MAY 2020 | ISSUE 1

The Early Childhood

Academy: Family Edition
The Official Newsletter of The Early Childhood Academy for Families

Families Make the Difference

On behalf of the Early Childhood Academy (ECA), we

are excited to share with you the inaugural issue of the
Early Childhood Academy: Family Edition Newsletter.

In order to be successful, our children need support

from  the home, school, and community. This monthly
newsletter is part of a series of resources and tools to
assist and support families in their role as children’s
first and most enduring teacher.

We sincerely hope that you and your family will make

the Early Childhood Academy: Family Edition Teachable Moment Tips
Newsletter an ongoing resource in your home.
                              
Melissa Readus - mreadus@mccb.edu During your drive home, talk with your child about the
Tunga Otis - totis@mccb.edu route you take to get home. 
Family Engagement Specialists
For example:
“First we turn left, then we turn right.” 
When you reach traffic lights and signs be sure to say what
the lights and signs mean.  For example: “The light
is red, so we have to stop.”  “The sign says yield, stop for
pedestrians, so we have to stop and wait for the people to
cross the street.”  Once you arrive home announce “We are
home”, then ask your child to describe their home, for
example, “ What color is the outside of our home?” Once
they are inside encourage him/her to draw pictures of
things they saw on the way home.  Discuss the child’s
drawing afterwards.
 MAY 2020 | ISSUE1

Chef's Corner
Yummy Ice Cream 
For each family member , you will need...

1 small Ziplock freezer bag

1 large Ziplock freezer bag
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups ice cubes
1/2 cup salt
1 long handled spoon (parfait spoon) LEARNING TOGETHER: ROUTINES STILL MATTER

Learning Together
Directions:  
Routines Still Matter
In the small bag, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Securely seal
the bag. In the large bag, combine the ice and salt. Put the small bag Experts agree that setting and sticking to a regular schedule
inside the large bag; then seal the large bag. Shake the bag until the is very important for children, even when they are at home all
mixture thickens (approximately five minutes). When it is ice cream,
day. Consistent routines, activities that happen at about the
take the smaller bag from the large bag. Wipe it off. Then, get a long
same time and in about the same way each day, provide
handled spoon and enjoy!
comfort and a sense of safety to young children. Whether it is
time for play, a snack, a nap, or a loved one to return, knowing
what will happen next gives children security and emotional
stability. When children feel a sense of trust and safety, they
are free to do their “work,” which is to play, explore, and learn.
LEARNING TOGETHER: ROUTINES STILL MATTER

Tech Bytes Tips for Establishing and Maintaining Routines:

Rather than handing over the smartphone or the iPad, • Identify important daily activities and decide the order they
should happen.
families can help young children by choosing technology
• Identify key times of the day when the activities should occur
that will help children continue their learning at home.
and make a routine.
Check out these free resources available to families.    • Be sure the routine works for the whole family.
  • Use simple charts with pictures to visually display the
San Diego Zoo Kids: Get to know the San Diego Zoo animals routines. Have the children help you create the charts.
through videos, stories, crafts and games. Watch the live • Routines should also be consistent as much as possible.
webcams to see what the animals are up to today! • Routines do not have to fill up every minute of every day.
• Manage your expectations. Your kids will not be learning at
the same pace or breadth as a usual school day. Incorporate
ABCmouse.com is offering a free 30-day trial of its
learning throughout the day.
comprehensive early learning academy for children between
• Make time for breaks and fun. All of us are anxious as we
the ages of 2-8 and includes educational games and manage this new reality, so take any opportunity to relax and
activities designed by teachers. laugh together. It will make life easier for everyone.

The realities of COVID-19 make self-care more important than No Family Left Behind
ever before. It's essential that adults care for themselves - first,
ALL families matter and are unique in their own ways. Often,
for their own well-being, but also because any effort you put into
self-care also has huge payoffs for children. Throughout your day families may find that their unique situations make it difficult
incorporate some of these activities into your current routine. to locate resources to help them with their specific needs.
Self-Care Activities: Because of this, our Early Childhood Academy Family
• Nourish your body with healthy foods. Prepare healthy meals
Engagement Specialists and the Resource and Referral
and snacks together during the week.
• Exercise and incorporate physical activity. Take a family walk
Associates are eager to assist families with locating resources
after dinner or sign up for a virtual exercise class. to meet their individual needs. Click here to find an ECA in
• Take a deep breath. Deep abdominal breathing creates a your area.
relaxation response throughout your body. You don’t need any
special equipment and no one has to know you’re doing it.
• Stay in touch with supports. Hearing a friendly, familiar voice, or
reading a message from people we care about, helps us feel
more connected.
• Take time to relax. Sometimes, our minds and bodies just need
a break. Meditation, mindfulness, and other replenishing
activities (yoga, long baths, etc.) are a great way to let go of the
pressures of the day. If more than one adult is home, take turns
watching the children, if possible.

When adults "fill their own cups," they have more patience,
energy, and passion to spread to their families.