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Preschool Search: Who, what, where, when and how
October 25, 2011 Leave a Comment

Preschool Search: Who, what, where, when and how

It is that time of year when parents start to think about looking for a preschool.

To help you with your search, let me give you the lowdown on LCP.

Who are we? We are a group of dedicated early childhood educators who believe in children learning through play. We have worked together for many years, and believe that if a child loves school that will set the foundation for all future learning.

What do we do? We provide a play based environment with mixed age groups, with art, music and literature being at the core of our curriculum.

Where do we do this at? La Canada Preschool is located in a beautiful neighborhood, with a large tree in the backyard, lots of sand, a garden, a real wooden playhouse, and non-institutionalized classrooms. We have been here 62 years.

When do we have preschool? Monday through Friday our morning program operates from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Our Pre-Kindergarten is here from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The children may attend in the morning T-Th, MWF, or Monday through Friday. Pre-K is Monday through Friday.

How do we do this? By having an intelligent, caring group of families that support our work by believing in our little school and the good work we do.

Please consider taking a tour of La Canada Preschool.

 

Filed Under: All School, AM Pre Schoo, Featured Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
First Day of School and Separation 5 Tips
August 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

First Day of School and Separation 5 Tips

The first day of school is upon is and with this comes a time of separation for children and parents. Here are some tips for handling this time:

  1. Visit the preschool ahead of time. We have an open yard at LCP, where you can come by one the weekends as a family and have a visit.
  2. Talk about how you will be back soon. We sing a song, Mommy comes back, Daddy comes back, your nanny comes back and we all come back.
  3. Keep the drop off routine consistent: No Changes: Children need routine and for transitions to be handled in the same way: this builds trust and security
  4. Check out your own emotions. Children will look to you as their emotional barometer. If you can be strong, they can be strong.  Be sad away from their view, as it is confusing when you ask them to be happy about preschool and you appear sad.
  5. Be sure to communicate your concerns with the preschool director. Find out how they handle separation, how are the children comforted, and ask for feedback as to how your child doing each day at preschool.

Separation Sadness is normal, healthy and in no way an indicator of future success. Be compassionate to yourself if you are sad, and know that this is just another piece of the parenting  journey.

Filed Under: Featured, Notes From Debbie, Uncategorized
Looking for a few preschoolers at LCP
August 2, 2011 Leave a Comment

Looking for a few preschoolers at LCP

We have a few openings left at  La Canada Preschool, on Tuesday-Thursday mornings. Here’s what you need to be here:

  • 2 years 6 months old
  • Toilet Independent
  • Ready to play
  • We would love to have you

lacanadapreschool@gmail.com

stay cool,

debbie

Filed Under: Featured Tagged:
Separation Issues at Preschool
July 28, 2011 Leave a Comment

Separation Issues at Preschool

When families enter preschool for the first time it is normal to have issues with separation. It is important to ask a preschool what there policy is, as I find it best to feel you as a parent, are comfortable with how this is handled.

We have a small preschool, which allows us to be flexible with families. By this I mean if a parent wants to stay for a few minutes to assist in the separation, that is good with us. Our issue is that we need the parents to drop their child off in the front yard of the school, as we are in a residential neighborhood.

When you bring your child to school be sure to have a routine where you bring them to school the same way each time. Say goodbye, do not sneak out, and if your child is sad reassure them you will be back.

At our school we hug children, give them space, look for their comfort cues, and stay close to them when they are sad. We sing a song about how mommies and daddies come back.
Today a little guy wrote a letter when he was sad about mommy leaving:
Dear Mommy,
I don’t like it when you leave. Come back now.

After he wrote the letter we took three deep breathes and he went off to play.

At preschool we will take the time to sing a song, write a letter, and take three deep breaths to help with separation.
And lots of love…

Filed Under: activites with children, All School, AM Pre Schoo, Back to School, Featured, First Day, Uncategorized Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
What I’m Thankful For
May 20, 2011 Leave a Comment

What I’m Thankful For

What I’m Thankful For
Hey it’s Mr. Tony again with some fond words about La Canada Preschool. There are a lot of things that I’m thankful for being at La Canada Preschool. And no it’s not having Panda Express, McDonalds, Subway, Penguins or any of the other food choices within the area. I feel very lucky to work with such wonderful staff members like Diana, Rosemary, Susan, Pammie, Elizabeth, Jamie, Mr. Scott, Mollie and of course Ms. Debbie. Well I now have one more person to be thankful for and that’s Lauren who just joined us last week. She’s wonderful with the children, she’s super helpful, and just like the rest of us she has a real passion for working with children and I know she’ll fit in just great. And when I do a food run to any of the above food places mentioned earlier I’ll be sure and ask her if she’d like anything when I go. Be sure and say hello to Lauren. She’s very friendly and I know she’ll be happy to meet you.

Filed Under: activites with children, All School, AM Pre Schoo, Featured, Uncategorized
Art Fair, Children And Slide Shows Oh My!
April 29, 2011 Leave a Comment

Art Fair, Children And Slide Shows Oh My!

Yep it’s just around the corner and I’m not referring to Panda Express.   Saturday April 30th we’re having our art fair.  I’m excited about the parents finally being able to come in and see all the art work done by their children.   There will be a large variety of art work for the parents to come and see.   We’ll have body tracings, string painting, very cute bird houses, blow dryer art, dictations, and lots more as well.    I’m also happy to announce that after a few trips to Target, Fry’s, Rite Aide and Cost Co. for all the needed supplies, the slide shows are finally available to take home.    I had a lot of fun matching music to each and every child.   All the slide shows should play on either a PC or DVD player.    I hope you all find them enjoyable.   I hope the slide shows give you some fun insight into what a day at the preschool consists of.   I hope everyone enjoys all the different art that the children put a lot of themselves into.  See you at the art fair.

Filed Under: activites with children, Art, Featured Tagged: , , , , ,
March 28, 2011 1 Comment

5 Snack Menu’s at LCP

One of the best things we do at La Canada Preschool is snack. We serve a mini-meal, one that always includes fruit and protein. Here is a week’s menu:

*Bagels and Cream Cheese w/strawberries

*Cereal and Oranges

*Pasta and Applesauce

*Cheese and Crackers and Applesauce

*Chicken Nuggets and Pears

You may also smell cookies baking in the over or banana bread, thanks to Miss Rosemary, who had taught at our preschool for 28 years. Where do you find this in the busy world we live in?

Children love to have snack, sitting around the table, passing  food. Miss Pammy’s group sits around the table some days for up the half an hour, talking, smiling, making eye contact, looking closely at each other. There are lively discussions about food, what is healthy food, and what we like to eat.

Studies show that when people eat together they make a deeper connection that without this experience. At preschool as well as at home let’s bring back places where children have the time to slow down, enjoy food with others, and watch what happens.

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