ReportWire

Tag: pre-school

  • Bay Area Author’s Latest Work, ’52’, Sparks Powerful Message in a Lonely, COVID-19 World

    Bay Area Author’s Latest Work, ’52’, Sparks Powerful Message in a Lonely, COVID-19 World

    Inspired by the incredible true story of the 52-hertz whale, author Johnny DePalma’s latest rhyming picture book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness’, echoes emotions that may be felt at home.

    Press Release



    updated: Mar 23, 2021

     Known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for curating the pandemic’s Emergency Art Museum (emergencyartmuseum.com), award-winning author Johnny DePalma’s latest literary accomplishment dives deep into innate human feelings, emotions, and loneliness – something all too common in a COVID-19 world.

    “I would say all my books are somewhat autobiographical,” said DePalma, regarding his latest book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness.’ “Loneliness is such a universal and complex emotion. For me, my days of loneliness were also my days of unlimited imagination. I would take the time to connect with all of the small, seemingly invisible things in my life. And, looking back, I think those moments we’re incredibly important. Years later, when I learned about the 52-hertz whale, (also known as the loneliest whale in the world) I knew I wanted to write a book that reconnects with that misunderstood emotion.”

    This children’s tale, recommended for ages 4-8, has recently hit home for an audience of all ages. Taking place far beneath the beautiful sea, a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy of life he’s found beneath the ocean waves. Yet, despite his isolation, 52 remains optimistic and introduces readers to the magic, beauty, and joy found within his own invisible world.

    DePalma details the beauty of isolation with effortlessness throughout the book, writing, “And that’s all mine! I get to see, the things invisible, like me! So, every night, I say hello, to all the barnacles below. To every bubble, kelp, and shell. To every grain of sand as well. For all these things make up my home, and with them, I don’t feel alone.”

    “It’s been greatly inspired by the California coast,” said DePalma. “After all, that is where the real-life 52-hertz whale has been known to travel. In 2018, my good friend and illustrator, Kyle Brown and I took a research trip from Point Conception, to Monterey, and eventually through San Francisco to find the creative spark needed for the illustrations in this book. I couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s my hope that children and families alike will uncover that same special spark of joy that 52 has found. Considering what we’ve all been going through, I think embracing some of these feelings, and putting a voice to them is going to be an important step for children moving forward.”

    DePalma went on to say, “As children start heading back to school, social and emotional learning tools are going to be imperative. Characters like 52 are there to help guide children through those difficult feelings and to help them find their voice in a world that might suddenly feel a bit different. I want children to know that being unique can be a positive and powerful thing. Sometimes, it just takes the right perspective for them to see that.”

    One recent reviewer stated, “DePalma effectively validates feelings that are relatable to children of various ages. Although 52 experiences loneliness, and sometimes feels invisible, he still sings, and his tale is not a sad one. This good-natured whale exemplifies themes of self-acceptance, individuality, contentment, empathy, bravery, and joy.” – Cecilia_L

    Terra Jolé, of “Dancing with the Stars,” fame stated, “This book is a wonderful way for children to feel content with who they are. This speaks loudly to me as a mother isolating her family through the pandemic. Embracing a world you’re creating for yourself is a powerful message in a children’s book.”

    To date, 52 – A Tale of Loneliness has won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and a Reader’s Favorite Five Stars. The book also includes a downloadable companion audiobook read by Emmy Award-winning actor, Patton Oswalt.

    For more information about 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, visit: umbrellybooks.com/52tale

    ###

    Contact: Johnny DePalma

    Umbrelly Books Publishing

    hello@umbrellybooks.com

    408-666-2722

    Source: Umbrelly Books Publishing

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  • Tangipahoa Parish School System to Establish Unique ‘Ready Start Network’

    Tangipahoa Parish School System to Establish Unique ‘Ready Start Network’

    All children deserve to start off life with every possible advantage. One of the best advantages children have is early childhood education.

    Press Release



    updated: Feb 22, 2021

    The Tangipahoa Parish School system was awarded a grant to establish a unique “Ready Start Network” to pilot a state program to increase early childhood education access and improve quality. 

    Tangipahoa Parish School System has received a grant from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to pilot new strategies to increase access to and improve the quality of publicly funded early childhood care and education. It is one of 13 communities joining as a third cohort and one of 26 total communities to lead this work statewide.

    The communities, called Ready Start Networks, will develop new local governance structures; assess local demand for early care and education; provide resources and training for teachers to improve classroom quality; implement fundraising strategies, and share their findings with state leaders to inform future policymaking. 

    Due to this grant, Early Learning Tangipahoa rebranded to Ready Start Tangipahoa with the launch of their new website in the fall of 2020.

    Ready Start Tangipahoa will do this by:
    Equipping each classroom with quality, Tier I curriculum by May 2023.
    Increasing overall CLASS scores in each classroom by .5 for veteran teachers and .2 for novice teachers by 2023.
    Increasing parent accessibility, involvement, and awareness of resources in Tangipahoa Early Childhood by May 2023.
    Expanding access and enrollment to early learning for children aged birth to three in quality centers by 20%, at the end of 2023.

    All children deserve to start off life with every possible advantage. One of the best advantages children have is early childhood education.

    “Ready Start Tangipahoa enables children, parents, and businesses to succeed,” said  Early Childhood Coordinator Carmen Brabham M.Ed., NBCT. “Children benefit and grow by having consistent socialization and education. Parents have reliable childcare and can work or attend school while knowing their children are flourishing. Businesses have less employee absenteeism because their employees’ children have dependable, quality childcare. It’s a win for everyone in the community!”

    To learn more about the Ready Start Networks, visit: louisianabelieves.com. To learn more about Ready Start Tangipahoa visit: readystarttangi.com.

    Source: Ready Start Tangipahoa

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  • VIDEO: Orlando Parents Produce Virtual-Commencement for 4-Year-Old VPK Students

    VIDEO: Orlando Parents Produce Virtual-Commencement for 4-Year-Old VPK Students

    Press Release



    updated: May 27, 2020

    ​Ken and Sacnyte Rubin (Kenyte), along with the parents of 18 4- and 5-year-old VPK students, have released a commemorative video of the virtual commencement of their children’s first year in school.   

    With the end of the school year occurring amidst the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and all Orlando, Florida, schools shut down, VPK parents produced a creative video to capture the spirit of their children just starting out in their education: https://youtu.be/N1YdaFU9L-4.

    Viewers of the video can still see that even though the kids were not able to be together in person, there is still excitement in their cute faces in the video, which concludes with a drive-by thank you to their favorite teacher: Miss Ross. 

    ​These parents took the opportunity to do something unique to help their kids remember what happened in 2020 when they started school in a year that ended in the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

    The background audio/song is paid for, including royalties for distribution and reuse. Producer and parent permission to use this video in online or on-air news is granted, but please notify VPK@Kenyte.net upon use.

    The video was developed and produced by VPK parents after forming a WhatsApp group where they discussed the idea to create and distribute the video. Everyone submitted a clip of their child to Kenyte for inclusion in the final video.

    About Kenyte:

    Ken and Sacnyte (Sac) Rubin together make up Kenyte. Our children are the first two in the video, 4-year-old twins Luna and Apollo Rubin (which mean Moon and Sun). We have a third child named Kalani, which means “the heavens.” To contact Ken, Sac or their children for comment, reach them directly anytime at 407-595-7355, VPK@Kenyte.net or Ken@RubimarEnterprises.com.

    Orlando VPK Virtual Graduation Video on YouTube: 
    https://youtu.be/N1YdaFU9L-4

    Source: VPK Parents

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  • Building Blocks III Day School Opens in Manassas, VA

    Building Blocks III Day School Opens in Manassas, VA

    The school is conducting an ‘Open House’ session every Saturday from now until Nov. 23, 2019, for parents who wish to learn more about Building Block III. The hours of the Open House are from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

    Press Release



    updated: Sep 19, 2019

    Building Blocks III Day School is pleased to announce that it has opened a new location at 10706 Vandor Lane in Manassas, Virginia. The new school will service the Manassas area, as well as the Northern Virginia region, and is currently enrolling new students.

    Mabel Espinosa, the founder of Building Blocks I Day School in 2007 and the driving force behind the successful Building Blocks I and Building Blocks II schools, is one of the owners of this new school at the Manassas location.

    The school is conducting an “Open House” session every Saturday from now until Nov. 23, 2019, for parents who wish to learn more about Building Block III. The hours of the Open House are from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

    The school’s hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. during the week. Parents are also able to choose Morning Care, Day School and After Care on an a-la-carte basis. Building Blocks III Day School accepts students from 2 months old to 8 years old.

    Shamitha Pereira, Director and co-owner of Building Blocks III Day School, stated, “The focus here is on the well-being and development of the whole child – intellectual, social, physical, emotional and self-help skills. We are proponents of children learning through play and hands-on experience. In addition to a core academic curriculum, we offer Yoga, Music and Movement, Fitness, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish Immersion.

    “On top of all this is our emphasis on Christian values and principles of living, which is delivered through compassion, moral values, prayer and engaging age-appropriate Bible stories.

    “We offer working parents a physically secure, intellectually challenging school that will provide expert and caring instruction and supervision for their children. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished here and invite everyone to see for themselves what sort of learning environment we’ve created here at Building Blocks III.”

    For more information, their website is www.bbd3school.com or email them at info@bbd3school.com, or call the school at 703-331-3100 or 571-201-6028.

    Source: Building Blocks III Day School

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  • Children’s Learning Adventure Announces Summer Camp Theme

    Children’s Learning Adventure Announces Summer Camp Theme

    Press Release



    updated: Mar 6, 2019

    Children’s Learning Adventure is changing the meaning of “summer breaks” for students across the nation by offering their “Hooray for Hollywood” Summer Camp. The camp will include weekly field trips, specialty classes, and a STEAM-based curriculum with hands-on activities to encourage campers to practice communication, collaboration, and creativity.

    A child’s school break doesn’t need to be a break from mental stimulation. At Children’s Learning Adventure, students are always gearing up for a new adventure. When school is out, it is ‘in’ to join the fun by attending camps. Each school break and summer camp at Children’s Learning Adventure offers a specialized, uniquely designed curriculum that encompasses STEAM learning and literacy. Each theme is developed to engage students of all levels in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

    “Children’s Learning Adventure we help instill a love for learning in our students through fun and interactive activities. These activities allow students to discover and explore areas they are interested in, while learning about something new.” – Rick Sodja, CEO

    Children’s Learning Adventures theme for this year’s summer camp is, “Hooray for Hollywood!”. The summer camp will offer a specialized STEAM-based curriculum centered around all things Hollywood and movie magic. Children’s Learning Adventure’s Summer camp will also include field trips, transportation to and from local elementary schools, and a specialized curriculum that encompasses STEAM-learning. In addition to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, CLA engages students with the arts.

    The “Hooray for Hollywood” camp theme is intentionally planned to offer a specialized, uniquely designed curriculum that encompasses STEAM learning and literacy as Hollywood helps capture our imagination by taking us on amazing journeys to new worlds. Children’s Learning Adventures most entertaining summer camp yet will help teach children to appreciate the world around them and create storylines that can guide them to understand who they are. Every child will have the opportunity to explore movie magic, from behind the scenes exploration to learning the tricks of the trade to participation in a variety of game shows. These are just a few of the many activities Children’s Learning Adventure is offering to families.

    To learn more about Children’s Learning Adventure and their upcoming Summer Camp please visit www.childrenslearningadventure.com, or call (877) 797-1417.

    Media Contact:

    Kyle Greenberg

    kgreenberg@childrenslearningadventure.com

    Creative Manager

    Source: Children’s Learning Adventure

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  • Growing Healthy Kids: Nutrition From Kale to Tofu

    Growing Healthy Kids: Nutrition From Kale to Tofu

    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Angela Dobbs of Cresca, Iowa, featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release



    updated: Feb 28, 2019

    Angela Dobbs always felt her calling was in child care. She enjoys teaching and watching the children learn on a daily basis, picking up even the simplest of skills that we as adults take for granted. She is a dedicated childcare professional that wants everyone in her care to learn and grow. 

    While the children are learning their foundations of letters, numbers, and shapes, they also focus on nutritional experiences. Throughout the year, they tend the garden and harvest the produce. The children also help in the kitchen making recipes ranging from complex veggie meatballs to easier sandwiches on “make your own sub day.” Meals are served family style with everyone having their own small utensils and bowls to serve, while also practicing their manners passing plates and eating.

    The ultimate goal is to have everyone, even the babies, included in as many activities and experiences as we can while we shower them with love and attention.

    Angela Dobbs, Child Care Provider

    Angela goes above and beyond to expose the children to many different foods prepared in a variety of ways from kale to tofu. Although children may be hesitant to taste new foods, she finds success in simply renaming the food with a kid-approved name or introducing regular foods that are different because of color, like maybe a purple carrot. Everyone is included in taste tests and big cheers are given when someone takes a bite of something they are hesitant to try. 

    Angela takes on the new food guidelines as challenges she wants to master. She started trying different recipes to make whole grain bread, including whole grain pizza crusts and child size sub rolls. Her goal is to have children like healthier, creditable food options.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers, who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in the Member Showcase at CACFP’s website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It provides education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. CACFP strives to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Children’s Learning Adventure Takes a Unique Approach to School Breaks

    Children’s Learning Adventure Takes a Unique Approach to School Breaks

    Press Release



    updated: Feb 27, 2019

    As children begin to attend childcare, camp and school, it is important for them to develop a sense of independence. Children’s Learning Adventure inspires their students to develop a strong and positive sense of independence, as they learn to explore the world around themselves. They offer innovative, enjoyable and exciting learning activities in a fun and engaging atmosphere, with just the right amount of support and challenge to encourage students to become confident and independent learners with a strong sense of self-worth.

    Students should be actively involved in learning activities both in and outside the school setting, even during school breaks. Taking a school break from school doesn’t mean there needs to be a break from learning. Children’s Learning Adventure’s School Breaks and Summer Camps are a perfect option to keep children actively engaged, focused and eager. Their holiday camps provide an amazing opportunity for campers to explore and engage in innovative activities, explore exciting hands-on projects and grow friendships.

    “School breaks are a great time for students to relax, enjoy themselves and recharge. Students should be actively involved in learning activities both in and outside the school setting. Children’s Learning Adventure’s holiday and summer camps are a perfect option to keep children actively engaged, focused and eager during their school breaks. Our camps provide an amazing opportunity for campers to explore and engage in innovative activities, explore exciting hands-on projects and grow in their friendships,” said Rick Sodja, CEO.

    At Children’s Learning Adventure, students are always gearing up for a new adventure. When school is out, it is “in” to join the fun. Each school break and summer camp offer a specialized, uniquely designed curriculum that encompasses STEAM learning and literacy. Each theme is developed to engage students of all levels in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

    It is important for children to get “plugged in” and stay engaged in their educational development throughout the whole year. In addition to their school break camps, Children’s Learning Adventure has created six programs, from infant care to after school, to promote and help students of all ages grow and learn. Children’s Learning Adventure’s summer camp is quickly approaching. To learn more about Children’s Learning Adventure’s Summer and Holiday Camps, please visit www.childrenslearningadventure.com.

    Media contact: 

    Kyle Greenberg 
    Creative Manager
    kgreenberg@childrenslearningadventure.com  

    Source: Children’s Learning Adventure

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  • Getting Creative With Children’s Learning Adventure

    Getting Creative With Children’s Learning Adventure

    Press Release



    updated: Feb 13, 2019

    Children’s Learning Adventure enables students to discover their true potential through STEAM-based learning. Students are encouraged to take an innovative approach to learn with a wide variety of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics activities. This curriculum helps students find their passions by offering an array of innovative programs for them to participate in, while teachers also observe their students interests and skills, tapping into their strengths, encouraging their curiosity, and patiently guiding them towards discovering their own passion and a sense of purpose.

    The first few years of a child’s life is a time of incredible growth and development. Positive learning experiences in a variety of settings, such as the home and a quality childcare center, is essential. Creativity and curiosity are important learning tools. They are the motivating factor that guides exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

    Children’s Learning Adventure knows that children are born with a natural sense of wonder and curiosity. They express their curiosity through their creativity. Students are encouraged to embrace their creative abilities in every learning activities. The Arts are equally as important as the science, technology, engineering, and math skills that make up the Children’s Learning Adventures STEAM program. This enriches the students learning experience and creates a solid foundation that nurtures their natural curiosity.

    “At Children’s Learning Adventure, we believe students should be given the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The arts are incorporated in our STEAM-based learning curriculum, through the implementation of art, music, and drama lessons in daily activities. We know that exposure to the arts is fundamental for early childhood brain development, as it allows children to express emotions and feelings in a positive and healthy way,” says Rick Sodja, CEO.

    Children’s Learning Adventure also hosts monthly Open Houses to share their learning environment with every family! The next upcoming Open House is on Feb. 9.

    To learn more about Children’s Learning Adventure, please visit http://www.childrenslearningadventure.com

    Media contact: 

    Kyle Greenberg 

    kgreenberg@childrenslearningadventure.com  

    Creative Manager  

    Source: Children’s Learning Adventure

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  • CACFP Inspires Provider to Create Nutritious Meals for Kids

    CACFP Inspires Provider to Create Nutritious Meals for Kids

    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Jennifer Stewart of Sherburne, NY featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release



    updated: Jan 31, 2019

    Twenty-one years ago, Jennifer Stewart decided to open an informal home child care for her daughter, neighbors, and playmates. Even after her own children were grown, she still wanted to continue her child care home, but at a different level. In 2009, wanting more support from the state and to be able to apply for funding grants, Jennifer became a licensed operator. Then three years ago, joined the CACFP.

    Jennifer has changed her philosophy about nutrition. The children’s goal is to incorporate many colors of food on their plates and they now shop with Jennifer to pick out healthy foods. At the home they help choose menu items. Everyone has a ‘try me bite’ and Jennifer emphasizes all of the good things healthy foods do for their growing bodies. Parents are excited because not only are their children eating healthier at child care, they are also tasting new foods and choosing to eat healthier at home.

    I was always serving typical toddler food and wanted support to help think outside of the box. The CACFP has taught me how to create nutritious meals for kids.

    Jennifer Stewart, Home Child Care Provider

    Nutrition adds a healthy component to the already active lifestyle the children lead at Jennifer’s home child care where they are outside as much as possible walking to storytime, the firehouse and programs in the park. They take swimming lessons in the summer and go on scavenger hunts around town, often stopping to check out construction trucks and town happenings.

    Jennifer emphasizes this is the children’s home away from home. On a daily basis, she enjoys the innocence and love that children share and takes pride in knowing that parents can leave children with her without worry because they are receiving the best care. Jennifer wants to take part in all of the little milestones along the way and hopes she can make a memorable difference in their lives.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in the Member Showcase at CACFP’s website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It provides education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. CACFP strives to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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