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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!

8 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to Preschool

August 31, 2018 by Young Scholars Academy 3 Comments

It’s time for your little one to attend to preschool and you have no idea how to prepare for it. You may have heard from other parents that the transition for the first few weeks will be hard and stressful for both you and your child. Separation anxiety in children is a common thing and it’s nothing to be afraid of. There are ways to help children adjust to preschool and to make the transition easier for both of you.

Starting school is a big milestone for both kids and parents. Preschool offers a lot of benefits but it can be a bit difficult for children to leave the familiar safety of home. Some parents may also worry about whether their children are ready for school or not. Here are 8 tips to help you and your child adjust to preschool.

Have a Positive Attitude

Going to school for the first time is a big change in a family’s life. Remember to always stay positive. Children can pick up on your feelings, whether it’s positive or negative. So if you are having a hard time, your child will feel that way, too. Try to have the mindset to be perky and excited. Pay attention to the way you talk about them going to school. If you sound nervous, your child will tune in to your feelings and not the words you’ve spoken. Portray a sense of calmness and confidence. Preschool is a wonderful thing to happen to kids. Let them grow, learn, and develop new memories with teachers and schoolmates.

Talk to your child about school

Introduce the idea of school to your child long before they’re ready for school. Introduce them other children who go to school. Show them the school bus and tell them stories about how much fun it is to ride in one. Tell them what they can do in school and how they can make lots of new friends and playmates there. Describe the playground and the new toys they can play with and so on. Talk about school as a positive place for them to go to. Don’t create a negative impression about school, otherwise, your child may not look at school in a positive manner.

A consistent routine is key

Having a consistent routine can create a sense of normalcy for every child. Make a consistent morning ritual and make sure that they have enough sleep the night before. Have breakfast together, pack lunch, help them prep for school, and leave home happily. At school, you can say hello to their teacher together before saying goodbye to each other.

Slowly and gradually phase out separation anxiety

Separation anxiety in children is common especially between the ages 1 to 3. Children tend to cling to their parents and cry out whenever they don’t see them near. When your child is already going to preschool, try to phase out separation. Most preschools allow the parents to stay with their children for the first few hours. Encourage your child to enjoy the new environment they are in. Children can become comfortable in 2-3 days time. Every child reacts differently, so depending on how they respond, you can gradually decrease the time you spend with your child. Leave them for half an hour, then an hour and so on. Make sure to pick your child up on time. This instills confidence in them that you are there whenever they may need you. If you can already see that your child is enjoying school without your company, try not to linger too long and go on to your other tasks.

child at a preschool — a child learning how to read

Help ease your child’s fears

At a young age, children are still not capable of expressing their feelings in words. Try to be gentle and understanding. If going to school scares your child and they refuse to go, talk to them and make them understand how important school is. Talk instead of trying to force them.

Recall the second tip. Spend time having conversations with your child about school. Gradually introduce your child to the possible activities they will get to do in school. You can also let them play early with crayons and paper, this will make them comfortable when they see these things at school. To ease your child’s fear of unknown territory, visit the preschool classroom a few times before school starts. Meet with the teachers and ask about common school activities and routines to prepare your child for what is ahead.

Let your child explore the new classroom and let them interact with other children. This will help them become familiar with this new environment. The more composed and calm you are with sending your child to preschool, the more confident your child will be going to school.

Saying goodbye helps

When leaving your child at school, do not sneak out. Don’t leave without saying a proper goodbye. You don’t want your child to feel abandoned when you sneak out, right? Avoiding a tearful farewell by not saying goodbye may be an idea you’d entertain but it will just impose a negative feeling to your child. Always include a loving goodbye and make it quick. If you are going to make a promise to return, be sure to be on time.

Stay connected

Always make time to bond with your child. Every day after school, have a special time to ask them about their day. Listen to what they have to say and interact.

Involve the teacher

Children need to feel connected to adults that they think will keep them safe. When they are in school, the immediate adult they have in their environment is the teacher. Help your child bond with the teacher. Experienced teachers can help children ease the transition from home to school. They can assign a special job to the child so that they can feel more connected, like they have a role to play each day. Teachers have a lot of effective strategies in their arsenal for helping young kids adjust in school. Your child will learn to trust their teacher when you show that you trust them, too.

When it’s time for your child to go to school, make sure to prepare early. Let them get a good night’s sleep so that they will have the energy to do fun activities in school. Preparing early will help your child adjust to preschool quickly. Follow the tips mentioned above for an easy transition of this big change. If you are looking for a good preschool for your child, check out this daycare in Colorado Springs.

Tips to Prepare your Children for the New School Year

August 30, 2018 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

back to school essentials — Going back to school is exciting

It’s August, summer is finally coming to an end and the new school year is right around the corner. Time for parents and students all over the country to start their back to school preparations. Whether your children look forward to this event or they dread the regimented school days ahead, one thing is for sure – back to school entails another big transition. Help your kids cope with the biggest adjustments and make those first weeks of school easier for them with the following tips:

Start talking about the upcoming school year

Before summer break ends, find opportunities to talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Instead of allowing them to dwell on the post-holiday blues, get them excited about going back to school. Think of the things your child will love about school. It could be spending time with friends, having time to play with other kids, or about a subject they are interested in? Highlight these topics during your conversation so that they’ll have something to look forward to.

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