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March 5, 2019
The Legacy of Fred Rogers: Life lessons in kindness, respect and authenticity
Contributed by Jennifer Horner, Director of Education I’ve come to realize that I didn’t truly notice or adequately appreciate the way Fred Rogers taught people about the power of human connection, until his documentary was released. Since partaking in a free screening event setup by the WNY chapter of AEYC (Association for the Read More »
Read MoreFebruary 27, 2019
How We’re Beating Cabin Fever
Contributed by Lauren Wierzbicki, Education Specialist I have two children – an almost three-year-old and a nine month old – and there is nothing I would like more than to take them outside. But here in Western New York, it seems as though we’re getting a new Winter Storm Warning every week. It’s been extra cold Read More »
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2019
Peace of Mind for Working Parents
Contributed by Toni Berrafato, Program Evaluation Specialist Being a working parent is hard. Leaving your child with someone else for the day is even harder. It helps, though, when you have a community holding you up, supporting you—and of course high-quality child care to rely on for those moments where you cannot be there to Read More »
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2019
To All Moms at Valentine’s Day, Give Yourself Grace
Contributed by Alison Tweedie, Education Specialist Twelve. That is the number of Valentines my child received from friends in his classroom last year. Zero. That is the number of Valentines we sent in for the children in his classroom last year. He was 5 months old at the time. I thought Read More »
Read MoreFebruary 5, 2019
Meet Vicki Vettorel: February Employee of the Month
In a month that’s filled with hearts, sweets and notes of adoration, we think there’s no better time tell you how much we LOVE Miss Vicki. Miss Vicki is the Kitchen Manager at our Mars location. She does a spectacular job keeping everyone healthy and fed, but her impact in the center goes far beyond Read More »
Read MoreJanuary 17, 2019
Dancing Bananas Part 2
Dancing Bananas, the sequel. Last week we set the imaginary play scene and talked about how, as adults, it’s hard not to intervene. But, if we can take a step back and enjoy the view – it’s pretty magical. So, why do children need uninterrupted imaginary play? How does it help them grow? Let’s dive in. Read More »
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2019
Dancing Bananas: Part 1
Contributed by: Jennifer Horner, Director of Education Development Imaginary play is one of THE most fascinating phenomena of our human existence (my opinion) and I am always awestruck when I get to witness it. The idea that young humans regularly use imaginary play to work towards and surpass developmental milestones is both perplexing and astounding Read More »
Read MoreDecember 28, 2018
How I Did NOT “Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups”
Contributed by Emma Hartman, Program Coordinator (Mars, PA center) Had I found the time to read our previous article on How to Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups, I probably wouldn’t feel the need to write this today. My daughter is a funny, strong willed passionate 2 ½ year old. This year, for the first Read More »
Read MoreDecember 21, 2018
Handling the Holidays: How to Get Ahead of Holiday Hiccups
Contributed by Alison Tweedie, Education Specialist If your family is anything like mine, you’ve already had one weekend of holiday celebrations with more to come — plus Christmas Day itself. Children are particularly aware of the feelings floating through the air this time of year. They are in tune with the pleasant feelings of excitement, Read More »
Read MoreDecember 13, 2018
GIFT GUIDE: [mostly] Handmade Gifts for Teachers
Contributed by Lana Diaz, Recruitment & Advancement Specialist As a parent, I find myself feeling stuck each year, around this time, on just what to give my child’s teacher to express my gratitude for all they do year round. I always wonder, what is it that would mean the most to them? So, this year, Read More »
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