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It's Spring: Let's Get Active! |
Springtime brings warmer weather, more sunshine, and new growth. These are physical changes brought about by the changing angle of the sun as Earth rotates around in orbit. Does it make you and your children want to get outside and get moving? We want to!
One way you can observe the physical changes taking place is through gardening. Watching a seed grow into a mature plant provides a wealth of related discussion points and opportunities for learning.
P.S. Check out our list of Trainings on the right of this newsletter for Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Gardening in Child Care OLEs!
Plant your seeds indoors, then move the seedlings outdoors or plant at home, and add a story, like Planting a Rainbow, by Lois Ehlert to supplement the activity!
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What other activities can you do to celebrate springtime?
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For the home - content provided by our partner: |
Spring is for New Beginnings |
"A bird sitting in a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because her trust is not in the branch, but in her wings." |
As we approach almost a year of COVID quarantine, it is easy to focus on all that COVID has robbed of us. Instead, try and reflect on the gains - feel gratitude for the growth you or your family have experienced. It’s time to celebrate the vernal equinox and the start of spring. Spring presents new beginnings and fresh opportunities.
In 2021, the spring equinox occurs on Saturday, March 20. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The spring (vernal) and fall (autumnal) equinoxes are two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length. On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world.
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This year, more than ever, we are experiencing cabin fever, tiring of monotonous days and routines. With the equinox, we will enjoy increasing sunlight hours with earlier dawns and later sunsets. Sunlight can promote increased energy and motivation. Spring can mark a fresh start: physically, emotionally, and socially.
With warmer weather, we will have safer and more opportunities to connect with loved ones outside. Encourage young children in your life to explore all signs of spring with the five senses. Go for a mindful walk in your neighborhood or have a family picnic. Observe the growth and blooming in nature all around you.
The birds will start singing,
Trees begin to bud.
Woodpeckers begin drumming.
Rabbits are exploring.
The bees and butterflies will return.
Flowers begin to bloom, and we can “smell” spring.
We encourage you to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful bounty of nature with the special children in your life, whether it be at a local park or your own backyard.
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Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to Hope at Home and other Wake Connections programs. |
Wake Pre-K Interest Webinar - TODAY! |
Wake Pre-K: the way to grow, learn, and play!
The Wake Pre-K Application Center is your link to free, safe, and fun Pre-K options for your child...and we want to answer your questions about it!
TODAY, March 2, we are hosting two interest webinars, one in English at 12pm and one in Spanish at 2:30pm. These webinars are free, and they will go over the application process and leave time for Q&A. If you can't attend, we will post the recordings on our website afterwards.
Please click the links above or below to register in advance.
Pre-K: what your child learns here lasts a lifetime!
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Featured Book: Spring Stinks
Written & Illustrated by: Ryan T. Higgins
Highlights: Ruth the bunny is excited to share the smelly springtime smells of spring with Bruce! But what will Bruce think of all that stink?
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers
Wake County Public Library Programming: There are 23 WCPL locations across the county. Most locations are now open for Express Visits! To find out more about library locations, click here.
Literacy Tip: Go outside with your children and gather up some materials in nature. Create a collage together of what spring looks like to you!
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Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today! |
Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!
Congratulations to:
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Many children like handheld food - and let's be honest, many adults do as well!
Try these chicken and broccoli bites, and wrap up your whole dinner in one hand!
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Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.
Note: ITS-SIDS is available virtually until 6/30/2021.
Language Development & Communication in Infant & Toddler
March 9, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Toxic Stress & Its Impact on Children
March 11, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Basic School-Age Care (BSAC)
March 15 & 22, 6:30 - 9pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Gardening in Child Care OLEs
March 16, 12:30 - 2pm
Virtual/Online
Email Lynn Policastro to register.
Creating Activity Plans Using NC Foundations (NC FELD)
March 16, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Toddler CLASS Observer Certification
March 23-24, 9am - 5pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Cooking with Chef John: Cooking with Dr. Seuss & Other Authors
March 23, 1 - 3pm
Virtual/Online
Email Lynn Policastro to register.
Practicing Mindfulness During Difficult Times
March 23, 6:30 - 7:45pm
Virtual/Online
Email Gina Soceanu to register.
Playground Safety
March 23 & 25, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Staying On Track: Promoting Healthy Social Emotional Behaviors through Routines & Classroom Schedules
March 29, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Emergency Preparedness & Response in Child Care
March 31, 6 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Infant CLASS Observer Certification
April 7-8, 9am - 5pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
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Green is everywhere for St. Patrick's Day in March, but what about all the other colors?
Get some good active play in with the rainbow relay game! Feel free to personalize the rules to make it your own!
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Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County. |
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The WCSS office is closed, but staff are working remotely to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can find contact information for our staff on our website.
Teachers, administrators, and other child care and Pre-K employees are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine!
You can find additional resources for navigating the coronavirus pandemic on our COVID-19 Resources page.
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Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550 |
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