Dates and events
August 29
Training day for staff – center closed
September 1
Labor day – center closed
September 2
First day of fall semester
October 1
Family Fun Night
October 21 and 22
Picture days
November 25
Priority enrollment for spring ends
November 27 and 28
Thanksgiving recess – center closed
News
Minimizing Power Struggles
No matter how compliant the child, there will be times when he does not want to put on his socks or when she refuses to pick up her toys. As young children develop, they begin to understand that they can make their own decisions. Occasionally they will make a power play at an inconvenient time.
While a power play can be frustrating for the adult who is trying to get the child to do something, it is a healthy part of the child’s social and emotional development. These incidents can help children develop a stronger sense of self and the capability to set their own limits.
Adults need to react appropriately. In many instances, trying to force the child to do something he said he will not do can escalate the situation into a full-blown power struggle.
Try offering assistance instead. For example, you might say, “You can put on your socks by yourself or I can help you this morning.” Or, “I could help you put away your toys. Would you like that?”
Another option is to offer choices. “OK, you don’t want to wear these socks today. Would you rather wear blue ones or green ones?” “Let’s see. Which would it be easier to start with: putting the blocks in this tub or putting the cars back in their case?”
Power plays are simply a part of growing up. When handled by adults in a calm manner, they offer opportunities for children to develop self-esteem and self-control.
Taken from Diffily, D., & Morrison, K. (Eds.). (1996). Family-Friendly Communication for Early Childhood Programs. Washington DC, DC: NAEYC.
Good Luck, Miss Libby
It is with both sadness and excitement that we say good-bye to Miss Libby. Miss Libby has accepted a teaching position at Lake Michigan College this fall. While we will miss her terribly, we share her joy in this opportunity for her to utilize all those long years of education here at WMU and share her knowledge with multitudes of students. We first met Libby when her oldest daughter, Willa, was a participant in our preschool program. Her youngest, Todd, also joined our program as a toddler. Libby had been working with us since June, 2007.
Libby we will miss you, but wish you the best of everything in your new venture.
New Rates Effective September 1
It has been over two years since we last increased our rates. Unfortunately, we are at that point when they must be increased. New rates will be effective on September 1. Letters went home to parents detailing the new rates. They are also available from the front desk. Please see Kathy Mohney if you have any questions. Thank you for allowing us to continue to be involved in the education of your children.