Community Day Fundraiser

We are once again participating in the Community Days event.  This year the coupons are able to be used on November 11 & 12.  With a $5.00 cash donation, you will receive this coupon booklet.  It's Elder-Beerman's thank you gift for contributing to our organization.  So while you assist us in building the future of our program, you can build a new wardrobe or get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.  There are so many items that you can use these coupons towards, and we have found several items that were regular $20.00 that we were able to get for free!  You can also use more than one coupon at a time, which means you can multiply your savings while helping our program even more.

Paths to Quality

Although our program participated in Paths to Quality when it was initially introduced in 2005, when the program went state wide, we were no longer eligible because of the change in requirements of Ministries needing all 4 of the Voluntary Certification in regards to children's Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Infant and Toddler Care.  Although we met many of the indicators on the Voluntary Certification, we had to hold off on our quest of participating in this voluntary rating system due to major remodeling projects that would be required.  We did however focus on the aspect of our program that we could, such as classroom environments, staff training and education, curriculum, work sampling and intentional teaching (all of these items that are focused on level 2 and 3 of Paths to Quality).

Our program has expanded and grown since 2005. We recently remodeled the entire program with new flooring and paint.  We have even knocked out a wall to expand our toddler classroom.  We installed a fire alarm system that is monitored 24/7 and replaced all of the lights throughout the program to meet specific foot candle requirements. Now that we have completed over $40,000 in renovations, we are ready to move forward once more with the Paths To Quality program.  We will begin at a level one, but pay close attention, because we will move quickly through the levels.  Our passion and drive to offer the highest quality childcare will ensure that we will be a level 3 soon. 

To find out more about Paths To Quality, visit http://www.in.gov/fssa/2554.htm

Current Activities

Spring is a wonderful time for children to learn.  Around every corner the world around them is changing.  Our goal is to allow the children to experience an outdoor classroom experience when outside playing within nature.  It is important for children to explore the world around them. 

At our child care program, we provide the children a variety of experiences outdoors, including planting a vegetable garden and observing the process of the planted seeds growing into plants that then produce food.  As the children dig in the dirt they also discover what plants need to grow, and uncover a world of insects and worms. 

This year the children are also experimenting with the aesthetics of flowers by working collaboratively to create a rainbow garden.  A recent field trip to the local greenhouse allowed them the opportunity to learn more about flowers and select the colors for the rainbow garden. When children are able to learn through hands on experiences their learning becomes more meaningful and personal, which encourages children to become life long learners.

Welcome

Welcome to the HUMmingbird Day Care Ministry Blog.  I hope that you find our Blog full of important information, not only in regards to our program specifically, but also with practical information for everyday with your children.  You will find information on Brain Research, Spiritual Development, School Readiness, Infant and Toddler Care, Nutrition Activities for you and your children, and Health and Safety information for children.  Be sure to check frequently, because we will be updating often.