the world!

Have a zooper zizzy zazzy day all! :>)

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

That being said, an article caught our attention called Preschool Kids Should Not Be Taught To Read by John Rosemond. John Rosemond is a family therapist who believes in traditional parenting. We encourage you to read this article. You can find it here. The article highlights the fact that there is such a disconnect between the research and what schools are promoting. For more interesting articles from John Rosemond, go to www.rosemond.com

Every parent should do their own research before buying into what someone else says is right for your child (and who is this someone anyway?) It is important for the next generation of children that both parents and teachers stop and question more of  the new theories, rules, and regulations that are being  handed down to us.

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

And what’s wrong with bundling them up and sending them out to enjoy that snow? It is a child’s playground! Now don’t even start with “but it’s cold out there.”  You’re talking to the generation that had less insulated gear (using plastic bags inside our boots and only having knitted mittens) We had a blast and survived quite nicely thank you!

Sure, why not say that at some point you’ll do something special  like playing a game or baking cookies, a special activity for the day is great. But to feel that YOU have to come up with something all day is just ridiculous, you have your own things to do. Let the children use and strengthen one of their most precious resources……their IMAGINATIONS!

~ Jackie & Jo- Jo

The point we’d like to stress is that before panicking, ask exactly what the nap policy is. Many places are flexible and may require that your child simply rest his/her body for forty-five minutes and then are allowed a quiet activity for the remainder of the time. Studies have shown that a little rest or shut eye in the middle of the day actually promotes a better night’s sleep! And as veteran preschool teachers, we can tell you first hand that a little rejuvenation time is a positive thing that prevents the late afternoon meltdown.

Programs that are trying to lure parents in with promises of no nap at all are doing a disservice and are not concerned with the developmental needs of young children. Yes, that’s how we feel!  So instead of running the other way when you hear the word NAP, be glad your center is still doing the right thing for your child.

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

Teachers have been preparing for the new group and need to become familiar with  the new children and their families. It’s a time of understanding and much patience as  there is a child or two that misses their old and familiar surroundings, new parents need that extra understanding too. Teachers find themselves serving several roles all year long, but it’s especially true in the very beginning. Then there are the parents who are diligently trying to “be good” and keep up with the rules and requirements. Along with this is the emotional impact of leaving your child in the hands of someone else . Let’s not forget the director of the facility who is just trying to keep everything  operating smoothly and hoping to keep everyone involved happy! And last and certainly not least is the child who has so many new things to learn and a different environment to settle into.

We all have to be patient and considerate with one another at first as we ease into the new routine. There will be mistakes made as well as some misunderstandings. It certainly can be a bit overwhelming!  No worries, it will all be running pretty smoothly in no time.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day and a wonderful new school year!

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The cirriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

                       - Carl  Jung

Carl Jung was a Swedish psychologist who had a keen eye for observation of the human character. His words ring so true and it’s worth thinking about with the way modern society is going.  He cautioned that there should be balance and harmony in our lives and that the modern world relies too much on science and logic.

Sadly, this is becoming true of  some parents as they look into daycare. They are becoming more concerned about the academics rather than the nurturing.  Think about your early school years, you will have fond memories of the teacher who took the time to make you feel good about yourself whether it was through a kind word, a warm smile, a sympathetic ear, a nod of approval, a compliment, or even a simple recognition of how you were feeling. The simplest positive  act could have a major impact on who you turn out to be. Please keep this in mind as you choose the right facility for your child. It is so important that he/she be in a nurturing environment as opposed to one that is proud that they read Shakespeare to two year olds. Don’t laugh, there is a place that does this!  Oh Please!!

Especially in the preschool years, children certainly benefit from the warm, loving, and patient guidance necessary to learn. It is from this kind of teacher that the soul of the child and their minds can grow succesfully.

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

Think about it, they have to get dragged out of bed  and go to school where they face their own daily stresses. They have to follow a routine and have conflicts with other children, and may even have to deal with a caregiver that they are not especially fond of. It kind of sounds like your work environment, doesn’t it?

You know how you look forward to those days where you can linger in bed a little longer and do what you want? In fact, we know you’re relaxing more as you’re reading this and visualizing those precious moments. We realize that going on a trip can be too expensive and time consuming.  That’s fine! There are plenty of things you can do for free. You can search free things to do in your area and there will be websites with events and free activities that are available to you and your children. Thanks to our resourceful buddy Liz  for pointing that out.

So take a minute and think when was the last time your child had a break? A little time off to refuel is good for EVERYONE!!

Have fun!

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo

Gone are the days when parents took their children to the local shoe store to ensure the proper fit. ( Ohhhhh are we aging ourselves with that ..LOL !  Does anyone remember Buster Brown? )  But truly, the right fit in a good shoe is definitely a good investment  for your child’s well being.

~ Jackie & Jo-Jo