We were so excited to see our Data Collectors from the University of Washington here on Tuesday as they began there observations for our level 3 Early Achievers rating.  They finished up on Wednesday with file reviews and teacher interviews.  We are now just waiting to hear back from them.  This can take 4-16 weeks, depending on the Department of Early Learning, where the data goes for final review.  I'm confident we will get our Level 3 rating, but the waiting to hear back is nerve-wracking!  We chose to participate in Early Achievers because not only is it the best way to ensure quality care and school-readiness, but it will be what future centers around Washington will attain to.  Our participation proves our commitment to quality care for our community's children and families. 

This is what an hour and a half field trip to Pump It Up does to school agers!  We had a blast!  Thanks to the staff for their help in making this a great field trip!

Overheard in class: Two pre-k kids working on a solution to who gets the toy:
Child #1: "If you give (the toy) to me, then I will give you this one and you can give it back to me."
Child #2 gives the toy over, is handed a different toy, and then is instructed to give it back.  Child #2 complies.  Child #1 begins to walk away with both toys, while child #2 looks on in confusion.
Child #2: "Hey, that's not how it works!"
Child #1:  "It works for me!"
(The second child was given the other, less preferred,  toy back from the first child and they played together and shared both toys after that.  But boy was that a great example of conflict resolution in the pre-k room!)

Miss Cheree brought in her pet tortoises, Stardust and Jupiter.  The children were very excited to touch and hold these amazing creatures.  There were lots of learning opportunities as well: the difference between turtles and tortoises?  Turtles live in the water and have webbed feet, and tortoises live on land and have claws.  We talked about the skeleton being on the outside of the body and how they use it for protection.  We learned that they live to be up to 100 years old!  Thanks Miss Cheree for sharing your pets with us and for teaching us so many interesting things about them!

Our field trip last month to Denny's Pet World.  Field trips are such an important part of the early learning experience. We learn about our communities, about following rules and being in public, and it's just really, really fun!  

Field trips can result in greater achievement in all subjects. By seeing real-life application of the lessons that they are learning in school, children might be more likely to understand and appreciate the importance and relevance of what they are learning.

If you're interested in chaperoning or have an idea for a field trip (or if you have a talent you'd like to share) please let Kelly or your child's teacher know.  We're always happy to have you!