Week of the Young Child
Investing in our future.....
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FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Monday, April 7, 2014
Fillmore Central Community Education Programs Into Pre-K by Houghton Mifflin. Activities are usually handson and cover a wide range of abilities including cutting, writing, coloring, role playing, retelling stories, and learning colors, shapes and letters. Pre-literacy skills are also an important component of our 4/5 school readiness program. Much of the year revolves around early literacy and helping students move on to the next step. Throughout the school year, we focus on number and letter identification and beginning letter sounds, writing our letters. Letter knowledge is not the only piece to the early literacy puzzle; rhyming is a big part of being able to increase awareness in different sounds in language. Special education students are fully integrated into our classrooms allowing friendships to form and differences to be accepted. Staff includes: 4/5 Lead Teachers Tonya Keim and Jessica Marzolf, 3/4 Lead Teacher Tara Corson, 4/5 Classroom Assistants Angie Haugerud and Jill Miller, 3/4 Classroom Assistant Charlene Mensink. ECSE Staff includes Connie Berg, Paula Birch, Janeen Wingert, and Katie Sveen. ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) ECFE exists to strengthen
Fillmore Central’s Community Education offers a variety of programs for families with children age birth to 5. The mission of our early childhood programs is providing children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing, learning environments. School Readiness School Readiness offers a preschool experience to students that are 3-5 years of age. The 3/4 year olds have three options: Monday/Wednesday sessions from 8:15-10:15 or 10:30-12:30 or Tuesday/Thursday from 8:15-10:15. We offer three classes for the 4/5 year olds on Monday, Wednesdays, and Friday; two sessions in the morning from 8:15-11:15 and an afternoon session from 12:10-3:10. Transportation is offered for all of our preschool classes. Our primary goal is to welcome students to the school setting and help them feel comfortable in a classroom when they enter Kindergarten. Playtime is an essential part of our program. Playtime provides many opportunities for students to grow in conversations skills, imagination, social skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. We also have structured activities that focus on a standard from our curriculum, Splash
Fillmore Central Schools One Block At A Time Mission: to provide children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing, learning environments.
families through the education and support of all parents in providing the best possible environments for the healthy growth and development of their children. ECFE is geared toward birth to age 5. We conduct sessions that include parent and child time, parent time, child time, educational material, and special family events. Parent and Child Time. During this time children have the opportunity to play and learn new friends. During this time children have the opportunity to play and learn with new friends. You and your child will take home projects you make together. Parent Time. Sharing parenting skills and ideas with other parents is done at this time. Gather new and up-todate information on topics that relate to your child’s development. Meet other parents from the area, and form a support network. Child Time. Each week we have a healthy snack, and a circle time with songs, stories, and activities that coincide with the preschool program at Fillmore Central. Educational Materials. We have a lending library loaded with books for parents and hands-on activities for children. We have music, books, toys,
Fillmore Central Community Education
Day Care Center
SAC School Age Care
YES! Youth Enrichment Studies
Summer Recreation
Adult Classes & Events
Quality classes for an adult audience. Our instructors are professional and friendly.
Adult Classes & Events
School Readiness
3-4 Year Old Class-must be 3 years old by Sept 1.
Mon/Wed 8:15-10:15am or 10:30am-12:30pm or Tues/Thurs 8:15-10:15am 4-5 Year Old Class-must be 4 years old by Sept 1. Mon, Wed, Fri, Morning: 8:15-11:15am; Afternoon: 12:10-3:10pm
ECSE-Early Childhood Special Education
for children ages 3-7 with special needs. This program will help strengthen academic expectations and accountability for children with disabilities and bridge the gap between what children with disabilities learn and what is required in regular curriculum.
Summer Recreation
Our Summer Rec. program offers on-site activities, games, and sporting events, plus special field trips. This is a combined program for both Harmony & Preston.
“Your Community Banks for Generations!”
School Readiness -Preschool-
ECSE Early Childhood Offered to all families who want to do what is Special Education best for their children, ages birth to kindergarten.
Day Care Center
See FC COMMUNITY Page 3
ECFE - Early Childhood Family Education
ECFE-Early Childhood Family Education.
Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers. Center is located in the Fillmore Central Elementary School, Preston.
and more! Special Family Events. ECFE offers play dates, open gym, and special activities geared toward families with young children. Recently we have incorporated ECFE On-The-Go. ECFE On-The-Go brings educational materials into your daycare to spend time with the kids. Staff includes: Child Educator Heather Stockdale and Parent Educator Amanda Heibel. One Block At A Time Daycare The mission of One Block At A Time Daycare is to provide children with successful starts through healthy, nurturing learning environments. Care is provided for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. One Block At A Time Daycare offers five different rooms; an infant room, a transition room, a toddler room, 3/4 preschool room, and a 4/5 preschool room to allow the care and developmentally appropriate activities for each age group. Drop-ins are accepted with 24 hours notice pending we have room availability. All staff are state licensed certified and CPR/First Aid certified. Staff Includes: Kathy Tesmer Daycare Director. Room Leads; Connie Snicker, Melanie Kath, Noelle Crawford, Mary
Frederickson, Allen Lafluer, and April Rigot. Room Aides; Ellie Skaggs, Andrea Hellickson, Chelsey Johnson, Dode Rabe, Shira Anderson, Sharon Wising, and Genny Hanson. SAC SAC is designed to provide a safe and supervised environment for children in Kindergarten through grade 6. SAC offers a variety of activities to channel children’s energies into positive growing experiences and will focus on the following goals for your child: 1. To develop new friendships and work together in cooperative group situations. 2. To gain respect for themselves, others and property. 3. To develop self-confidence. 4. To provide a safe, caring, trusting and relaxed environment conducive to fun and adventure. 5. To provide trained, caring and respectful staff who understands the importance of a stable setting that meets the developmental needs of children. Staff Includes: Janeen Wingert, SAC Director. Jessica Marzolf, Co-Director. Room Aides include Courtney Schroeder. More staff will be on board during the summer months. Community Education seeks to improve the quality of life by providing lifelong learning
SAC- School Age Care
Before and after school care for children grades K-6. This program offers professional group care during non-school hours for all children attending kindergarten through sixth grade. It is located in the Fillmore Central Elementary.
YES-Youth Enrichment Studies
YES supports development of social, mental, physical, and creative abilities of schoolage youth. We provide structured, fun youth programs that are designed to promote youth leadership development and help improve academic performance in many youth.
Fillmore Central Schools, Preston, MN • 507-765-3809
For more information, contact Angi Kaase, Community Education Director. angi.kaase@isd2198.k12.mn.us
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Monday, April 7, 2014
FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Spring activities are flourishing
FC COMMUNITY Continued from Page 2
opportunities for all members of the community. Lifelong learning is based on the belief that people are learners at every age and are entitled to pursue educational opportunities that are meaningful to them. We believe that Community Education fosters the learning process in a variety of places and under a variety of conditions. It provides planned learning experiences and activities intended to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community. By participating in Community Education programs, community members can develop new skills, pursue intellectual and physical interests, and develop a positive self-image. Fillmore Central Community Ed also offers enrichment classes for both youth and adults and heads up the Summer Rec programs. Through these programs our goal is to improve the quality of life by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of the community. Lifelong learning is based on the belief that people are learners at every age and are entitled to pursue educational opportunities that are meaningful to them. For more information on any of our programs, please contact Angi Kaase, Community Education Director, at 507.765.3809 or email at angi.kaase@isd2198. k12.mn.us.
Spring is a busy time for us here at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), especially in our early childhood program. We invest in this area to prepare the youngest citizens of our region to be the workers, leaders, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We invite you to celebrate with us the Week of the Young Child, April 6-12. This year’s theme is “Early Years Are Learning Years”. For more information about the Week of the Young Child, visit http://www.naeyc.org. One way we’re marking this annual event is by bringing attention to the ways SMIF is investing in early childhood. In this month’s column, I’d like to share briefly some of our current early childhood efforts. A few years ago, we launched Parenting Matters... a workplace education program. We know that many working families find it difficult to participate in the traditional parenting classes due to conflicting work schedules, time commitments, and cost. To help remove these barriers, SMIF engages parents where they spend a majority of their time-the workplace. We’re excited about the number of businesses that have already taken advantage of this program as a way to help their employees become better parents, and we anticipate that this program will continue to grow. Research shows that employees who believe they are good parents are also more productive workers.
For us, our Parenting Matters class translates into a win-win for everyone-the business, the community, and the families. Another unique way we invest in early childhood is by providing free books to organizations through our BookStart grant program. For more than a decade, we have partnered with Capstone for more than a decade, as together we seek to place a book into the hands and homes of pre-school children across southern Minnesota. Through this program, we are pleased to offer awardees the option to select from a limited number of board books and bilingual (Spanish and English) books as well as a wide variety of other early childhood books. (Applications for BookStart are due April 15.) Presently, we are also recruiting new AmeriCorps LEAP members for our 2014-2015 year of service.LEAP participants are placed in early learning centers (typically Head Start sites) and they help classroom teachers address the area of social and emotional skills in children ages 0-5. These efforts lead to skill-building and result in improved school readiness, which is critical to a successful transition into kindergarten. (Those interested in becoming an AmeriCorps LEAP member should contact Barb Gunderson at barbarag@ smifoundation.org or 507-4553215). In addition to these early-child-
hood efforts, we’ll also soon be announcing the recipients of our bi-annual Incentive Grants. Some of these grant recipients will be early childhood organizations. Grantees will receive up to $20,000 for efforts focused on enhancing or expanding early childhood devel-
opment. If you would like more information on SMIF’s early childhood resources or other ways you can partner with us, you can contact me at timp@smifoundation.org or 507-455-3215 or visit to our website at www.smifoundation.org.
On March 25, Kelli Jo Dornink went and spoke with Mrs. Onsager’s 6th grade class about safe relationships with their peers and adults in their lives. On March 28, she brought the class down to the KFIL radio station to record a PSA about safe relationships which can be heard on KFIL during the month of April for Child Abuse Awareness Month. Kelli Jo is a practicum student from Winona State University who is working with Fillmore Family Advocates, located in Preston. Photo taken by Melissa Onsager
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Page 3
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FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
R-P Early Childhood Initiative Rushford-Peterson Community Education offers many opportunities for early childhood aged children and their families. Our Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are open to birth-5 year olds. Parents and children attend the themed classes together. Classes meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:157:30 p.m. We have started a new program called ECFE On the GO! ECFE On the GO! is where we take our ECFE class to the area child care centers. It is a great partnership between the school and the child care providers! Along with offering classes, ECFE also sponsors events the whole family can attend together, as well as events that highlight and celebrate special family relationships! This school year, families have already enjoyed Math Wizards Night, Santa’s Workshop, ECFE Open Gyms, and Reading Wizards. Upcoming special events for this spring include the annual Family Spring Fling on April 27 from 2-4 p.m. R-P Community Education proudly offers the Lille By Preschool program to our community. 3, 4, and 5 year old children attend classes independently from their parents. Lille By (pronounced “Lilla Bee”) is a Norwegian name
that means “Little Town”. Our preschool is an inclusive program. Lille By Preschool is currently accepting preschool registrations for the 2014-15 school year! Please contact the Community Education office for more information. Lille By Preschool is a 4-Star Parent Aware Program! ECFE Special Event information and Preschool information is included in the ECFE/ School Readiness newsletters mailed approximately once a month during the school year to our mailing list. Events are also advertised on our website at www.r-pschools.com under the “Community Ed” tab on the top of the homepage. Community Education also offers enrichment classes for all ages. Watch for R-P Community Education’s summer catalog that will include exciting opportunities for youngsters such as themed summer day camps, wee-ball and t-ball programs and more! For more information on any of our early childhood programs, or to be added to our ECFE/School Readiness newsletter mailing list, please contact Emily Johnson, Early Childhood Coordinator, at 507-864-7786 ext. 1131 or email her at emilyjohnson@rpschools.com.
Monday, April 7, 2014
SE MN Initiative Foundation announces BookStart grants to early childhood programs In an effort to promote early childhood literacy, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) and Capstone are partnering for the 12th year of the BookStart program. The goal of this partnership is to ensure every child has their own book at home to read or be read to by family members. Applications are being accepted through April 15, 2014. For the third consecutive year, Capstone is providing 10,000 children’s books to the BookStart program. Awarded organizations will be able to choose from a wide selection including bilingual and early childhood appropriate books. “Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation believes that investing in early childhood pays big dividends for communities and businesses, which is why we are so pleased to be able to provide books to young children once again this year,” explained Tim Penny, SMIF President/CEO. “We know that having a book of their own encourages young children to develop a life-long love of reading-a key ingredient for a healthy life of learning, achieving, and succeeding.” “This program is near and dear to the heart of Coughlan Companies. We have a strong culture of giving throughout. We hope this program helps to create a commu-
nity of readers in each community that receives the BookStart books,” said Maryellen Coughlan, Director of Corporate Giving and Social Responsibility. Applications should reflect collaboration with other organizations that support reading, target populations that may not have access to books, and promote early childhood learning through literacy at the family level. Eligible projects must be located within SMIF’s 20-county area. Applications are due April 15, 2014. Organizations wanting to be a part of this effort to promote literacy and learning among the region’s youngest citizens are encouraged to apply for a BookStart grant. Visit www.smifoundation.org and click on the ‘Applications’ page for details or contact Lynn Smith (lynns@smifoundation.org) for more information. About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donorsupported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $50 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 28 years. SMIF’s key interests include early childhood and entrepreneur development. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.
smifoundation.org. About Capstone About Capstone: Capstone is a leading publisher of children’s books in nonfiction and fiction, digital products and services and literacy programs. Capstone’s content comes in a variety of print and digital formats including board books, picture books, interactive books, apps, audio and databases. Imprints under Capstone include Capstone Press, Stone Arch Books, Picture Window Books, Heinemann Raintree and Compass Point Books. For more information, visit www.CapstonePub. com
The Fillmore County Journal publishes engagement announcements free of charge. Send your announcement and photo to news@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Monday, April 7, 2014
FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Mabel-Canton Early Childhood Programs It’s always a busy time in the Mabel-Canton Early Childhood classroom. We have one 3 yearold preschool class that meets twice a week and two 4 year-old Kindergarten Readiness Classes meet either two mornings or three afternoons during the week. While at school the students learn their letters, numbers and counting, shapes and colors. Students also engage in social interaction with their peers and also enjoy small and large group activity time during the day. If you have any questions about
the preschool programs offered here at Mabel-Canton, please feel free to contact us or visit our website: www.mabelcanton.k12. mn.us. ECFE Our M-C ECFE and School Readiness programs are offering several special events for all families with young children. Please take this opportunity to come out and interact with your children and also other families in the area with young child. For more information, contact Amy Hoscheit at 493-5423 extension
St. Johns Week of Young Child St. Johns Lutheran Preschool is owned and operated by St. John Lutheran Church of Wykoff, Minn., under the supervision of the congregation’s Board of Education. St. Johns Lutheran Preschool was established to assist and support Christian parents in their God-given vocation of raising their children. Christian parents desire that their children grow up knowing and believing in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that they learn to live as faithful, responsible, and God-fearing citizens in the world in which God has placed them. It is the goal of St. Johns Lutheran Preschool to do all it can in early childhood development and teaching the Christian
faith to assist parents in their God-given calling. Our program is designed to help children grow socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually in an atmosphere where children feel acceptance and loved. In addition to offering a high-quality preschool education, we are committed to the Christian faith as taught in the Word of God and confessed in the historic Confession of the Lutheran Church. Parents will find an important ally in St. Johns Lutheran Preschool. Our preschool is open to the general public for children ages 36 months through prekindergarten and who are toilettrained. Registration forms for
Upcoming Events •Annual Egg Hunt - Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at Green Lea Manor in Mabel. •April 6-12 - Week of the Young Child - “Early Years are Learning Years”. Watch for more infomraiton about a special event during this week and be sure to come join the fun! •Friday Morning Playgroup Meets April 25 & May 9. Parents and daycare providers are invited to come to the Early Childhood classroom between 9:30-11 a.m.
for a playgroup. Children and parents can play with the toys and other learning materials available and also make a craft. A light snack will be served and story will be read at the end of playtime. The fee for playgroup is $3/child. If you are a daycare provider, ask for a group rate! •Baby Celebration - Monday, April 28 - 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Mabel-Canton Media Center. This is a special night for parents and children up to 24 months. CHild development and parenting concerns will be discussed and families will go home with some fun learning tools for their children. Each new baby will receive
their baby basket gift from the advisory council as well. Brenda Pohlman, Fillmore County Public Health, will be in attendance to discuss information on toy and car seat safety, development, dental health, nutrition and childproofing. Grandparents are also welcome to attend with the child if parents cannot. Refreshments will be served. If enough families do not sign up however, this class will be cancelled. Minimum of five families needed. To register, call Amy Hoscheit at 507-4935423 extension 127 or email ahoscheit@mabelcanton.org. •Preschool Registration Night Monday, May 5.
preschool enrollment are available upon request. Registration opens in March and continues through August for the following school year. All forms must be completed and submitted to the school office with the first month’s tuition payment of $75 in order to guarantee enrollment in the preschool. Enrollment of children in the preschool after the registration period is granted if openings are available. The preschool schedule is as follows: 3- & 4-year-olds: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 a.m.–11 a.m. 4- & 5-year-olds: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 Noon–3 p.m. Our school year runs from September through May. The preschool calendar will basically follow the calendar of St. Johns Lutheran School and the
Kingsland School District. We pray at snack time, celebrate Christian holidays, and teach Christian living. The children will learn by heart the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. They will hear Bible stories daily and learn of Jesus’ love for them by His dying on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Our program is designed to help your child grow socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually in an atmosphere where your child will feel acceptance and love. Additional goals and objectives: Physical Development to provide an environment that fosters growth in gross and fine motor development at developmentally age-appropriate levels for each child. Intellectual
Development - to provide an environment that fosters growth in language, math, science, and sensory skills. Social/Emotional Development - to provide an opportunity for each child to develop a positive self-image, and positive growth in relationship with peers, adults, and the environment. Language Development - to use verbal expressions, develop vocabulary, speak in sentences, follow simple directions, and to express ideas, feelings, and experiences through stories and drawings. For registration materials or for further information on St. Johns Lutheran Preschool, please contact the teacher, Mrs. Rachel Welch, or the school office at 507-352-4671, or visit the school website www.stjohnswykoff.org.
127.
Fillmore County Licensed Daycare Directory Anna Krahn, Learn and Play Family Child Care......507-346-2789 23666 151 Ave., Spring Valley, MN
Crystal Hindt Dols ..............................................507-346-9869 601 Warren Ave., Spring Valley, MN
Katie Kerns Daycare ...........................................507-421-1256 905 Spring Valley Ave., Preston, MN
Lori Batzel Family Child Care ...............................507-951-1644 722 Twiford St., Chatfield, MN
Maureen Ruskell, Family Child Care .....................507-867-4369 520 Twiford St. SW, Chatfield, MN
Michelle Folken, Family Child Care ......................507-867-3128 201 7th St., SW, Chatfield, MN
Missi’s Munchkins ..............................................507-346-1752 416 East Ave., Spring Valley, MN
Mrs. Dorothy’s Day Care ......................................507-867-2920 5 Twiford St. NW, Chatfield, MN
Nicole Schriever’s Child Care ...............................507-272-4457 30875 County Rd. 22, Harmony, MN
Sandy’s Daycare .................................................507-346-2839 11177 Quilt Rd., Spring Valley, MN
Tanny’s Tots .......................................................507-886-2951 378 7th Ave. SE, Harmony, MN
Tina Kerns, Family Daycare .................................507-743-8349 101 First St., Canton, MN
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FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Monday, April 7, 2014
Chatfield Community Preschool: A sneek peek I Love to Read February was a very busy at a typical preschool day month at Fillmore Central EleBy LuAnn Klevan Community Education Director You probably recognize that preschool is an exciting time for children and their families. But, have you ever wondered about what takes place in a preschool classroom? Let’s take a peek and see. If you observed a typical day in a Chatfield Community Preschool classroom, you would see that learning begins as soon as a child arrives. They are welcomed with smiles by teachers who are ready to make the learning experience fun and worthwhile. From the very beginning, the preschoolers experience a sense of belonging. They find their names posted on lockers, cubbies, name cards and word walls. During sign-in children learn to recognize and write their names. Learning comes in many forms. Centers provide opportunities to practice social skills, tryout theme related vocabulary and activities, and interact with teachers and other children. Free time to explore the centers gives children the opportunity to make decisions and to problem solve. Centers include hands-on experiences in art, science, math, writing, and dramatic play. In circle and group time preschoolers learn through stories, songs, rhymes, morning messages,
conversations about the calendar and the weather, and a time to share. During the opening circle time the children discover who will serve as the special helpers. Identifying the weather, being a line leader or caboose, serving as snack helper, or holding the door open gives every child the opportunity to contribute to the classroom. During outdoor play or gym time, preschoolers run, jump, skip, spin, and play. Large motor skills are developed on a daily basis. Did you realize that mastering large motor skills is an important step in the development of literacy skills? If you close your eyes, you will hear amazing things taking place in the preschool classroom. You will hear children recognizing rhyming, singing songs, sharing stories, identifying letters & letter sounds, and reading site words. More importantly, you will hear conversations. Teachers will be engaged in discussions with individual children – showing interest by asking questions, and making comments that extend the conversation. Children will be visiting with each other. Whether sitting at the snack table, playing in the dramatic play area, or working at the writing center, children are expanding vocabulary and learn-
ing conversational skills. During one day of observation, there are things happening that you probably will not see. You may not notice a child’s confidence growing as he or she becomes more comfortable with the routine. It will not be obvious to you when the first letter of a child’s name is written for the first time…or the pride that child feels when finally being able to write his or her name without assistance. You will not see the incredible growth that takes place within a few short months. Children begin to regulate their own behavior. They take turns, walk in straight lines, and contribute to the learning experience. By May, one thing becomes obvious upon observation – our PRESCHOOLERS ARE READY FOR THE NEXT STEP! Chatfield Community Preschool offers two or three day options. Full-day and morning classes are available for both the 3 Year Old and 4 & 5 Year Old classes. Information is on the Community Education page of the school website (www.chatfield.k12.mn.us), at the elementary school office, and at the Community Education Office. If you have questions, please contact LuAnn Klevan at lklevan@ chatfield.k12.mn.us or (507)8674210 x. 5022.
mentary with it being “I Love To Read Month”. The kids were buzzing with energy for reading and fun! Fillmore Central Community Ed, Fillmore Central Schools, and area businesses partnered up to encourage a reading program for kids in our area. Fillmore Central Schools has celebrated this event for years during the month of February and this year was no exception. To create more adventure, this year’s theme was “Winter Olympics” to follow suit with what was going on in Sochi. The month consisted of not just reading but several activities and dress up days. Each classroom was assigned a country that was participating in the Winter Olympics and then the classes made flags to carry at the opening ceremony and kept track of all of the medals received by their country in the actual Olympics. There was an Opening Ceremony, Olympic Games performed, Wednesdays were dress up days and Thursdays was SQUIRT (Super Quiet, Uninterrupted Reading Time). The school wide goal was 100,000 pages K-6. Preschool kids had their own goals of 200-400 minutes being read to them during the month. The local businesses that part-
ner up with us on this incentive program offered prizes, Preston bucks, discount in stores, meals at restaurants and goodies. Rewarding reading accomplishments with awards, praise and recognition was the goal of the program. Title I, teachers and Community Education at Fillmore Central worked together to develop a goal depending on the age group and reading levels of the students. This goal was set at an expectation that we would love to see all kids reach. Once the students reached their reading goal on their reading log, they were offered an added incentive from area businesses. Set Goals: 3/4 & 4/5 Preschool has a goal of 200 minutes K-2 has a goal of 300 minutes 3-4 has a goal of 400 pages 5-6 has a goal of 600 pages In the month of February there were 229 students that turned in reading logs! Although “I Love To Read Month” is over, the incentive program is not. Area businesses are continuing to offer the added incentive through the month of March. Thank you to families, Fillmore Central teachers and businesses for your time, interest, and involvement on this great incentive program for the students.
Monday, April 7, 2014
FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Kingsland Early Childhood Programs Kingsland School Age Child Care (SACC) Kingsland School Age Child Care (SACC) is the childcare program located on site in the elementary school in Spring Valley. This program serves students preschool through 5th grade 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the program is $2.75 an hour and we offer a drop-in service so you are only billed the hours your child is here. SACC is a great choice for many
families because of its affordability and the services it provides. Kingsland SACC is a great option for families who have work schedules that do not allow them to transport their children to programs they want to participate in. During the school year this includes childcare during the day for children enrolled in preschool and after school care for students in Community Ed classes or other school activities like
Tippi Toes. Children using the preschool program are escorted to and from preschool and families are not charged while their children are in preschool. We have openings for students preK-5th grade available. Please contact Angela Solberg, SACC Coordinator at Solberg.angela@ kingsland.k12.mn.us with questions. Kingsland Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) ECFE is a program offered through the Minnesota Department of Education in public school districts across the state. ECFE is for families with children ages 0-5, not yet enrolled in Kindergarten and provides an opportunity to meet other parents in the community, explore developmentally appropriate activities with your child, and learn about and discuss various topics of parenting. If you are planning on sending your child to Kingsland Preschool, ECFE is also a great way to introduce your child to the preschool classroom as ECFE classes are held there as well. Currently weekly ECFE classes are offered on Tuesdays from 4:456:15 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. at Kingsland Elementary. Classes include together time with your child in the preK room, separation time for parent discussion, and circle time to close. While parents are in topic discussions,
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Essig Agency, Inc.
Spring Valley • 507-346-7244 www.essigagency.com
children continue to play and explore with preschool teacher Kelly Simon and support staff in the preschool room. For more information you may check us out online at www.kingsland. k12.mn.us under Community Ed, Early Learning Programs, ECFE or by emailing coordinator Ann Priebe at priebe.ann@ kingsland.k12.mn.us. Kingsland Early Childhood Screening Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before they start school. Minnesota Department of Education requires that all children be screened at least once before entering Kindergarten. The ideal age to be screened is 3.5 and a trained professional will check vision, hearing, height and weight, immunization status, large and small muscle skills, and cognitive, social, and emotional development. The last screening date for Kingsland is May 2 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. If your child will be entering Kindergarten in the fall and has not yet been screened, please call Jill Ramaker in the elementary office today at (507)3467276 to schedule a screening. Kingsland Preschool Kingsland Preschool is an excellent way to prepare your child for a smooth transition
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to all-day, every-day Kindergarten. Kingsland preschool is a 4-star Parent Aware program, earning the highest rating possible. Preschool does a lot more than teach ABCs and 123s. Kingsland preschool prepares children for kindergarten through structured and unstructured activities including circle time, center time, library, and outdoor exploration. In addition to practicing early reading and math activities, children learn to positively interact with their peers and teachers, become familiar with the elementary wing of Kingsland, and get a jump start on the routines and expectations of Kingsland Elementary School. There are still a few openings in the afternoon classes which run: Monday 12:15-3:05 p.m., Wednesday 11:45-2:05 p.m., Friday 12:15-3:05 p.m. or Tuesday/Thursday 12:15-3:05 p.m. Kingsland encourages all families planning to enroll for Kindergarten to have at least one year of preschool. If your child is entering Kindergarten in the fall and he/she has not attended preschool, please consider enrolling your child before the end of the school year. Scholarship and transportation options are available. Please contact School Readiness Coordinator, Ann Priebe at priebe.ann@kingsland.k12.mn.us or Becky Bicknese, Community Ed Director at bicknese.becky@kingsland. k12.mn.us with questions.
Celebrate our youth...their growth...their knowledge. We are pleased to help sponsor this Early Childhood Initiative Section.
“Reach for your Dreams” fsbminnesota.com Spring Valley, MN 1030 N. Broadway Ph. 507-346-9836
LeRoy,MN 102 West Main
Ph. 507-324-5260 1-877-224-5260
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FILLMORE COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE
Lanesboro Child Care Center In 1988 the Lanesboro School District was the first in the state of Minnesota to offer daycare within the school system. This program is offered for all resident of the district. We are licensed to care for up to 60 children in our facility. Highlights of our the Lanesboro Child Care Center (LCCC): •Separate entrance just for day care •Children ages 6 weeks to 12 years can be accommodated •Hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•Experienced, qualified teachers and support staff •Hot breakfast and lunch and provided through the Lanesboro Public School meal program plus a healthy afternoon snack at no extra charge to day care participants •Escorted to and from Preschool classes within the Lanesboro Elementary School •Fenced in play yard right outside our front entrance •Planned educational activities and field trips •Reasonable rates Day care in the Lanesboro
Monday, April 7, 2014
Public School system allows children to be comfortable in a school setting. It also is comforting for parents to know that after school their children can go to a safe, enjoyable setting. With the in-house day care, Lanesboro Public School is promoting the value of family first, developing children who are school ready, and offering convenient facilities for its patrons. The Lanesboro Child Care Center strives to provide quality care to all of our children. Through age appropriate activities we are able to help your child grow physically, emotionally, and socially. We maintain high standards for all staff and attempt to
keep child ratios small to provide for the individualized care each child needs. We at LCCC believe that children need a warm, safe, colorful environment and varied experiences that place the emphasis on ‘play’. By providing these things, we feel that your child will grow and develop at a pace that is just right for them. LCCC feels that the role of the teacher is to assist the learning process by providing an environment where each child has an opportunity to explore and develop various skills. Our professional staff is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum for each age level.
Got a News Tip? Contact the
P: 507-765-2151 F: 507-765-2468 E: news@fillmorecountyjournal.com www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
Show your children great nutrition with these healthy choices!
Red Cabbage •Nutritional Benefits: One cup of raw cabbage has only 25 calories. Provides vitamins A, C and fiber.
•How to Pick, Store & Prepare: Choose firm, heavy cabbage heads with unblemished leaves. Store whole cabbage in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and use within a few weeks. Once cut, place the remainder in a plastic bag and use within a few days. To prepare cabbage, remove the thick outer leaves, slice in half, and cut out the hard white core. Wash thoroughly and slice into desired thickness. •How to increase consumption: Red cabbage can be sauteed, microwaved, steamed, roasted or eaten raw. Use cabbage in your favorite coleslaw recipe. For a simple side dish, simmer red cabbage with chopped apples in red wine. Add thinly-sliced cabbage to lettuce salads. Make red cabbage rolls filled with meat and other vegetables.
Be a Cabbage Patch Kid! Red Cabbage Slaw Serves 8 (about 1 cup each)
5 C thinly sliced red cabbage (about 1.5 lbs) 1/2 C dried cranberries 1/2 C apple cider vinegar 1/3 C sugar 2 tsp salt 2 tsp olive oil 1/2 Tbs ground black pepper 2 1/4 C diced Granny Smith apples In a large bowl, combine cabbage and cranberries. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper; drizzle over cabbage mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Add apples and toss well to combine.
Per Serving: 120 calories, 1.5 g fat, 1 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 240 mg sodium This recipe is a Foot Steps to Health recipe providing a serving of fruit or vegetable and is 500 Club approved
For more nutrition information go to www.childhoodobesitycoalition.org
PineaPPle
A Tropical Escape in Just a Pineapple Away!
Pineapple Pudding Makes about 4 cups
1 3 1/2 oz. box instant vanilla pudding mix 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, un-drained 1 C plan low-fat yogurt Sliced strawberries to top, if desired Directions: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and pineapple. Fold in yogurt. Garnish with sliced strawberries. Sliced strawberries are not included in the nutritional analysis. Per 1 Cup serving: 220 calories, 1 g fat, 3 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 430 mg sodium This recipe is a Foot Steps to Health recipe providing a serving of fruit or vegetable and is 500 Club approved
•Nutritional Benefits: One cup diced pineapple contains only 70 calories. Excellent source of manganese and vitamin C. •How to Pick, Store and Prepare: Choose sweet smelling pineapples that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid pineapple with bruises or soft spots. Pineapple can be left at room temperature for a few days or stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for one week. Pineapple chunks can be frozen for up to six months. To prepare pineapple, slice off the crown and base of the pineapple and place it base side down. Slice off the skin. Then slice in half or quarters and remove the core. Cut into desired sizes. •How to Increase Consumption: Pineapple is great in fruit salads. Mix with fresh berries, melons and kiwis. Add diced pineapple to homemade salsa. Drizzle maple syrup on pineapple slices and broil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt. For a sweet taste, try topping coleslaw with pineapple. Add fruit like mango, pineapple, and plums to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
The publication was supported by the CDC Cooperative Agreement number U58/DP001494