The Prouty Voice: July 2019
Good news for families in the state budget
By Chloe Learey, Executive Director
The start of summer brings the start of a new state budget year. And this year, there is a reason for families with young children to celebrate. One large new investment came in the form of an increase in the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP). The approximately $5.8 million dollars will increase the benefit amount families receive, update the income eligibility criteria and create a more gradual decrease in benefits as families earn more money. This investment will make childcare more accessible to families by making it more affordable. Continue Reading
Early Learning Center News
Preschool Graduation
Congrat to Olivia, Leah, Parker, Sadie, Liam, Jacob, Orin, Adrian, Oliver, Boden and Luna!
Click HERE to view more photos from graduation
Acorn Room
Working up here on this Campus has a lot to offer. The Acorn group is taking advantage of the beautiful trails and hot spots around the property. Walks have been wonderful. This week we walked the trails during our Alfred time. What a delight to walk into the canopy of leaves and offer the infants the sensory experience of the cool chill in the shade, the sounds of the bullfrogs in the ponds, the sights of the fairy houses along the way, and the touch of the breeze. Watch for us this month on Tuesdays as we look for other great spots to explore!!
Willow Room
Elm Room
Maple Room
As an end of year tradition and to end our Farmers’ Market theme, we took the children to Retreat Farm on the 19th. Several parents were able to join us, which helped us with rides and chaperones. Thank you so much for coming, trips like this would be impossible without your help. We had great fun with our guide and teacher “Lu”, and of course all the baby animals this year.
Lizzy from the Co-op was here on Tuesday the 25th to teach us about eating the rainbow. She shared strawberries, cucumbers, oranges, and figs, and we all tried each food. She taught us to follow these steps when trying a new food.
- Hold it
- Smell it
- Touch it to your lip
- Take a mouse sized bite
- Try some more!
Birch Room
June in the Birch Room has brought lots more outside time, despite the rain. We have been using the playground, playing with bubbles and having ball play. During rest time we have been exploring the campus. This month our topic focused on our bodies. We studied parts of our bodies and how they work and how to keep them healthy. We talked about healthy food choices and foods that we should only eat a little bit of. Lizzie from the Brattleboro Food Co-op came to our classroom and talked to us about “eating the rainbow”. We tried lots of new, colorful foods. We have also been talking about keeping our bodies healthy through exercise and we created an obstacle course in our Block Center. In Dramatic Play, we created the Birch Baby Clinic. This center has been a big hit with students bringing the “sick” babies for the doctor to examine and make better. Everyone wants to be the doctor!
Oak Room
We have been enjoying a beautiful start to summer in the Oak room. This month we meet a new friend Lizi from the Brattleboro Food Co-op who helped us learn about the parts of a plant and eating different fruits and vegetables. We have enjoyed the summer sunshine by spending more time outside each morning. We have enjoyed running, digging, climbing, bubble and water play and bike riding. Many afternoons we have enjoyed exploring and learning in the garden with Nancy. We are looking forward to starting our sprinkler days next week.
Dates to Remember
- August 3 – Prouty’s 50th Birthday Party
- August 15 – ELC Family Summer BBQ
- August 21-22 – ELC Closed for Staff In-Service & Prep
- August 23 – Center closed or All Staff In-service
- August 26 – 2019-2020 Program year begins
2019-2020 Full Year Calendar coming soon.
Celebrations & Recognitions
Happy Birthday!
7/2 – Happy Birthday Sally, CIS Nurse
7/2 – Happy Birthday Liz, Kitchen Support
7/3 – Happy Birthday Alex, Facilities Assistant
7/10 – Happy Birthday Raphy, Infant Team Teacher
7/16 – Hattie is 1!
7/27 – Happy Birthday Kristy, Child Care Referral & Food Program Specialist
7/27 – Happy Birthday Tonya, CIS Child Care Coordinator
7/27 – Aubrey is 1!
7/27 – Skye is 4!
Resources & Events for Families
Ice Cream Social hosted by KidsPlayce
Free ice cream from Vermont Gelato, face painting, clowning, giveaways, local family based organizations. Friday, July 27 from 12-3pm. Read more
Winston Prouty’s 50th Birthday Party
Join us to celebrate our 50 years of service in the community on Saturday, August 3 from 4-7 pm. The party will included free cookout dinner, bouncy house, hot air balloon ‘walk-about’, hay rides around campus, Prouty history tent, and more. Draft beer served by Hazel and Vermont Gelato will also be available for purchase.
Community Pint Nights this month
Each Wednesday is July, Winston Prouty benefits from drinks served at the Whetstone Station. More info
World Breastfeeding Week
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide. Annually, WABA coordinates and organises the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) between Aug 1-7. Local activities include “Latch On” event on Friday August 2, the Breast of Brattleboro, recognizing breastfeeding advocates, and a social media campaign to share images of breastfeeding families. More info
Winston Prouty Podcast
Be sure to catch the latest episodes of our podcast, which you can find on your favorite podcast platform. Recent conversations include Lisa Whitney, Director of Operations, and Shawn Lund, CIS Consultation & Behavior Support Specialist.
Family Matters on BCTV
Brandy Levesque, CIS Consultation & Behavior Support Specialist and Alyssa Kelly, Teacher Associate, talk about their career path within the early childhood education profession.