Ages 18 monthsPre-Kindergarten
Proprietary curriculum blending both Montessori and Reggio Emilia attributes
Small Class Sizes
State of the Art Classrooms
Half Day Classes
I hope you are all enjoying our BEAUTIFUL Arizona weather as much as I am! Spring is right around the corner, and along with it are some exciting NCPG events:
Sip & Bid is on Thursday, March 21st from 6-9 PM. Tickets are $65 and raffle tickets are 1 for $30 or 4 for $100. Come get dressed up with your girlfriends and enjoy a fun night out eating, drinking, and bidding on our amazing Silent Auction items!
Our Special Events team is also finalizing plans for our Spring Festival, which will take place on Saturday, April 13th. This event is always a favorite amongst our members and their families so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
Finally, we are very excited to be partnering with PCH50 for our Spring Outreach Event, the Team Taylor Fun Run 5K on Saturday, April 14th from 8 to 10 AM. This event benefits Phoenix Children’s Home Safety & Safe Sleep Program, which provides the latest expertise and support for new parents, families, and caregivers in our community. We hope to see you all out there!
With so many events coming our way, the Board wants to make sure you don’t forget about registration for next year! Early Bird Registration for the 2024-2025 Year will begin on Monday, April 1st and will last through the end of the month. Early Bird registration allows you to take advantage of discounted pricing and gives you the best chance of staying with your current group for next year. Please keep in mind that some groups will split due to the nature of our class progression process. This will primarily affect next year’s Pre-K/JK, Kindergarten, and Elementary classes. If you have any questions about registration or class progression/placement, please reach out to our Membership chairs at membership@ncpgaz.org
As always, the Board welcomes any and all feedback so feel free to reach out any time at president@ncpgaz.org. Enjoy your Arizona Spring and get outside as much as you can before Summer hits!
Ilyssa Reading, President 2023-24 president@ncpgaz.org
President: Ilyssa Reading
Vice President: Jenna Roehm
Treasurer: Gita Mishkin
Exec Admin: Sara Ortega
Education: Jenny Marusiak & Meredith Marks
Childcare: Alicia Schroeder & Shannon Larson
Outreach: Rachel Hall & Whitney Emmerson
Special Events: Lauren Siddall, Ashlee Merrill & BreAnn Foster
Fundraising: Jill McMeekin, Amy Dillon & Ciara Rubalcava
Social: Tayler Low & Rylee Chalmers
Membership: Michelle VanDerWerf & Alana Hildebrand
Sponsorship: Brooke Dahn, Michele Jaycox & Paige Rafi
Communications: Amanda Shaw & Catherine Jacobson
Public Relations: Delia Prucz
Alternate Director: Shannon Kolacevski
Transitional Director: Jen Dupuy
NCPG is a non-profit, non-denominational organization providing classes to parents of infant to elementary school aged children.
www.ncpgaz.org • Follow us: @ ncpgaz
Members, this monthly magazine is for your benefit, so we want to ensure our team is publishing content that is valuable, useful, informative, and fun! Please let us know if you have suggestions, comments, concerns, or any input that would help us to improve this publication. Shoot us an email at communications@ncpgaz.org . Thanks for your help!
Editors – Catherine Jacobson & Amanda Shaw Designer – Neill Fox, foxnoggin.com , neill@foxnoggin.com
Cover: Sarah Ortega, Poppy (3), and Grayson (1)
Photographer: Anastasia Arocho
The transition from home to kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and parents. It’s not simply about age or physical growth; kindergarten readiness encompasses a range of skills and competencies that support a child’s learning journey. Ensuring your little one is prepared can make all the difference as parents. In this article, we’ll explore the essential skills your child should have before stepping into kindergarten and introduce you to Little Roos—your partner in this preparatory phase.
One of the first steps in kindergarten readiness is for children to know and recognize their name. This includes identifying it when written and, ideally, knowing how to write it themselves. Writing their name helps in social interactions, boosts confidence, and gives them a sense of identity in the new educational environment.
The ability to recognize letters and numbers lays the foundation for early literacy and math skills. Encourage your child to engage with books, puzzles, and games that familiarize them with the alphabet and count reliably.
Simple activities like counting objects during playtime or identifying letters on signs can be both educational and fun.
Fine motor skills are essential for activities such as cutting with scissors, painting, gluing, and coloring within the lines. These tasks require hand-eye coordination and the patience and focus necessary for classroom activities. Provide your child with ample opportunities to practice these skills at home.
Independence is key in kindergarten. Ensuring your child can open their own snacks and lunchbox items empowers them to manage during meal times. Practice at home with various packaging types to build their confidence, dexterity, and overall skills.
Apart from these core skills, a child’s emotional and social readiness is equally important. Can they follow instructions? Do they understand the concept of sharing and taking turns? Nurturing these abilities early on helps children feel more comfortable and secure in a social learning setting.
At Little Roos, we understand that every child is unique, and the path to kindergarten readiness may require personalized support. That’s why we offer one-on-one specialized tutoring to shore up those essential skills. Additionally, our occupational therapy and speech therapy services are tailored to prepare your child holistically for the exciting world of kindergarten.
Preparing for kindergarten is a collaborative effort. If you feel your child could benefit from additional support, please reach out to us. Contact Little Roos at 480-401-1848 or email admin@littleroos.llc for a consultation.
Let us be a part of your child’s success story and ensure they’re ready to hop into kindergarten confidently!
The North Central Parenting Group’s mission is to provide parents a forum for the exchange of ideas about effective child-rearing. A significant part of this is preparing them for the future. As an NCPG sponsor, father of two and financial advisor of fourteen years, my goal is to provide financial insight and education on how to set these little ones up to be millionaires.
The North Central Parenting Group’s mission is to provide parents a forum for the exchange of ideas about effective child-rearing. A significant part of this is preparing them for the future. As an NCPG sponsor, father of two and financial advisor of fourteen years, my
The easiest way to invest for a baby is to open an UTMA account. There’s an image above defining an UTMA – or a uniform transfer to minors account. In the simplest of terms, this is a law that allows a minor to receive gifts without the aid of a guardian or trustee.
Now let’s talk numbers so you can see what it looks like:
When a new baby is born, put $1,000 into
Let’s dive deeper. The age at which the child receives these gifts is considered the age of majority, which in the state of Arizona is 21 years old. In the meantime, this type of custodial account provides a chance for children to start investing and growing their assets at a young age. A perk is that parents or custodians have the ability to make unlimited contributions to their child’s UTMA account.
Something to note here is that contributions to an UTMA account are subject to the annual gift tax exclusion, which is $18,000 per beneficiary as of 2024 or $36,000 for married couples per beneficiary.
“Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of the world.”
-Albert Einstein
As an infant, child and adolescent, remember that time is on their side. The process might be simpler than you think, but the caveat is that it’s also up to you as parents to educate your children on finances. At age 18, the number is only a small amount in comparison to what it can eventually turn into. They key here is letting it compound over time.
Now let’s talk numbers so you can see what this looks like:
• When a new baby is born, put $1,000 into an UTMA account
• Every month, put $100 into the UTMA account
• Continue doing so until they are 18 years old
• At age 18, this UTMA account will be at $48,000 (assuming a 9% return)
• NEVER contribute again
• Educate your child and teach them to let it sit there and compound over time
• At age 65, assuming the historical return of 9%, they can have $2.8 million dollars
For those of you that did the math, you only invested $22,600 over the span of 18 years. The key is not touching this account and listening to Albert Einstein. Maybe you as readers don’t have the luxury of time to capitalize on the massive compounding effect that a little amount of money can lead to, but your baby sure does.
Similar to my plans for my own children, I want to give NCPG families and children the financial knowledge necessary to set them up for financial success. You are a part of this great organization to educate yourself and find like-minded individuals to surround yourself with. My hopes are to continue expanding the financial foundation for the many friends and clients within this organization and to make each of these NCPG babies a millionaire.
8:45 am Nursery opens
9:00-9:40 am Refreshments served
9:45*-11:30 am Classes are held
*Teachers will start promptly at 9:45!
11:45 am Nursery closes
11:30 am-1:15 pm Newborn A
Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church
6715 N. Mockingbird Lane
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Class Dates
April 10
April 24
May 8 **
** Parent Times magazine distributed.
April 31 (Last Official Meeting)
May 6 (Transitional Meeting)
DID YOU KNOW THAT BOARD MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP?
If you are ever interested in attending one of NCPG’s monthly board meetings, please email president@ncpgaz.org to get more information.
As a reminder, please park in the designated parking spots and only use the handicap parking spots if you have a permit to do so. St. Barnabas has also asked us to leave our food and drinks outside of the classrooms. Water is, of course, allowed, but other food/ beverages are not permitted. As a rule of thumb, we want to leave our rooms and spaces better than we found them. Thank you for your help!
Early Bird Registration for the 2024-2025 year will begin on April 1st. Existing members who register during April can take advantage of the discounted rate of $390 for the 2024-2025 year and will be guaranteed placement with their current group.
Registration opens to the general public starting on May 1st and fees will increase to $425. At this time, spots will be given on a first come first serve basis and existing members will no longer have priority over new members. If any members would like to register in person, there will be a membership table prior to the April 10th & 24th classes. Please reach out to membership at membership@ncpgaz.org with any questions.
Please email any photos or birth announcements to communications@ncpgaz.org so they can be featured in our next Parent Times magazine.
With all the fun happenings and events that the new year brings, we would love to feature some professional photos on our cover. For the next issue we will be looking for something summery!
Send hi-res images to communications@ncpgaz.org
If you would like to schedule childcare for the days of class please emai l childcare@ncpgaz.org with your Child’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Your Cell Phone Number, if your child has any allergies, and any notes on snack preferences, etc.
Childcare chairs will promptly reply confirming your spot. You must request or cancel your spot at least 48 hours in advance of class. If you cancel within those 48 hours of class you will still be charged a fee, as we have to cover the BusyBees.
If you have or know of a business who might be interested in being a sponsor or advertiser with NCPG, please email us at sponsorship@ncpgaz.org . NCPG members receive 20% off all sponsorship packages. Also, please stop by to say hi to our sponsors before class!
Be sure to follow @ncpgaz on Instagram and NCPG Facebook for the latest announcements and updates. These are private pages for current members only.
to Sip & Bid the night away at Wine Girl Scottsdale on March 21st from 6-9pm!
This fundraiser is open to NCPG members AND non-members so bring your friends! All proceeds help fund NCPG Cares, membership & outreach events, and member scholarships. So skip bedtime, grab your mom friends, and drink wine while bidding on amazing auction items, all in support of NCPG.
Get your event and raffle tickets today through the QR code at left. Tickets are $65 and Raffle Tickets are 1 for $30 of 4 for $100 — you do not have to be present to win! We can’t wait to see you there!
Please join NCPG on Sunday, April 14th for the Team Taylor Fun Run 5K
8 am - 10 am through beautiful Arcadia
The Team Taylor Fun Run is a 3-mile run/walk to benefit Phoenix Children’s Safe Sleep & Home Safety Program. This 12th annual event is open to all ages, so join us as we walk, bike and scooter for kids’ safety and health.
At 5 months old, Taylor Paige Cosmas went down for a nap and never woke up.
The grief from losing their first born daughter fueled a purpose for NCPG Members Mark & Katie Cosmas to create Team Taylor to raise money for SUID research so that no more families would have to go through the pain they endured. Team Taylor has raised over $1 million to date.
To register, please go to teamtaylor5k.raisely.com/en/signup
1. Click “Sign Up” then “Fundraiser as an individual”
2. Click “Join Team - Yes”
3. Type PCH50 + NCPG
4. Enter your personal information to create an account
5. Each profile will have a shareable QR Code that you can download to send to friends and family to join the team or donate to your page.
*If you do not live in Arcadia parking will be at Safeway on 48th Street and Indian School Road
Children: Rylan (3) and Belle (1) Spouse: Matt Field
Hometown: Phoenix
Career: Attorney
Favorite activity to do with your kids: When the weather is cooler, we love taking the kids to the park (those two can go on the swings for hours!). Another fun activity for us is going to the library, where the kids love playing with toys, and Rylan is so proud to use his own library card to checkout books.
Favorite breakfast spot with your kids: Our Kitchen table! Both kids love breakfast time, and with all the food that ends up on the floor, it is so much easier to eat at home!
Favorite meal to cook your family: The kids love a healthy pasta option, so every week I make Banza chickpea noodles with ground turkey and Rao’s marinara sauce. Simple and both kids actually eat it!
Favorite place to vacation with the family: Mission Beach, San Diego — this is becoming our annual summer family trip.
Your “can’t live without” travel items for the kids: Snacks and MORE snacks! We recently took the kids on a plane, and the only way we got through the flight was continually pulling out more snacks, which kept them content and happy the entire trip.
Ways you simplify the bedtime routine: Having two children definitely can create a chaotic bedtime (we call it “happy chaos”), so we always try and stick to an easy routine. After dinner both kids take a bath together, and we always read plenty of books to “wind down”
before bedtime. I usually take one kid and my husband takes the other kid...pretty much “divide and conquer”!
Most meaningful moment as a parent: Our son Rylan was born premature at 29 weeks (at 2 lbs., 13 oz.), and he spent 2 months in the NICU before he was able to leave the hospital. The day we brought him home from the hospital was truly one of the happiest and most memorable days of my life. We are so proud of his strength and resilience, and we will always be grateful to the nurses and doctors who saved our little Rylan’s life.
Most “OMG did that really happen” moment as a parent: Well my one year old daughter had a major blowout in her highchair recently, and somehow thought it would be a great idea to smear the poop all over her face...one day later and of course she had pink eye. I will be telling this story at her wedding!
Best parenting advice given to you: The days are long, but the years are short, so treasure each and every moment. My husband and I think about this daily, and work to feel grateful each day for the family we have created together.
Best thing learned at NCPG so far: It really takes a village to raise a child, and this includes having a support group. Getting to know these women, and realizing we are all in this together is incredibly validating and helpful through the ups and downs in the journey of parenthood. I am beyond grateful for this incredible group of women :)
To celebrate means to acknowledge a significant or happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. For many, celebrations are related to birthdays or big holidays such as Christmas, Easter, or Fourth of July. Celebrations create cherished memories that shape perspectives and foster a sense of happiness, gratitude, and belonging.
This year Christ Church School is celebrating its twentieth year! As this is a big milestone, we chose the theme LET’S CELEBRATE and are celebrating throughout the year. CCS celebrates in many ways. In each classroom, a celebration center or station can be found. It is used throughout the week to celebrate individual or group accomplishments and contributions to their school family. Utilizing this form of acknowledgement allows students to share important information or activities happening in their lives, build self-esteem, focus on intrinsic motivation, and foster a cooperative and compassionate community within the classroom. CCS also hosts several events on campus which bring people together and foster community, connection, and reasons to celebrate!
Celebrating moments, big or small, adds so much to our lives. Whether it’s achieving a personal goal, a special occasion, a happy event, or even just appreciating the everyday moments, finding reasons to celebrate can contribute to a positive mindset and overall well-being. It’s a great way to acknowledge accomplishments, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories. Let’s embrace the positive moments and find reasons to CELEBRATE!
If you would like to learn more about what we do at Christ Church School, we invite you to give us a call at 602-381-9906 or visit our website at ccsaz.org to schedule a tour.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Spring is in the air and summer is approaching faster than we know it! With only a few months remaining until the end of school, summer camps are at the top of mind. The Valley boasts a plethora of options catering to various ages and interests, making it almost daunting to start the planning process. To ease your burden, we’ve narrowed down the choices to some of our favorite spots. Many of the camps have opened their registration process, it’s time to map out those summer plans!
Rachel’s Young at Art Studio Camp includes arts and crafts, story time, dramatic play, sensory activities, and lots and lots of fun! Each child will come home with a bag full of art relating to the day’s theme. We provide a healthy snack, but we ask that you pack your child with a lunch, water bottle, and a change of clothes. There will be plenty of opportunities to get messy during camp days, which can be customized to last anywhere from 8am (during summer) or 9am (during the school year) to 3:00pm. Pay $80-$100 for one of our single day camps (based upon pick up time) or $400-500 for an entire week of fun. These prices do not include any sibling or early registration discounts, which are an additional 10% off! Children must be potty trained to attend camp. Campers are generally 3-8 years old. rachelsyoungatart.com
Playing in the pool is cool. Blowing bubbles is fun. But just think where your imagination will take you… to a seussical adventure with the sneetches, those with star bellys and those without. Come and see what else we can find in our summer camp session of Imagine THAT! Students will explore theater and performance through storytelling, games, crafts and dramatic play. Session 1: May 28-June 13, Session 2: June 17-27. Ages 3-Elementary. Half days or full days available, prices range based on session. imaginethatsummercamp.com
Ages 4-18. From Fine Arts camp to Musical Theatre camp, students will receive professional instruction in theatre, music, and dance. Each camp culminates with a full musical theatre production! 3-week session: July 8 – July 27. Tuition range: $375 – $750. Extended camp available. Join the Do Re Mi family today! doremischool.com/summer-camp
Grades K-6 (as of fall 2023). There’s nothing quite like Camp Zoo! Each age-appropriate, weeklong session is filled with animal encounters, activities, games, in-depth investigations and organized free-time. Camps run from June 5 – July 28. Availability is limited… reserve your camp today! phoenixzoo.org/camps
Ages 4-13. Activities include archery, swimming, gaga, gaming, team sports, tumbling,
crafts, dance, model rocketry, mini golf, climbing, cooking, board games, water slide, foam pit and more. We take summer camp to a new level with daily pep rallies and camper’s choice activities and culminate each week with a special event. Optional extended care available. June 3-July 26. 2, 4, 6, or 8 week sessions. Sessions are approximately $700/wk with a 2 week minimum. Registration opens to new families on February 14. Early bird discount available through February 29. Multiple session and sibling discounts available. cactusdaycamp.com
Ages 4.5-14. Campers play a variety of games, sports and activities throughout the day. Weekly themes encourage camper and counselor engagement and tons of fun. May 29- August 2. Half day and full-day options. Sibling Discount. Extended care available. $300-$400. hubbardsports.com/details#activities
Ages 3-12. Fit-n-Fun camps promote health and fitness while kids are having a blast. In this state-of-the-art facility children will enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables and much, much more! The high-energy Xtreme Gymnastics staff is USAG Safety Certified and they lead a new creative theme every week. Camps begin May 28 and run through July 26. Full day, Half day and Weekly rates available. $58-$326. xtremegymnastics.com/fit-n-fun-camps
Ages 3 (potty trained)-15. Experience the B.E.S.T. Sports Camp for Kids in Scottsdale, running from May 28 to August 2! Enjoy peace of mind with 100% security, and indulge in AM/PM snacks, lunch, and sports all day – all indoors. B.E.S.T is where summer fun meets comfort and safety in our 10,000sq ft air-conditioned sports facility! thebestinaz.com
Pre-K-8th Grade. Summer Science Day Camps at the Earth and Space Expedition Center in Phoenix. Explore new discoveries in space and science that will change our understanding of the universe. Astronomy, earth science, drones, robotics, and more! June 3 – August 2, 2024. 9am-12pm (morning) or 1pm-4pm (afternoon); Packed lunch is required for full-day sessions. $125-$250. earthandspaceexpeditioncenter.org
How have you been most effective in developing a schedule for your child and/or the entire family?
There are online schedules that can help organize you. Fill out your family’s schedule priorities, routines, and wants. Add in your priorities, routines, and wants into the calendar. Talk about your schedules together. What looks the same and what looks different? Keep your schedule on hand, post it on your fridge or a wall, or add it to your phone calendar. Make sure children can easily access their schedules every day. Making copies can be useful for when children stay elsewhere, such as at a family or loved one’s house. Keeping at least the required elements of the schedule consistent helps maintain your child’s well-being and ability to transition successfully. Review your schedules together at the beginning of each day and refer to them often.
How do you make time for self-care, and what do you do?
Figure out what you need mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Communicate those needs to your parenting partner and have them determine his needs too. Establish goals and make yourself a priority.
What form of discipline do you recommend and why?
I like to educate parents about Conscious Discipline. It is a parent first approach which I love. It focuses on the parent/child connection that allows you to both regulate your feelings and model what behavior you’re expecting.
How do you make time for self-care, and what do you do?
We can’t pour from an empty cup. I like to work out, go to happy hour with some friends, watch reality TV after bedtime or read a good book.
Having experienced four relocations in just six years, I truly understand
stress moving brings, especially when you're a parent. That's why I'm here to help ease the
Courtesy of: southernliving.com/recipes/pasta-shells-spring-vegetables
HANDS ON TIME: 30 mins
TOTAL TIME: 30 mins
YIELD: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 (8-oz.) package sugar snap peas
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 pound large pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• Garnish: pea tendrils
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces, discarding tough ends. Cut snap peas in half.
2. Stir together ricotta, lemon juice, 1 tsp. zest, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl.
3. Bring 4 qt. water to a boil in a stockpot over high heat. Add 1/4 cup salt; return to a boil. Add pasta; boil, stirring occasionally, 11 minutes or until al dente. Add asparagus and sugar snap peas, and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Drain pasta mixture, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water. Return pasta to pot. Stir in olive oil, radishes, and reserved pasta water.
4. Spread half of ricotta mixture in serving dish; top with pasta mixture. Dollop with remaining ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with mint and remaining zest. Add pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Introducing NCPG’s coloring pages on the following pages.
Check out each issue for some fun. We would love to feature your “artists” in the upcoming Parent Times !
Snap a pic of your cutie’s masterpiece and email it to communications@ncpgaz.org by April 1st .
P lease include your name and your child’s name and age in the email to see if they will be featured in the next issue.
