Congratulations to all teachers and staff at CCDC for another perfect inspection from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

CCDC News May 2012

 

Only a few more weeks until the end of school and summer camp begins.  We have a great camp field trip schedule lined up and have added several family field trips to the calendar as well.

 

Summer Camp themes will focus on Literacy, Nature, Science, Math, Meteorology, Simple Machines, and Farming.  Weekly Field Trips will be related to the themes.  Just for fun we have scheduled student field trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, Dayton Area Metro Parks, Laser Tag, and lunch at area restaurants, bowling, three different swimming pools, Dragon’s Baseball, bike rides, hikes and more!

 

The Family Field Trips are a Cincinnati Zoo over night camp, Cincinnati Reds game, Dragon’s Family Night, Family Canoe Trip at Morgan’s Livery, Family Lunch and Golf outing, and our 24th Annual Blue Ribbon Day.  Some of the Family Trips are evenings, weekends and Fridays for all to have a chance to participate.  Look for sign ups in the Summer Camp Packets.

 

Didn’t See That One Coming

The Journal Lancet is reporting that researchers have found a “massive rise in Asian eye damage.”  The Lancet reports that myopia has increased from and average of 20% of the population to 80% of the population in young people.  Researchers state that there is a direct relationship the lack of outdoor time and long hours of studying and reading.  Myopia is near sightedness, or being able to see things clearly up close but not far away.  Lead researchers contend that the gene pool is not a factor in the massive change.  The cause for the near sightedness is environmental.  Experts believe that dopamine plays a large role in the trend.  Dopamine is produced by the body from sunlight.  The story is in the BBC on line.  A link to the site is http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17942181 .

 

We’ve Got Bugs (Again)

You may have noticed the insect cages and aquariums came out of storage again this spring.  The students received their butterfly larvae praying mantis egg sacks and lady bug eggs in April and they have all hatched.  We kept the insects in cages until the weather has warmed.  We will soon be releasing them to the “wild”.  You can learn a lot from your child by asking what those green containers are in the classroom.

 

 

Centerville Schools Fundraiser

CCDC has teamed up with Centerville PVS PTO for their Healthy Kids, Happy Families Fitness Fest on Sunday May 6, 1-4 PM.  Miss Nicki Schlegel has designed a super orienteering event for the children.  Be sure to stop by and visit Miss Nikki and get some free stuff.  Other activities include bouncy houses, Family Run/Walk (Sponsored by CCDC), kickball, dancing, Zumba and much more.  All proceeds from this event will go towards new fitness equipment at PVS.  For more information about the Fitness Fest email Anjeanette Rettig at amrettig@gmail.com .

 

Staff In-service

Terri Bogunia and Cathy Valentour will be conducting staff training and summer camp preparations from 6-9 PM on May 9.  There will be no Extended Hours available.  Please make other arrangements if you need care after 6 PM on May 9.

 

Mother’s Day Event

On Friday, May 11, from 7:00 to 9:30 AM, CCDC will serve coffee, donuts, bagels and muffins in celebration of Mothers Day.  Please arrive a couple of minutes early to visit with the staff and other parents at this event.

 

Bowling for Alzheimer’s Research

CCDC is sponsoring two teams at the Capri Lanes Alzheimer’s Research Bowling Event on Monday, May 14.  The staff and parents from CCDC have teamed up to be a part of this great event.  Capri Lanes is one of our field trip destinations and is owned by a CCDC family.  For more information about the Alzheimer’s Event visit the Capri Lanes web site at http://www.capribowlinglanes.com .  Since so many of the CCDC teachers are participating in the event we will not have extended hours May 14. 

 

 

Memorial Day

We are closed Memorial Day, May 28.  Enjoy the Holiday.

 

School’s Out For Summer!

Kettering Schools close May 31 for summer.

Miamisburg Schools close May 31 for summer.

Dayton Christian Schools end their school year on June 6.

Centerville Schools last day is June 7.

 

CCDC Early Closing

On Friday June 8, CCDC will be closing at 4:45 to reconfigure the classrooms for summer camp.  This involves moving furniture, placing materials in and out of storage and redecorating.  Please make arrangements to pick your child(ren) up prior to the 4:45 closing on June 8. 

 

New Faces

We have some new teachers here at CCDC.  Miss Allyson Kirkofe is now teaching the Challengers after Ms Stephanie retired.  Allyson graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Alison Rahn who also graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Elementary Education.  You may have guessed that the owners of CCDC graduated from EKU and Miami University.  Alison teaches preschool and school age classes.  Please welcome both ladies. 

On a sad note, Miss Linda has announced her retirement.  Linda has cared for a lot of the children at CCDC in the Itty Bitty room.  Please take a moment to wish her a happy retirement!

Facebook

We have a great Facebook site maintained by Amanda Musgrave.  Pictures and schedules are included.  This should be a great tool for our summer camp schedule. 

Summer Camp

We are now enrolling for summer camp.  The schedule will be action packed again this summer.  The older campers will have about four field trips per week, the kindergartners will have 3-4 field trips per week and the preschoolers will average one trip per week.  Centerville Schools no longer provides the “Up To” books.  Cathy Valentour will be developing a summer study program to keep school age students up to speed. 

Let Us Streamline Your Pick Up

Parents of students in sports or after school activities:  It gets to be a rush running from work to practice, we can help.  Let us know if you would like dinner to be served to your child prior to practice.  Meals may be stored with the lunches or in the freezer and we can serve dinner before you pick up.  We can also arrange to have your child change into practice or game clothes before you get to CCDC.  Contact your homeroom teacher to make arrangements.  

Eagles 2012-2013

Next year’s Eagles Class is now enrolling.  Students age 3-5 may attend morning preschool classes from 8:45-11:15 on either a Tuesday-Thursday or a Monday Wednesday Friday schedule.   Students must be toilet trained to attend.  The Eagles program follows the Centerville City Schools calendar from Labor Day through the last week in May.   Monthly topics of interest include either science or social science themes.  Teachers use weekly objectives to develop student readiness skills for kindergarten.  Ongoing assessment of students is provided through observation, small group work, and individualized instruction.  Staff document learner progress in weekly language, math, and self help objectives.  A formal kindergarten recommendation letter is sent home the middle of March for the children who will be five years old by the following September.  Students participate in field trips off-site or attend special events on site monthly.  Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom activities during their child's assigned Student of the Week.  Multicultural education is provided on an ongoing basis through explorations, projects, and resource materials. 

Scholastic Books

Thank you to everyone who has ordered Scholastic Books on line.  What a great and easy way to get reading books delivered at a very reasonable cost.  Contact your homeroom teacher if you are interested in participating.  Our user name is CCDCReads and our password is BookOrders.  The user name and password is case sensitive. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Centerville-Child-Development-Center/128154427236205 to see the most recent photos at CCDC.  Great ice skating pictures!   

Road Construction at CCDC 

 

Visit our Facebook site for up to date photos and field trip information.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Centerville-Child-Development-Center/128154427236205

 

A Note from the Executive Director:

Kindergarten Assessments at CCDC:  NAVIGATORS, CHALLENGERS, EAGLES

For students enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program at CCDC on a part-day or full-day basis, teachers collect work samples and make observations about learning tendencies during Fall Quarter.  They tailor lesson plans Winter Quarter to include differentiated instruction to meet the learning needs of individual students.  Teachers continue to introduce concepts in Circle Time to the entire class and at Teacher Table for small flexible groupings of students to meet the various levels of learning.  Progress is noted as each student applies learning and learning tools at the Independent Table. A summary of progress is provided to each family in a conference mid-January to

Mid-February of the pre-kindergarten year. 

For students who will be five years old by the end of September of the following year, an individualized Kindergarten Assessment is administered by the classroom teacher. 

o       Readiness skills in language arts and math are assessed outside the classroom while the student completes hands-on activities with the teacher. 

o       Fine motor skills are assessed while the student completes tracing, printing, art, and cutting activities. 

o       Knowledge of personal information such as birth date, complete address including zip code, and phone number is evaluated.

o       Problem solving dilemmas and decision making exercises are discussed. 

o       The classroom teacher takes notes as to how each student approaches tasks, what type of clarification is required, and the level of independence and accuracy of responses. 

In a meeting with the Executive Director, the classroom teacher reviews information for each student gathered from the Kindergarten Assessment, the

Pre-Kindergarten mid-year Progress Report, and archival information from the student file.  A Kindergarten Recommendation Letter is written to parents based on the data collected from observations, work samples, conferences, and assessments.  The letter contains summaries in each of the areas needed to be successful in kindergarten.  Based on each student's progress mid-year, the Executive Director and classroom teacher make a written recommendation for placement in a traditional kindergarten program, in a traditional kindergarten program with specific support in one or more areas of development, in a developmental kindergarten or Young 5 kindergarten program, or to continue another year in a pre-kindergarten curriculum program. 

CCDC provides a copy of the recommendation to the child's kindergarten program at enrollment time by the beginning of March after receiving written permission from the parent.  Teachers use the remaining months of school to strengthen areas identified in the Kindergarten Assessment and to challenge areas of competence.  Adjustments to recommendations may be made as necessary by the end of the year.

 

Catherine A. Valentour, M. Ed., Executive Director


 

LET US HELP STREAMLINE YOUR PICK-UP TIME

Parents of Students in Sports

It gets to be a rush this time of year, running from work to CCDC to home to practice.  We can help.  Let us know if you would like dinner to be served to your athlete prior to practice.  Please make prior arrangements with your homeroom teacher.  Meals can be stored with the lunches or in one of our freezers.  We will have he or she fed, changed, and ready to go straight to practice or games.

 

SCHOLASTIC BOOKS

In my never ending quest to go paperless, we are now ordering Scholastic Books electronically.  Order forms will be passed out the first week of each month, the deadline will be the last Friday of each month.  I have been to the book site and it is easy to use.  Make sure you identify the order form you are using; this month's edition is "Spring Gift Books".  Our user name is CCDCReads and our password is BookOrders.  The user name and password are case sensitive.

The Annual Blue Ribbon Day at Stubbs Amphitheater was a huge success.  Over 200 parents and relatives came to watch the student perform.  Most remained for the picnic afterwards

Wildcats build a volcano for the Young Scientist Program.

Father's Day Picnic in the Trailblazers Class

Is this real?  An igloo in the Jackrabbits Class!  Goes with the weather.

Thanksgiving was celebrated by the students and parents.  Pot luck lunches were served in many of the classrooms.

It's Halloween!!!!!

Congratulations to the staff at CCDC.  Another perfect inspection by the ODJFS.  The quality of your work and attention to detail are reflected in the great scores we have received over the years.  To see our inspection report visit www.odjfs.state.oh.us.

The teachers can't wait to be part of the act.

Parents and children enjoy the Ice Cream social in the shade at Centerville Child Development Center.

Lea Craine visited our school this month.  Lea brought her Book of Fun, an interactive story telling adventure to CCDC.

Cara Zinski from Fox 45 ABC 22 News interviewed the Jackrabbits for a story she is working on.  Cara asked the students questions kids might ask their doctor.

The Jackrabbits asked:  Why does my skin get wrinkly in the tub?  Why do some people have an outey and I have an inney?  Why do I get a brain freeze and why do we get goose bumps?

The Trailblazers meet with Clifford from the book fair.  A couple of Wildcats help Clifford read a book to the class.

Fran Avni, Rhythm and Rhyme Time, Snappy songs for Little Learners. 

Officer Matt pays a visit to the Challengers and talked about his job during Community Helpers Week at Centerville Child Development Center.

When the Amazing Maxwell Magic Show visits Centerville Child Development Center magic is everywhere.  Maxwell turned Ms Laura into the Amazing Laura!

School age students enjoyed craft night this December.  Children made special holiday ornaments, gifts and toys for the season.  Every year Centerville Child Development Center hosts a craft night for school age students.  Parents enjoy the night off or do some shopping while the children make holiday crafts.

Inclement Weather

CCDC Closings or delays will be announced on Channel 7 TV, K99.1 FM radio, and/or 95.7, 95.3 Classic Hits and 1290 WHIO a.m. radio.  The best way for all updated closings is to watch Channel 7 TV because all closings scroll at the bottom of the screen in alphabetical order.  When Centerville Schools are closed, Eagles are closed and our vans do not run but CCDC is OPEN unless otherwise announced.

Links:

http://www.whiotv.com/index.html

http://1290whio.com/news/local.html

Sunshine Express with Miss Franci
The Sunshine Express classes meet on Friday mornings with Miss Franci.

Referral Fees

Our best advertising is word of mouth.  If you know a family in need of child care refer them to us!  If they enroll full time the referral fee is $100.

Wanted:  Computers and Educational Software

Our old 486 computers are starting to wear out.  Some of them have served us since the 1990's!  Back then we purchased nearly 100 educational games that came on floppy disks.  Those were the days.  Now with the Pentium computers we need to use CD-ROM's because our old software is outdated. 

If you are replacing a computer or your child has outgrown his or her software, keep us in mind.  We need to update several rooms.  Thank you to Gina Warner for the new computer in the Trailblazer Room.

 Dangerous Driving

Please do not back out of the parking lot.  On coming traffic will not expect a car to back out of our entrance.  Keep in mind that if an accident occurs at the entrance in all likelihood a child may be a passenger!  Be safe!

Centerville Child Development Center offers infant, toddler, preschool and school age programs designed to meet the individual needs of the developing child.  CCDC is located in the center of Washington Township and Centerville just off State Route 725.

The Itty Bitty Programs serve serve newborn infants and maintain a maximum child/staff ratio of 5:1 with a maximum group size of five.  The Adventurers and Performers Programs for toddlers maintain maximum child/staff ratio of 7:1 with a maximum group size of 14.  The Pioneer Transitional Room serves students 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 with a ratio of 8:1.  The Trailblazers Programs serve preschooler age 3-4 with an average child/staff ratio of 12:1 and a maximum group size of 24.  A CCDC Navigators or Challengers pre-kindergarten class for children ages 4 or 5 is available with a maximum child/staff ratio of 14:1 and a maximum group size of 28.  The Eagles Program for morning preschool classes is available for children 3-5 with a maximum child/staff ratio 0f 12:1 and a maximum group of 24.  The Afterschool program, Jackrabbits and Wildcats, serves school children through age 12 with a maximum child/staff ratio of 18:1 and a maximum group size of 36.