February Newsletter
Hello CBA Families!
Is it February already?
Time is flying by this school year! February is going to be a fun and exciting month for our students and for you, so please keep track of all important dates!
February 1st also begins Read Across America. As your child reads books with you and your family, remember to write the name of the book on the weekly reading sheet and turn it in every Friday until March 4th. Our goal is to read 2500 books. When our goal is met the children will have the opportunity to turn Mrs. Adrienne into a human sundae!
Please remember:
1. School starts at 9am. –Why does Mrs. Adrienne say this? We want your child to embrace all that CBA has to offer.
Using our Links to Learning curriculum, our preschools offer the perfect balance of learning and play, combining structured learning experiences with play activities designed for each developmental stage. We offer far more than just child care. Preschool is the first introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot.
2. Drive safely in the parking lot-PLEASE!
*Please Parents—The weather can get very chilly during the winter months, please make sure you have spare clothes that are weather appropriate, including a jacket, gloves and hat!
*Reminder that payment is due the Friday before the following week! If payment is received after noon Monday, a late payment fee of $25 will be assessed. Thank you
Important Dates:
*February 5th- Wear Your Favorite sports Outfit
*February 8th- Coffee to Go for Parents in our Lobby
*February 12th- Valentine’s Day Classroom Celebration at 3pm
*February 12th: Valentines Date Night 630-10pm –sign up early (we need to have 10 or more kids sign up and a 48 hour notice for cancelling)-at the front desk
**February 15th: School is closed for President’s Day
* February 17th- Dress as Your Favorite Fictional Character
*February 19th- CBA Pride Day: wear Green or Yellow
*February 24th- Bring Your Favorite Book to School
*February 26th – Pajama and Cookie Friday
Parent Reminders:
**We do have a late pick up policy that is stated on your fee schedule. Our hours of operation are 630am-630pm, if your child is picked up after that time, you must pay the late pickup fee.
**Sick Policy: To ensure the health and safety of all of our children and staff, please remember to adhere to our sick policy which states: “a child must be free of all symptoms without medication for at least 24 hours before he/she can be returned to school. Following an illness, a child may return to school once he/she has either been seen by a doctor or it has been determined that the illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested).” All of us truly appreciate your support with this matter!
It is my commitment to support the needs of your children, your families, and the school. It is my passion to see your children succeed and thrive in their educational environment. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open and you can email me at adrienne.nwude@nlcinc.com.
Again, thank you for the continued support.
Mrs. Adrienne
Mrs. Dana
A Note From Our education Department:
Helping Your Preschooler Develop
Positive Friendship Skills
Are you puzzled by some of your child’s social behaviors? Have you noticed that your toddler doesn’t interact with other children very often? Does your three-year-old get frustrated when a classmate won’t play with him? Will your four-year-old only play with her best friend?
These are all normal social behaviors for preschoolers. Learning how to develop friendships is a lifelong process. Children’s social behaviors evolve from smiling and cooing at others, to engaging in parallel play, to eventually forming friendships and playing together.
Below are ways we help develop friendships in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.
INFANTS:
In the classroom: Before they can communicate verbally, infants build connections by smiling, cooing and crying. By two months old, they might turn toward other infants, and by twelve months, they begin to imitate their peers. Teachers help facilitate this relationship by sitting infants near each other during activities such as story time and tummy time.
At home: Even though infants don’t really play with one another, they still benefit from “play dates” with other infants. Sit your infant face-to-face with another infant or in close proximity to an older sibling, and provide each child separate toys. Note when your infant watches the other child and what captures his attention.
Recommended reading: Friends by Helen Oxenbury and Let’s Play by Leo Lionni
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Many young children tend to engage in “parallel play.” They play near other children, but each child is doing something different. This is a natural phase of development. As children get older, they begin to enjoy more shared activities with their peers. For example, they might enjoy splashing their hands at the water table with others, looking at books while sitting close to a friend, and dancing to music with their classmates.
At home: Invite another parent and child to your home for a play date. Blocks, balls, dress up clothes and toy kitchen sets are great toys for children at this age. Don’t force them to play with each other. Instead, let the children decide on the level of interaction.
Recommended reading: Do You Want to be My Friend? by Eric Carle and I Can Share by Karen Katz
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: In the Beginner classroom, teachers refer to classmates as “friends.” Students learn about personal space and begin to practice good manners by saying please and thank you.
At home: Model positive behaviors while playing with your child. Say “I’m going to roll the ball to you. Can you please roll the ball back to me?” Afterward, say “Thank you. You are being a good friend.”
Recommended reading: How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen and Let’s be Friends by P. K. Hallinan
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Between ages three and four, children attempt to understand social situations, but often do so from an egocentric point of view. They need adult guidance to help them navigate peer conflict and model appropriate friendship-making behaviors. Small group activities help children learn how to follow directions, take turns and develop friendships.
At home: Ask your child about their friends and what games they played together. If he says, “Andrew didn’t play with me today. He’s mean,” you could say, “Andrew may have wanted to play a different game today. Maybe you can play together tomorrow. What does Andrew like to play?”
Recommended reading: Just My Friend and Me by Mercer Mayer and Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
PRE-K/PRE-K2 (ages 4-5)
In the classroom: Friendship in Pre-K and Pre-K2 is usually reciprocal and deliberate as children become more skilled in social interactions and look for peers with shared interests. Our character education program reinforces friendship making skills using songs, games, books and brain-builder activities to nurture skills such as collaboration, understanding feelings and resolving conflicts.
At home: Bring your child to events that include multiple children, such as birthday parties, or encourage your child to play a board game that requires multiple players. Ask him to introduce himself to the other children, or encourage him to play the game taking turns. If you notice frustration from your child, say, “In order to play the game, we all have to play together.”
Recommended reading: Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel and A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom
Don’t be concerned about the number of friends your child has, as it is more about quality than quantity. Each child will develop friendships at his own pace. What matters most is the development of social skills such as collaboration and problem-solving, which will help him transition into elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
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A Message From the Principal
February Newsletter
Hello CBA Families!
Is it February already?
Time is flying by this school year! February is going to be a fun and exciting month for our students and for you, so please keep track of all important dates!
February 1st also begins Read Across America. As your child reads books with you and your family, remember to write the name of the book on the weekly reading sheet and turn it in every Friday until March 4th. Our goal is to read 2500 books. When our goal is met the children will have the opportunity to turn Mrs. Adrienne into a human sundae!
Please remember:
1. School starts at 9am. –Why does Mrs. Adrienne say this? We want your child to embrace all that CBA has to offer.
Using our Links to Learning curriculum, our preschools offer the perfect balance of learning and play, combining structured learning experiences with play activities designed for each developmental stage. We offer far more than just child care. Preschool is the first introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot.
2. Drive safely in the parking lot-PLEASE!
*Please Parents—The weather can get very chilly during the winter months, please make sure you have spare clothes that are weather appropriate, including a jacket, gloves and hat!
*Reminder that payment is due the Friday before the following week! If payment is received after noon Monday, a late payment fee of $25 will be assessed. Thank you
Important Dates:
*February 5th- Wear Your Favorite sports Outfit
*February 8th- Coffee to Go for Parents in our Lobby
*February 12th- Valentine’s Day Classroom Celebration at 3pm
*February 12th: Valentines Date Night 630-10pm –sign up early (we need to have 10 or more kids sign up and a 48 hour notice for cancelling)-at the front desk
**February 15th: School is closed for President’s Day
* February 17th- Dress as Your Favorite Fictional Character
*February 19th- CBA Pride Day: wear Green or Yellow
*February 24th- Bring Your Favorite Book to School
*February 26th – Pajama and Cookie Friday
Parent Reminders:
**We do have a late pick up policy that is stated on your fee schedule. Our hours of operation are 630am-630pm, if your child is picked up after that time, you must pay the late pickup fee.
**Sick Policy: To ensure the health and safety of all of our children and staff, please remember to adhere to our sick policy which states: “a child must be free of all symptoms without medication for at least 24 hours before he/she can be returned to school. Following an illness, a child may return to school once he/she has either been seen by a doctor or it has been determined that the illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested).” All of us truly appreciate your support with this matter!
It is my commitment to support the needs of your children, your families, and the school. It is my passion to see your children succeed and thrive in their educational environment. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open and you can email me at adrienne.nwude@nlcinc.com.
Again, thank you for the continued support.
Mrs. Adrienne
Mrs. Dana
A Note From Our education Department:
Helping Your Preschooler Develop
Positive Friendship Skills
Are you puzzled by some of your child’s social behaviors? Have you noticed that your toddler doesn’t interact with other children very often? Does your three-year-old get frustrated when a classmate won’t play with him? Will your four-year-old only play with her best friend?
These are all normal social behaviors for preschoolers. Learning how to develop friendships is a lifelong process. Children’s social behaviors evolve from smiling and cooing at others, to engaging in parallel play, to eventually forming friendships and playing together.
Below are ways we help develop friendships in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.
INFANTS:
In the classroom: Before they can communicate verbally, infants build connections by smiling, cooing and crying. By two months old, they might turn toward other infants, and by twelve months, they begin to imitate their peers. Teachers help facilitate this relationship by sitting infants near each other during activities such as story time and tummy time.
At home: Even though infants don’t really play with one another, they still benefit from “play dates” with other infants. Sit your infant face-to-face with another infant or in close proximity to an older sibling, and provide each child separate toys. Note when your infant watches the other child and what captures his attention.
Recommended reading: Friends by Helen Oxenbury and Let’s Play by Leo Lionni
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Many young children tend to engage in “parallel play.” They play near other children, but each child is doing something different. This is a natural phase of development. As children get older, they begin to enjoy more shared activities with their peers. For example, they might enjoy splashing their hands at the water table with others, looking at books while sitting close to a friend, and dancing to music with their classmates.
At home: Invite another parent and child to your home for a play date. Blocks, balls, dress up clothes and toy kitchen sets are great toys for children at this age. Don’t force them to play with each other. Instead, let the children decide on the level of interaction.
Recommended reading: Do You Want to be My Friend? by Eric Carle and I Can Share by Karen Katz
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: In the Beginner classroom, teachers refer to classmates as “friends.” Students learn about personal space and begin to practice good manners by saying please and thank you.
At home: Model positive behaviors while playing with your child. Say “I’m going to roll the ball to you. Can you please roll the ball back to me?” Afterward, say “Thank you. You are being a good friend.”
Recommended reading: How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen and Let’s be Friends by P. K. Hallinan
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Between ages three and four, children attempt to understand social situations, but often do so from an egocentric point of view. They need adult guidance to help them navigate peer conflict and model appropriate friendship-making behaviors. Small group activities help children learn how to follow directions, take turns and develop friendships.
At home: Ask your child about their friends and what games they played together. If he says, “Andrew didn’t play with me today. He’s mean,” you could say, “Andrew may have wanted to play a different game today. Maybe you can play together tomorrow. What does Andrew like to play?”
Recommended reading: Just My Friend and Me by Mercer Mayer and Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
PRE-K/PRE-K2 (ages 4-5)
In the classroom: Friendship in Pre-K and Pre-K2 is usually reciprocal and deliberate as children become more skilled in social interactions and look for peers with shared interests. Our character education program reinforces friendship making skills using songs, games, books and brain-builder activities to nurture skills such as collaboration, understanding feelings and resolving conflicts.
At home: Bring your child to events that include multiple children, such as birthday parties, or encourage your child to play a board game that requires multiple players. Ask him to introduce himself to the other children, or encourage him to play the game taking turns. If you notice frustration from your child, say, “In order to play the game, we all have to play together.”
Recommended reading: Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel and A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom
Don’t be concerned about the number of friends your child has, as it is more about quality than quantity. Each child will develop friendships at his own pace. What matters most is the development of social skills such as collaboration and problem-solving, which will help him transition into elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education