We Have Moved!

This blog will no longer be updated, but you can check us out at our new digs over on Tumblr, just click here!

Loose Parts

Sometimes I feel like I do nothing but post about outdoor play but I can't help but share this one courtesy of Let the Children Play.  I love the creativity and possibilities that loose parts bring to the outdoor playspace. It is amazing to see the journey children take when left to explore the possibilities of their own imagination.  These children took a pile of bricks and rocks and turned them into something fantastic. You can get more details on their journey here http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.ca/2012/07/never-underestimate-rock.html

Are You My Mother?

Oh what a beautiful day!  The sun is shining and I have exchanged my winter sweater for more fair weather gear. I still have my raincoat and wellies waiting in the wings but a girl can hope. The weather in our fair city can be unpredictable and we need to make good use of the sunshine while it is here. What better way than to move some of your daily activities outdoors and story time is a great place to start!  If you are looking for some storytime inspiration try one of our prop story kits. Visit our library catalogue for more information.

One of my favourites is Are You My Mother?

Written by Michelle Davies
Outreach Consultant for Child Care Options

MAY IS CHIlD CARE MONTH

MAY IS CHILD CARE MONTH! No my caps lock button is not stuck, I am shouting from the proverbial (all be it cyber) rooftops at the top of my lungs. This is the month to show your child care provider a little love. As a parent I sometimes reflect on how fortunate I am to have a place where my child is nurtured and encouraged when I am not able to be there myself. To hear my daughter's sing song of all her wonderful adventures at the end of the day is music to my ears. It is the tireless and often selfless professionals that dedicate themselves to the well being of our children we have to thank. How do we show such gratitude you ask?  Here are a few ideas to get you started....

 http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.ca/2011/04/abc-flowers.html

http://www.emmymom2.com/2012/05/teacher-appreciation-gift-pencil-letter.html

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/05/04/last-minute-teacher-appreciation-gift/

Written by Michelle Davies Outreach Consultant for Child Care Options

May 17, 2012 is Proclaimed Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

The Province of B.C. (and the Queen herself) have officially proclaimed May to be Child Care Month and May 17th to be Child Care Provider Appreciation day. We like to think child care providers should be appreciated everyday but this calls for a little something extra. All regular priced items in our store are 20% off for the entire month of May and for anyone who stops by our office on May 17th we have a little token of our appreciation.

Beautiful Bird Houses

This past weekend my family celebrated my youngest daughter's 5th birthday. It was an epic event (to a five year old anyway) that took over our entire household. In my zeal to find "Little Red Riding Hood" friendly activities I stumbled upon these wonderful tiny wooden bird houses. They were the hit of the party.  I put them out for the children to decorate and before I knew it they were hanging them in trees and creating little birds and people to live in them. You can find them at your local Michaels store for as little as $1.00 each!!

Michelle Davies
Outreach Consultant for Child Care Options, Early Childhood Educator and Mom!

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie....

If you give a mouse a cookie... These are words that evoke shrieks of glee in our household. What started out as a bed time favourite has quickly morphed into something so much bigger. There are mouse cookies baked in the kitchen, playdough hair cuts, and many crayon renditions of a mouse familly (and the occasional one of ours).  If you are not familiar with the story you can get caught up here. There is just something magical that happens when a story grows legs and prop stories are a great way to make that happen.

 Take a look at this one from our Early Childhood Resource Library.

How fun to tell the story with the props and then set them out for the children and watch where the wonders of imagination take them.

Written by Michelle Davies

The Spring/Summer Training Calendar is Here!!

 

Take a look at our fantastic training opportunities at http://www.childcareoptions.ca/pdfs_whatsnew/pdf_id000197.pdf

Cloud Dough

This recipe is so simple and easy to make with the children. Mix 8 cups of flour to 1 cup of baby oil and voila cloud dough!  For more details visit Flights of Whimsy  and don't forget to visit our Pinterest site for more great ideas.

A Workshop For Parents of Young Children

Children’s frustration can lead to eruptions including temper tantrums and aggression. Helping a child with their frustration is one of the best investments you can make. If you are a parent of a young child this workshop is for you!

How to Build a Natural Playscape

Take a look at the beautiful photos at dwell.com on building natural playscapes. Do you have an inspiring outdoor space? We would love to hear about it! Contact us here.

It's That Time Again - Summer Clearance Sale

The Early Years Learning Store is holding their annual Summer clearance sale. Save up to 70% off clearance items including a large selection of Sandra Boynton board books. Visit the store at 6878 King George Hwy in Surrey and leave with a great deal and some good karma! Proceeds from the Early Years Learning Store help support Child Care Options Resource and Referral program. For store hours or more info visit www.childcareoptions.ca



Technology in Early Childhood Settings

First of all, I would to like to come clean. I love technology. I love that I can communicate via the wide world web anytime I fancy. I love that I can make dinner reservations online with out picking up the phone. I love that I can see pictures of my beautiful niece anytime I want, even though she lives across the country. I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!  However, as a parent and early childhood educator, the love affair ends and is quickly replaced with apprehension. NAEYC and the Fred Rogers institute released an update to their draft "Technology in Early Childhood Programs" in May of this year. I read through this draft and thought of all the ways my own daughters utilize different technology in our own home. My four year old daughter can navigate around an ipad better than I can. Then my mind starting to wrap around the possibility of using technology to enhance early childhood programs. I love the idea of taking pictures of children's creations and activities and showing them on a slide show in the background. How great would it be to video your next walk through the park and revisit it another day. I am still apprehensive on the subject but if the technology was used purposefully and sparingly I might warm up to the idea... 
If anyone else out there has some creative uses for technology in their program I would love to hear about it!

Contributing Author:
Michelle Davies
Outreach Consultant for Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program

Rainy Day Fun

It may feel more like Fall than Summer but nothing beats playing in the mud. Take a look at the Images of Learning Project for some inspiration and then get out in the rain and play!!

May is Child Care Month

May is Child Care Month and to celebrate Child Care Options hosted our annual Child Care Provider Appreciation Evening on Tuesday May 3rd.  A fun time was had by all with some treats and well deserved pampering! 

Some highlights:

Henna



Nails

Everyone took home some treats from the swag table...

And a pansy plant for everyone!

Yummy treats were donated by

the South Fraser Child Care Society

And don't forget the smoothie bar!

Some of the fab decorating..

It was such a great night and a big thanks to our service providers who donated their time and resources:


Aloette Cosmetics
Arbonne

Forever Yours Lingerie
Mary Kay
Mountain View Wellness Centre
NuWay Beauty Salon & School
Panorama Village Chiropractic & Laser Health Solutions

And student volunteers from:

Burnsview Secondary School
Clayton Heights Secondary School
Princess Margaret Secondary School

Sign Lanuage Course at Child Care Options

BASIC SIGN LANGUAGE COURSE AT CHILDCARE OPTIONS

Have fun learning some basic sign language, via hands-on learning. This course is designed for child care providers. You will be able to bring back to your centre what you have learned. Children who learn some signs are better able to communicate their needs and therefore reduce inappropriate behaviours. It is imperative to a child’s self esteem and self-confidence that she is understood. This course will help you to promote language development and social skills.

Date:
May 5, 2011 to Jun 9, 2011
Time:
7:00:00 to 9:00:00
Location:
Child Care Options 6878 King George Blvd. Surrey
Cost: $75.00

Choosing Child Care

Looking for more information on child care?  Take a look at the new CCRR video!

Week Long Investigative Series on Daycare Inspections

Many of you may be familiar with Chad Skelton's (Vancouver Sun/Curious Dad) week long investigative series on daycare inspections . Child Care Options Resource & Referral program would like to recognize the commitment and dedication to the well being of children by child care providers and parents alike.  We continue to provide support in our community and encourage you to contact your local licensing office with any concerns.

Creating With Oil Pastels

As early care and learning professionals we are always on the look out for new and creative ways to use every day materials. You can imagine our delight when we came across this post from "Let the Children Play". Colour with oil pastels on paper and then brush baby oil over top with a Qtip. The baby oil turns the pastel colours to paint! This a great way for children to experiment with colour and texture!

Training Calendar

The sun is shining, Spring is just around the corner and so is our next session of workshops.  Take a look at our Spring Training Calendar or go to childcareoptions.ca for more information.