Spring 2009 Newsletter

The weather is changing and it is time once again for a new seasonal newsletter. As the new season begins, I find myself growing more excited about the opportunities that we will have to play outdoors and learn more bible stories and curriculum lessons! I love this season and the opportunity to see all of God’s beautiful blessings...the blooming flowers, the sunshine, the green grass, tall trees, the sounds of birds chipping, and every sight and sound of spring! I am looking forward to working with the children and helping the grow and develop into their own beings during this wonderful season. Please stand united with me in prayer for the growth and development of all of the children during this spring season. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your family and remember to take special time to enjoy this season and the memories it holds!

Calendar of Events and Important Dates

Sunday March 8 Daylight Savings begins (spring ahead Saturday night)
Tuesday March 17 St. Patricks Day (Wear Green)
Friday April 10 He’s Alive Party (children’s snack party)
Friday April 24 Vacation Day (unpaid)
Friday May 22 Memorial Day Observed—Paid Holiday
Monday May 25—Friday May 29 Tentative Vacation Week (unpaid)
Friday July 24 Floating Birthday Holiday (paid)

New Curriculum Schedule and Modifications
As most of you are aware, I am always looking to improve our curriculum in order to benefit each child in their growth , development, and learning. After much consideration and research, I have decided that it would be in the best interest of all children to add an afternoon “scheduled” activity. The afternoon has always been opened to free play for the children since most of the morning was devoted to lessons, music, story, and craft time. I have decided to add a structured activity in the afternoon. Everyday the activity will be different and will vary in time so that the children will stay interested in participating with the group. It will be a group activity and will include either more music time, review of lessons previously introduced, board games/letter games, puzzle time, library time, “circle” time, or an activity/practice sheet. As the older children are preparing for school, this will give them an extra activity that will hopefully benefit them by enhancing skills that they are already developing. Since I will be adding an extra activity in the afternoon and will be more involved with the children’s activity, I will be sending home daily notes for EVERY child so that you can read about their day after you pick them up and depart. If you have any questions after you have read their daily note sheet, feel free to call me. I believe that this “small” modification to our curriculum schedule will be a great benefit to EVERY child!

Playtime in the Spring Season
The outdoor playtime during the warmer months will be lengthened compared to the cooler months. I request that each child is dressed appropriately for both indoor and outdoor play. Please make sure that during the warmer months that your child has appropriate tennis shoes for outdoor play. For the safety of all children, remember that backless shoes are prohibited at Mrs. Amber’s Daycare. Sandals with a secure front and back strap and tennis shoes are both accepted footwear.

Attendance Policy
Mrs. Amber’s Daycare requests that all doctor appointments and other appointments be made in the early morning or late afternoon. It is very important as we continue our curriculum that each child is not interrupted in order to get the full benefit of the daily lessons and activities. I do understand that occasionally there will have to be exceptions but let’s try to be respectful of the children’s learning time and the schedule that is in place so that EVERYONE will receive the benefit of learning! Children will NOT be allowed to attend for the day if they arrive AFTER 10:45 am. Also, naptime is between the time frame of 12:15—3:00, so please try not to schedule appointments during this time so that every child can get the proper rest needed. Again, lets be respectful of other children, parents, and the schedule!

Bathing Suits and Sunscreen
With weather permitting, we will begin our “SWIM DAYS” at the beginning of May. Each child is required to bring a swim suit and a bottle of sunscreen labeled with their name on it by May 4. These items will be stored at Mrs. Amber’s Daycare for the duration of summer. As your child’s sunscreen runs low, a reminder note will be sent home for you to provide another bottle. If you have a child that is not potty trained or “newly” potty trained, a package of swimmer diapers will need to be brought as well by
May 4. In addition to these items, a permission form will need be signed and returned in regards to applying sunscreen. These forms will be sent home closer to May. I am looking forward to a summer filled with wonderful swim days, wonderful memories, and wonderful learning!


We look not at things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. ~ 2 Cor 4:18