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Connecting with Connections

April 2018

Your Monthly Connections For Children E-Update

Dear Friend,

April News from Connections For Children

Connections For Children Annual Spring Event

Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Spring Event at Virginia Avenue Park on April 2nd, 2018. We had another wonderful turnout at our fun-filled event which had an easter egg hunt, activities, crafts and a special appearance from a certain furry friend!

Arts and Literacy Festival

Join us at this years Arts & Literacy Festival where books come to life on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park Campus, 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

The Arts & Literacy Festival promotes Cradle to Career’s Kindergarten Readiness Campaign. Bring friends and family to this wonderful FREE event!

See the aquarium on wheels!
Bring a picnic lunch!
Fitness sessions with the Santa Monica Police Department!
Readings with Santa Monica Public Library!
Sign up for preschool with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District!
Cooking demonstrations with Santa Monica Farmers Market!

We hope to see you there!

10 Tips for Choosing a High Quality Early Childhood Program

We all know the early learning years have a critical impact on the future learning and life success of our children. That's why choosing a high quality child care facility is one of the most important decisions a parents can make for their child. For April, the Month of the Young Child, Connections For Children offers

Ten Tips for Selecting A High Quality Child Care Program

Make a first visit to the program without your child to see if it feels clean and safe, cheerful and interesting but not over-stimulating, and allows adequate play space. Are you comfortable with all you see?
Ask the program for references including their license and be sure to check them out. Visit Community Care Licensing or call the On-Duty worker at (310-337-4333) to check for complaints.
Ask if the teachers are knowledgeable about child development stages, trained in early childhood education, and whether they have opportunities for continued learning.
Observe the ratios of children to adults – licensing sets basic standards, but quality child care programs set a higher bar. And notice how the children and adults interact, as well as how the children interact with each other.
Look for programs with open door policies that welcome your visits, participation and input.
What are the expectations and rules for children's behavior? Do they match yours? Do the educators use positive language when talking to children and positive guidance rather than punitive discipline?
Do the teachers and caregivers appear to enjoy being with children – do they hug, rock, cuddle, talk, sing, and read with the children?
Do the director and educators respect diversity, including your family’s values and culture? Is the program fully inclusive and accessible for all children? Do they offer information on how to support your child’s learning at home?
Notice how the director and educators share information with parents – and how they listen to what parents want to share with them. Are there means for ongoing, mutual communication about how your child is doing and what your child needs?
If you feel comfortable with all of the above, set a time to visit with your child so you can again observe and see your child’s reactions. If the children seem happy, secure, and stimulated, it’s likely your child will be eager to go there each day.

For more information or to obtain assistance finding child care, visit our website at

Connections For Children or call (310) 452-3325.

2701 Ocean Pk. Blvd. Ste. 253 | Santa Monica, CA | 90405 US

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