May 2018
Child Care Aware of Eastern Washington
The Montessori School of Pullman —Now Enrolling for children aged 2 – 10.
Pullman Community Update 5
Promoting First Relationships Boost Collaborative’s Children and Family Support Services has been selected to participate in Washington State Department of Early Learning/Early Support for Infants and Toddlers’ State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). The work, which begins July 2018, emphasizes training and implementation of strategies that enhance social-emotional development of infants and toddlers. We are very excited about this opportunity, which will include bringing “Promoting First Relationships” (PFR) training to our community! Developed based on 20+ years of research and practice at University of Washington’s Center on Infant Mental Health and Development, PFR is a strengths-based curriculum designed for service providers whose work includes supporting parents and caregivers in meeting the social and emotional needs of young children. PFR has been applauded by leaders in the field of early childhood, including the late T. Berry Brazelton, MD, Harvard Medical School. The initial two-day training will be open, at no cost, to a limited number of community providers. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at 509-32-4420 or suek@ boostcollaborativewa.org. Training dates and location to be determined. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development Please Ask! Babies Can’t Wait! 509-332-4420 or https://www/facebook.com/BoostCollaborativeCFSS/
WSU Children’s Center The term “Montessori” is now commonly used to describe the educational approach developed by Italian physician and educator, Dr. Maria Montessori. Based on her own observations and scientific studies, as well as collaboration with other professionals, she developed a method of teaching and materials designed to aid in the child’s development. Her method has been well tested, being used in schools throughout the world for over one hundred years. In Pullman, the Montessori School has been in operation since 1968, and situated right here in the Gladish building since the eighties. We follow the guidelines established by Dr. Montessori, and recognize the importance of children moving their bodies and working with their hands, in order to learn. Working at their own individual pace, children develop independence, self-esteem and confidence. The Montessori Method hopes to: awaken the child’s spirit and imagination, encourage the child’s desire for independence and self-esteem, develop the child’s sense of kindness, courtesy and self-discipline, and help the child learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently. We invite you to see for yourself the Montessori difference. Ms. Bev, the Director, would love to give you a tour, followed by a chance to watch our children work in any of our three different age environments for two year olds, three to six, and/or six to nine year olds. Our flexible summer program runs from June 11 – August 3, and children can join us on a week by week basis. You can also follow us on Facebook, check out our website (www.pullmanmontessori.org) or call 509334-4114 or email Montessori@pullman.com for more information.
Building Blocks Child Care Center Our Dedication to High Quality Care is in our Story: CURRENTLY ENROLLING FOR FALL Building Blocks Child Care Center, Inc. is a private early learning facility, caring for and educating children on the Palouse since 1998. BBCCC was established by Kerri Jo Motley Staniszewski, a Pullman native and mother to two young children. Her mission was to provide a quality service to local families. Jackie Eveland, is the current Director and owner of BBCCC. In 2002, she joined BBCCC as a WSU student volunteer, and continued as a support teacher while working on her degree. After graduation from WSU, she was one of our Lead Preschool teachers for 10 years, while also serving as Administrative support and eventually Program Supervisor. She is also a mother to two young children, and continues to uphold our mission to provide high quality care and education and ensure the families of the Palouse receive nothing less than what she would provide for her own children. We have always been dedicated to providing the best opportunities for our youth, having been one of few facilities to be nationally accredited for several years. Currently, we hold a “Quality Level of Excellence” rating through Washington State’s Early Achievers Quality Rating Improvement System. BBCCC teachers are experienced, passionate and devoted to on-going education and mentoring. Our Infant through Preschool curriculum is aligned with WaKIDS, creating a seamless transition into the K-12 system. We are located in a secluded, residential area that shares a campus with Bishop Place Senior Living. Sharing our campus with Bishop Place provides a partnership that nurtures inter-generational relationships between our students and their residents. Our building was designed specific for the care and education of children. Most of our classroom’s enrollment is lower than state ratio to allow for better interaction and individualization. A music specialist instructs, weekly. We also provide nutritious meals, in accordance to the USDA CACFP food program (including infants); this institution is an equal opportunity provider. CURRENT ENROLLING: We have fall infant openings and limited Preschool Enrichment openings (September-May & follows the PSD academic calendar). Call or e-mail to schedule a tour: 509-332-0161 or jackie@buildingblocksccc.com
Cultivating Critical Thinking in Outdoor Play It is spring on the Palouse and a terrific time to support children’s exploration outside. The children at the WSU Children’s Center have begun planting seeds in anticipation of transplanting them to the outdoor gardens in coming weeks. For all children, and all ages, outdoor exploration is a great way to learn through play. Pullman and the surrounding areas provide ample spaces for children play and explore. Adults play an important role in successfully facilitating critical thinking as children engage in play, explore and take risks. Whether it be at a park, school, trail or your backyard play promotes social interactions through negotiation with peers, communication, taking turns and teamwork. The research supports the connection between physical play and learning is strong. Through physical activity children practice risk taking, planning and problem solving skills. To encourage critical thinking with children it is beneficial for adults ask open-ended questions which guide the thinking process. As adults we often want to explain the how and why, however it is helpful to narrate what a child is doing, without telling them what to do or giving the answer, but rather allow children to develop an understanding of what causes things to happen, and facilitate their problem solving skills. Providing prompts that encourage children to create hypotheses during play is a critical thinking exercise that helps develop skills. Simply asking, “What do you think will happen next?” allows children to engage in creating a hypothesis, and then follow through with an observation. Ask questions like, "Did that turn out like you predicted?" or a child to generate ideas by asking, "What other ways could you try that." Adults taking part in play, and talking about their thought process models critical thinking practices for children. To find out more about the WSU Children’s Center, or to donate to the Children’s Center Development Fund please go to http://childrencenter.wsu.edu.
Child Care Aware of Eastern Washington is sponsored by:
We are proud to be a United Way agency! For Child Care, call our Parent Referral Line, 1-800-446-1114 or email familycenter@childcare.org This page is sponsored by: Building Blocks Child Care Center • 332-0161 Community Child Care Center • 332-7005 Boost Collaborative Children and Family Support Services • 332-4420 Montessori School of Pullman • 334-4114 Pullman Christian Childcare Center • 334-1035 WSU Children’s Center • 335-8847