VOL. 09 JAN 2021
This Month's News
Parent Resources
CultivateMN
Leasing Building Next Door, December Month of Giving, Business Membership
How to tell if emotional outbursts or aggression are beyond typical childhood behavior.
Stories Shared by Child Advocates
NURTURE. GROW. EMPOWER
January News Giving Ms Abbey a group hug in Toddler 3
Message from Candice As I have reflected on the past year, I keep returning to the idea of “cultivation.” Over the course of the year, and even before, we have spent countless hours tending to the care and education of young children. We have imagined and implemented many ways that child care can be rebuilt to better serve children, families, team members, and communities. While 2020 was a challenging year and brought about many changes and problems, it was also a year of awakening. We had to rebuild systems, processes, and
Building a tower in Preschool 2
teams over and over again throughout the year. In the rebuilding process, we discovered different and better ways to offer child care experiences that focus on all areas of child development including social/emotional, educational, health, mental and physical wellness, etc. In light of a global pandemic, we’ve been able to keep the vision and mission of Cultivate Mankato at the forefront of our work and have continued to cultivate the important work we do. In 2021, we are anticipating growth opportunities within our programming including the growth of UpSkill (our parent resource portal), infant development programming, a sensory room designed
Playing dentists in Preschool 3
for children with high sensory needs, advocacy for early education teachers and professionals, and the statewide growth of our sister organization, CultivateMN. When we set out to start Cultivate Mankato, we did so with the intention to offer high-quality services to families. We met with families individually and listened to the needs of local families and then we responded. We will continue to do the hard work and raise up the incredible value that child care and early education experiences offer children and families within the community. We appreciate all of the support, generosity, kindness, respect, and value families have shown us. Thank you and Happy New Year.
Looking at family pictures in Infant 2
CULTIVATE NEWS | 2
CANDICE DEAL-BARTELL Executive Director www.cultivatemankato.com
Laura has years of experience in the classroom as a preschool and kindergarten teacher and also brings a plethora of leadership experience. She works
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directly with our teachers to ensure they are supported in early
Laura Walser, our Early Education Coordinator will be creating short parent resource videos called Upskill for $10/month.
Upcoming topics will be: Handling big emotions
childhood education.
“My name is Laura Walser and I am the Early Education Coordinator at Cultivate Mankato. I am from Minnesota Lake. I graduated from Maple River Schools, then got my Early Childhood Education degree
Emotion coaching
from Minnesota State University Mankato.
Keeping yourself calm
I worked at Maple River for 14 years as
Bedtime routines
Kindergarten teacher and then Early
Building independence
Childhood Director. Through my
Some more topics that will be discussed in the future include:
experience in working with children and being a parent, I have established a passion for social/emotional development
Biting
and the important role it plays in laying
Morning routine
the foundation for a child's life. It is so
Teaching a skill vs consequences
incredible to think of the impact we as
Multiple environments equals multiple
early childhood care providers can have
expectations
on children...it's an amazing feeling to
Childcare drop off and pick up routine
know that our work truly makes a
Setting your child up for successful
difference! I am thrilled to be part of
sleep at childcare Potty training The importance of sleep Knowing yourself as a parent Guiding your child’s behavior; positive discipline Language development If you have questions, please email Laura
curriculum development and ensure best practices with the team at Cultivate Mankato. I strive to provide the staff with the competencies, support and confidence they need to create a positive learning environment! I also enjoy collaborating with families and the community to empower them as well, in meeting the needs of young children.”
laura.walser@cultivatemankato.com
CULTIVATE NEWS | 3
www.cultivatemankato.com
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CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
Message from Anissa At Cultivate Mankato we live our by our core values of LOVE, AUTHENTICITY, RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNITY. As Community Coordinator, not only do I get to share our values within our Cultivate Mankato Community, I also get to share those values in the community at-large. We had a busy month in December! We celebrated our Cultivate Mankato team and five teams (and the residents) at Pathstone Crossing with TWELVE DAYS OF GIVING. Shopping locally, we were able to
How lucky are we to be a part of an
show appreciation to the care providers
organization that lives its core values everyday.
while supporting local businesses.The On-
I love the work I get to do and I love working
line Auction was a Win-Win-Win!
with all of you.
We purchased items from local artists and
Thank you Candice for making this possible.
businesses. WIN! $815 was raised for the
Your heart and generosity are beyond measure!
Greater Mankato United Way. WIN! The winning bids got an awesome gift
- Ms. Anissa, Community Coordinator (and our community elf)
package. WIN! AND...We collected items for The Reach and S.S. Boutique!
Click Here to View Pictures
AND... We donated time with a packing session at Feeding Our Community Partners and selling raffle tickets for The Greater Mankato United Way. 2021 will provide us with opportunities to
January Giving Back to our Community
give back to Community in many different ways. My hope is that you will join us in our
“The goal of the Crisis Nursery is to prevent child
efforts to be connected to our community in
abuse and neglect. The Crisis Nursery provides
both the big ways and small ways.
crisis support and, when needed, a temporary,
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not
safe-haven for children whose caregivers are experiencing a family or personal crisis."
my child, not my community, not my world,
We are collecting SIZE 5 & SIZE 6 diapers,
not my problem.’ Then there are those who
children's mittens and gloves, and $10 gas cards
see the need and respond. I consider those
for families to transport their child to the care
people my heroes.” - Mister Rogers
provider.
www.cultivatemankato.com CULTIVATE NEWS | 5
Covid-19 Policies updated Dec. 2020
Review and download our COVID-19 Policy and Procedures
Click Here
Cultivate Administrative Offices Cultivate Mankato, along with our non-profit branch, CultivateMN, has leased the building next door! Our intention is to move our administrative offices over to the building, along with a podcast recording studio, and a
Weather Reminder As the snow has already fallen this month,
future sensory room. Our current office space at Cultivate will become a teacher resource center that will allow our teachers more space to prep and plan materials for classrooms.
we want to remind you of our weather
Leasing the space next door also means that
policy. Cultivate Mankato does not follow
we will be able to use the parking lot, which
the district 77 weather closings. However,
will make drop off and pick up easier for
we may have to close if it is deemed unsafe
families. The lot is small, so families will still
for families and employees getting to and
need to use the other options available at this
from Cultivate. We have only had to close
time as well, but it gives us another option that
early once last year so hopefully early
we’re excited about.
closures will be minimal. Also, please remember to bring snow boots, snow pants, hats, mittens and a coat every day. We do have some extras but our extras are limited.
Upcoming Study Within our education curriculum, we use
Photo of the Staff Lounge in the new building next door
studies to guide our lesson planning. Studies are a broad concept that we focus on for 4-6 weeks. Currently our study has been all about winter where we have focused on snow, winter clothing, winter in MN, and cold weather. In the next couple of weeks we will begin our
ball study.
If you feel your family has something special to share in regards to our upcoming study, we would love family participation. Reach out!
CULTIVATE NEWS | 6
www.cultivatemankato.com
New Liaison Positions We have created new positions called Program Liaisons. The Program Liaison works with teachers in their represented program and the Cultivate Mankato Leadership team as a liaison to build stronger partnerships
Sneak Peak
Coming Soon
within the center and each classroom. The Program Liaison understands and defends organizational values and vision and works collaboratively with all members of the
C U L T I V A T E N U R T U R E .
G R O W .
C A F E E M P O W E R .
program and leadership team to ensure cooperation, collaboration, and common ground. In general, the Program Liaison is responsible for the following:
Facilitates two-way communication between teachers and the Cultivate Mankato Leadership team on what’s happening in the classrooms. Collaborate with the program teachers and staff
Scholastic Book Orders
to identify how organizational goals and objectives can be met. Delegates assignments and responsibilities to
Through the Scholastic Book Club, you have the choice to place an order each month.
team members, primarily regarding
Your orders will allow us to earn free books for
opening/closing tasks, cleaning, DHS
our Cultivate library and will be used
requirements, and early education requirements
throughout all of our classrooms. Books will be
(such as lesson planning).
delivered to Cultivate and sent home with your
Promotes organizational goals and participation
child. Orders will be due on the 2nd Friday of
in centerwide events.
each month.
Completes weekly inventory checklists for the
Use the link below to order. Order will be due on Friday, January 8th.
program. Welcomes and trains new staff members as they enter the specific program. Meets with the leadership team weekly to discuss successes and challenges.
Any questions about ordering can be emailed to Ms. Tera at
tera.vankeulen@cultivatemankato.com
Link to order: https://orders.scholastic.com/R76H7
Our Program Liaison for the Toddler Program is Abbey Weilage and our Program Liaison for
Class Code: R76H7
the Infant Program is Britni Greenfield.
CULTIVATE NEWS | 7
www.cultivatemankato.com
Welcome Britt, New Preschool 2 Lead
Future Closures Friday, April 2nd
|
Friday, July 2nd
My name is Britt Cline and I am the lead teacher in Preschool 2. I was raised across the river in North Mankato and am glad to be working with a company who values the community within
Cultivate Mankato Rebrand
all of us, as well as the community without: greater Mankato. I love living here and raising my family (husband and daughter born in 2017) here. My educational background is in communication sciences and disorders, philosophy, and psychology. My vocational background is as a special education paraeducator with Mankato Area Public Schools preschool. Kids are my favorite people to be around, and I am
DOWNTOWN CHILD CARE CENTER C H I L D
D E V E L O P M E N T
&
R E S O U R C E
C E N T E R
looking forward to helping them grow and learn. Thank you for that privilege!
Feeding Every Baby New Rates Our center-wide rate change went into effect 01/01/2021. We believe that we are offering a high quality program with qualified teaching staff, excellent food, educational resources, and other resources that best serve the needs of all children.
Do you have a baby and struggle with assistance not being enough? Do you not qualify for assistance? Are you a foster parent, or caring for someone else's child? Are you affected by Covid19? At Feeding Every Baby, they help regardless of income, other assistance programs, or location (as long as you can pick up in Mankato, they will help). They provide formula, breastfeeding supplies including extra pumps, nursing pads, and storage bags, diapers, pull ups and wipes. They often have bottles, baby food, and infant cereals available.
Click Here for More Information CULTIVATE NEWS | 8
www.cultivatemankato.com
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR WORK ANNIVERSARY Cassandra, Mackenzie, Bri, Adrienne, Nikki, Aleia
CULTIVATE NEWS | 9
Jan. Menu
We would like to give families the opportunity to order the bread that River Rock makes for our children. There are two different options to choose from: Sourdough and Midwest Multigrain. Pick up is at Cultivate. Payment is added to your tuition.
Click the menu to download a pdf
To place an order: Email us at info@cultivatemankato.com or send us a message in ProCare!
Message from Becky "I want to take a moment to let you know what we are working on for the new year. Last February we partnered with River Rock Bakery and they have been wonderful to work with. They've provided us with organic muffins, their famous midwest multigrain and sourdough bread and this fall they provided us with delicious pumpkin bread, focaccia bread, green goddess dip, granola bars and homemade organic tomato soup which the kids love with grilled cheese sandwiches. In the next few weeks I will be working closely with the team at River Rock as well as reaching out to other local businesses to create a more diverse menu. Something we are also very excited about... Since several of our CM families have asked for the recipe of something their child ate and liked, we were inspired to create a Cultivate Mankato Community Cookbook. This book will not only include recipes from the CM kitchen but our hope is to include recipes from local restaurants in and around the Mankato area as well as your favorite family recipe. Illustrations will be done by the children at CM. Watch your emails for more information in the next few weeks."
CULTIVATE NEWS | 10
- Ms. Becky
www.cultivatemankato.com
Parent Resource
Understanding anger in children When children continue to have regular emotional outbursts, it’s usually a
Is My Child’s Anger Normal?
symptom of distress. The first step is
How to tell if emotional outbursts or aggression
understanding what’s triggering your
are beyond typical childhood behavior.
child’s behavior. There are many possible underlying causes, including:
Written by Child Mind Institute childmind.org/article/is-my-childs-anger-normal/
ADHD:
Many children with ADHD,
especially those who experience impulsivity and hyperactivity, have trouble
Most children have occasional tantrums or meltdowns. They may sometimes lash out if they’re frustrated or be defiant if asked to do something they don’t want to do. But when kids do these things repeatedly, or can’t control their tempers a lot of the time, it may be more than typical behavior.
Here are some signs that emotional outbursts should concern you:
controlling their behavior. They may find it very hard to comply with instructions or switch from one activity to another, and that makes them appear defiant and angry. “More than 50 percent of kids with ADHD also exhibit defiance and emotional outbursts,” says Dr. Vasco Lopes, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Their inability to focus and complete tasks can also lead to tantrums, arguing, and power struggles. That
If your child’s tantrums and outbursts
doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve been
are occurring past the age in which
diagnosed with ADHD—in fact, ADHD is
they’re developmentally expected (up to
sometimes overlooked in kids who have a
about 7 or 8 years old)
history of severe aggression because
If his behavior is dangerous to himself or
there are so many bigger issues.
othersIf her behavior is causing her
Anxiety: Children
serious trouble at school, with teachers
defiant often have severe, and
reporting that she is out of control.
unrecognized, anxiety. If your child has
If his behavior is interfering with his ability to get along with other kids, so he’s excluded from play dates and birthday partiesIf her tantrums and defiance are causing a lot of conflict at home and disrupting family life.
who seem angry and
anxiety, especially if she’s hiding it, she may have a hard time coping with situations that cause her distress, and she may lash out when the demands at school, for instance, put pressure on her that she can’t handle. In an anxietyinducing situation, your child’s “fight or
If he’s upset because he feels he can’t
flight” instinct may take hold—she may
control his anger, and that makes him
have a tantrum or refuse to do something
feels bad about himself.
to avoid the source of acute fear.
CULTIVATE NEWS | 11
www.cultivatemankato.com
Trauma or neglect: A
lot of acting out
Autism:
Children on the autism
in school is the result of trauma,
spectrum are also often prone to
neglect, or chaos at home. “Kids who
dramatic meltdowns. If your child is on
are struggling, not feeling safe at home
the spectrum, he may tend to be rigid—
can act like terrorists at school, with
needing consistent routine to feel safe—
fairly intimidating kinds of behavior,”
and any unexpected change can set him
says Dr. Nancy Rappaport, a Harvard
off. He may have sensory issues that
Medical School professor who
cause him to be overwhelmed by
specializes in mental health care in a
stimulation, and short-circuit into a
school setting. Most at risk, she says,
meltdown that continues until he
are kids with ADHD who’ve also
exhausts himself. And he may lack the
experienced trauma.
language and communication skills to
Learning problems: When
your child
express what he wants or needs.
acts out repeatedly in school or during
How can you help an “angry” child?
homework time, it’s possible that he has
Medication won’t necessarily fix defiant
an undiagnosed learning disorder. Say
behavior or aggression; it can reduce
he has a lot of trouble with math, and
the symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and
math problems make him very frustrated
other disorders and improve the
and irritable. Rather than ask for help,
conditions for working on those
he may rip up an assignment or start
behaviors. Behavioral approaches that
something with another child to create
have parents and children working
a diversion from his real issues.
together to rein in problem behavior are
Sensory processing issues:
key to helping the situation.
Some
children have trouble processing the
Find the triggers
sensory information they are getting
The first step in managing anger is
from the world around them. If your
understanding what triggers set off a
child is oversensitive, or undersensitive,
child’s outbursts. So, for instance, if
to stimulation, things like “scratchy”
getting out the door for school is a
clothes and too much light or noise can
chronic issue for your child, solutions
make her uncomfortable, anxious,
might include time warnings, laying out
distracted, or overwhelmed. That can
clothes and showering the night before,
lead to meltdowns for no reason that’s
and waking up earlier. Some kids
apparent to you or other caregivers.
respond well to breaking tasks down into steps, and posting them on the wall.
CULTIVATE NEWS | 12
www.cultivatemankato.com
Consistent parenting When a child’s defiance and emotional
Ignore negative behavior and praise positive behavior. Ignore minor
outbursts occur, the parent or
misbehavior, since even negative
caregiver’s response affects the
attention like reprimanding or telling the
likelihood of the behavior happening
child to stop can reinforce her actions.
again.If a child’s behavior is out of
Instead, lavish labeled praise on
control or causing major problems, it’s a
behaviors you want to encourage. (Don’t
good idea to try step-by-step parent
just say “good job,” say “good job
training programs. These programs (like
calming down.”)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or
Use consistent consequences. Your
PCIT, and Parent Management Training) train you to positively reinforce behavior you want to encourage in your child, and give consistent consequences for behaviors you want to discourage. Most children respond well to a more
consequences are for negative behaviors, such as time outs, as well as rewards for positive behaviors, like time on the iPad. And you need to show him you follow through with these consequences every
structured relationship, with calm, consistent responses from parents that they can count on.
time.
Wait to talk until the meltdown is over. One thing you don’t want to do is try to
Here are some of the key elements taught in parent training: Don’t give in. Resist
child needs to know what the
reason with a child who is upset. As Dr. Stephen Dickstein, a pediatrician and
the temptation to
child and adolescent psychiatrist, puts it,
end your child’s tantrum by giving her
“Don’t talk to the kid when she’s not
what she wants when she explodes. To
available.” You want to encourage a
give in only teaches her that tantrums
child to practice at negotiation when
work.
she’s not blowing up, and you’re not
Remain calm and consistent. You’re
in
either.
a better place to teach and follow
Build a toolkit for calming down.
through with better, more consistent
you and your child need to build what Dr.
consequences when you’re in control of
Dickstein calls a toolkit for self-soothing,
your own emotions. Harsh or angry
things you can do to calm down, like slow
responses tend to escalate a child’s
breathing, to relax, because you can’t be
aggression, be it verbal or physical. By
calm and angry at the same time. There
staying calm, you’re also modeling—and
are lots of techniques, he adds, but “The
teaching—your child the type of behavior
nice thing about breathing is it’s always
you want to see in him.
available to you.”
CULTIVATE NEWS | 13
Both
www.cultivatemankato.com
What is Cultivate MN? CultivateMN is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to promoting awareness within early childhood programs, family services organizations, and child welfare programs. We believe sharing stories promotes awareness and cultivates connection.
CULTIVATE NEWS | 14
www.cultivatemankato.com
Click Here to Listen
CultivateMN is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to promoting awareness within early childhood programs, family services organizations, and child CULTIVATE NEWS | 15 w e l f a r e p r o g r a m s . W e b e l i e v e s h a r i n g s t owww.cultivatemankato.com ries promotes