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​Did you sometimes look out of the window before going outside and face a dilemma? Raining, chilly...not inviting at all. Did you prefer to keep your child at home or go for a walk? We, parents, think that outside a child might get wet and dirty, and then, for sure, will get sick. Let's see what the benefits of going outside in any weather might be!
First of all, going outside in any weather trains the immune system and improves overall health. Secondly, it helps build muscle skills and coordination, together with their strength. Thirdly, spending quality time together, playing in the fresh air, and having fun increases openness with parents. It is also the best way to show and teach kids that no matter what, we need to take care of our health and body, take a deep breath to relax, and gain enough strength to move on. 
In our Center, we follow the rule that "There is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing and attitude!" 

We're so happy it's finally summer!  What a busy few months it's been!  While our state has reopened and people are getting back to work, we've found ourselves quite busy here, accepting returning children and families, and enrolling new ones!  Just like the children here, our center is growing!  

It's hard to believe but Spring has officially arrived!  We're seeing new plant growth amidst the snow and ice!  We're celebrating the new season with lots of outdoor activities, including art, large motor games, and observing nature.  Remember, though, we still need those coats, hats and rain boots for the kiddos!

"Happiness is holding flowers in both hands!"  Japanese Proverb

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It's so beautiful outside with all the leaves changing colors!  Fall is such a pretty time of year (even more so this year.)  I'm reminded of when we first moved to Washington from Southern California 25 years ago with our 2 small children, and just being in awe of all the beautiful fall trees!  Now my children are grown, and I have small grandchildren, but I never outgrow the pleasure of seeing the seasons change, and watching the beauty unfold in the trees. 
I hope you can take some time to enjoy this aspect of nature with your children:
​collect leaves, twigs, and other items to string onto a mobile, or add to a jar with some LED lights.  Make a nature collage, add to a tub or bin for sensory play (add tweezers, tongs, spoons, etc.)
Have fun this season, and enjoy all it has to offer!

Welcome to a new school year!  Although Fall signals the start of the school year like it always does, this year we find things a little bit different.  Since our school age children are all doing distance learning, we are offering a new school age, full day program where the children will have their own classroom and teacher to assist with online learning.  We're looking forward to working with parents, teachers, and school agers to make this a successful endeavor.  Happy Learning!

It's been a whirlwind summer!  Lots of changes in environment, socializing, and structure.  Although we try to keep things as "normal" as possible, there's no denying that some things have changed.
For instance, all staff and all children 5 years old and up must wear face masks.  It's sort of surreal to see children in masks, but it's something we'll have to get used to.  Social distancing has been a tough concept for the kids to grasp, but they are getting better at remembering to stay farther apart.  Our meal times have changed in that teachers are serving food, as opposed to the children helping themselves, and we are sitting much farther apart.  One thing the children have no trouble with is longer/more outside opportunities!  Water play in the sprinkler is a big hit!  They are also enjoying the bean bag toss, large dominoes, and sidewalk chalk.  Happy summer!

We are here to support our families in this difficult, uncertain time.  Our children are still getting structured learning times, as well as plenty of outside time.  We continue to follow strict cleaning and sanitizing guidelines to insure that our staff, students, and families have a safe and healthy environment.  We will keep our families updated to any changes in licensing regulations, and any updates from government agencies.  As always, we are here to support you!  Stay well!

 After a cold, wet, and snowy January, it was good to hear that the groundhog did not see his shadow and that spring is on the way!  

Our students here are ready for some sunshine, too, although they did have a blast playing in the snow on the playground!  

The seasons have passed so quickly this year, and we're already seeing snow in the air!  We had a great fall, with a Stone Soup Lunch and lots of turkey and leaf projects!
We got a chance to celebrate and be thankful for all we have, and all that's yet to come!

Winter will find us bundled up and ready to run and play on the playground!  We try to go outside as much as possible, so that we meet the state standard criteria of outdoor play each day.  Of course, we do take into account the cold, rain, wind, and snow, and modify outside times.  

Our Annual Sing-A-Long and Potluck will be held on Tuesday the 17th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  All our families are welcome to join us for this fun event!  A sign-up sheet is available.

We will be CLOSED from the 23rd of December to the 2nd of January.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

We order painted lady caterpillars every year and we get to watch them grow, form a cocoon, and emerge as butterflies!  We get to watch nature at its finest and most amazing!  Once all the butterflies have emerged, we release them and watch them flutter away!  What a wonderful opportunity for children to watch metamorphosis in action.  If you'd like to experience this at home, you can go to:
www.carolina.com to get caterpillars.