This month, our curriculum theme is Farm Animals! The children will learn all about life on the farm, including the different animals, their habitats, the food they eat, and, of course, the fun sounds they make. We’ll also talk about how farmers care for animals and why they are important in our daily lives.
To make this theme even more exciting, the children will get a real-life farm experience when a petting zoo visits the center on October 28. This hands-on opportunity will allow them to meet and interact with some of the animals they’ve been learning about in class, helping to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. This theme offers plenty of hands-on learning, imagination, and opportunities to build language skills while having lots of fun. By the end of the month, the children will not only recognize a variety of farm animals but also understand the important role they play in our world.
Singing farm songs and reading animal storybooks
Creating fun art projects like handprint chickens or paper plate pigs
Practicing animal movements and sounds during outdoor play
UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 - CLOSED - TEACHER WORK DAY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 - PETTING ZOO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 - FALL FESTIVAL & TRUNK OR TREAT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - CLOSED - VETERANS DAY
NOVEMBER 24-28 - CLOSED - THANKSGIVING BREAK
DECEMBER 15 - 18 - SPIRIT WEEK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 - PAJAMAS WITH SANTA DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 2 - CLOSED - WINTER BREAK
Contact Us
The Child Development Center is located on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce, Florida. 772-462-7645
irsccdc@irsc.edu
https://irsc.edu/child-development-center/
GET OUT AND PLAY
JAYCEE PARK 01
Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce is a beautiful spot for outdoor fun and exploration. Located right by the water, it features plenty of open space for children to run and play, picnic areas for family gatherings, and a playground perfect for little adventurers. Families can enjoy watching boats on the water, spotting birds, or taking a peaceful walk along the shoreline. The park’s shaded areas and breezy setting make it a great place to relax, connect with nature, and spend quality time together. It’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled day of play and discovery.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY AQUARIUM
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is a fun and educational destination where children can explore the wonders of the ocean up close! It features fascinating marine life native to our local waters, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and even a touch tank where little ones can safely interact with sea creatures. A visit to the aquarium helps children learn about ocean habitats, conservation, and the importance of protecting marine life, all while sparking their curiosity and love for nature.
OCTOBER FAMILY EVENTS
Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful fall and Halloween events happening throughout St. Lucie County! From pumpkin patches and hayrides to family festivals and costume contests, there are plenty of ways to make special memories together. We encourage families to explore what our community has to offer and take part in the seasonal fun. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate fall, spend time together, and see all the exciting things happening in our area!
FALL EVENTS
Haunted Harvest at Saint Lucie Farm Reserve
October 17, 18, 24, 25
Fall Garden Festival at Heathcote Gardens
October 18 & 19, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Boys & Girls Club Chili Cook-Off at Clover Park
October 18, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Southern Key Realty Trunk or Treat
October 18, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
PUMPKIN PATCHES
First Congregational Church of Port St. Lucie 2401 SE Sidonia Street, Port St. Lucie 34952
First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie 260 SW Prima Vista Blvd, Port St. Lucie 34983
Lakewood Park Church 5405 Turnpike Feeder Road, Fort Pierce 34951
Ghost Walk Main Street Fort Pierce
October 22, 23, 25
St. Lucie County Tunnel of Terror & Trick or Treat
October 24, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
LYNQ’s Annual Trunk or Treat at Clover Park
October 24, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Fall Fun Fest at MIDFLORIDA Event Center
October 31, 5:00pm - 10:00pm
SPONSORS
Ms. Sheila, Ms. Diana, & Ms. Leondria
One Year-Old Classroom
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Exciting News! We are thrilled to welcome three amazing new teachers to our Child Development Center this month: Ms. Sheila, Ms. Diana, and Ms. Leondria!
These talented educators bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge in early childhood education, and together they have formed our brand-new one-year-old classroom team. From the very first day, their positivity, warmth, and energy have been shining through, creating a nurturing and joyful environment for our littlest learners.
The children have quickly warmed up to their new teachers, and it’s already clear that many wonderful bonds are being built. Laughter, snuggles, and happy moments fill their classroom each day, and we can’t wait to see all the learning, growth, and fun that will blossom under their care. Parents can feel confident knowing their little ones are in the hands of nurturing teachers who are dedicated to helping each child grow, explore, and feel secure.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
By Alice Hemming
The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming is a funny, autumn-themed story about a little squirrel who is convinced someone is stealing the leaves from his tree. As he searches for the culprit, he learns that the changing seasons are a natural part of life. It’s a lighthearted way to introduce young children to fall, friendship, and the beauty of nature.
A MESSAGE FROM GILMORE CHIROPRACTIC
Boost Your Child’s Focus, Health & Resilience with Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Functional Neurology!
Want to supercharge your child’s health and focus? Our clinic combines chiropractic care, acupuncture, and functional neurology to support growing bodies and minds—perfect for kids dealing with sports injuries, posture issues, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or even post-concussion challenges.
Chiropractic gently aligns the spine, relieving nerve pressure to enhance brain signals, improve sleep, boost immunity, and calm moods. Acupuncture for kids uses gentle, needle-free methods like magnets or auriculotherapy (unless needles are requested) to target energy points, reducing inflammation and stress—like a reset for their whole system. Studies show kids experience less anxiety and fewer headaches after just a few sessions!
For kids with brain fog, concussions, or learning challenges, chiropractic neurology is a game-changer. Using play-based exercises, balance work, and gentle brain plasticity activities, we retrain brain pathways to sharpen focus, coordination, and resilience—no meds needed. From toddler tantrums to teen focus struggles, we’ve got you covered.
Book your child’s complimentary consult this week! Your child’s nervous system will thank you.
Special Offer: Join our Unlimited Monthly Chiropractic Family Plan for just $180! Call 772-466-9575 or visit gilmore-chiro.com to lock in your spot!
The Leaf Thief
SPONSORS
PARENT’S CORNER
Social Skills Matter
Friendship skills are just as important as academics. Learning how to share, take turns, and solve problems with peers helps children thrive in both school and life. At home, role-play common situations such as asking a friend to play or what to do when feeling frustrated. Encourage your child to use polite words and practice active listening. These small steps help children feel more confident in social settings. Strong social skills build the foundation for a positive classroom culture and lasting friendships.
TRUNK OR TREAT
TOILETRY DRIVE
Each month, we are sponsoring different ways that we can give back to our community, while also teaching our little ones the importance of kindness and community stewardship. This month, we are hosting a Toiletry Donation Drive to support local families in need. We are collecting items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and other personal care products. These everyday essentials make a big difference in helping families feel their best. Donations can be dropped off in the collection box located in the front lobby now through October 31st. Thank you for your continue support and generosity!
PETTING ZOO
We are so excited to share that a petting zoo will be visiting the Child Development Center on Monday, October 28! The children will have the chance to see and interact with animals in a safe, supervised setting. This special experience will spark curiosity, teach kindness and care for living things, and give our children a fun, memorable day.
Parent Note: Since the event will take place outside, please dress your child in play clothes that can get a little messy.
We are excited to celebrate Halloween with our annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31st from 9:00–10:00 a.m. in the parking lot by the C Building. Faculty, staff, and families are invited to join the fun by decorating a trunk or cart and passing out treats to the children.
During the event, children will walk with their class and visit each decorated trunk. Parents are welcome to walk alongside their child but must remain with their child’s class. After trick-or-treating, children will return to their classrooms and play areas to continue their Halloween celebrations.
We will have about 75 children participating, including about 10 infants under the age of one, so we encourage a variety of treats! In addition to candy, other options like stickers, stamps, granola bars, Goldfish, crackers, or glow sticks are wonderful alternatives.
If you’d like to decorate a trunk, please sign up using the SignUpGenius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10C0A4CADAA2FA1F4CF8-58607894-trunk#/
Thank you for helping us create a safe, fun, and festive Halloween tradition for our children!
SPONSORS
Become a valued sponsor of our Indian River State College Child Development Center and showcase your business in our monthly newsletter! By partnering with us, you’ll gain visibility among our dedicated families and staff while supporting quality early education. Your sponsorship helps fund enriching programs and resources for our children. Contact us today about sponsorship opportunities and make a lasting impact in our community!
