Events & Updates - Young Scholars Academy

Pumpkin Patch Deals In Colorado Springs

October 15, 2018 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

toddler care — DIY Halloween Fun for the Family

Autumn has arrived and with it comes cool breezes, football, and a favorite fall activity…visiting the pumpkin patch. It can be hard to decide where to go, which place has the best hours/activities to suit your family’s needs. Every person wants to get the best bang for their buck below is a list of pumpkin patches located in and near Colorado Springs.

For those who have visited Green Thumbkin Pumpkin Patch before, they have permanently closed their location as a pumpkin patch in town.

Long Neck Pumpkin Farm is located at 7595 California Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80923 (719) 551-0525. They have many activities to suit families of all ages. They have hay rides, hay bale slides, bean bag toss, corn boxes, tractor swings, farm animals, duck races, and more. These activities are included with the $10 admission fee. Children two years of age and younger are free. Pumpkins are an additional $5. During the month of October Long Neck Pumpkin Farm is open from 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. http://www.longneckpumpkinfarm.com/

Miners’ Pumpkin Patch is located at 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (719) 488-0880. They offer apple cider press, hay rides, gem panning, corn hold, tether ball and more. They charge $10 for admission with a pumpkin included in admission price. Additional pumpkins are $5 each. Children three and under are free (without a pumpkin). Miners’ Pumpkin Patch Hours of operation for the month of October are Saturdays 9am-4pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. https://www.minerspumpkinpatch.com

The Colorado Pumpkin Patch is located at 18065 Saddle Wood Rd, Monument, CO 80123 (719) 799-6780. Activities include but are not limited to, large outdoor games, jumping pad, farm animal petting area, straw slides, tractor hayrides, maze, and corn box. Admission for children is $12 and $10 for adults. Children three and under are free. Pumpkins Range from $2.50-$12 depending on size. They are open 9am-1pm Monday through Thursday and 9am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday. http://coloradopumpkinpatch.net

Wishing Star Farm is located at 24024 Highway 94, Ellicot/Calhan Colorado, 80908 (719) 244-7252. They have a sling shot, a variety of life sized games (like Jenna), pedal cars, hay wagon rides, a maze, straw pyramid, tire swings, a jumping pillow, and more. Admission rates are $10 per person for anyone two years of age and older. They offer pony rides for an additional $4. Pumpkins of any size cost $4 each. Wishing Star Farm is open Monday through Wednesday from 9am-2pm and Thursday through Sunday from 9am-5pm. http://wishingstarfarm.com

Diana’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze is located at 1649 Poplar Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212 (719) 821-9133. This farm offers a corn maze that can even be entered after dark using a flashlight, hay rides, fire pit with marshmallow roasting after dark, and more. Admission is $13 per person and includes a pumpkin. Children five and under are free with out a pumpkin. The last weekend (October 26th-28th) Diana’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze is offering a $2 discount for military with an ID and a $2 discount per person in a family of four or more paid admissions. Their hours of operation are Friday and Saturday 10am-9pm (they stop accepting admission at 8pm) and Sunday 10am-6pm (they stop accepting admission at 5pm). http://dianaspumpkinpatch.com

While there are more pumpkin patches around Colorado, the patches listed above are located a little closer to Colorado Springs. Many of these farms and pumpkin patches offer a discounted rate for large groups of 15 or more so it is worth calling the patch you are interested in to set up large group visits. Many also offer a concession stand of some sort. Most offer weekdays by appointment. Pumpkin patches are usually held on uneven ground with dirt, rocks, and hay. This may be something to consider when bringing strollers and/or wheelchairs. It is best to wear something you can get dirty and closed toe shoes. Please dress and plan accordingly. Enjoy your visit to the pumpkin patch this season!

-Ms. Blair
Wellness Coordinator
Lead Early Preschool Teacher

DIY Halloween Fun for the Family

October 15, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

It’s almost Halloween time! The fall décor has started to come out and the chilly weather has set in. October is such a fun month for our family as we begin to prepare for Halloween festivities. In my family we really like to dress up and go all out with the holiday and costumes. When I was younger my mom would let us choose a pattern of the costume, fabric, and accessories. This was something I looked forward to every year. It was a great time for us to connect and work together. Now, I have my own kiddos and we have started the same tradition.

Creating your own costumes can be very easy and fun. My mom was skilled in sewing and knew how to create some really amazing costumes when I was a child. I however did not learn how to sew but still wanted my kids to experience having homemade costumes and having fun being creative together. So, sometimes grandma helps with the sewing and creating too. We have started the tradition over another generation and it really is an amazing time we all get to experience. Working along with her we design and plan out what character my children want to transform into for Halloween. She does what sewing that we need and my husband and I try to do the rest.

Some tips I have for you non-sewers are to check out the ARC Thrift stores. There are a few around town to choose from and Saturdays you can find half off items. That’s usually where we start our search. For example, a few years ago we were all characters from Peter Pan and my husband was going as captain hook. We looked at the ARC for a long tail winter coat and cut it to fit the pirate look and searched at the craft and party stores for the added embellishments. I was able to find a blue nightgown and make a bow for my hair to look like Wendy. My daughter went as Peter Pan, my mom helped with the sewing on that costume and we let my daughter help with picking out the extra accessories. Like I said, my husband and I don’t know how to sew, but man we can sure hot glue! Really! Hot glue holds up super well! So, even if you can’t sew, you can always add a little flair to the store costumes to make them a little different. We let our kids choose all the materials and accessories that they wish to add and we all work together to create something fun! That’s what Halloween is really about to us; coming together and making memories even before all the fun of Trick-or-Treating.

Creating these costumes as a family is an easy way for us to have hands-on, imaginative fun. Being creative and allowing our kids to choose what they want to be for Halloween is so exciting for them. It really is simple to create your own costumes or just add to an existing one, even if you are not the crafty type like myself. Creating these memories is what is most important and it is an unforgettable experience for your family.

Good luck in your DIY journey we’re so excited to kick off the holiday season with you all!
-Ms. Whitney
Curriculum Coordinator
Lead Pre-K Teacher

7 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Toddler Program

September 24, 2018 by Admin 3 Comments

Choosing the best school and toddler program for your little one can be as stressful as applying to college, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are a lot of things to consider and these things can overwhelm you. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, but how do you decide? Don’t panic, take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for your little one. Here are some things to consider to help you in your decision making.

Figure out the personality and needs of the child

This should be a major factor in your decision. Every child is different and finding an environment for them to excel and embrace their needs is important. Here are some questions to think about:

Does the child need a program that will focus more on their motor skills?
Are they aloof or shy and in need of extra care from the educators?
Or are they advanced or behind in verbal skills needing challenges to improve?

It is expected that classrooms will have children with diverse personalities and learning capacities. However, a preschool environment is designed to be a comfortable setting for toddlers. It’s important to consider this so that you can set your child up for optimum learning. You can ask questions at each school that you are considering so that you’ll be sure that your child’s needs are met.

Check that the school has proper credentials

There are so many private preschools available that they make their own rules. To ensure that these schools are right for your child, ask if the teachers have ECE (Early Childhood Education) degrees and have CDA credentials. Also,ask if the school is accredited. It’s also a plus if the classroom teachers and staff are certified in CPR and first aid.

Does the school’s educational philosophy matches yours?

The bulk of a child’s brain development occurs in their first five years and this is the best time to expose your child to more learning. Teachers have different ways, approaches, and views on educating young minds. Some preschools are completely play-based, while others have lessons for letters and number to prepares kids for kindergarten. There are also schools that have discovery-based programs that don’t only focus on drills and practice skills.

The structure is essential, but parents should also look for a school that gives children the opportunity to learn by choice. Parents should also consider the openness between the school and the family in choosing a toddler daycare. It is important that the school welcomes and encourages the family to stop by any time. The program should also include regular feedback on the child’s development in school. Open communication is important for staying updated on your child’s progress.

What do you think will be best for your child? This all comes down to learning style and how you prepare them for school at home.

Discipline

A parent’s ultimate goal is to raise their children to be well behaved human beings with proper traits and discipline. While kids are young, it’s the perfect time to instill in them the values you want them to have. This is another important factor to consider in choosing the right preschool for your young one. Ask the school how they deal with child behavior. Ask them how they deal with conflict if it arises in the classroom. It’s important that you agree with the preschool’s disciplinary action and their approach to correcting children.

What is the school’s nutrition policy?

This is another factor to consider in you search. Children can be greatly influenced by their peers at this age. If other kids like to eat fruit, your child will probably also grow to love eating fruit. This goes both ways, too, and they may be negatively influenced. Ask the school if they provide healthy lunches and r snacks, or do you need to prepare their meals at home. If the school provides meals , ask them what they typically serve. Make sure to voice concerns if your child has food allergies, too.

Is the school convenient?

toddler daycare — playtime at the daycare

Does the preschool’s time fit into your schedule? Can you drop your child off at the neighborhood daycare or is on the way to your office? Are you looking for a half-day program or do you prefer a full-day one? Generally, schools go for 5 days a week, depending on a child’s age and the school itself. Some programs allow extended pick up times for those who have to work late.

Is it a Safe environment?

Last but not the least, safety is, of course, the number one thing you should look at when you are choosing a preschool. How does the school ensure a child’s safety? How do they keep track of the pickups after school? How do they respond to accidents when they happen? These are some basic things that you should ask if you are looking for a safe school environment.

Attending preschool or toddler daycare will prepare your child for kindergarten. So it is important to carefully choose the school they’ll attend. Consider all of the options and pick the one that is best using the tips above to guide you.

What To Ask Your Child’s Potential Daycare

September 20, 2018 by Admin 1 Comment

question on a blackboard — Make sure to ask the right questions at your child’s prospective daycare

If you’re wondering if you’re “reading into daycare too much” let us help you out by first saying you’re not at all! Picking out the perfect preschool or daycare program is comparable to picking out the best college, except with about 15 years difference in between! You should (and have every right to) be extra picky when it comes to picking out your child’s first school. However often we find that many parents become overwhelmed in the whole process and forget to ask vital questions to the prospective schools. Many parents, brand new and not, have suddenly walked into the classroom and forgot all the questions that had been keeping them up at night.
You are not alone!
Here’s just a few,
What to ask your child’s potential daycare:

1. “What does your curriculum look like?”

This is SO important especially if you’re someone who wants their children to attend a preschool or early education facility more than just a daycare. It’s also important to set eyes on what the curriculum looks like. A curriculum that is out and always available to parents shows there is an academic plan rather than letting chaos break lose every day. Some basics in curriculum are: math & manipulatives, science & sensory, literacy, social studies.
Of course, the end goal for almost every parent who places their child into a preschool program is for their kid to be more than ready for Kindergarten. Ask questions like, “How do you guys help with that?” and “How do you incorporate that standards they need to know into the kids’ every day?” Whether your looking for Infant care or beyond, Kindergarten is going to come FAST so be sure to think about it now!

2. “How do you take care of your teachers?”

Might seem silly but this is such an important question! Anyone in any level of education knows that kids are downright hard. It takes some amazing individuals to teach day in and day out.
By simply asking how a program takes care of their teachers can give you a lot of insight into what goes on behind the scenes. If you get stammered answers or a deer in the headlights look, it can be surmised that the teacher’s mental health and well-being isn’t at the top of anyone’s to-do list. This truly is something that should be considered as the happier the teacher, the better (we all assume) the care of the kids will be.

3. “Do you have a camera system?”

It’s crazy to think that in 2018 not every program has a camera system! Our society is way too far advanced for this to be the case. So, with that being said you want to ask and see! Beyond that, ask if that camera system records, if parents can login and look throughout the day, and the security that goes behind the logins.
On the days when your child has rough drop-offs it’s always a great thing to be able to login and see that the 10 minutes of tears has passed, and your child has now moved on and is actively playing with the other children!

4. Ask about the teachers, administration and owners!

Who are the people that you are going to partner with to help teach your child! Parenting is a partnership even beyond your child’s first 18 years. Don’t be afraid to create conversation with your child’s teacher about what’s going on in the home, or if you have questions about certain behaviors your child is exhibiting. Ultimately you want a program that is going to teach like you parent! Whether your family is all about self-problem solving or if you guys tackle problems as a team, it’s good to know what your teacher’s style is like!

We also feel as though it’s important to ask if the program you’re looking into is corporate or family-run. While both have great benefits, sometimes families prefer one over the other! If you like the corporate programs, investigate the core values of the “big guys” and see if you can see that in the program. If you like family-run, see if you have a chance to meet the family running it, that’s huge!

Other things to look at are:

The playground areas, do they look gated and safe?
How do the classrooms look, are they organized or more than what you’d expect to be messy?
Does it smell like bodily fluids as soon as you walk through the front door? No one wants that…
Do the teachers acknowledge and greet you when you walk into their classroom?
Is there a pin or security entry as you walk into the door?

Some helpful tips, right? Everything about picking out a preschool or daycare is important so don’t feel as though you’re being pushy or asking “too many” questions. Your child IS the most important thing in the world, remember that above all else!

4 Recipes for Celebrate National Potato Month with the Family

September 19, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Being an integral part of the food supply of many countries, a world without potatoes is unimaginable! This month, we have more reasons to take in our favorite vegetable and make wonderful recipes because September is National Potato Month!

To help you get started, here are some great potato recipes that you can make at home to celebrate National Potato Month with the entire family!

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie is an excellent meal for when everyone’s already starving and you’re running short on time. It is a fast and easy comfort food for both kids and adults alike. The following are the ingredients you need.

2 medium sized potatoes or 3 to 4 small potatoes
1 can of cream chicken soup
1 chicken breast
1 cup frozen vegetable blend
1 egg beaten
1 package refrigerated pie dough

Directions: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the chicken breast should be cut into small cubes. Mix the potatoes, vegetable, chicken, soup and a soup can of water together in a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Top the mixture with pie dough. Brush the dough with egg. Microwave for 20 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are completely cooked.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Just when you thought you have tried every possible variation, this recipe introduces you to mashed potatoes with a twist. The ingredients for the roasted garlic mashed potatoes include:

5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
1 and ½ sticks salted butter
¼ cup half-and-half
Heavy cream
3 to 5 heads roasted garlic
Salt and black pepper

Directions: Prepare your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into cubes and boil it for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes for 5 minutes while allowing steam to escape. Then add the cream cheese, butter, cream, half-and-half, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Mash and mix them together. Once done, spread the potatoes into a large baking dish and leave a slice of butter at the top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha is going to be your next family’s favorite potato recipe. Why? Because aside from offering a good mix of flavors, this recipe is also healthy. So, without further ado, here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish.

4 medium-sized potatoes
2 and ½ tbsp lime juice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 and ½ tsp chili powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. bottled mild jalapeno sauce
15 oz black beans
1 cup diced tomatoes
7 oz can vacuum packed kernel corn
1 and ½ cup sliced green onions

Directions: Cook potatoes in 2 inches of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain it and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.

Twice baked potatoes

Twice baked potatoes is a recipe that your family will surely love! It features an explosion of flavors including fresh green onion, crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar on top of hollowed out potato halves. Check the list of ingredients below.

8 baking potatoes
2 sticks salted butter
3 tbsp canola oil
1 cup sour cream
1 cup bacon bits
1 cup whole milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 tsp seasoned salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 green onions

Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until they are well cooked. In a large mixing bowl, place slices of butter in and add the sour cream and bacon bits. Then, remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and add them in your mixing bowl. Make sure not to tear the shell. Then, place the hollowed out potato halves on a baking sheet. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes into the mixture of butter, bacon and sour cream. Then add milk, cheese, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper. Fill the hollowed out potatoes with this filling and top each potato with more cheese. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes and they’re ready to eat!

Now that you have these exciting potato recipes, you’re on your way to having a blast this National Potato Month! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get messy in the kitchen and enjoy a wonderful meal with the family!