Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Elephants, Hippopotamus, Zebras, and Seals. We will read The Saggy Baggy Elephant, Hattie Hippo, How the Zebra Got Its Stripes, and One Seal.

Events

Bring it: 11/4 – 8 Bring a toy or book about elephants | Bring in a toy bus 11/26

Julie Lilly Photography Pictures: 11/6 @9am Infants, Tiny Tots and Toddlers | 11/7 @9am Preschoolers. You will receive a signup form to request your preferred package, however if you don’t turn one in, your child’s picture will still be taken and you can choose a package later. 

School Closed 11/11: Veterans Day. Be safe and have some fun and let our veterans know they are appreciated.

Wear it: 11/14 Silly shoes | 11/19 Wear stripes

Friendsgiving Celebration 11/21: A Thanksgiving celebration with our friends. Teachers will send home a notice to let you know what to bring. Parent’s are welcome 11:30-12:30.

Assessments 11/22:  You will receive your child’s written assessment. This month your child’s teachers have been  carefully observing your child to assess for age appropriate developmental milestones. Children develop at their own pace so the criteria we follow offers a broad age range for each milestone. Some children might reach a designated milestone at 7 months old. But others might reach it at 4 months or 10 months.

Staff Development Training 11/26 & 27: Providing High Quality Customer Service for Parents and Children | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

School Closed 11/28-29 Thanksgiving: Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Parent Teacher Conferences 12/2-6: If you would like to schedule an in person or tele conference with your child’s teachers, please let Ms. Alyssa or Ms. Gabby know to schedule a time :]

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Fall Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra fall clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular observations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands-on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times November 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love playing, having fun, and helping children discover more about themselves.

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR and First Aid Certified

I completed my BA in Liberal Arts. I’ve been working with children since 2020.

A little bit about me…

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and my parents are from El Salvador. I also speak Spanish

When I’m not teaching…

I am a nail artist and love running!

Halsey Stats…

Ms.Tiffany teaches primarily in the Toddlers. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is September 23 , 2024.

The post Ms. Tiffany appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Crocodiles, Polar Bears, Koalas, Panda Bears, and Giraffes. We will read The Selfish Crocodile, Animal Strike at the Zoo. It’s True!, Miss Moo Goes to the Zoo, Please Mr. Panda, and Giraffes Can’t Dance.

Events

Wear it: 10/3 Green like a crocodile | 10/8 Favorite zoo animal color | 10/23 Wear black & white

California ShakeOut 10/17: Annual World Wide Earthquake drill where millions of people including all of us at Halsey Schools practice & prepare for an earthquake. The imaginary earthquake hits at 10:17am. Learn about our emergency plan here. Learn more about the ShakeOut here.

Staff Development Training 10/22-23: What Is Sensory Play? The Benefits for Your Child and Sensory Play Ideas | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

On Campus Pumpkin Patch 10/24: 10:00-11:00 our annual on campus “Pumpkin Patch” for all classes: Busy Bees, Dragonflies, Penguins, Pandas , Toddlers, Tiny Tots & Infants. A great time for all when we bring pumpkins and fun on campus for a pretend field trip. Parents are welcome to come!

Bring it: 10/28 – 11/1 Bring in a zoo story

Halloween Class Party & Parade 10/31 @ 10am:  Your child’s teachers will be sending home a note letting you know what healthy food item or non food item your child  has chosen for you to bring to our Halloween party. Candy, treats, sugar… will be limited. All children should wear or bring a costume to school and should have a change of clothes too. Parents are welcome to join us for our Halloween fun!!

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

Children’s Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc. Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular observations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands-on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times October 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

It smells so yummy that I want to eat it all up! | It is like playing with candy! | The whole room smells like pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving! |

Monday 9/16/24 is National PLAY-DOH day! Children love to play with dough. And no wonder! They can squish and pound it and form it into fascinating shapes. Making play-dough with your child teaches measuring skills, math skills, language skills and more. It helps encourage waiting one’s turn, sharing ideas and new language development. Try it out this weekend. It’s a great way to interact and learn with your child. And it’s FUN!

How to make homemade pumpkin pie play-dough

What you need:

• 1 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
• 1 cups water
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoons oil
• Orange food coloring

Mix it all up

• In a large pot add food coloring first then add oil and water stir together
• In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients together. Then add to food coloring, oil and water for cooking.
• Cook over a medium heat until dough starts to form an become dry.
• Does the dough look too sticky?  Just add extra flour. To floury? Add more water or oil or both. It’s that simple. Once you like the consistency, it’s time to cool then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 4 minutes.

Making it is half the fun!  So please be sure to let your child do as much of the measuring, mixing and kneading as possible. They can even try mixing the ingredient with their hands. During the process remember to encourage verbal skills by talking about what your child is doing. Asking open ended questions. And answering your child’s questions. If your child asks, “Can we make it a different color?” Give it a try.

Now it’s time to play with the play-dough

Your child’s imagination and your’s are the only limits here. Cut it. Squeeze it. Put things in it. Make a snake. A rocket. Throw it. Catch it. It’s all up to you. You can even taste it! Yes! It’s edible but not at all sweet.

When finished seal in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

When you make Pumpkin pie play-dough your child learns:

Math Skills

• Measuring; fractions, cups, tablespoons…
• Comparing & contrasting – bigger, smaller, lighter, darker…

Verbal Skills

• Expanding vocabulary

Motor Skills

• Mixing (with spoon & hands)
• Pouring
• Rolling

Reading Skills

• Following written directions
• Reading fractions & numbers

Sensory Skills

• Feeling different textures
• Different smells
• Colors

And a lot more!

Doing cooking and science projects together with your children at home is a great way to help reinforce what we are learning at school and strengthen family bonds. I hope you have fun creating memories.

The post How To Make Pumpkin Pie Play-dough appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

It’s Back To School TIME! This year our annual theme will be all about Animals! This month we will learn about Lions, Tigers, Monkeys & Rhinoceros. We will read The Lion Who Wanted to Love, Tigers, Five Little Monkeys wash the car & Put Me in the Zoo.

Events

School Closed 9/2: We need some rest before the new school year starts 9/3! 🙂 Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We’ll be thinking about you!

Back to School 9/3: Tuesday is our first official day of the new school year! Bring an apple today.

Grandparents Week 9/3-9/6: Grandmas & Grandpas are welcome to come to visit individually to say hi and enjoy some time outdoors. Please arrange with your child’s teachers at drop off or pickup time.

Bring it: Your favorite fruit 9/5 | Favorite tiger toy or book 9/13 | A story about a monkey all week 9/16-20 | Zoo picture or stuffed zoo animal 9/24

Grandparents’ Cookie Party 9/6: Grandparents please join us for a special celebration with cookies and fun activities with your grandchildren on campus!! Infants, Tiny Tots & Toddlers 9:30 am -10:30 | Preschool 10:30-11:30 am.

Wear it: Something with hearts 9/6

Staff Development Training 9/24 – 9/25: Preschool Drop Off: Create a Happy Experience for Families | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Dance Tuesdays with Star Dreams: Starting 9/3 10:00 for children 3+. All classes will take place outside. Each class (Penguins, Dragonflies, Busy Bees) will have their own session. All Enrichment Instructors follow all the same screening procedures as our teachers. Star Dreams Dance & Gym, $60/mth, meets on Tuesdays. To sign up please download Stardreams Dance Registration. You can contact Stardreams directly at 562-595-6676 | Stardreams.biz

Soccer Wednesdays with Captain Kicks: Starting 9/4 9:30-10:45 for preschool campus children 2+. A 1/2 hour class for Pandas and a 45 minute class for Penguins, Dragonflies & Busy Bees. All classes will take place outside. All Enrichment Instructors follow all the same screening procedures as our teachers. Captain Kicks Soccer $200 for a 10 week session, meets Wednesdays. To sign up click here and scroll down to sign up underneath the BLANK email and password to create an account. Then in activities search for Halsey Schools. Then select the 2 year old or 3-5 year old group. Contact: Zachary Benau 424-666-8920 www.captainkicks.com.

Karate Mondays with Young Ninjas USA: Starting 9/10 9:30-10:45 for children 3+. A 45 minute class for Penguins, Dragonflies & Busy Bees. All classes take place outside. All Enrichment Instructors follow the same screening procedures as our teachers. Young Ninjas USA $200 for a 10 week session, meets Mondays. To sign up click here and scroll down to sign up underneath the BLANK email and password to create an account. Then in activities search for Halsey Schools. Then select the 3-5 year old group. Contact: Zachary Benau 310-500-8187. www.youngninjasusa.com.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Bathing suits, swim diapers, water shoes, & towels are not needed after 9/1. We don’t plan to get as wet after Labor Day. 🙂  Water play tables and other activities will continue. We just won’t get soaked unless you get a notice to bring the gear for a special day. 🙂

Hero Eats Hot Lunch: All Natural & Organic Hand-Crafted Locally Sourced Fresh & Healthy Lunches for Toddlers-Preschool. The children LOVE these lunches and they are good for them too! Monthly menus are sent in the parent portal. Sign up here

Facebook, Instagram & Yelp: Check us out fb and insta. And write a 5 star review on YELP!

Each class has their own web page with Curriculum information, schedules, calendar of events and themes, Teacher features, etc.

• Infant Center , Tiny Tots , Toddler Center , Pandas, Penguins, Dragonflies, Busy Bees

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

Children’s Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc. Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular observations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands-on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times September 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love how much energy children have and how happy they are. They always entertain me and make me laugh. I love helping them develop their skills and grow.

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR and First Aid Certified

I’m am completing my ECDC and my Child Development degree at Cal State Northridge. I am CPR and First Aid certification.

A little bit about me…

I’m from Woodland Hills. My mom is Filipino and my dad is Irish. My mom is originally from the Philippines, and my dad is born and raised in the valley.

When I’m not teaching…

I like to hangout with my friends, go to the beach, and build legos!

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Riley teaches primarily in the Preschool. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is August 21, 2024.

The post Ms. Riley appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love how bright children are and how much they can learn. Children are our future so I think fostering their knowledge is really important.

Early Childhood Development Credential

I have my Early Childhood Development Credential & my BA in Early Childhood Development. I have been working with children since 2022.

A little bit about me…

I am half Ecuadorian and half cacausion. I attended Halsey Schools as a child. My mom is also an educator. I also speak Spanish.

When I’m not teaching…

I love anime!

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Selena teaches primarily in the Preschool. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is August 12, 2024.

The post Ms. Selena appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Cherries, Beets, Cantaloupes, and Zucchinis. We will read Cherries and Cherry Pits, Vegetables, From Seed to Plant, and Bob & Larry’s ABC’s.

Events

Bring it: A Book about Fruit 8/5 – 8/9 | Bottle of Bubbles 8/14 | A Shell or Rock 8/27

Wear it: Sun Hat & Sunglasses 8/22

Staff Development Training 8/20-8/21: How to Create a Peaceful Early Learning Classroom | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Water Play: Please make sure your child has:

• Bathing suit or swim diapers
• Sunblock SPF 30 or more applied
• Extra Sunblock
• Water shoes
• Water shirt
• Towel
• Hat
• Summer change of clothes & regular shoes
• Please remember to label everything

Water Play Schedule: These are the days we will have pre-planned responsible water activities. However it’s best to always have all the water play supplies at camp.

• Infants: Random
• Tiny Tots: M/Th
• Toddlers: W
• Pandas: W
• Penguins: Th
• Dragonflies: T
• Busy Bees: M

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Illness Policy: We follow a strict writte Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra summer clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Materials & Supplies Fee: The annual $299 materials and supplies fee will be posted on your September statement on August 20th.  If you reserved your child’s space in February/March with the Materials and Supplies fee you won’t be charged again. If you paid the registration fee to start in August or September, the Materials & Supplies Fee is waived.  As indicated in the fee’s name, the funds are used to help purchase new materials and supplies for the children.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular observations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands-on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times August 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

It’s National S’mores Day – August 10

Who decided it was National S’more day? Who cares! It’s an excuse to have some more! The first official S’more recipe was published by the Girls Scouts in 1927. The basic recipe calls for graham crackers, chocolate bars and toasted marshmallows. Here are some fun ways to learn with S’mores. It’s S’more time!

Field Trip: Grocery Store

Take a field trip to  your local store with this list

• chocolate bars
• marshmallows of various sizes
• graham crackers
• rounded toothpicks
• S’more Cones – peanut butter, chocolate morsels, sugar cones, bananas & aluminum foil

Math Skills & Language Arts: Explore the ingredients

Marshmallows

• What shape are marshmallows?
• Are they all the same shape? The same size? The same color?
• Sort by size and color.
• Count them. Eat some. How many are left?
• How do they feel? How do they taste?

Graham Crackers

• What shape are graham crackers?
• Does the shape change when you break them apart?
• Can you break it half? In quarters? How many quarters in a full cracker?
• Are they all the same shape? The same size? The same color?
• Break some up and sort by size and shape.
• Count them. Eat some. How many are left?

Chocolate Bars

• Smell the chocolate. Do you like the way it smells? Does it remind you of anything?
• What happens if you hold the chocolate in your hand really tight? Does it melt?

Art: Marshmallow Construction – Edible Tinkertoys

You’ll need bags of marshmallows and a box of toothpicks. Let your child build anything by sticking the toothpicks in the marshmallows. Try it with small, large and colored marshmallows. (Too young for toothpicks? Build by stacking the marshmallows. Try ‘gluing’ together with a lick or some water. Buy blunt toothpicks.)

Outdoor/PE/Gross Motor Skills: FOOD FIGHT!!!!!

Sometimes it’s o.k. to break the rules. For this activity just go outside and have a ‘snowball’ fight with marshmallows! Can Mommy catch them in her mouth? Can Daddy throw them the farthest? Toss them in a basket. Make a target…

Cooking Project: S’mores

Traditional S’mores

Do you really need instructions? Break a graham cracker in half. Put a square or two of chocolate on it. Roast a marshmallow over the fire. Place it on top of the chocolate and sandwich it with another graham on top. Eat it. Make S’more!

Try making a microwaved S’more.  Just put a marshmallow on top of a graham cracker and microwave for about 20- 30 seconds until the marshmallow starts growing and melting. Take out and add the chocolate and second graham cracker to make a sandwich.  Try it with all ingredients together for some seriously melted chocolate.

Try it with a different chocolate candy – like a peanut butter cup. YUM!!!!!!!!

S’more Cones

You’ll need: Sugar Cones, peanut butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate morsels, bananas cut into small chunks and aluminum foil. | Spread the peanut butter in the cone then let the children add the ingredients they want in the cone. Wrap individually in aluminum foil and put over BBQ or fire for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you turn the cones at least a couple of times. Let cool for just a minute or so. Unwrap and eat. | Add some of your own ingredients.

Science Project: Microwave Marshmallows

Put a marshmallow or two on a microwave safe dish and heat for 30 seconds. How are they different than the uncooked marshmallows? What happened? How do they compare to each other? What happens if you poke them? Do they deflate? What happens if you just leave them alone? Why do you think these things happen?

Try it for 60 seconds, 90 seconds… and compare and contrast. Write down your findings in a chart. Did the marshmallows get bigger the longer they were in the microwave?

Try it with different size marshmallows and compare and contrast. Did the small marshmallows grow faster? Did they get as big as the big marshmallows did?

Want to make it really sticky and messy? Nuke it for 2 minutes or more.

Be careful handling the marshmallows and dish. They can get really HOT.

Social Studies:

S’mores are often made while camping with friends and family. Everyone gathers around the fire and roasts the marshmallows while singing songs, telling stories and talking. A long time ago families used to gather around the fire every night to learn about their ancestors and entertain each other. They didn’t have any books, computers, movies or TVs.

Spanish:

• S’mores –  S’mores
• Graham Cracker – de galletas graham
• Marshmallow – malvavisco
• Chocolate – Chocolate
• Inflate – inflar
• square – cuadrada
• rectangle – rectángulo

Did you think your child could learn so much making S’mores? There are learning opportunities everywhere. Keep your eyes and ears open and always be learning and always be teaching. You are your child’s life long teacher. Explore and learn together everyday.

The post Learning with S’mores appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

Summer time fun starts this month at Camp Halsey! We will learn about Radishes, Raspberries, Carrots, Honeydew Melons, and Eggplants. We will read Rah, Rah, Radishes! End of the Rainbow Fruit Salad, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! Gregory, the Terrible Eater, and The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza.)

Events

Water Play Starts 7/8: Please make sure your child has:

• Bathing suit or swim diapers
• Sunblock SPF 30 or more applied
• Extra Sunblock
• Water shoes
• Water shirt
• Towel
• Hat
• Summer change of clothes & regular shoes
• Please remember to label everything

Water Play Schedule: These are the days we will have pre-planned water activities. However it’s best to always have all the water play supplies at camp.

• Infants: Random
• Tiny Tots: M/Th
• Toddlers: W
• Pandas: W
• Penguins: Th
• Dragonflies: T
• Busy Bees: M

Independence Day Children’s BBQ party 07/3 10:00am: Wear Red, White & Blue! Your child’s teacher will send home a notice letting you know what your child should bring. Parent’s are Welcome!

Wear it: Red, White & Blue 7/3 | As Many Colors of the Rainbow 7/9 | Purple like an Eggplant 7/30

School Closed 7/4: Independence Day!!! Have a Fun & safe Holiday!!

Bring it: A Carrot 7/18 | A Picture of a Food You Don’t like 7/26

Staff Development Training 7/23-7/24: 5 Helpful Resources for Managing Challenging Behavior | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Family Vacations: Will you be taking a summer vacation? Please message us in brightwheel. And we will plan accordingly for our daily activities and not worry about why your child is not at camp. Thank You!

Teacher Vacations: Our teachers take well deserved time off year round but many vacations take place during the summer. You will notice some new and returning faces as we give the teachers the breaks they deserve. One of the great things about Halsey Schools is our team teaching atmosphere that allows your children to bond with our entire staff. So even when some of the teachers are hanging out at the beach, there will always be other familiar faces at school and camp.

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times July 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I enjoy watching children grow and develop their skills. I like seeing the children’s personalities develop and their interests grow. Teaching is fun and I LOVE it!

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR & First Aid Certified

I have my Early Childhood Development Credentiona, an AA degree in Early Childhood Education & a BA in early childhood studies.

A little bit about me…

I am from the San Fernando Valley. I grew up are the Woodland Hills area. I have two younger brothers and four pets. I am very close to my family.

When I’m not teaching…

I enjoy watching movies, shows, and reading. I am a big fan of Disney and my favorite character is stitch from Lilo & Stitch.

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Idalis teaches primarily in our Infant Center. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is June 24th 2024.

The post Ms. Idalis appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Repetition and Extension Language Stimulation Techniques

Repetition and Extension are language stimulation techniques that teachers and mommies and daddies like you can use to keep conversations with children going. They can also increase your child’s vocabulary.

How to use repetition to increase your child’s vocabulary

Listen to what your child says and then restate or rephrase your child’s words.  Listen to your child, then use your child’s words in a more complete phrase or sentence.

Your child says: Car goes fast.
You say: Yes, your car is going very fast.

Your child says: Painting the box.
You say: Oh, you’re painting the box blue.

Your child says: That her dolly.
You say: That is her dolly!

How to use extension to increase your child’s vocabulary and continue the conversation

Expand your child’s phrase or sentence, and then add another sentence on the same topic to extend the conversation further.

Your child says: Car goes fast.
You say: Yes, your car is going very fast.  It’s coming around the table.

Your child says: Painting the box.
You say: Oh, you’re painting the box blue. It’s a good box for your rocks.

Your child says: That her dolly.
You say: Yes, that is Miya’s dolly. She looks like she is hungry.

Using Repetition and Extension helps to keep conversations going by focusing on your child’s language.

Listen carefully to what your child is saying and respond by expanding your child’s words into more complete phrases or sentences. Your child determines the topic. You follow the lead, adding more content to the conversation, new vocabulary, and new sentence structures.

The success of Repetition and Extension depends on your ability to understand not only your child’s words, but also her/his intent. And to add interesting information.

Conversations that are not child‐centered usually end prematurely, while child‐centered expansions lead to increased conversation.

Adapted from LAUP: Notari-Syverson, Angela, O’Connor, Rollanda, & Vadsay, Patricia F. (2001) Ladders to Literacy, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co, Baltimore, MD. Pianta, Robert C,, La aro, Karen M., & Hamre, Bridget K. (2008) Classroom Assessment Scoring System Manual Pre-K, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co, Baltimore, MD. Sharp, Carrie (1987) Now You’re Talking: Techniques that Extend Conversations Facilitators Guide, Educational Productions, Inc. Portland, OR

The post Using Repetition & Extension Language will increase your child’s vocabulary appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Tomatoes, Strawberries, Corn, & Watermelons. We will read Bear and Bunny Grow Tomatoes, The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear, Anywhere Farm, and The Watermelon Seed.

Events

Stardreams Dance & Gymnastics Recital: 6/4 10:00 & 10:45 If your preschool child is in Dance & Gymnastics there will be a small outdoor recital. Please let us know if you will be attending. Please verify with your child’s teachers what time your child will be performing.

Bring it: Bunny Stuffed Animal 6/6 | A Stuffed Animal Bear or Mouse 6/10 | A Picture of you and Daddy 6/10-14 | Corn on the Cob 6/20

Daddy’s Craft Week 6/10-14 8:00-5:00:  Come on in and do a special outdoor Daddy & Me project with your child.  Drop off and pick up times are usually the best and easiest times. However, you can also speak with your child’s teachers & arrange another time that works for you.

Outdoor Daddy Donut Party 6/14: Daddies, Grandpas, Great Grandpas & Uncles come join us for your special celebration with tasty donuts and refreshments. All you have to do is show up and have some fun! Infants-9:30, Tiny Tots-10:00, Toddlers-10:30, Preschool-11:00.

School Closed 6/19: Juneteenth. Have a great Day ! We’ll be thinking about you.

Staff Development Training 6/25-6/26 Sun Safety – How to keep everyone safe during the Summer sun. | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Wear it: Red and Black like a Watermelon 6/27

Busy Bees’ Outdoor Graduation 6/28 9:00am:  Join us for our Annual Busy Bees Preschool Graduation Ceremony outside on the Infant Center Play yard. (Please limit your audience party size to 6.) Parent provided refreshments will be served afterwards. If you would like to bring something, please sign up with Ms Jeri & Ms Ana and drop off your treats before or right after the graduation. Parent’s usually take children home afterwards but your children are welcome to stay. If you need care before 8:30, please drop your child off as usual at the preschool. All graduates should be at the preschool by 8:30 to get ready. 🙂 Bring some kleenex. 

Report Cards 6/28: Penguins, Dragonflies & Busy Bees will receive their report cards today. They are designed to let you know what your children have learned and to make them feel good. We are so proud of what they have learned. Aren’t you?

Camp Halsey 7/1 The learning fun doesn’t end at Halsey Schools; The summer is when it really takes off! Currently enrolled families automatically continue for the summer. New families can start at anytime as long as space is available.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time!  Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times June 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

We all know children can be taught to throw a ball, sing a song, learn a rhyme, read and write, but can they be taught and guided to develop the qualities of character that are valued by their families and communities? Absolutely! Through guidance and modeling by caring parents, teachers and other adults, children learn to be honest and thoughtful, to stand up for their principles, to care about others, to act responsibly and to make sound moral choices.

Character is a set of qualities, or values, that shape our thoughts, actions, reactions and feelings. People with strong character

• show compassion,
• are honest and fair,
• display self-discipline in setting and meeting goals,
• make good judgments,
• show respect to others,
• show courage in standing up for beliefs,
• have a strong sense of responsibility,
• are good citizens who are concerned for their community, and
• maintain self-respect.

Babies may begin to cry when they hear other sounds of crying, and coo and laugh when they hear others making happy sounds. By the age of three, many children will make an effort to hug or comfort another child or a parent who seems upset. As children grow, compassion can guide their actions and behaviors in positive ways. They understand that by doing something wrong, they cause others pain or unhappiness.

How to help your child be compassionate

We can promote compassion by helping our children think about how others feel. For example, if your child says or does something hurtful to another child, help him to focus his attention on the feelings of the other child by saying kindly, “How do you think Zack feels? Would you like to feel like that?” Children develop compassion by practicing acts of caring and kindness towards others. As adults, we need to emphasize the importance of helping others, giving others the benefit of the doubt and being open to differences.

What You Can Do to help your child

• Talk about the point of view of others as you watch TV, read books or discuss other people with your child. For example, ask, “What do you think that character is feeling and thinking?”
• Be compassionate and show empathy yourself; show care toward others, such as doing errands for sick neighbors or opening doors for others.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt. If your child is upset that another child took her toy. Explain that sometimes younger children don’t do things to deliberately hurt someone or make someone angry. Sometimes they just don’t understand that it’s not o.k. yet.
• Be open to differences. If your child says “Our new neighbors dress funny,” explain that people often wear clothes that reflect their cultures or native countries.
• Get and care for a pet. Any pet will do. Or help take care of a neighbor’s pet.

The post Help your child develop compassion & empathy appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Apricots, Green Beans, Pineapples, Broccoli, and Oranges. We will read Jack and the Hungry Giant, Green Beans, Potatoes, and Even Tomatoes, Fruits in Suits, Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli, and Each Orange Had 8 Slices.

Events

Bring it: A Book about Veggies 4/29 – 5/3 | A Russet Potato 5/7 | A Picture of a Monster 5/24 | 5/28 An Orange for Snack

Teacher Appreciation Week 4/29-5/3: We all know how important praise and recognition is for our children. Sometimes we forget how important it is for our teachers too. Please let them know how much we all appreciate them. A little gesture can make a huge difference.

Mommy’s Craft Week 5/6 – 5/10: Mommies, Grandmas and Great Grandmas join us anytime this week between 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. for a special Mommy & Me activity outside your child’s classroom. Please arrange a time that works for you with your child’s teachers. Drop off and pick up times are usually the best and easiest.

Mother’s Day Outdoor Celebration 5/10:  Mommies, Grandmas & Great Grandmas join us for a yummy celebration in your honor full of treats, and lots of fun. Infant Center, Tiny Tots & Toddlers @ 9:30, Preschool @ 10:30.

Wear it: Yellow like a Pineapple 5/16.

Pet Share Week 5/20-5/24: Share your pets this week! All pets must be very friendly. Small animals in cages make the best visitors but non agressive dogs, cats & others are welcome too. Pets that live in cages or bowls like hamsters, fish and lizards are welcome to stay for the day. Other pets like dogs and cats may come for short outside visits, when you pick up or drop off, but can not be left at school. You can bring a picture of your pet to share instead. Please arrange all pet visits with your child’s teachers.

Staff Development Training 5/28-5/29 How Positive and Proactive Discipline Can Help Improve Children’s Behavior | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

School Closed Monday 5/27: Memorial Day. Have a great weekend! We’ll be thinking about you.

Reminder

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Spring Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times May 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

What’s an open ended question?

Questions that have more than one right answer, or ones than can be answered in many ways, are called open‐ended or divergent questions. This way of asking questions stimulates more language use, acknowledges that there can be many solutions to one problem, affirms children’s ideas, and encourages creative thinking.  

Open‐ended questions open up conversations

When you ask an open‐ended question, you don’t know what your child’s answer is going to be. Close‐ended questions usually limit conversation to a one or two word response, and sometimes they end the conversation. Examples:

Close‐ended question: “What color is this?”
Open‐ended question: “You used a lot of blue on your painting. What does it remind you of?”

Close‐ended question: “How many teddy bears are on the block?”
Open‐ended question: “What are those teddy bears thinking about?”

Close‐ended question: “What’s your doll’s name?”
Open‐ended question: “Your baby is so beautiful! Tell me about her.”

Children must have a high level of verbal skills to respond to open‐ended questions. Since open-ended questions have a wide‐range of possible answers, children are able to respond only if they have a fairly high level of verbal skills, vocabulary, and self‐confidence. If your child has limited verbal skills, use self-talk & parallel-talk, repetition, extension, or ask a close‐ended question.

The success of open‐ended questions depends on how you understand your child’s interest or focus. You may be used to asking questions aimed at assessing how much your child knows (about color, number, shape or alphabet) and may find it difficult at first to ask engaging questions with no right answer. Close‐ended questions usually end conversations. Open‐ended questions that are too general or unfocused may be difficult for your child to respond to and may also end the conversation.

Here’s an example: Your child has been using fingerpaint, mixing together orange, blue, and yellow. You say:

Close‐ended question:
“What colors are you using?” Child: “Orange.”

General open‐ended question:
“Tell me about what you are doing.” Child: “Mixing colors.”

Targeted open‐ended question:
“Wow! How did you get this color? What did you do first?” Child: “First I stuck my hand in the blue paint, then I stuck my other hand in the orange paint. I made the paint squeeze through my fingers. It felt yucky. Then it started changing colors!”

Open‐ended questions that are challenging can develop your child’s thinking skills: Challenging children by posing thought‐provoking, open‐ended questions that are rich and clear can stimulate and push at the edges of your child’s development. These questions are often expressed in conditional form “What will happen if you…?”

Types of open‐ended questions that are challenging include:

• Making predictions ‐ What do you think will happen if you keep adding blocks to your tower?
• Stretching thinking ‐ What would happen if there were no cars, trucks, buses, planes, or boats? How would we get around?
• Considering consequences ‐ What would happen if you left your drawing outside and it rained?
• Assessing feelings ‐ How would you feel if that happened to you? How do you think Juan feels?
• Thinking about similarities and differences ‐ How are these two blocks the same? What makes these things go together?
• Applying knowledge to solve a problem ‐ What could you do to keep the paint from dripping on the floor?
• Evaluating ‐ What made you decide to pick this book to read? How did this make you feel?

Try using these open ended questions with your preschoolers at home to get started:

Adapted from Preschool for All, San Francisco First Five (first5sf.org)

The post Open-Ended Questions; we use them everyday, so should you. appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love teaching children life lessons and seeing the great impact I can have in a their development and well-being.

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR & First Aid Certified

I am CPR & First Aid Certified, and have my Early Childhood Development credential. I have been teaching children since 2019.

A little bit about me…

I was born in Tijuana, Mexico and brought to the United States at 9 months. I have 2 children.

When I’m not teaching…

I like to spend time with my children. I am obsessed with the movie The Nightmare before Christmas!

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Nancy teaches primarily in our Preschool. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is March 25, 2024.

The post Ms. Nancy appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Limes, Spinach, Mangoes, Artichokes & Apricots. We will read Oliver’s Fruit Salad, Pigs Go to Market, Fruits on My Plate, Five Tough and Tiny Seeds, Jack and the Hungry Giant.

Events

Bring it: Any Fruit you Like 4/4 | Stuffed Animal Pig 4/12 | A Book about Veggies 4/29-5/3

Spring Photos 4/4 & 4/5 8:30-10:30: 4/4 Infants & Toddlers, 4/5 Preschool (Cap & Gown for Busy Bees!) Please complete order form and include payment by picture day. Look for proofs within 4 weeks. Return for refund if any problems. You can either have your child wear his/her photo outfit or send an outfit to change into. Graduating Busy Bees will take their graduation pictures in full caps & gowns provided by the school. | If your child can’t make the designated day, let us know and we’ll make sure the pictures are taken on the other day.   Sample Envelope and prices. (If an order form was not completed one pose will be taken and proofs will be provided within 4 weeks.) 

Wear it: Green Socks 4/23

Staff Development Training 4/23-4/24: CPR & First Aid Refresher Training | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Teacher Appreciation Week 4/29-5/3: We all know how important praise and recognition is for our children. Sometimes we forget how important it is for our teachers too. Please let them know how much we all appreciate them. A little gesture can make a huge difference.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Did you know? All of our teachers help out in all classes as needed. And the children get to know them all. This allows us to provide continuity for the children AND gives the teachers the time they need at home with their families, on vacations, rest days, etc. Get to know all of our happy teachers here! 

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Spring Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! If you’ve stopped applying daily sunscreen, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times April 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

We love parachute play at school. Try it at home too!

Parachute Play

• Encourages cooperation, team work & socialization
• Strengthens upper torso
• Is non-competitive & fun
• Refines perceptual skills
• Reinforces taking turns
• Encourages sharing
• Develops a sense of rhythm
• Helps children learn to follow directions
• Promotes social interaction
• Enhances language development & communication

Try these parachute games

• Run under it: Hold on tight, throw arms in the air then run under it and meet in the middle. Run back out before it lands on you! Try it again and let it land on you!
• Make Waves: Children can make small, medium, or large movements to make various types of “waves.”
• Popcorn: Place a number of beanbags, small balls, cotton-balls, or balls onto the parachute. Shake to make them pop up like “popcorn”.
• Ball Roll: Roll balls into the hole in the middle of the parachute or try to keep them away from the hole. (Or have children try to keep the balls from going into the hole in the center.) Try it with cotton balls too!
• Merry-Go-Round: Children turn their bodies sideways and hold the chute with one hand. They then walk around in a circle, making a “Merry-Go-Round.” Try it hopping, skipping, jumping, etc.
• Poison Snakes: Place three or four jump ropes onto the chute. Shake the parachute to keep the snakes from “biting” (touching) you.
• Infant Sensory Experiece: Baby lies on their back in front of their parent. Parents raising and lower the parachute providing a sensory experience as the baby watches the changing shapes and colors above.

Buy a small home size parachute on Amazon

The post Parachute Play – Try it at home appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Raspberies, Asparagus, Blueberries, and Peas. We will read Jamberry, Junior’s Colors, Blueberries Grow on a Bush, and Peas Full Heart.

Events

Pajama Day 3/1: It’s National Read Across America day. Come to School in your pajamas all day long and bring in your favorite story to share with the class. All children; Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers will join in on the fun.

Bring it: 3/7 Favorite Berry for Snack | 3/11 A Book about Colors | 3/27 A Green Ball

Wear it: 3/15 Wear Green | 3/19 Blue like a Blueberry | 3/29 Dress in Spring Colors

Egg decorating 3/25: We will provide fake eggs for Infants, Tiny Tots and Toddlers. Preschool parents please bring 4 hard boiled eggs on Monday 4/3 for us to decorate at school.  Reminders will be sent home.

Assessments & Parent Conferences 3/25-3/29: Written assessments are handed out 3/22. Your child’s teachers carefully observe your child to assess for appropriate developmental milestones. Children develop at their own pace so the criteria we follow offers a broad age range for each milestone. Some children might reach a designated milestone at 7 months old. But others might reach it at 4 months or 10 months.  If you would like to schedule a conference by phone or in person with your child’s teachers, sign up below. Of course you can always call or ask a quick question too.

Staff Development Training 3/26-27: 8 Hands-on Preschool Math Activities that make Learning Fun | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Egg Hunt and Spring Party 3/29: Infants, Tiny Tots & Toddlers look for signup sheet for spring party items to bring. Preschoolers will receive a notice on what to bring to the party. Dress in spring colors!

Reminders

Spring Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Hot Beverages:  Please remember to keep coffee and other hot beverages off campus.  For safety reasons, there is no drinking of hot beverages allowed on any of Halsey Schools grounds, or on any Halsey Schools trips or other events. If you would like to drink hot beverages, please do so off campus or before coming dropping off or picking up your child.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times March 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love working with children because it brings out my inner child. It’s so much fun to laugh, play, teach and care for children.

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR & First Aid Certified

I have my Early Child Development Credential and am CPR and First Aid certified. I have been teaching since 2020.

A little bit about me…

I was born in Mexico City. I have three sisters and one brother. I love to create art. I also enjoy going on long drives and long walks. My favorite foods are Cuban, Mexican and Philapino.

When I’m not teaching…

I love to go hiking in my free time. I enjoy doing arts and crafts from recycled items.

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Cintia teaches primarily in our Infant Center. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is February 5, 2024.

The post Ms. Cintia appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

The post Young Ninjas USA appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Pears, Lettuces, Plums, and Brussel Sprouts . We will read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Lettuce Grows on the Ground, The Fruits We Eat, Vegetables on my Plate.

Events

Free Karate Demo Class: Monday 2/5 9:30 all 3+ children who are interested will enjoy a free class with Young Ninjas USA. (Zak of Captain Kicks, our soccer class, now offers Karate!) If your child loved it sign up here and scroll down to “sign up” underneath the BLANK email and password to create an account. Then in activities search for Halsey Schools.

Bring it: 2/8 A Pear | 2/13 A Green Leaf | 2/28 Plastic Veggie Play Food

Wear it: 2/14 The color pink or red | 2/20 Purple or Orange like a Plum

Valentine’s Parties 2/14 10:00-12:30: Tiny Tot & Toddler Parents: Please look for the sign-up sheet on the front door outside your child’s classroom about a week before.  Preschool parents: Please look for a  party item request note that will be sent home the week before the party. A list of the children’s names will be sent home, if you would like to make personal valentines cards/gifts. Please do not send candies. We suggest: stickers, stamps, pencils, squishy bouncy balls, Valentine tattoos, etc.

School Closed: President’s Day 2/19 – Have a nice long weekend!

Parent Social 2/20 4:00-5:00 pm: Mommies and Daddies come join us outside on your child’s campus for some fun outdoor socialization & activities. The party starts at 4:00 for Infants, Tiny Tots, Toddlers, & Preschoolers.

Staff Development Training 2/27-2/28: Helping all children reach their full potential | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Karate Mondays with Young Ninjas USA Starts 3/4: 9:30-10:45 for children 3+. A 45 minute class for Penguins, Dragonflies & Busy Bees. All classes take place outside. All Enrichment Instructors follow the same screening procedures as our teachers. Young Ninjas USA $200 for a 10 week session, meets Mondays. To sign up click here and scroll down to sign up underneath the BLANK email and password to create an account. Then in activities search for Halsey Schools. Then select the 3-5 year old group.

Young Ninjas USA bills directly. You will not be billed on your Halsey Schools’ Statements. Contact: Zachary Benau 310 500-8187 www.youngninjasusa.com

Young Ninjas is a high-e-nergy program introducing children to fundamental martial arts elements, like blocks, kicks, strikes, and the all important KI-YAH! Through skill training, fun games, creative challenges, and Pad work on foam targets, children develop self-confidence and learn to enjoy being physically active in a non-contact setting. KI-YAH!

Reminders

2024 – 2025 Enrollment: It’s time to make plans for the next school year. Your child’s space is reserved. On February 20, your account will be automatically billed the non-refundable $299 materials & supplies fee (per family) to confirm the reservation & space for 2024-2025.  If your child will not be attending for the upcoming school year, please complete this online form by 2/15 or let us know through Brightwheel by 2/15. We look forward to celebrating our 46th year with you and your family.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Hot Beverages:  Please remember to keep coffee and other hot beverages off campus..  For safety reasons, there is no drinking of hot beverages allowed on any of Halsey Schools grounds, or on any Halsey Schools trips or other events. If you would like to drink hot beverages, please do so off campus or before coming dropping off or picking up your child.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Winter Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra winter clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times February 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Teachers Trained and Prepared for Emergency Prevention, Preparation and Reaction

All teachers are CPR & First Aid Certified and have been trained in emergency and disaster preparedness as well as illness and disease prevention and control.  We provide a wide range of in-service training seminars, at least monthly, to keep certifications and training up to date and accurate.

We hold emergency drills regularly and post the dates on our calendars. Teachers are trained to remain calm and in control of the children and to follow specific documented procedures for safe exit and/or evacuation if needed. All teachers have been shown the location of and use of: fire extinguishers, gas, water and electrical shut off, smoke, carbon monoxide and  fire alarms,  and other emergency equipment. This plan document is posted by every telephone, HALSEY SCHOOLS EMERGENCY PLAN & NUMBERS 

Buildings Inspected & Maintained

In addition to our own inspection and maintenance, our buildings are regularly inspected by the Fire Department, the Health Department and the Department of Social Services for structural safety and to ensure our safety procedures are in place and that all safety devices like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. are properly maintained.

Supplies on hand

We stock extra water & food for children on solid foods. Infants need 2 wks of parent provided formula & baby food on hand at all times.

Evacuations Planned & Practiced

If needed we will evacuate to one of our other facilities or Saint Luke’s Church. If further evacuation is needed we would go to the nearest evacuation center as instructed by authorities. (Could be a hotel, mall, etc.)

Communication, Contacting

Messages will be sent in Brightwheel, social media or phone calls and emails.

We do everything we can to prevent and prepare for all emergencies.

Handout Version

The post Emergency Plan – Prepare, Plan & Practice appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Turnips, Pomegranates, Cucumbers, Persimmons & Squashes. We will read Markets, Eating the Alphabet, How Many Veggies?, Gus and Button, & Food From Farms.

Events

School Closed 1/1 Mon & 1/2 Tue: Have safe and very Happy New Year!

Busy Bee’s Homework 1/3: In order to prepare you and the children for Kindergarten, the Busy Bee teachers will send fun homework packets home every Monday. The activities help the children practice the concepts they are learning at school and give you an opportunity to see some of the ways your child learns at school.  Packets should be returned the following Monday. The children are not required to complete the homework, but those that do receive recognition for it during circle time. The homework is not graded or returned. | It is best to establish a consistent homework routine. We recommend doing it 2-3 days a week. For example every Monday, Wednesday & Friday or every Tuesday & Thursday. It’s up to you and your family. You can always find the homework plans here.

Bring it: Your Favorite Veggie for Snack 1/04 | A Pickle for Snack 1/16 | An Empty Plastic Water Bottle 2/1

Wear it: Wear Red 1/12 | Your Favorite Winter Hat 1/24

Schools Closed 1/15:  Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Have a nice long weekend!

Staff Development Training 1/23-1/24: Taking Care of Ourselves | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

Reminders

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

January Billing: January billing will take place on or after the 1st of January instead of December 17th. So your ACH and Credit Card charges will not be posted until on or after January 1. | On January 17th the normal billing schedule will resume for February tuition.

Hot Beverages:  Please remember to keep coffee and other hot beverages off campus. For safety reasons, there is no drinking of hot beverages allowed on any of Halsey Schools grounds, or on any Halsey Schools trips or other events. If you would like to drink hot beverages, please do so off campus or before coming dropping off or picking up your child.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Winter Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra winter clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

The post Happy Times January 2024 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

What is Self-Talk?

Self‐Talk is a strategy where mommies and daddies like you describe what you are doing as you’re doing it. You provide the words to describe your actions, without expecting your child to respond. You should use Self-Talk daily with your children. All infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will benefit. Self-talking is a great way to help your infants & toddlers develop vocabulary

Examples of Self‐Talk:

• I’m mixing the butter and sugar to make our cookies. I like to smell it. Now I’m going to taste it.
• I’m putting on my shoes to get ready for work.
• I’m sitting down at the table next to your sister. I want to see what she is doing with the play doh.
• Now I am writing a ‘W.’ I start here and go down, up, down, and up again. There‐‐‐a ‘W’.
• I am digging in the sand with Monique. Deeper…deeper…deeper. Oh no‐‐‐the sand is starting to cave in!

What is Parallel Talk?

Parallel Talk is a technique in which mommies and daddies like you describe what your child is doing or seeing. When you use Parallel Talk, you’re acting like a broadcaster. You watch the action and describe it to your child, without expecting a response. You shouldn’t ask your child questions during parallel talk. Parallel Talk also called: information talk, narratives, commentary, and broadcasting.

Examples of Parallel Talk:

• If your child is playing with colored blocks, you might say: Oh, you put the yellow block on top. Now you’re sliding the green one next to the long red block. The tower is getting taller.
• If your child is playing with Sesame Street characters, you might say: Here comes Oscar the Grouch. He’s riding in the car with Cookie Monster. Cookie Monster’s in the back. He’s looking around while the car goes faster and faster.
• If your child is upset because you won’t buy the toy. You might say: Cindy, you really want that toy. You are feeling sad that we are not buying it. You wish you could have it. 

Self Talk and Parallel Talk help parents and their children develop relationships.

The strategies of Self Talk and Parallel Talk give you a starting place, something to talk about as you make comments on your child’s actions and follow your child’s lead. If your child is upset, Parallel Talk helps him to feel respected and validated. If your child is engaged in play, she enjoys the time and attention.

Self Talk and Parallel Talk help children who are shy or have limited language.

Self Talk and Parallel Talk are a good way to begin talking with any young child, at any time. The child has the opportunity to develop receptive language, but there is no expectation that the child will respond. These techniques can be especially effective with non‐verbal children, with children who are shy, and with English language learners. It builds language for all children.

Parents often feel self‐conscious or awkward when they begin to use Self Talk and Parallel Talk.

To use Self Talk and Parallel Talk you’ll learn to talk in a new way‐‐‐describing, not questioning. But speaking is only part of it. Observing your child’s action carefully is the key.

Beginners using Self Talk and Parallel Talk often overwhelm children with too much description.

In the beginning, it’s easy to concentrate so hard on becoming a good describer that the natural pace and flow of conversation is overlooked. You don’t need to comment on every single action. Commenting on every second or third action creates a more natural conversational pace and gives your child a chance to respond, if he chooses.

Adapted from Preschool for All, San Francisco First Five (first5sf.org)

The post Are you self talking? appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Potatoes, Grapefruits, Onions and Kiwis. We will read One Potato Two Potato, Growing Vegetable Soup, Vegetables in Underwear, and Foods with Moods.

Events

Cultural diversity & sharing family traditions:  We encourage your families to join us in our holiday celebrations by sending special snacks, stories, pictures or any fun things you wish to share. Please arrange with your child’s teachers.

Stardreams Dance & Gymnastics Recital: 12/5  10:00 & 10:45 If your preschool child is in Dance & Gymnastics there will be a small outdoor recital. Please let us know if you will be attending. Please verify with your child’s teachers what time your child will be performing.

Wear it: 12/5 Brown like a Potato | 12/18- 12/22 Holiday Shirt or Green/Red

Bring it: 12/11-12/15 Your Favorite Holiday Book | 12/27 Your Favorite Fruit for Snack

Classroom Holiday Social 12/14: Come inside & visit your child’s classroom for a special holiday celebration with wonderful activities and parent provided holiday inspired snacks. Please look for a note assigning your item the week before. (If you don’t want to bring anything that’s fine too.)  Infant’s, Tiny Tots & Toddlers 9:30-10:30, Preschool 10:30-11:30.

School Closed 12/25 Mon & 12/26 Tue: Be safe and have a Wonderful Holiday!

Staff Development Training 12/19 & 12/20:  6 kinds of open ended questions you should ask your preschooler. | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

School Closed 1/1 Mon & 1/2 Tue: Have safe and very Happy New Year!

Reminders

January Billing: January billing will take place on or after the 1st of January instead of December 17th. So your ACH and Credit Card charges will not be posted until on or after January 1. | On January 17th the normal billing schedule will resume for February tuition.

Hot Beverages:  Please remember to keep coffee and other hot beverages off campus.  For safety reasons, there is no drinking of hot beverages allowed on any of Halsey Schools grounds or events. If you would like to drink hot beverages, please do so off campus or before dropping off or picking up your child.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Winter Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra winter clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

The post Happy Times December 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

What do children learn when they play with bubbles?

When children blow, pop, and chase bubbles they develop their small and large motors skills, hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills. They learn about cause and effect, shapes and sizes, vocabulary: wet, sticky, cold, pop & popped, chase… They learn about science and explore their imagination and creativity. They learn about cooperation and taking turns. And they have fun!!!

The Best Bubble Solution

You need:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/3 cup Joy or Dawn dish soap
• 1 T corn syrup

Carefully mix but don’t shake.

Bubble Painting

You need:

• Bubbles, wands, straws, blowers…
• Paper
• Food Coloring
• Containers

1. Distribute bubble solution into containers and add different food coloring colors to each. Now blow different colored bubbles on the paper. Pop them with your hand, blow them out or wait for them to pop themselves.
2. Place paper on a table the put containers of colored bubbles on the paper. Blow in the containers with a straw to make the bubbles overflow on the paper. Move the containers around to make beautiful art.

Water Bottle Bubble Makers

You need:

• Bubble Solution
• Empty water bottles – various sizes
• Scissors , knife or razor blade for parents only

1. Cut a small clean hole in the bottom of the bottle. Take remove the bottle lid. Dip the lid portion into the bubble solution and blow bubbles from the bottom hole you created. Try different sized bottles – are the bubbles different?
2. Cleanly cut off the bottom of a bottle. (It must be clean to avoid cuts and bubbles from popping immediately.) Dip one end or the other on the solutions. Blow from the other end. Try it the other way. What happens?

Bubble Relay

Everyone gets a bubble wand and bubbles. Stand in a line. The first person blows a bubble and passes it to the next person. If the bubble pops, the first person must blow another bubble and pass it again. Predict how many people can pass the bubble without breaking it. Try to beat your family record the next time.

Bubble Tag

“It’s” tag with bubbles instead of touching. The bubbles must actually land on the other play for the tag to be successful.

Tiny Bubbles & HUGE Bubbles

Make tiny bubbles with a single straw or tape a bunch together. Make giant bubble with a hula hoop and a kiddie pool! You’ll need a lot of solutions but its fun! Have your child stand inside the hula hoop. It’s a blast!

Why is playing with bubbles better than staring at a screen?

• It’s Interactive – not passive
• It encourages movement – not sitting
• It is Magical  – not boring
• It is scientific
• It is just good old fashioned fun!

The post Playing with bubbles is more fun that staring at a screen! appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Cauliflowers, Avocados, Yams, and Grapes. We will read The Surprise Garden, Black Belt Bunny, Pick a Circle Gather Squares, and Pa Grape’s Shapes.

Events

Bring it: 11/7 A picture of a fruit from a Magazine | 11/20-11/22 A Thanksgiving book

School Closed 11/10: Veterans Day. Be safe and have some fun and let our veterans know they are appreciated.

Wear it: 11/15 Green like an Avocado | 11/30 Purple like a grape

Friendsgiving Celebration 11/17: A Thanksgiving celebration with our friends. Teachers will send home a notice to let you know what to bring. Parent’s are welcome 11:30-12:30.

Assessments 11/20:  You will receive your child’s written assessment. This month your child’s teachers have been  carefully observing your child to assess for age appropriate developmental milestones. Children develop at their own pace so the criteria we follow offers a broad age range for each milestone. Some children might reach a designated milestone at 7 months old. But others might reach it at 4 months or 10 months.

Staff Development Training 11/21 & 11/22:  Accepting Criticism. | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

School Closed 11/23-24 Thanksgiving: Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Parent Teacher Conferences 11/27-12/1: If you would like to schedule an in person or tele conference with your child’s teachers, sign up below.

Reminders

Brightwheel updates. Children first, apps later: We do our best to send daily photos and updates during down times. FYI there isn’t much down time so you won’t receive a post as soon as your child is fed, changed etc. Our priority is always direct interaction and supervision of your children. We post when we can, but it doesn’t always happen.  If you don’t receive anything, know everything is fine and you can get a paper update and talk to teachers at pickup time. Children first, apps later. 🙂

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Fall Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra fall clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

The post Happy Times November 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Why it’s not okay to say “You’re O.K.”

Would you ever say “You’re Okay” to a sad friend? An injured parent? An angry spouse? You’re sick dog? Probably not, but many parents and even teachers often say “You’re O.K.” as soon as a child cries, falls, or gets feelings hurt by a friend or sibling. Why would we say “You’re okay” to a child but not to an adult?

We know if we don’t address the adults feelings or pain, we are invalidating what they are feeling and experiencing. We’re brushing it off like nothing happened. But with a child, sometimes we think it is reassuring, will keep them from crying, or will let them know we’ll take care of it. But when we say “You’re O.K.,” it’s not Okay. It communicates something totally different.

What does saying “You’re Okay” really tell a child?

If we say “You’re okay,” we are telling the child “What you’re feeling isn’t real. Nothing is wrong.” If we say “You’re okay,” we invalidate the child’s emotions, feelings, pain. It doesn’t make it better. It teaches children to hide their emotions and feelings because they are not accurate, important or maybe not even real. No one wants to do that. Right? So what should we say and do instead?

What to say and do instead of saying “You’re okay.”

When a child is in emotional or physical pain, acknowledge it first.

• “Is everything o.k. Michael? You look sad?”
• “Are you o.k.?”
• “Did Johnny take your toy? How do you feel about that?”
• “Ooops. Looks like you bumped your knee. Does it hurt?”

After you acknowledge and name the feeling, then offer solutions if need be.

• “Oh you’re sad because Kara isn’t here today. I can understand that. She’s a good friend. Let’s see if we can make another friend today.”
• “Oh you slipped on the sand and hurt your elbow. That’s painful. Let’s clean and it up in the bathroom. Would you like some ice on it?”
• “I can see you’re frustrated, let’s go talk to Johnny and see what we can do.”
• “We’ll clean up your knee and pick out a band-aide. How does that sound?”

By acknowledging children’s pain, we encourage them to feel and recognize their emotions.   We are letting them know the pain is real and we understand it. When we talk to them about it, we encourage them to express their feelings. When we offer solutions, we provide them the nurturing and understanding adult guidance they need.  Isn’t that better than “You’re okay?”

The post It’s Not Okay to Say “You’re O.K.” appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Cranberries, Mushrooms, Coconuts, Pumpkins and Lemons. We will read about Lola Plants a Garden, Stone Soup, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Big Pumpkin, In My Garden.

Events

Wear it: A shirt with a fruit on it 10/3 | Fall colors 10/10 | Halloween shirt or orange like a pumpkin 10/23-10/27

Bring it: Something white or round 10/18 | A lemon 11/1

California ShakeOut 10/19: Annual World Wide Earthquake drill where millions of people including all of us at Halsey Schools practice & prepare for an earthquake. The imaginary earthquake hits at 10:19. Learn about our emergency plan here. Learn more about the ShakeOut here.

Julie Lilly Photography Pictures: 10/24 Infants and Toddlers | 10/25 Preschoolers. You will receive a signup form to request your preferred package, however if you don’t turn one in, your child’s picture will still be taken and you can choose a package later.  Sample Envelope and prices.

Staff Development Training 10/24 & 25: The Importance of Play. Children learn so much through play! | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. Scroll down to learn about our relationship with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA).  Get to know more about our happy teachers here.

On Campus Pumpkin Patch 10/26: 10:00-11:00 our annual on campus “Pumpkin Patch” for all classes: Busy Bees, Dragonflies, Penguins, Pandas , Toddlers, Tiny Tots & Infants. A great time for all when we bring pumpkins and fun on campus for a pretend field trip. Parents are welcome to come!

Halloween Class Party & Parade 10/31:  Your child’s teachers will be sending home a note letting you know what healthy food item or non food item your child  has chosen for you to bring to our Halloween party. Candy, treats, sugar… will be limited. All children should wear or bring a costume to school and should have a change of clothes too. Parents are welcome to join us for our Halloween fun!! @ 10:00.

Reminders

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA): We have teamed up again with QSLA to make our program even better. QSLA provides another set of eyes with regular obervations of our classrooms, teachers, & facilities. We set goals together and work closely to improve where we can be better and keep doing what’s successful! They provide tons of opportunities for hands on training sessions, new ideas and perspectives, latest research and MORE! Let us know how you think we are doing here. Or give us 5 stars on yelp!

Materials & Supplies Fee: The annual $299 materials and supplies will be posted on your October statement on September 17th.  If you reserved your child’s space in February/March with the Materials and Supplies fee you won’t be charged again. If you paid the registration fee to start in August or September, the Materials & Supplies Fee is waived.  As indicated in the fee’s name, the funds are used to help purchase new materials and supplies for the children.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Student Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc). Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Student Birthday Celebrations at home: If you are planning a birthday celebration outside of school, we would be happy to help with handing out the invitations. Just ask for a list of the children’s names, fill out the invitations at home and bring to school for us to pass out.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

The post Happy Times October 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

How to Make Apple Pie Play Dough

Children love to play with dough. And no wonder! They can squish and pound it and form it into fascinating shapes. Making play dough with your child teaches measuring skills, math skills, language skills and more. It helps encourage waiting one’s turn, sharing ideas and new language development. Try Ms. Diana’s favorite recipe this weekend. It’s a great way to interact and learn with your child. And it’s FUN!

What you need:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1/3 cup water
• 4-5 drops red food coloring
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Mix it all up

• In a large mix flour and salt together. Add oil to the mixture.
• In a separate bowl, mix together water & food coloring
• Pour the red water into the flour & salt mixture. Stir in the apple pie spice
• Knead with hands into a ball (If it is too sticky, just add a little flour. Too dry? Add a little bit of water.)

Let your child do as much as possible

Making it is half the fun!  So please be sure to let your child do as much of the measuring, mixing and kneading as possible. They can even try mixing the ingredient with their hands. During the process remember to encourage verbal skills by talking about what your child is doing. Asking open ended questions. And answering your child’s questions. If your child asks, “Can we make it a different color?” Give it a try.

Now it’s time to play with the Apple Pie Play Dough

Your child’s imagination and your’s are the only limits here. Cut it. Squeeze it. Put things in it. Make a snake. A rocket. Throw it. Catch it. It’s all up to you. You can even taste it! Yes! It’s edible! When finished seal in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

When you make Apple Pie Play Dough your child learns:

Math Skills

• Measuring; fractions, cups, tablespoons…
• Comparing & contrasting – bigger, smaller, lighter, darker…

Verbal Skills

• Expanding vocabulary

Motor Skills

• Mixing (with spoon & hands)
• Pouring
• Rolling

Reading Skills

• Following written directions
• Reading fractions & numbers

Sensory Skills

• Feeling different textures
• Different smells
• Colors

And a lot MORE!

Doing cooking and science projects together with your children at home is a great way to help reinforce what we are learning at school and strengthen family bonds. I hope you have fun creating memories.

The post How To Make Ms. Diana’s Favorite Play Dough appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

What’s an open-ended question?

Questions that have more than one right answer, or ones than can be answered in many ways, are called open‐ended or divergent questions. This way of asking questions stimulates more language use, acknowledges that there can be many solutions to one problem, affirms children’s ideas, and encourages creative thinking. 

Listening to your child’s answers is even more important than asking the open-ended questions

• Wait 5-10 seconds for your child to think and formulate responses.
• Allow your child to fully answer the question without interruption.
• Show that you are interested your child’s answers.
• Keep the conversation going until your child gives you clues to move on.

Six types of open-ended questions we ask at school.

You should try them out at home too.

Open-ended Knowledge Questions

• What happened when…?
• What happened before/after…?
• What did it look/feel/sound/taste/smell like?
• What do you remember from…?
• Describe what you know about…
• Tell me about your…
• Name all of your favorite _____.
• What did you use to make it?
• List everything you think you might find in…
• Describe to me _____ (block structure, etc.) and how you made it.

Open-ended Comprehension Questions

• Why do you think…?
• Which one do you have more/less of?
• How can you tell the difference between _______ and ______?
• Can you give me an example of ______?
• How do you know that…?
• What happened first, second, third, etc.?
• Tell me what happened…
• How could you say that differently?
• Name some… (shapes, animals, vegetables, etc.).

Open-ended Application Questions

• Tell me about a time when…
• Tell me how you would make/build…
• What does this make you think of?
• What do you think will happen next?
• How can we organize these?
• How can we/you find out?
• Show me what you could do with it.
• How can we solve this problem?
• What do you think will happen if…?
• How else would/could you…?

 Open-ended Analysis questions

• Why is this important?
• In what ways are these different/similar?
• What do you think will happen?
• How much/many _______ will we need to …?
• Is there anything that you would change? If so, why?
• Why do you think…?
• What comes next in the pattern of_______?
• What could we do differently next time?
• Did that ever happen to you? Tell me more about that.

Open-ended Evaluation Questions

• What other ideas do you have to add?
• What other ending to the story can you come up with?
• How will you organize______?
• What else could you do/use?
• How will you prepare for…?
• What could we have done instead?
• What’s one solution to the problem?
• How could you assemble these _______ to make _________?
• Tell me how you will… (draw your picture, make your city out of blocks, etc.)

Open-ended Creating Questions

• What changes would you make to…?
• How many ways can you…?
• Why did you choose… (those materials, that order, etc.)?
• How could we make the/this_____ (stronger, better, etc.)?
• How will you make a new… (design, pattern, etc.)?
• Why do you think it is important to…?
• Rank these______ according to ________.
• How are you planning to do that?

Now it’s time for you to start asking some questions! 🙂

Adapted from Preschool for All, San Francisco First Five (first5sf.org)
A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching and Assessing:
A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Outcomes:
Complete Edition by Anderson, L.W., & Krathwohl, D.R. (Eds.). (2009).

The post 6 kinds of open ended questions you should ask your preschooler appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

It’s Back To School TIME! This year our annual theme will be all about Fruits & Vegetables. A healthy diet includes fresh fruits and veggies every day! This month we will learn about Apples, Celery, Bananas and Bell Peppers. We will read Apples for Everyone, Beef Stew, Cookie’s Guessing Game About Food, and Good Enough to Eat.

Events 

School Closed 9/4: We need some rest before the new school year starts 9/5! 🙂 Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We’ll be thinking about you!

Back to School 9/5: Tuesday is our first official day of the new school year! Bring an apple today.

Grandparents Week 9/5-9/8: Grandmas & Grandpas are welcome to come to visit individually to say hi and enjoy some time outdoors. Please arrange with your child’s teachers at drop off or pickup time.

Bring it: 9/5 An Apple | 9/21 A Banana for Snack | 9/25 A Picture of a Vegetable from a Magazine.

Wear it: 9/13 Something Green like the Color of Celery.

Grandparents’ Cookie Party 9/8: Grandparents please join us for a special celebration with cookies and fun activities with your grandchildren on campus!! Infants, Tiny Tots & Toddlers 9:30 am -10:30 | Preschool 10:30-11:30 am.

Dance Tuesdays with Star Dreams: Starting 9/6 10:00 for children 3+. All classes will take place outside. Each class (Penguins, Dragonflies, Busy Bees) will have their own session. All Enrichment Instructors follow all the same screening procedures as our teachers. Star Dreams Dance & Gym, $56/mth, meets on Tuesdays.

Soccer Wednesdays with Captain Kicks: Starting 9/13 9:30-10:45 for preschool campus children 2+. A 1/2 hour class for Pandas and a 45 minute class for Penguins, Dragonflies & Busy Bees. All classes will take place outside. All Enrichment Instructors follow all the same screening procedures as our teachers. Captain Kicks Soccer $200 for a 10 week session, meets Wednesdays. To sign up click here and scroll down to sign up underneath the BLANK email and password to create an account. Then in activities search for Halsey Schools. Then select the 2 year old or 3-5 year old group. Contact: Zachary Benau 424-666-8920 www.captainkicks.com.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here.

Staff Development Training: Providing High Quality Customer Service for Parents and Children | Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. |  In addition to our in house training, we receive coaching from Quality Start LA (aka QSLA). Several times a month our QSLA coaches meet with our directors and help us improve our parent, children and co-worker interactions. They help us: pinpoint areas to improve, set goals and implement action plans.Learn more about our happy teachers here.

Reminders

Bathing suits, swim diapers, water shoes, & towels are not needed after 9/1. We don’t plan to get as wet after Labor Day. 🙂  Water play tables and other activities will continue. We just won’t get soaked unless you get a notice to bring the gear for a special day. 🙂

Totpot Hot Lunch: All Natural & Organic Hand-Crafted Locally Sourced Fresh & Healthy Lunches for Toddlers-Preschool. The children LOVE these lunches and they are good for them too! Monthly menus are sent in the parent portal in sandbox. Sign up here

Facebook, Instagram & Yelp: Check us out fb and insta. And write a 5 star review on YELP!

Each class has their own web page with Curriculum information, schedules, calendar of events and themes, Teacher features, etc.

• Infant Center , Tiny Tots , Toddler Center , Pandas, Penguins, Dragonflies, Busy Bees

Materials & Supplies Fee: The annual $299 materials and supplies will be posted on your October statement on September 17th.  If you reserved your child’s space in February/March with the Materials and Supplies fee you won’t be charged again. If you paid the registration fee to start in August or September, the Materials & Supplies Fee is waived.  As indicated in the fee’s name, the funds are used to help purchase new materials and supplies for the children.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday:  Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

Children’s Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc. Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

The post Happy Times September appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

I love to work with children to build relationships, see them grow and provide a positive role model in their lives.

Early Childhood Development Credential, CPR & First Aid Certified

I have my Early Child Development Credential and am CPR and First Aid certified. I have been teaching since 2020.

A little bit about me…

I am from Egypt. I’m a mom with two children, a girl and a boy. We are a close-knit group and enjoy spending time together, whether it’s going on a vacation or simply having dinner at home.

When I’m not teaching…

In my free time I enjoy reading. When I’m reading, I completely relax and find myself in another world. I also like to write. Reading books helps me creatively when I’m writing. It helps me to think outside the box and use my imagination.

Halsey Stats…

Ms. Shaimma teaches primarily in our Preschool. However, just like all our teachers, you’ll find her assisting in all our classrooms. Her anniversary date is August 22, 2023.

The post Ms. Shaimma appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

We’ve been having lots of learning fun with lemons. We tasted them, stamped painted with them and lots more. We even made lemon treats. Here are some fun ideas for you to do at home with lemons!

Social Studies: Where do lemons come from?

Ask your child Where do lemons come from? and discuss. It’s always fun to hear things from their perspective. Here are some interesting lemon facts:

• California and Arizona farms produce 95% of the entire U.S. lemon crop.
• Lemon trees bloom and produce fruit year-round.
• Each tree can produce between 500 and 600 pounds of lemons in a year.

Field Trip:

To get started on these projects you need lemons. Take a field trip to  a grocery store, a farm, farmers market, a lemon tree in a friend’s backyard, your refrigerator or own backyard and get some lemons.

Math Skills & Language Arts: Explore the lemons

What color are lemons? How do they smell?

Ask questions and encourage your child to do the same. Cut a lemon. What shape do you see now? How many sections are there? How many seeds can you find? Count them. Sort them. If you cut another lemon do you think it will have the same number of sections or the seeds? Find out.  How does a lemon taste? Sweet, sour, good, bad, dry, wet, warm, cold…

Grow a Lemon Tree

Plant some of the seeds in a pot or in your yard. Water twice a day and watch them grow. Count how many days it takes for the seed to sprout. Measure it regularly and chart its growth.

Art: Paint An Invisible Picture or Write a Secret Message

You’ll Need:

• Tooth picks, cotton swabs, brushes or something similar
• Lemon juice
• Paper
• Heat source like an iron, a light bulb, a toaster, hair dryer or even just the sun.

Draw your picture or write your secret message:

• Dip your utensil in the lemon juice and draw your picture or message. Be sure to dip the brush often.
• Allow the paper to dry until you can’t see the writing any more.
• Hold the paper over a light bulb or a toaster or dry with a hair drier. Move the paper often to make sure it doesn’t burn.  As the sugar in the lemon juice caramelizes the picture or message will magically appear.

Lemon Stamp Art

Cut a lemon in half. Dip the flat part into paint. Then press onto a piece of paper.

Outdoor/PE/Gross Motor Skills:

Can Mommy or Daddy juggle lemons? Play catch with a lemon. Roll a lemon.

Cooking Project: Home Made Lemon Scented Play-dough

• Ingredients:1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Yellow food coloring
  • Tablespoon of lemon Juice
  • A sprinkling of lemon zest
• Combine flour, salt, water, lemon juice and zest in a bowl and mix with a spoon. Add more water or more flour to get the mix just right – mushy and pliable like dough. Roll into a ball in your hands and test the consistency.
• Put the ball back in the bowl and add the yellow food coloring. Kneed the color into the dough.
• Play with it! Smell it! You can even eat it!

Science Projects:

Do lemons sink or float?

Fill up a bucket, glass or other vessel with water. Discuss and make your predictions. Drop a whole lemon in the water to find out. Will the same thing happen with a bigger lemon? A smaller lemon? When the lemon is sliced? When the lemon is sliced even smaller?

The post Lemon Learning appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Seagulls, Crabs, Octopuses, and Seahorses . We will read Hello Ocean, Clumsy Crab, I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean, and Mister Sea Horse.

Events

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Bring it: A picture of you at the beach 8/7-8/11 | Bring in a book about the ocean 8/21-8/25.

Wear it: Wear the color red 8/16 | Wear orange like a seahorse 8/28.

Water Play: Please make sure your child has:

• Bathing suit or swim diapers
• Sunblock SPF 30 or more applied
• Extra Sunblock
• Water shoes
• Water shirt
• Towel
• Hat
• Summer change of clothes & regular shoes
• Please remember to label everything

Water Play Schedule: These are the days we will have pre-planned responsible water activities. However it’s best to always have all the water play supplies at camp.

• Infants: Random
• Tiny Tots: Th
• Toddlers: Tu
• Pandas: Th
• Penguins: W
• Dragonflies: Fr
• BusyBees: M

Reminders

Bye Bye Sandbox. Hello Brightwheel: The Sandbox parent portal system we use is going bye bye and being replaced with Brightwheel. 7/20/23 was the last time billing took place in Sandbox. Billing for September will take place on Brightwheel on August 20th.  | You will receive 2 different emails from Brightwheel regarding sign up and autopay. Please follow the instructions to get your account all set up. | For billing please choose “Bank account,” not “Card.” We get charged a lot of money to process credit cards and we’d like to see that money go to the teachers and the classrooms instead of the banks. | Once everyone is all set up, we will begin communicating with Brightwheel and you can sign in and out etc. 

Preschool Drop Off & Pick up Procedure: Please enter & exit the preschool only through the front office door. Parents are welcome to come into the classrooms. We will no longer be using the gate during drop off & pickup.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to camp wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Materials & Supplies Fee: The annual $299 materials and supplies fee will be posted on your September statement on August 20th.  If you reserved your child’s space in February/March with the Materials and Supplies fee you won’t be charged again. If you paid the registration fee to start in August or September, the Materials & Supplies Fee is waived.  As indicated in the fee’s name, the funds are used to help purchase new materials and supplies for the children.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra summer clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Family Vacations: Will you be taking a summer vacation? Please block out dates in your Parent Portal at least two weeks before your vacation. This will allow us to plan accordingly for our daily activities and not worry about why your child is not at camp. Thank You!

Student Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc). Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Student Birthday Celebrations at home: If you are planning a birthday celebration outside of school, we would be happy to help with handing out the invitations. Just ask for a list of the children’s names, fill out the invitations at home and bring to school for us to pass out.

Immunizations: Please make sure to keep up with your child’s immunizations and update the Sandbox Parent Portal whenever your child gets a vaccine. Including the COVID vaccination.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

The post Happy Times August 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Taking care of our bodies;

Daily Exercise

One way to stay healthy is to be active. Toddlers & Preschool children should play actively several times each day. They need to run, jump, and climb every single day. Being physically active throughout the day is key to your child’s health and well-being.

Help keep your child active

Physical activity is good for children and adults. It strengthens muscles, bones and joints, and it gives children the opportunity to gain confidence while having fun. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Playing hopscotch, tossing a ball back and forth, and dancing are some good ways for your child to be active. Here are some ways you can help keep your child active and healthy:

• Be a physically active role model and have fun with your children. Adults need at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
• Walk with your child at every available opportunity; if possible to school or to the store on errands. Take a family walk after dinner instead of watching tv or playing computer/video games.
• Plan active weekends. Include biking, hiking, skating, walking or playing ball. Take a trip to the park, the beach, skating rink, zoo, or swimming pool.
• Offer to join your child in his/her favorite physical activity, or enroll your child in a group exercise program.
• Include children in active chores such as dog walking, house cleaning, car washing, and yard work.
• Limit inactive behavior such as television watching and computer time. Do physical activity with your children during commercials, such as marching in place or stretching. This helps reinforce the importance of movement in your child’s life.
• Avoid using tv as a child sitter or pacifier. Offer active alternatives to screen time like jumping rope, playing hide-and-seek or running an errand. Children love when you are active with them and involve them in what you do. Keep tv’s out of children’s rooms.
• Give your children gifts that encourage physical activity–active games, sporting equipment, jump ropes, scooters or a Frisbee.

Now turn off this screen and go exercise!!!!!

The post Is your child getting enough exercise at home? appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Dolphins, Whales, Sharks, Walruses, and Sea Turtles. We will read Dolphins, Baby Beluga, Lift – the flap SHARKS, Commotion in the Ocean, and Turtle Splash!

Events

Camp Halsey 7/3: The learning fun doesn’t end at Halsey Schools; The summer is when it really takes off!  Currently enrolled families automatically continue for the summer.

Independence Day Children’s BBQ party 07/03 10:00: Wear Red, White & Blue! Your child’s teacher will send home a notice letting you know what your child should bring. Parent’s are Welcome!

Bring it: Bring in a book about Dolphins – all week 7/3-7/7 | A stuffed ocean animal – all week 7/24-7/28

Wear it: Wear red, white & blue 7/3 | Dress as if you are headed to the beach 7/12 | A shirt with a shark or blue for the ocean 7/17 | Wear green like a turtle 7/31

School Closed 7/4: Independence Day!!! Have a Fun & safe Holiday!!

Water Play Starts 7/5: Please make sure your child has:

• Bathing suit or swim diapers
• Sunblock SPF 30 or more applied
• Extra Sunblock
• Water shoes
• Water shirt
• Towel
• Hat
• Summer change of clothes & regular shoes
• Please remember to label everything

Water Play Schedule: These are the days we will have pre-planned water activities. However it’s best to always have all the water play supplies at camp.

• Infants: Random
• Tiny Tots: M/Th
• Toddlers: W
• Pandas: W
• Penguins: Th
• Dragonflies: T
• Busy Bees: M

Staff Development Training 7/25 & 7/26 | The Best Ways to Use Open Ended Questions Often | Click here to see how you can use open ended questions at home. Every month our teachers learn something new, take a look at something old from a new perspective, that reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. |  Learn more about our happy teachers here.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. Please make sure to wear your mask.

Reminders

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra summer clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Family Vacations: Will you be taking a summer vacation? Please block out dates in your Parent Portal at least two weeks before your vacation. This will allow us to plan accordingly for our daily activities and not worry about why your child is not at camp. Thank You!

Teacher Vacations: Our teachers take well deserved time off year round but many vacations take place during the summer. You will notice some new and returning faces as we give the teachers the breaks they deserve. One of the great things about Halsey Schools is our team teaching atmosphere that allows your children to bond with our entire staff. So even when some of the teachers are hanging out at the beach, there will always be other familiar faces at school and camp.

Student Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc. Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Student Birthday Celebrations at home: If you are planning a birthday celebration outside of school, we would be happy to help with handing out the invitations. Just ask for a list of the children’s names, fill out the invitations at home and bring to school for us to pass out.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! If you’ve stopped applying daily sunscreen, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Immunizations: Please make sure to keep up with your child’s immunizations and update the Sandbox Parent Portal whenever your child gets a vaccine.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

The post Happy Times July 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

When children crawl over the teddy bear, climb under the table, go through the tunnel, walk around the chair, go in and out the door, they are developing physically and mentally as they learn about the relationship between their bodies and the objects they are navigating.  You can help your children develop their language, mathematical, and conceptual skills by verbally expressing what they are doing. Here’s how. 

Use words with experiences

Infants

Infants love to grasp, hold, reach, throw, drop and put everything in their mouth. You can help your baby develop with simple household items and toys; plastic bowls, wooden spoons, containers of various shapes and sizes, blocks, stuffed animals etc. Gather only safe items by making sure they are not too small to choke or swallow and not too hard or heavy to hurt. Then let your child start exploring. When she puts the animal in the bowl. Comment “You put the animal in the bowl!” Ask her to do things like “Stack the block on top of the bowl.” Show her what you mean as you say it.

Toddlers

Toddlers love to collect, carry and climb into small spaces. You can encourage your toddler’s development with household containers, collections and some sheets and blankets. Set up a little private space under a table by draping some sheets and blankets over it. Place some items to collect around the house; balls, toys, small containers, lids, etc. Ask your child to collect all the items or specific items. As she starts collecting comment on what she is doing. “You picked up the blue ball and put it in the basket.” Ask her to “Take the basket under the table and dump everything out.” Now look for more items. Count them as she goes. “You put one toy in the basket.” “Now you put two toys in the basket.” “You had to walk through the door to get that one.” “Let’s put the toys on the chair.”

Preschoolers

Preschoolers love to take direction and show they understand. You can encourage your preschooler’s development by setting up a simple obstacle course together. It can really be just about anything. Step on the chair, crawl under the table, jump on the carpet, walk around the spoon, toss the ball into the basket… You get the idea. Just set it up and have some fun. As you and your child go through the course describe what is happening. “You’re crawling under the table.” “Now you have to jump off the stair.”

You can add additional concepts and physical challenges like balancing on a board while holding a ball. “Don’t fall off into the ‘water’!”

The post Verbal Cues You Should Use to Help Your Child Develop appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Hamsters, Box Turtles, Guinea Pigs, and Frogs. We will read My Pet Hamster, My Pet Turtle, One Guinea Pig is Not Enough, and The Wide-Mouthed Frog.

Events

School Closed 5/29: Memorial Day. Have a great weekend! We’ll be thinking about you.

Wear it: A pet animal shirt 6/7.

Bring it: A picture of you with Dad/Grandpa 6/12-14 | Something a turtle would eat 6/14 | A lemon 6/20 | A book about frogs 6/26-30.

Daddy’s Craft Week 6/12-16 8:00-5:00:  Come on in and do a special outdoor Daddy & Me project with your child.  Drop off and pick up times are usually the best and easiest times. However, you can also speak with your child’s teachers & arrange another time that works for you.

Stardreams Dance & Gymnastics Recital: 6/13 10:00 & 10:45 If your preschool child is in Dance & Gymnastics there will be a small outdoor recital. Please let us know if you will be attending. Please verify with your child’s teachers what time your child will be performing.

Outdoor Daddy Donut Party 6/16: Daddies, Grandpas, Great Grandpas & Uncles come join us for your special celebration with tasty donuts and refreshments. All you have to do is show up and have some fun! Infants-9:30, Tiny Tots-10:00, Toddlers-10:30, Preschool-11:00.

School Closed 6/19: Juneteenth. Have a great weekend! We’ll be thinking about you.

Busy Bees’ Outdoor Graduation 6/30 9:00:  Join us for our Annual Busy Bees’ Preschool Graduation Ceremony outside on the Infant Center Play yard. (Please limit your audience party size to 6 .) Parent provided refreshments will be served afterwards. If you would like to bring something, please sign up with Ms Jeri & Ms Ana and drop off your treats before or right after the graduation. Parent’s usually take children home afterwards but your children are welcome to stay. If you need care before 8:30, please drop your child off as usual at the preschool. All graduates should be at the preschool by 8:30 to get ready. 🙂 Bring some kleenex. 

Report Cards 6/30: Dragonflies & Busy Bees will receive their report cards today. They are designed to let you know what your children have learned and to make them feel good. We are so proud of what they have learned, aren’t you?

Camp Halsey 7/3: Time to think about summer! The learning fun doesn’t end at Halsey Schools; The summer is when it really takes off!  Currently enrolled families automatically continue for the summer. New families can start at anytime as long as space is available.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Reminders

Summer Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra summer clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Family Vacations: Will you be taking a summer vacation? Please block out dates in your Parent Portal at least two weeks before your vacation. This will allow us to plan accordingly for our daily activities and not worry about why your child is not at camp. Thank You!

Teacher Vacations: Our teachers take well deserved time off year round but many vacations take place during the summer. You will notice some new and returning faces as we give the teachers the breaks they deserve. One of the great things about Halsey Schools is our team teaching atmosphere that allows your children to bond with our entire staff. So even when some of the teachers are hanging out at the beach, there will always be other familiar faces at school and camp.

Student Birthday Celebrations at school: We LOVE celebrating your child’s birthday at school! You are welcome to bring healthier food options like fruit, muffins, bagels, etc). Parents are welcome to come & celebrate too! Please make all celebration arrangements with your child’s teachers.

Student Birthday Celebrations at home: If you are planning a birthday celebration outside of school, we would be happy to help with handing out the invitations. Just ask for a list of the children’s names, fill out the invitations at home and bring to school for us to pass out.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! If you’ve stopped applying daily sunscreen, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

Tuition Rates: Our tuition rates are adjusted annually. If you are not yet on the current rate schedule, the adjustment takes place on your June 20th statement for July billing. (Tuition for graduating Busy Bees will not change.) Click here or click on Tuition & FAQs above or download the parent handbook to see the current rates.

COVID Vaccine: Lots of children have already received the COVID vaccine. If your child hasn’t received it yet, it’s time to get it ASAP. They are available to everyone 6 months of age and older. Parents have reported no major issues with getting the vaccine. Please protect your child and get the vaccine ASAP before all the holiday gatherings are in full swing. 🙂

If your child has received any COVID vaccinations, please go into your Parent Portal page and add the dates to your child’s immunization record.  Thank you.

Immunizations: Please make sure to keep up with your child’s immunizations and update the Sandbox Parent Portal whenever your child gets a vaccine.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

The post Happy Times June 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

How to Make Homemade Edible Marshmallow Play Dough

Children love to play with dough. And no wonder! They can squish and pound it and form it into fascinating shapes. Making play dough with your child teaches measuring skills, math skills, language skills and more. It helps encourage waiting one’s turn, sharing ideas and new language development. Try Ms. Alyssa’s favorite recipe this weekend. It’s a great way to interact and learn with your child. And it’s FUN!

What you need:

• 1 cup of marshmallows (any size or kind)
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• Optional food coloring
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Mix it all up

• In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the marshmallows, oil & optional food coloring. Microwave for 30-90 seconds or until the marshmallows are melted
• Add 3 tablespoons cornstarch & stir with a wooden spoon
• Continue to mix until a ball starts to form
• Let cool for a few minutes and then dump it onto the counter
• Knead with hands into a ball (If it is too sticky, just add a corn starch. Too dry? Add a little bit of water.)

Let your child do as much as possible

Making it is half the fun!  So please be sure to let your child do as much of the measuring, mixing and kneading as possible. They can even try mixing the ingredient with their hands. During the process remember to encourage verbal skills by talking about what your child is doing. Asking open ended questions. And answering your child’s questions. If your child asks, “Can we make it a different color?” Give it a try.

Now it’s time to play with the Edible Marshmallow Play Dough

Your child’s imagination and your’s are the only limits here. Cut it. Squeeze it. Put things in it. Make a snake. A rocket. Throw it. Catch it. It’s all up to you. You can even taste it! Yes! It’s edible! When finished seal in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

When you make Edible Marshmallow Play Dough

your child learns:

Math Skills

• Measuring; fractions, cups, tablespoons…
• Comparing & contrasting – bigger, smaller, lighter, darker…

Verbal Skills

• Expanding vocabulary

Motor Skills

• Mixing (with spoon & hands)
• Pouring
• Rolling

Reading Skills

• Following written directions
• Reading fractions & numbers

Sensory Skills

• Feeling different textures
• Different smells
• Colors

And a lot MORE!

Doing cooking and science projects together with your children at home is a great way to help reinforce what we are learning at school and strengthen family bonds. I hope you have fun creating memories.

The post How To Make Ms. Alyssa’s Favorite Play dough appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Fishes, Parrots, Cats, Rabbits, and Dogs. We will read The Rainbow Fish, If You Were A Parrot, Have you Got My Purr?, White Rabbit’s Color Book, and The Great Gracie Chase.

Events

Wear it: Your favorite color of the rainbow 5/1 | Wear your favorite color 5/22.

Teacher Appreciation Week 5/1-5/5: We all know how important praise and recognition is for our children. Sometimes we forget how important it is for our teachers too. Please let them know how much we all appreciate them. A little gesture can make a huge difference.

National Screen Free Week 5/1-5/7: Turn off all your screens for a week. Can you to do it?  If you can’t do it for a week, try it for an hour or two a night. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes.  There are lots of things to do that don’t involve screens and encourage family time.

Staff Development Training 5/2-5/3: Strategies to help manage challenging behaviors. | Every month our teachers learn something new, takes a look at something old from a new perspective, reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. |  Learn more about our happy teachers here.

Bring it: A book or toy about parrots All week 5/8-5/12 | A picture of you & Mommy All Week 5/8-5/12 | A picture of your pet All week 5/15-5/19 | A dog stuffed animal 5/31.

Mommy’s Craft Week 5/8-5/12: Mommies, Grandmas and Great Grandmas join us anytime this week between 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. for a special Mommy & Me activity outside your child’s classroom. Please arrange a time that works for you with your child’s teachers. Drop off and pick up times are usually the best and easiest.

Mother’s Day Outdoor Celebration 5/12:  Mommies, Grandmas & Great Grandmas join us for a yummy celebration in your honor full of treats, and lots of fun. Infant Center – 9:30, Tiny Tots – 10:00, Toddlers – 10:30, Preschool – 11:00.

Pet Share Week 5/15-5/19: Share your pets this week! All pets must be very friendly. Small animals in cages make the best visitors but dogs, cats & other are welcome too. Pets that live in cages or bowls like hamsters, fish and lizards are welcome to stay for the day. Other pets like dogs and cats may come for short outside visits, when you pick up or drop off, but can not be left at school. You can bring a picture of your pet to share instead. Please arrange all pet visits with your child’s teachers.

Make-up pictures Monday 5/22: with Julie Lilly photography starts @ 9:00 at the Toddler Center ( for all students that missed). If your child missed picture days they can have their picture done on this day. Please complete order form and include payment by picture day. Look for pictures within 4 weeks. Return for refund if any problems. You can either have your child wear his/her photo outfit or send an outfit to change into.   Order form & prices. (If an order form was not completed one pose will be taken and proofs will be provided within 4 weeks.) 

School Closed Monday 5/29: Memorial Day. Have a great weekend! We’ll be thinking about you.

Reminders

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. 

Spring Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! If you’ve stopped applying daily sunscreen, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

COVID Vaccine: Lots of children have already received the COVID vaccine. If your child hasn’t received it yet, it’s time to get it ASAP. They are available to everyone 6 months of age and older. Parents have reported no major issues with getting the vaccine. Please protect your child and get the vaccine ASAP before all the holiday gatherings are in full swing. 🙂

If your child has received any COVID vaccinations, please go into your Parent Portal page and add the dates to your child’s immunization record.  Thank you.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

The post Happy Times May 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Infants, toddlers and preschooler LOVE playing with boxes. Sometimes they would rather play with the box a toy came in then the box itself. Playing with boxes encourages imagination, verbal skills, motor skills and more. It’s fun and educational to play with boxes. Here’s how to do it at home!

You’ll need:

You guessed it! Boxes!!!!! Cereal, Costco, Amazon boxes or any boxes will do. Just make sure there are no staples or anything else dangerous in them like plastic bags, etc.

Ideas for playing with boxes

• Create a ball catcher- toss the ball into the box
• Create a box race car
• Create a Mailbox & play post office
• Create a Television & your child is the show
• Leave some cereal in a cereal box and tape it up. Its makes a fun sound! It’s a shaker!
• Just give your child a box or two and see what happens.

We play with boxes at school often!

Our infants love sitting the boxes and going for a carpet ride! Our Toddler love to smash them! Our Preschoolers like to make forts, houses and castles!

Give it a try at home and have some fun!

The post Playing with boxes appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.

Themes & Books

This month we will learn about Butterflies, Ladybugs, Caterpillars, and Bumble Bees. We will read Where Butterflies Grow, Over in the Garden, Inch by Inch, and The Bumble Bee.

Events

Bring it: A toy or book about butterflies – All Week 4/3-4/7 | A flower from your garden 4/10 | An apple for the very hungry caterpillar 4/18.

Egg decorating 4/3: We will provide fake eggs for Infants, Tiny Tots and Toddlers. Preschool parents please bring 4 hard boiled eggs on Monday 4/3 for us to decorate at school.  Reminders will be sent home.

Staff Development Training 4/4 & 4/5: Hands-on preschool math activities that make learning fun! | Every month our teachers learn something new, takes a look at something old from a new perspective, reinforces and reinvigorates previous education and training, or just have some hands-on fun through our regular training programs. |  Learn more about our happy teachers here.

Spring Photos 4/4 & 4/5 9-12: 4/4 Infants & Toddlers, 4/5 Preschool (Cap & Gown for Busy Bees!) Please complete order form and include payment by picture day. Look for proofs within 4 weeks. Return for refund if any problems. You can either have your child wear his/her photo outfit or send an outfit to change into. Graduating Busy Bees will take their graduation pictures in full caps & gowns provided by the school. | If your child can’t make the designated day, let us know and we’ll make sure the pictures are taken on the other day.   Sample Envelope and prices. (If an order form was not completed one pose will be taken and proofs will be provided within 4 weeks.) 

Spring Party 4/7: Infants, Tiny Tots & Toddlers look for signup sheet for spring party items to bring. Preschoolers will receive a notice on what to bring to the party. Dress in spring colors!

4/18 Parent Social @ 4:00-5:00 pm: Mommies and Daddies come join us outside on your child’s campus for some fun outdoor socialization & activities. The party starts at 4:00 for Infants, Tiny Tots, Toddlers, & Preschoolers. No mask or proof of immunization and boosters needed.

Wear it: Something black and yellow 4/26.

Shhhhh. Surprise Readers: We have been having a lot of fun with our parents visiting as surprise readers. If you would like to participate, please arrange with your child’s teachers or Sign up here. Please make sure to wear your mask.

Reminders

Spring Change of Clothes: Please make sure your child has at least one complete set of extra spring clothes & shoes. Don’t forget to label everything.

Wear Sunscreen Everyday: It’s Sunscreen Time! If you’ve stopped applying daily sunscreen, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Children (10 months- 6yrs)  should come to school wearing an SPF 30 or more on all exposed areas of the skin. If you would like us to re-apply a medication form must be completed. We also recommend wearing a hat. We will be having a lot of outdoor fun!  (Always consult your child’s physician.)

COVID Vaccine: Lots of children have already received the COVID vaccine. If your child hasn’t received it yet, it’s time to get it ASAP. They are available to everyone 6 months of age and older. Parents have reported no major issues with getting the vaccine. Please protect your child and get the vaccine ASAP before all the holiday gatherings are in full swing. 🙂

If your child has received any COVID vaccinations, please go into your Parent Portal page and add the dates to your child’s immunization record.  Thank you.

Illness Policy: We follow a strict written Illness Policy. PLEASE keep your child home if they are sick. It is important to keep the children & staff healthy.

Sheets & Blankets: All children must have a sheet & blanket for nap time everyday.  Please make sure to send a sheet & blanket at the start of the week.  Please have your child’s name printed on them.  Thank you!

The post Happy Times April 2023 appeared first on Halsey Schools Preschool & Infant Center.