January 2021 Monterey Bay Parent

january 2021

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

OUR ANNUAL

PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

We’re g n i p m ju y o j r fo Welcome

2021 We’re so happy you are finally here!

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11 Years

in Santa Cruz County!

January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month!

Start the new year with tips and tools to renew, refresh, and recharge your relationship with your child or teen.

Triple P – a scientifically proven, world-renowned positive parenting program – is celebrating 10+ years in Santa Cruz County and is available to all families.

Find a Triple P class or practitioner: triplep.first5scc.org

Made possible through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (MHSA Prop 63 funds) and Santa Cruz County Human Services Department

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INFORMATION: First 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep@first5scc.org • triplep.first5scc.org montereybayparent.com

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

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Contents january 2021

in each issue: 06 Father’s Day Local dad, Rob Weisskirch covers parenting topics from a dad’s point of view.

08 Grandma Says An experienced grandmother of two offers insight and advice.

10 Dear Teacher Two long time teachers answer your questions about your child’s learning.

30 Products We Love for January

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Interesting Facts About Martin Luther King, Jr. Did you know King’s name was Michael at birth, not Martin? Or, that he is the only non-president to have a national holiday in his name (this year on January 18)? Read about these and six other interesting facts about Martin Luther King, Jr.

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What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus Vaccine.

The vaccine is here, and while there are almost daily news updates, Susan Meister checked with the experts to share what you’ll want to know now. by Susan Meister

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Our Featured Preschools. Looking for the right preschool for your child? Check out our recommended preschools.

18-20 The 2021-2022 Guide to Monterey County Preschools.

The basic information on the choices available to Monterey County parents.

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Choosing the Best Preschool for Your Child. Choosing a preschool can be daunting, even more so during a pandemic.

We have some hints to help make the journey a little easier.

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Five Reasons Parents Choose a Catholic School Education.

In honor of Catholic School Week, we look at reasons why parents choose a Catholic school education for their children.

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Featured Catholic Schools. Get more detailed information on our recommended Catholic schools.

on the cover

Zoe Favaloro is 3 years old and is the daughter of Kelly BradyFavaloro and Cosimo Favaloro. Zoe has a 6-month old sister, Cleo. Kelly is the owner of Rising Star Gymnastics.

Photo by Tatiana Scher 831-566-7225 • www.tscher.com

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PRESCHOOL GUIDE PAGES 16-23 MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

FUELING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING BAY VIEW ACADEMY IS A K-8 PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL BASED ON THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY, INNOVATION, AND PASSION FOR LEARNING. OUR DYNAMIC TEACHERS INSPIRE LEARNING THROUGH A BALANCE OF HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES AND HEALTHY USES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS KEY TO OUR VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY. MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT DATES Open Application Window For the 2021-2022 school year November 2, 2020 - February 17, 2021 Application Deadline February 17, 2021 at 3:00pm Public Lottery March 3, 2021

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from the publisher…

Monterey Bay

2021!!!

I’m not going to sugarcoat it; I am SO thrilled to see the end of 2020. It was a very long year that brought with it way too much anxiety, hardship, illness, and loss of life. 2021 is starting with some optimism; the vaccine is making its way to healthcare workers in hospitals across the state.

I am so grateful to the scientists who worked tirelessly to find an answer that will, hopefully, get us back to our normal lives soon.

PARENT

P.O. Box 806 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 MontereyBayParent.com 831-582-1373

Publisher Andrea Breznay abreznay@montereybayparent.com 831-582-1373 Account Executive Cherilyn Miller cmiller@montereybayparent.com 831-582-1770

Susan Meister talked to the experts to bring us the current info on the vaccine and its impact on our community. See her article on pages 1415. You can also check any of the local hospital Coronavirus pages for updates—the contact info for those websites is on page 15.

In the meantime, PLEASE heed all of the mandates: wash your hands frequently, stay at home whenever possible, and wear a mask when you do need to go out. We can see the end, but right now, we are in the middle of the worst outbreak, and everything we can do individually to mitigate our exposure could very well save a life.

While we wait for normal life, parents have plans to make for the 2021-22 school year. To that end, we bring you our annual preschool issue. You’ll find general information about the Monterey County preschools (pages 18-20) plus more detailed information on our featured preschools (pages 16-17). You’ll also find tips on choosing a preschool on pages 22-23. It can be an overwhelming choice, but we’ve tried to make it a little easier for you.

January also brings the beginning of “Catholic Schools Week.” We celebrate Catholic school education with an article about why parents choose a Catholic school (page 24). Plus, read about our featured Catholic schools on pages 26-27.

Welcome, 2021–just like our cover model, I am jumping for joy that you’ve arrived!

Cover Photographers Michelle Findlay Tatiana Scher Contributing Writers SUSAN MEISTER tricia vlasak rob weisskirch Editorial Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Monterey Bay Parent do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors.

Acceptance of advertising by Monterey Bay Parent does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Monterey Bay Parent is available free of charge at over 250 distribution points throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties as well as digitally at www.MontereyBayParent.com.

Monterey Bay Parent is ©2021 by Monterey Bay Parent, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Andrea Breznay/Publisher

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W

ith the new year, the ads for gyms, exercise equipment, and vitamins are everywhere. I wholeheartedly support these endeavors...from the couch. Like many fathers, I find time for exercise hard to come by and, frankly, less attractive than other activities. I don’t particularly like the term dad bod, but the mirror doesn’t lie. In case you haven’t heard this before, a dad bod is when weight is gained in the midsection, muscle tone is lessened, and doughiness prevails after having children. There is actual research that fathers’ bodies change post-having children. In one study, dads were 10 pounds heavier than non-dads with almost 2 inches more around the waist. However, the dads were more likely to say they were “about the right weight” than non-dads. Despite this positive self-image, those extra pounds can compromise health. The last year I’ve focused on staying healthy and not getting sick, so perhaps, this new year is one to take the extra step.

TAKE YOUR TIME In thinking about exercise, I reached out to a friend, Julie Schnitzer, a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Atagol Fitness in Pacific Grove, to ask her about dads getting back into the fitness routine. She advised reentering a routine slowly, gradually increasing to more strenuous movement, and not expecting to pick up where you left off. She said, “Work on forming an identity-based habit.

In other words, define what type of person you want to be and take daily actions that align with that identity.” I like to think of myself as lazy, but I may need to shift that image from non-lazy to active and start moving (literally) towards that image.

MAKE IT A HABIT Fitness goals to me are easy to say and hard to enact. Like everyone else, I am busy at work and home. When I think about taking time to exercise, I feel like I am being selfish and feel guilty.

Instead of exercising, I should use that time to engage with my kid, fix things around the house, or help out with the various chores. To overcome this common guilt from dads, Personal Trainer Julie Schnitzer asks, “What can you shift in your life to make your health a higher priority?” She says that perhaps there are activities that may have short-term benefits (e.g., relax with Netflix) you can forgo in favor of those activities that offer long-term investment in wellness.

As a dad, it is hard to argue with this kind of logic. I use the same sort of reasoning with my daughter to get her to eat nutritious foods before treats, go outside before videos, and brush her teeth.

PLAYTIME AS EXERCISE Kids are a good source of exercise. A few months ago, with playgrounds closed, I bought a heavier weight rope to jump rope with my daughter. One of us acts as the turner, and the other is the jumper (The other end is tied to a tree or pole). After a few rounds of

Father’s day by Rob Weisskirch

“Bubble gum, bubble gum, in a dish…,” I eventually have to take a turn. I do try my best and enjoy the jump roping but am relieved when my 7-year-old gets sloppy in her turning. We then turn to frisbee, which often turns into wind sprints to get to the frisbee first.

It feels good to play and run around, leaving stresses behind and staying in the moment of fun. Schnitzer concurs with this kind of activity, advocating that “kids are the ultimate training tools.” She notes that children are always looking to play and love being physically active with their parents. As a dad, increasing these play activities benefits my connection with my kid and my health by incorporating exercise simultaneously (a side benefit is my wife gets a quiet house for a while). In our place, we have started an outside-play-for-videos rule for my daughter, which is easier to fulfill when daddy is cycling alongside or is playing catch too.

I don’t know if this dad bod is going to become a rad bod. I hope that others will join me in leaving the couch, being active and healthy, and making changes so we can be around with our kids for a long time.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school aged daughter and reside in Marina.

The Dad Bod in the New Year Turn your “dad bod” into a “rad bod” with these tips!

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grandma says by Tricia Vlasak

Pandemic Parenting: Lessons Learned W

e are learning many things from this pandemic: some good, some not so good. We are having to rethink how we live our lives, how we manage our businesses, and how we are raising our families.

The decision to limit access to iPads, video games, and other electronic devices wasn’t such a big deal when my children were small. We didn’t have many choices. I used to put on a “Baby Einstein” video for my son so I could take a shower while he sat in his swing, watching bright geometric shapes float across the screen. But kids today are overwhelmed with exciting– and addictive–electronic options. Most parents limited their children’s screen time–until the pandemic.

SCREENTIME AND TODDLER DEVELOPMENT You probably know that to facilitate normal brain development toddlers must have exposure to stimuli.

Manipulating objects, banging on drums, clapping hands, learning to climb, opening and shutting doors, moving to music, learning to recognize shapes and colors are examples of how toddlers’ brains make neural network connections. Pre-pandemic, finding opportunities to stimulate toddlers was easier: a trip to the park, a tumbling class for tots, and daycare all offered enough activity to spark

those neurons. Now, however, toddlers are spending more time indoors and more time with the same few people.

In many households, one or both parents are also trying to work from home and likely aren’t able to focus all of their attention on their child’s brain development. That’s where electronics come in. A quick online search can come up with dozens of “brain games” for toddlers, most of them developed with professional guidance. Interactive games, videos showing positive social interaction between children, and watching dancing or musicians playing instruments can spark those neurons.

Parents may need to consider easing up on their rules regarding screen time to ensure their toddlers are getting the brain stimulation they need.

MEALTIME TOGETHERNESS Of course nothing can take the place of actual person-to-person interaction. Like puppies learn to be dogs from spending time with their littermates, toddlers learn how to be social by being with other toddlers.

For most families, this is not possible nor recommended. That makes meals together even more important. This is where I encourage you to put away those electronics I just recommended.

As often as possible, sit at a table together, share a meal, and talk. Take turns talking and listening. Include

the toddler–even if they don’t speak out loud yet. They are listening, and they often understand what you are saying long before they utter a sound. Children who are included in interactions learn to read facial expressions and body language.

Studies show that kids who eat dinner with their families form stronger peer relationships, and engage in less fighting and bullying.

PLAYTIME Lastly, kids gotta play! If your space at home allows, turn part of the living room into a toddler play area. Places to climb, colorful blocks to stack and knock down, and a rubber mat to fall on. Block this area off to create a safe space for your toddler to run wild.

Rotate toys to keep them stimulated.

If you have a yard, and the weather allows, do the same thing outside: block off a safe area to let them run free. Go for a walk, talking and exploring. Take a break from your world, and enter theirs. Look at things from toddler height: point out leaves and plants and bugs as you walk. Talk about what you see. What color is it?

How does it feel or smell? Is it soft?

Hard? Squishy? Stinky? Talking about things as you look at them and feel them helps toddlers make connections in their minds, leading to brain stimulation.

I keep telling my adult kids that life will be normal again–we will get there.

We are living through times that will be discussed for generations to come.

How we all deal with this–and how we teach our kids and grandkids to deal with it–will determine if those future generations will admire us or believe us to be abysmal failures.

And, as always, if you’re struggling, PLEASE ask for help! We are all in this together, and we all benefit from each other’s success. tricia vlasAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures.

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Success Secrets in Content Area Subjects Question: My son is only in third grade and is having difficulty understanding math, science and social studies. What can I do to help him handle these classes? – Help Answer: The first thing that you need to do with his teacher’s help is to determine with his teacher’s help exactly why he is having problems with these three subjects. Is it a reading problem? Is it possibly a learning disability? If it is one of these two problems, testing will need to be done to find the way to help him.

On the other hand, the problem could be that your son does not know the meaning of the new words that are being introduced in these content areas. Content area vocabulary begins to emerge in third grade. It is the unique technical vocabulary used to teach the ideas, facts and skills of each content area subject. For example, understanding words like “fraction,” “numerator” and “denominator” is necessary to succeed in math.

The essential vocabulary of each content area is not easy to identify.

These words are not usually found in basal readers nor on general vocabulary lists.

Most science and social studies and even math textbooks and e-books do give students obvious clues about the words needed to master these subjects. Typically, they are found in a list at the start of a chapter or in the end material of the chapter.

When your son starts a new chapter, look over the important chapter words with him. Choose a few each day and help him pronounce them and have him look up their meaning in the book’s glossary if there is one. Then to reinforce the learning of these words, you may wish to have him read assignments with you and look up again any words that he cannot define for you.

It will further help him learn these words if he does all the exercises at

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dear teacher by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

the end of science and social studies chapters -- even if they are not assigned. For further reinforcement and understanding of this new vocabulary, make it a point to discuss what he has learned in school every day while trying to use the new vocabulary words.

If learning the content words does not help him, then it is time for another chat with his teacher.

being on phones and other devices is particularly addicting, it may be necessary for them to give you these devices after they have used them for the agreed upon amount of time.

Cutting Children’s Time on Mobile Devices

Question: Is there a difference between skimming and scanning? Or are they both the same skill? – Puzzled

Answer: Skimming and scanning are different skills. Both skills help you pick out just a few bits of information that you can use later instead of really reading everything on all the pages.

Skimming gives you a general overview. Your eyes move quickly over a page, looking only for highlights, key words and phrases. When you skim, you read only a little bit of the information on the page. You skip most of the material. If children want to know what a chapter in their science books is about, they will read only the headings and glance at the pictures and charts. This is a smart thing for them to do before they read the entire chapter.

Scanning helps you find one thing quickly–like finding one person’s name on a list. You will need to combine what you have learned about reading from left to right with reading the page from top to bottom. Your eyes move quickly. Children should use scanning when they are looking for a specific event, like a battle in their social studies book.

Question: After their school closed last year, my children spent most of their day online doing classwork, playing games and visiting with friends. Now that they are actually back in school, they still are spending a lot of time online. Why is it so difficult to get kids off computers and devices? – Any Suggestions Answer: Right now, it is difficult to get children off computers and mobile devices because time on them was essential for both schoolwork, communicating with their friends and amusing themselves during the height of the pandemic. This is no longer true.

Since your children have returned to school, it is important for you to wean them from the computer and mobile devices. They will, of course, have some schoolwork that must be done on the computer. This is fine.

You can be sure that they are not playing games or visiting with friends if their schoolwork is done in a location where you can observe them.

Your children need to return now to doing activities outside the home from playing on sports teams to visiting friends to taking lessons in dancing, art or music like before quarantining at home. Living online is no longer necessary or particularly helpful to their development.

Decide with your children what a reasonable amount of time should be for them to spend online or with their mobile devices every day. Because

Defining Skimming and Scanning

Both authors have master’s degrees in education and specialist degrees (Ed.S.) in reading. In addition, Peggy has a doctorate in special education and educational leadership.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@ dearteacher.com.

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Little Known Facts About

Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15, 2021 marks what would have been the 92nd birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of the civil rights hero and to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 18, here are some interesting facts about MLK.

1. King’s birth name was Michael, not Martin. The civil rights leader was born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929. In 1934, his father traveled to Germany and became inspired by the Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther.

As a result, King Sr. changed his name as well as that of his 5-yearold son.

2. King skipped two grades in high school and started his college education at Morehouse College at the age of fifteen.

After getting his degree in sociology from Morehouse, Martin earned a divinity degree from Crozer Seminary and then a doctorate degree in theology from Boston University.

3. Mohandas Gandhi was a major influence on King. While at Crozer Theological Seminary, Dr. King was introduced to the teachings of Gandhi. In an interview, King said he attended a lecture from the president of Howard University given in Philadelphia about Gandhi, and he became “deeply influenced” by the philosophy of nonviolence.

4. King was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He received the prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence at the age of 35.

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5. Parts of his most famous “I have a Dream” specch were reportedly ad-libbed. During the 1963 March on Washington, King delivered a speech prepared by his speechwriter, Clarence Jones. He grew more passionate during the speech, and towards the end of the speech, he began to speak directly from his heart.

According to PBS, those famous lines that everyone can quote (“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed…”) were improvised.

6. The civil rights leader was arrested 29 times and assaulted four times. King was seen as a threat to American security by police officials. He went to jail nearly 30 times, arrested for acts of ‘civil disobedience,’ including the time he was jailed in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1956 for driving five miles per hour over the speed limit. Paper trails from the FBI show that the agency made efforts to thwart King’s progress.

After his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, the FBI intensified their investigation into King.

father. The shooting occurred at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Mrs. King was the organist. The shooter had planned to kill Martin Luther King Sr. His wife was closer to the gunman and was fatally wounded. The shooter was convicted, receiving the death penalty, which was later changed to life in prison.

8. King is the only non-president to have a national holiday in his name. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill that would establish a nationally observed holiday in remembrance of King.

He is the only non-president to have received such an honor; the other American to have a holiday commemorated in his name is George Washington. The holiday was first celebrated in 1986 on the third Monday in January, close to MLK’s birthday on January 15.

He is also the only non-president with a memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

7. His mother was also murdered by a gunman. On June 30, 1974, Alberta Williams King was shot by a gunman who claimed that Christians were his enemy and that he received “divine instructions” to kill King’s MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

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What you need to know about the

CORONAVIRUS VACCINES It’s a time to celebrate: the end of the Covid-19 pandemic may be within sight.

Vaccines are on their way to thousands of locations in the United States. In California, 327,00 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were received in mid-December (when this article was written). Of those, 3,000 were bound for Monterey County. 627,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, the second one cleared for emergency use, are also on their way to the state, and allocations of this vaccine will be distributed to Monterey County. Officials said they hope to provide 2.6 million doses to California residents before the end of the year. Since each of the currently available vaccines requires two doses, more will be needed to cover all 2.4 million health care workers in the state.

What Vaccines Have Been Approved by the Food and Drug Administration?

As of this writing, two vaccines have been cleared for emergency use by the FDA, the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine has a 95 percent efficacy rate, the Moderna vaccine has a 94.1 efficacy rate, and the latter has shown an all-important additional ability to prevent serious disease, which could reduce hospitalizations. Several other vaccines are in clinical testing.

It should be remembered that all but one of the vaccines in Phase 3 testing, the last phase before they can be released to the public, require twostage dosing separated by three weeks in order to be maximally effective. It

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is not uncommon for vaccines where full immunity is expected only after the second dose. This means that between doses, masking, social distancing, and avoiding crowds are still required to ensure that the virus is not transmitted, and will still be required until herd immunity (see section below) is achieved.

Of the two vaccines now available for distribution, the Pfizer vaccine requires extremely low temperatures for safe shipping and storage. The County Health Department and the major hospitals and laboratories in Monterey County have all been provided freezers that can maintain the appropriate temperature. The Moderna vaccine does not require low-temperature refrigeration which makes it especially valuable for rural areas, community health centers, and doctors’ offices that do not have the special freezers required.

The duration of immunity is not yet known. Rigorous investigation and follow up will be required to answer this question after a sufficient number of vaccinations has been performed.

How Do The New Vaccines Work?

In only the last few years, a major breakthrough in vaccine development has been achieved that has made the rapid development of the Covid-19 vaccine possible. The polio vaccine, for example, took twenty-three years to develop, during which time parents were constantly threatened by the prospect of their children contracting this paralyzing disease.

The vaccine, like many today, worked

By Susan Meister by introducing dead or weakened viruses to teach the immune system to recognize and wipe out the viral passenger. The new technology, called “mRNA”, for messenger RNA, works via a totally different route. Rather than a tiny bit of actual virus being introduced into the body to teach the immune system to recognize and wipe out the viral passenger, both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines deliver a strip of non-viral genetic material to a person’s cells. Once inside the cells, the messenger RNA builds replicas of the spike protein that studs the outside of the coronavirus. The immune system learns to recognize and block the spike. When the individual encounters the virus, the body releases cells, called T cells, which eliminate the infected cells. Then antibodies block the virus from infecting healthy cells.

What are the Side Effects?

As with most vaccines, side effects can be expected, such as soreness at the injection site and flu-like symptoms– muscle aches, fatigue–that last for a day or two. A very small number of people have strong allergic reactions to almost any vaccine, and they need to alert their medical professionals in advance about these reactions so they can be under close observation following vaccine delivery. However, in the opinion of public health experts, even in this small population, the risk-benefit ratio is favorable. Allergic reactions can be treated, and Covid-19 remains a far more dangerous predator.

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Who Will Receive the Vaccines First?

The first recipients will be frontline healthcare workers who care for Covid-19 patients in ICUs or hospital Covid units, and those who come in close contact with Covid patients, such as hospital housekeepers. They will be followed by healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. They will likely be followed by people over the age of 65 and those with underlying conditions that compromise their immune systems.

This priority list will be established by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. At this time vaccinations are not to be provided to children below the age of 16. The first clinical studies in adolescents are just getting underway.

Multiple sources of information are being established for residents to keep up to date on who is being vaccinated at any particular time: Monterey County’s Health Department website offers a page on the vaccine, local hospitals also have web-based information, and the CDC makes recommendations based on input from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on their web page (see Resources sidebar).

What are the Major Hurdles to Widespread Vaccination?

Although the percentage of people who have told interviewers that they will agree to be vaccinated has recently risen considerably, there are still obstacles. African-Americans and Latinos, for example, have long been particularly suspicious of vaccinations.

However, in the Moderna testing, it is worth noting that a fifth of the participants were Hispanic and 10 percent were African-American, two groups that have been especially hard hit by the virus. The government recognizes that special messaging is necessary to persuade them that the vaccine is both safe and effective for them. Vaccines have long been regarded as essential tools in crushing infectious diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, smallpox, and other highly contagious diseases. People who are against vaccinations of any sort are difficult to persuade but, like everyone else, are subject to contracting this deadly virus.

The goal of widespread vaccination is what is known as “herd

immunity.” This occurs when at least 70 percent of the population is vaccinated and thus becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of the virus from person-to-person unlikely.

In that way, the entire community becomes protected, not just those who are immune. Anthony Fauci, our leading virologist, predicts that herd immunity could occur by mid 2021 if people receive Covid-19 vaccines in large numbers.

How Much Will the Vaccine Cost?

Cost will not be an obstacle to getting vaccinated against Covid-19.

Doses have been purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars, although some vaccination providers may be able to charge small administrative fees. The providers can get this fee reimbursed by public or private insurance, or for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Service Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

In Summary • Two vaccines are now cleared for emergency use by the FDA and are available first to frontline healthcare workers and those who come in close contact with Covid-19 patients.

The next likely recipients will be residents and staff of nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities, and similar settings.

• Both vaccines have been thoroughly vetted for safety and efficacy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • California is receiving allocations of dosages of these vaccines; Monterey County is receiving its own allocations according to a schedule established by the state.

• Neither vaccine is approved for children under the age of 16, but both companies are running trials on children as young as 12, and have plans to start studying even younger children.

.

Resources: Federal:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov

State:

California Department of Public Health: covid19.CA.gov 1-833-422-4255 (Covid information line)

Local:

Monterey County Health Department: health@co.monterey.ca.us Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula chomp.org/coronavirus Dominican Hospital www.dignityhealth.org/ coronavirus Natividad Hospital natividad.com/covid-19/ Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital svmh.communitycovid info.com

Susan Meister is a journalist, columnist, and community activist living in Pebble Beach. Susan’s writing was recognized with the 2020 Bronze Award for service writing from the Parenting Media Association.

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Our Featured

PRESCHOOLS

If your toddler is ready for preschool, check out our recommended schools.

AGAPE ACADEMY

8340 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923 • 831-293-4059 Agape Academy Preschool offers a nurturing environment filled with warmth and encouragement. Agape offers a classical, Christian education that is language-focused.

Learning is accomplished through words, both written and spoken as well as experience rather than through images such as videos, television and computer screens. The purpose of a classical education is to strengthen a child’s mind, body, and character in order to develop the ability to learn anything.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY SCHOOL

8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923 831-624-9171 (ext. 12) The All Saints’ preschool program is designed to provide young learners with a joyful introduction to a true academic environment. Their Early Childhood program is integrated into a comprehensive educational program focusing solely on students in Preschool through 8th Grade. Curriculum is student-driven, incorporates purposeful play, and uses diverse educational methodologies to create a dynamic learning environment ideally suited to the early childhood age group.

MISS BARBARA’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

226 Beach Rd Marina, 93933 • 831-277-4388 Miss Barbara’s Child Development Center philosophy is based on the premise that each child should be treated and respected as an individual. The school mission is to encourage the child, the teachers and staff, and the parents to work together. At Miss Barbara’s, each child develops to the height of his or her own ability through the guidance of creative, talented teachers and interested, involved parents.

PACIFIC GROVE ADULT EDUCATION CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER EXTENDED DAY PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

1025 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950 831-646-6623 At the Pacific Grove Adult School, an Extended Day Preschool Program designed for children ages 18 months – 5 years is available. This program is state licensed and has been approved as a Quality Matters program through the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE). The program was designed to encourage and facilitate growth in all areas of development, including but not limited to social, physical, intellectual, cognitive and emotional development. The highly trained and qualified staff strive to provide the highest quality care and encourage the children to explore and create daily.

PACIFIC GROVE ADULT EDUCATION CO-OP PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

1025 Lighthouse Ave. Pacific Grove, 93950 831-646-6623 Pacific Grove Adult Education has a parent participation preschool program for children 3 years and potty trained to kindergarten entry. All programs for preschool build on skills outlined in the California Preschool foundations. Children explore learning opportunities through song, movement,

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

and dramatic play. The Dual Language Spanish preschool embeds Spanish into daily lessons, where children acquire second language skills through games, movement, and thematic play. Part time morning and afternoon classes offered.

POTRERO CANYON SCHOOL

5716 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923 • 831-625-0545 With a combined 70 years of teaching experience, the dedicated team of teachers at Potrero Canyon School provide loving, respectful, and nurturing care for children ages 2-1/2 to 5, including a pre-k classroom, in a fun, safe, and positive learning environment. Our mixed-age, low ratio activities foster creativity, confidence, kindness, independence, with an emphasis on developing each child’s social-emotional skills. Come visit and see what makes Potrero unique.

SACRED HEART PRESCHOOL

135 West Market Street, Salinas, 93901, 831-771-1324 The preschool serves students from ages three to five. The school’s vision includes instruction that far exceeds basic standards as it provides a loving and nurturing environment in which children have the opportunity to explore and learn at a pace that is in line with their social and emotional development. Additionally, the curriculum includes standard instruction in family and moral values.

SANTA CATALINA LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, 93940 • 831-655-9351 Santa Catalina offers a PreKindergarten program that is balanced and child-centered. The program offers children opportunities for free exploration, as well as plenty of exposure to guided instruction and learning. For children in Santa Catalina’s PreKindergarten class, school is a place where learning and fun go hand in hand.

SERENDIPITY PRESCHOOL

1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, 93940, 831-375-9743 Serendipity Preschool was established in 1981. It was founded by a mother and daughter team who had a dream to educate and prepare young children in an environment rich in art, music, science and history. Serendipity offers a high quality program with age appropriate activities that develop good reading and math readiness skills and thematic units rich in music, art, science and history. Serendipity offers a stimulating learning environment that provides materials, experiences, guidance and encouragement that help children to become curious explorers of their world.

STEVENSON SCHOOL

24800 Dolores Street, Carmel, 93921, 831-574-4607 In the Pre-Kindergarten (PK) classroom a trusting and caring relationship is developed between teacher and child by providing a safe, loving, and happy place to join the school community. The goal is to foster cooperation and empathy along with self-confidence and self-control. The program promotes a learning environment that encourages individuals to thrive and realize developmental and academic milestones. The curriculum prioritizes process over product, and play is valued as an important part of that process.

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2021-2022

Preschool Guide

So many options for your little one!

For more information on our featured preschools, turn to pages 18-19.

Serendipity Pre-School LLC We open the eyes and hearts of children to the wonder and discovery of learning. y mily am F Fa

Favorites

2020-21

✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay

PARENT

• A quality educational program for children ages 3 to 5 • Full and part-time preschool & Pre-K classes • Serving Peninsula families since 1981

1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, 93940 www.serendipitypreschoolllc.com 20

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831-375-9743 MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

2021-22 GUIDE TO Monterey County preschools

SCHOOL

TUITION

CONTACT INFO

Agape Academy $425-$750/week

8340 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923 831-293-4059 • agapeacademypreschool.com

All Saints Day School $12,650 (2019)

8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923 831-624-9171 •asds.org

Miss Barbara’s Child Development Center $930/month

226 Beach Road, Marina, CA 93933 831-883-2616 • missbarbaras.com

Pacific Grove Adult Education $1000-$1200/month 1025 Lighthouse Ave. Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Child Development Center 831-646-6623 pgadulted.com/parent-education Pacific Grove Co-op Preschool $200/month 1025 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-646-6623 pgadulted.com/parent-education Potrero Canyon Preschool $400-$1100/month 5716 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923

831-625-0545 • potrerocanyonschool.com Sacred Heart School $260-$800/month

135 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901 831-771-1324 •shschool.com

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School $14,500/year

1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey, CA 93940 831-655-9351 • santacatalina.org

Serendipity Preschool $386- $1,182/month 1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, CA 93940

831-375-9743 • serendipitypreschoolllc.com Stevenson School TK N/A

24800 Dolores Street, Carmel, CA 93921 831-574-4607 • stevensonschool.org

Academy for Children $895-$1150/month 1664 Silby Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955 831-899-9000 Church of the Good Shepherd Preschool N/A

301 Corral De Tierra Road, Salinas, CA 93908 831-484-2153 • goodshepherdcorral.org

CSUMB Child Development Center $0-$1150/month

100 Campus Drive, Building 91, Seaside, CA 93955 831-393-2246 • earlydevelopmentservices.com

Great Beginnings Early Learning Center $375 to $950/month

52 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA 93940 831-647-0551 • greatbeginningsmonterey.com

Hartnell College Child Development $4,956/year 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901 831-755-6945 Hearts and Hands Preschool $130-$205/week 345 E Alvin Dr, Salinas, CA 93906 • 831-449-7536 hhpreschool.com/hearts-hands-north-salinas Heaven Sent Preschool $875-$1250/month 520 Pine Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-373-1922 Little Friends Christian Preschool $486-$645/month

1025 Post Drive, Salinas, CA 93907 831-424-2145 • salinaslittlefriends.com

MPUSD Childhood Development $0-$8,172/year 3066 Lake Drive, Marina, CA 93933 • 831-384-0255 Centers mpusd.net Melody Park Christian Preschool

$255-$710/month

Monterey Bay Christian Preschool $450-$790/month

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

1130 San Vincente Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901 1184 Hilby Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955 831-899-2060 • mbcsonline.org

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2021-22 guide to Monterey County preschools

SCHOOL

TUITION

CONTACT INFO

Monterey Recreation Preschool $205-$447/month 735 Ramona Ave Monterey CA 93940 • 831-646-5665

871 Jessie Street, Monterey, CA 93940 • 831-646-3975

777 Pearl Street, Monterey, CA 93940 • 831-646-3873 monterey.org/rec Monterey United Methodist N/A Church Preschool

1 Soledad Dr. Monterey 93940 • 831-375-8285 montereypreschool.com

Mother’s Morning Out $240-$350/month

501 El Dorado Street, Monterey, CA 93940 831-373-1067 • fpcmonterey.org

Our Savior Early Childhood Center $250-$750/month

1230 Luther Way, Salinas, CA 93901 831-422-4614 •salinaspreschool.com

Pegasus Montessori $685-805/month 305 Reindollar Avenue, Marina, CA 93933 831-883-1216 Ryan Ranch Children’s Center $865-$1,005/month 2 Justin Court, Monterey, CA 93940 831-647-9556 St. Angela’s Preschool $561-$1,021/month

136 8th Street, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-372-3555 •stangelaspreschool.org

Shoreline Church Preschool $210-$335/month 2500 Garden Road, Monterey, Ca 93940 • 831-655-0100 horelinechurch.org/shoreline-preschool/ Teddy Bear Preschool $380-$910/month

1291 Fourth Street, Monterey, CA 93940 831-643-2273 • teddybearpreschool.net

Tiny Tot University Preschool $33-$130/month 986 Hilby Avenue, Seaside, CA 93955 • 831-899-6808 ci.seaside.ca.us/314/Preschool-Programs

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Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

INSPIRE • EDUCATE • EXPLORE • EMPOWER Fisherman's Wharf Association Presents the 11th Annual

WHALEFEST MONTEREY

2021

A FREE VIRTUAL EVENT! www.montereywharf.com www.whalefest.org

January 26-29, 2021 6:30-8:30pm Daily Fascinating Talks with World-Renowned Scientists, Music and More!

A special thank you to our sponsors MontereyWharf.com and MarineLifeStudies.org

Whalefest Monterey 2021 is an event under the fiscal sponsor Marine Life Studies, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

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23

Choosing the Best Preschool for Your Child

schools you are considering. Toss out the name, and you’re sure to get unfiltered reactions. Be sure to look for a balance, as parents are usually freer with an opinion if they’ve had either a fantastic experience or a terrible one.

Don’t let one review on either end of the scale sway you. Dig deeper to see if there is a pattern or if it’s just a oneoff experience.

3. NARROW IT DOWN. With research in hand, you will probably be able to get your list down to a few finalists. It may be a scheduling conflict, location, or price that is the deciding factor leading you to drop a preschool from your list. You’re looking to check as many boxes as you can but remember that nothing will be perfect. That’s why the list you made in tip 1 is so important. If everything else matches up, but the preschool doesn’t have music class, how difficult will it be to fill that need in another way? Which 3 or 4 preschools are the closest to your ideal?

4. TIME TO VISIT. Most preschools are limited to virtual visits right now. It’s harder to judge when you can’t watch the teachers interact with students.

You’re going to have to rely on your interview with the teacher and school director to get a feel for the school.

Have a list of questions ready and listen to the answers carefully. Some of your biggest considerations should be:

CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD CAN BE DAUNTING, OUR TIPS WILL HELP! If your child is two to three years old and you’re starting to consider preschools, how do you begin to evaluate the options and then choose the best one for your family? It can feel a little overwhelming, but we have five tips to help you narrow down the choices and feel confident about the one you ultimately make for your little one.

1. TALK (OR WRITE) IT OUT. A discussion with your child’s other parent is the logical place to start. If you’re parenting alone, perhaps you can talk things over with a trusted friend or write things down. Compile several lists: “must-have,” which includes the things that are non-negotiable such as location, price, operating hours.

“Nice extra’s” could include things like

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optional music or art classes or second language instruction. Your “hard no” list is probably the easiest to come up with and might be comprised of price, location, and operating hours. One caveat: don’t immediately dismiss a school with higher tuition. Some do have financial aid or scholarships, so before you put it on the “hard no” list, check to see what they offer. You may be surprised to find your dream school is affordable with a little assistance.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Once you know what you’re looking for, start your search with recommendations from friends, and then move on to online reviews. Social media groups like the Monterey Bay Parent Group on Facebook can be a great place to get input from parents familiar with the

• The basics: You’ll need to know the size of each classroom and maximum class size as well as the general educational philosophy.

How does the school approach learning? Some preschools are playbased, some introduce reading and math at an early age, and many schools incorporate multiple philosophies. Are your expectations for your child going to be met?

Even more importantly, are those expectations realistic? Skilled administrators and teachers should be able to guide parents as well as the child.

Other basics include policies for handling illness, discipline, and whether direct contact with teachers is allowed. What are the emergency plans? For parents who have shared custody, how do administrators

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

handle communicating with both parents?

• Fun: A preschool classroom should be a place of joy and fun. Play is the vehicle through which young children learn everything from vocabulary to math to self-control.

Teachers should continually provide new activities and challenges, ask thought-provoking questions, and nudge children to think deeper.

We invite you to join our virtual information night and learn more about our outstanding programs.

• Parental involvement: In some schools, especially co-ops, parental involvement is a given. Be sure you understand what is expected of parents and that you can meet the demands.

• Physical activity: Little ones shouldn’t be sitting at desks for more than about 15 minutes at a time. They need lots of opportunities to move, wiggle, jump, and play. There should be equipment just for this purpose: climbing structures, tubes for crawling, lots of room to move around.

• Routine: Preschoolers are developing social and emotional skills as well as self-regulation. Good teachers know that one of their primary duties is to help build those skills. One of the main ways that is done with preschoolers is with consistent routines. Ask about the schedule and look for a consistent but not rigid structure. Children feel most safe when they know what to expect.

• Staff: Do you see happy staff? How often does it turn over?

Are there teachers who have been at the school for several years? How about the director? Constant turnover is a bad sign and one you want to take seriously. It’s also perfectly fine to ask about teacher pay and benefits. It’s important for many parents to know that their child’s caregivers have a good standard of living and proper healthcare.

The preschool’s teachers are the most important factor in your child’s experience so it’s important to get a good feel for the stability of the staff and their satisfaction with the school management. You should be able to interact with the teacher your child will have ahead of time, don’t limit your interview to the director. Ask lots of questions of the actual teacher and any aides that will be in your child’s class.

5. ONCE YOU MAKE A DECISION, GET ON THE WAITLIST LIST. Many schools have long waitlists. It may be worth a lost deposit or two to get yourself placed on your top two or three lists.

That way, if you don’t get into your top choice, you won’t be left floundering for an open spot.

Finally, remember that no decision is irrevocable. If you choose a school that turns out not to be the right fit, you can make a change.

You need to feel comfortable and secure that your child is getting the best care and education possible. You certainly want them to love the preschool and be excited about learning. After spending time to do the research, trust your instincts to help you choose the right preschool for your child and your family.

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5 Reasons Why Parents Choose a Catholic School Education Catholic School Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association, schools observe the week with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.

The celebration is held this year from January 31 to February 6, 2021.

In honor of Catholic School Week, we looked at reasons why parents choose a Catholic school education.

1.

Parents believe that their child’s teachers should serve as moral role models.

The CARA Institute at Georgetown University confirmed that “strong moral values” is the top reason parents choose to send their child to a Catholic school. Many of the parents who choose a Catholic school education want their child’s education at school to be an extension of what they are being taught at home. They are looking for influences on their child

that mirror their religious beliefs and moral choices.

Monterey parent Angela Savage chose a Catholic school education at Santa Catalina for her young daughter for several reasons including safety concerns and a desire to have a school that focuses on the entire child. Happy with her decision, Angela states that “the consistent religious instruction and activities helped my daughter’s faith develop even in demanding situations.”

2.

Daily exposure to the Catholic faith is important to developing a strong religious foundation. Daily lessons in the Catholic faith create a strong foundation for children. Graduates of Catholic high schools are statistically more likely to continue church involvement as an adult. According to Our Greatest and Best Inheritance: Catholic Schools and Parental Choice (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) “Catholic school students are

more likely to pray daily, attend church more often, retain a Catholic identify as an adult and donate more to the Church.”

3.

A church parish and school create a community for the family. Families who have children in a parish school have an easier time of developing a sense of community with their fellow parishioners. Opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service are available for families and create a warm and welcoming community.

For those who don’t have other family in the area, this can be especially important and their church and school become an important hub.

4.

Catholic education is a relatively affordable private school education. Private school tuition can be expensive, but many Catholic schools and dioceses offer generous tuition-assistance programs for parish families who need help.

5.

Catholic schools offer high-quality education.

According to The National Catholic Educational Association ninety-nine percent (99%) of Catholic secondary school students graduate and eighty-eight percent (88%) go on to college. In general, on national and standardized tests, Catholic schools consistently outperform public and other private schools by as much as 20 percentage points.

For additional information on Monterey County Catholic schools, contact the Diocese of Monterey at (831) 373-4345 or check dioceseofmonterey.org/ catholic-schools.

To learn more about our featured Catholic schools, turn to page 26.

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TK to Grade 8

Developing students with 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity & critical thinking.

www.shschool.com

Don’t Just Get Along. Belong.

One advantage of our all-boy school is the bond of brotherhood. Friends from day one become friends for life and their supportive peer group powers higher achievement. Palma is a school where every boy belongs.

Be powerful. Be a Chieftain.

919 Iverson Street, Salinas 422.6391 | palmaschool.org Palma is a private, Catholic college-preparatory school for boys grades 7 through 12.

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FEATURED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MADONNA DEL SASSO 320 E Laurel Dr, Salinas, 93906 • mdsschool.com • 831-424-7813 Madonna del Sasso School, set in the heart of Salinas, has been educating students since 1957. Preschool through 8th grade is available. At Madonna del Sasso School, the goal is to help each graduate become a person of faith, a critical thinker and an active member of the community.

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL 455 Palma Dr, Salinas, 93901 • notredamesalinas.org 831-751-1850 Notre Dame High School is an all girls Catholic, collegepreparatory school located in Salinas, California with grades 9-12.

With a rigorous academic program, wide range of extracurricular activities and a faith-based environment, Notre Dame High School is proud to empower young women to lead extraordinary lives.

Notre DAme high School

Empowering young women to lead extraordinary lives

not just a school with girls a school for girls Notre Dame High School provides a top-tier Catholic education that molds and nurtures young women to become empowered thinkers, speakers and contributors who go on to be the leaders of tomorrow.

a product that speaks for itself Opportunities for girls to lead through clubs, athletics, student leadership organizations and within the classroom 8 honors courses & 13 AP courses 100% college acceptance rate to colleges worldwide Graduates who seek wisdom, stand out as leaders, and model Christ in service to others Notre dame high School | 455 palma drive, salinas, calif.

831.751.1850 | notredamesalinas.org

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PALMA SCHOOL 919 Iverson St, Salinas, 93901 • palmaschool.org • 831-422-6391 Founded in 1951, Palma is a private, college-preparatory Catholic school for boys grades seven through 12, owned and operated by the Christian Brothers Institute of California. With rigorous academics, award-winning music and art programs, championship athletics, meaningful service to others, and a campus culture that fosters brotherhood, Palma is where boys of promise become men of character. Palma graduates are leaders in college and beyond.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 123 W. Market St., Salinas, 93901 • shschool.com • (831) 771-1310 Sacred Heart School prides itself on providing a superior Catholic education offering a rigorous curriculum that fosters academic excellence and 21-century skills focused on collaboration, communion, creativity, and critical thinking. As a small school, students receive a personalized learning experience that allows students to excel in their academics and fullfill their potential. In addition to the academic curriculum, students receive instruction in art, spanish,music, and physical education.

SAN CARLOS SCHOOL 450 Church St, Monterey, 93940 • sancarlosschool.org (831) 375-1324 San Carlos School, serving students in grades TK-8, has a curriculum that meets and exceeds the standards set by the State of California for elementary education in language arts, science, math, social studies and physical education. In addition, students receive instruction in technology, Spanish, art and religion. Children in kindergarten through the 5th grade enjoy formal music and library classes. San Carlos School also offers students 14 extracurricular clubs and sports teams.

SANTA CATALINA SCHOOL 1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey, 93940 • santacatalina.org (831) 655-9351 (Lower School) • (831) 655-9356 (Upper School) Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School is a coed, independent, Catholic day school serving PreK through eighth grade. The community is fueled by curiosity and kindness, with teachers who have an inspired approach to unlocking a love of learning. Our students are fearless and adventurous learners, who leave prepared for success in high school. For girls in grades 9-12, Santa Catalina offers an independent boarding and day school. Catalina girls take ownership of their academics and they pursue their passions. True sisterhood creates a community that is fueled by respect, support, and confidence.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • january 2021

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WELCOME NEW PATIENTS

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29

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By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards Just Add Fruits & Veggies This STEAM kit will deliver hours of exploration, creativity, learning and enjoyment using items already in your kitchen.

More than 20 science and art activities allow kids to explore chemical reactions, osmosis, germination and study of electricity. $22.95, ages 8+, https://www.griddlygames.com/ product/just-add-fruits-veggies/ Loop Lab STEM Subscription We know Mad Science from fun after-school enrichment programs and now you can bring home the hands-on experiments with their new STEM subscription boxes.

Different theme for each box include Gross Science, Spy Science and Sense-ational Science. $32.99/box, ages 8-12, https://shop.madscience.com In Kidz America Box, Black History Edition Expand children’s knowledge of different countries and customs through with a box-full of engaging activities and games. Kids will be able to share details about a country without having to get on a plane. $50/ monthly OR $49/per box, ages 2-11, http://www.inkidzco.com Groovy Wubble It looks like a bubble and plays like a ball. Kick it, whack it, throw it, bounce it – even sit on it! Made from squishy, squashy, super soft and lightweight XpandiumTM, Groovy Wubble can be inflated to gnarly proportions (24-30 inches is best). Inflates in just minutes with the enclosed pump. $19.99 with pump, $12.99 without pump, ages 6+, https://www.wubbleball.com/ Froggy’s Lair BioSphere Each one-gallon tank comes with bioactive sand, colored gravel, two African Dwarf Frogs and a piece of living bamboo, so it’s a miniature ecosystem that is practically self-sustaining. Just need to change the water every three months and feed these swimming, hopping frogs two times per week. $69.95, ages 5+, https://froggyslair.com/ For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

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Stop struggling, start learning.

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