the gretchen’s house

In This Issue

Bulletin Board ........... 4–5

CPR & First Aid .............6

Illness Policy .................6

Important Notes ............2

Neighborhood News ....3

Parent Advisory Group ..7

Parking Lot Safety .........7

Shot Clinics ..................3

NAEYC Accredited

Conquering Change: Part OneSeeing all of the First Day of School photos on social media has me feeling a little disconnected this year. My youngest is starting her junior year in college. As she drove herself away from the house, I realized I didn’t take that photo. Wow, times have changed. Wasn’t it just a short time ago that we were at her (read our) college orientation? We heard about drop-off and pick-up procedures, guidelines for parent communication, and ways we can support our children through the transition to a new school.

As I listened to the ideas and suggestions two years ago, I couldn’t help but notice the similarity to what we do with families at Gretchen’s House… even though my orientation was for parents of college freshmen.

Research shows that a majority of academic learning takes place through social interactions, and emotional security is necessary to take on the risks of learning new subject matter or taking on new challenges. In fact, a 2012 study by the National Research Council connects social and emotional skills to a better educated and prepared workforce.

So what can we do, as parents, to support emotional health and resiliency? I liked the 8 Tips I heard at my orientation. The first half of the list includes:

1. Build community. Neighborhood or school potlucks, play dates, regular family dinners with aunts, uncles and cousins

– all of these help develop a network for you and your child. Knowing others outside the family care about you builds confidence about the world.

2. Engage in leisure. It may sound funny, but it’s important to intentionally structure our schedules to include unstructured time. Children and adults benefit from leisure. Being in the moment, enjoying the silly or the often overlooked, provides our brains with a respite from stress and the busy-ness of life.

3. Keep perspective. It’s good for all of us to have the long view in life, and to model that for our children. Even happy occasions can add stress – starting a new job, having a baby – and these times may call for adjustment to our expectations. I hate waking up to a messy kitchen, but sometimes life gets in the way of my preference for clean counters. Children learn how to view the positive and the negative by watching our reactions. “Will it matter 6 months from now?” can be a healthy reflection.

4. Sleep and eat well. Why is it so hard for us to remember? We’ve been hearing it since health class in elementary school: your body needs adequate rest and healthy food to function well. Brain research confirms that learning and complex thinking are impaired by lack of sleep and poor nutrition. This isn’t just for kids; your brain needs good food

continued on page 7

september 2015

www.gretchenshouse.com

How To Reach UsWeather Hotline: 734.480.8592

700 Mt. Vernon Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.769.4402 emily.frisk@gretchenshouse.com

721 Mt. Pleasant Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.662.2739 chrissy.mckiddie@gretchenshouse.com

1745 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.663.4720 sara.guoan@gretchenshouse.com

1735 Wagner Rd. (WISD) Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.994.8111 ext. 1696 beth.renner@gretchenshouse.com

2625 Traver Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734.761.7030 shannon.peitz@gretchenshouse.com

2340 Oak Valley Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.327.6125 karin.nowak@gretchenshouse.com

1580 Dhu Varren Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734.821.2800 jamie.hillson@gretchenshouse.com

Chelsea Schoolage Program North Creek Elementary School South Meadows Elementary School 734.433.2652 shannon.steinbach@gretchenshouse.com

Early Learning Children’s Community (“Early LCC”) 601 Washington Sq. North Lansing, MI 48933 517.483.1100 b5stoessr@lcc.edu

Human Resources Director Michele Davis 734.761.2576 michele.davis@gretchenshouse.com

Executive Director Heidi McFadden 734.761.2576 heidi.mcfadden@gretchenshouse.com

President and Owner Gretchen Preston 734.761.2576 gretchen.preston@gretchenshouse.com

Reminders

Please label everything your child brings to the center, including clothing, blankets, and backpacks. Permanent “Sharpie” brand markers work very well.

Our Ann Arbor centers’ hours are 7:15-5:45. In Chelsea, the programs run from 6:30-6:00. If your schedule changes from the times listed on your contract, please notify us ahead of time so that we can provide adequate staffing. We have a late fee of $1 per minute for pick-up after the center’s closing time. For children with a half-day contract (amPS or Young 5s), the late fee applies to your contract ending time. If you have an emergency and will be delayed, please call so that we can make plans and reassure your child. Thanks for your cooperation!

Tuition payments are due on the first day of each month. Late fees will be assessed for all payments received after the 10th of the month, unless prior arrangements are made with the center Director.

Fall Potlucks

Our center potlucks are a great opportunity to meet other parents, get to know the teachers better, and sample some great food! Watch for reminders at your center, but you can mark your calendars with the dates below:

Mt. Vernon/Mt. Pleasant ....... 9/16Stadium .............................. 9/22WISD ................................. 9/25Traver ................................. 9/22Oak Valley Garden .......................... 9/14 Lake .............................. 9/15 Forest ............................. 9/17Dhu Varren Pond .............................. 9/15 Railroad ......................... 9/17 Farm .............................. 9/24

School Photos

Dave Meyer will again visit the centers to take group photos of all of the rooms, as well as individual shots for children toddler age and older. You will soon receive information on packages and pricing. Dave does a wonderful job with the photos, and we encourage families to check with Dave if you are looking for a family photograph.

Mt. Vernon .......................... 10/13Mt. Pleasant ........................ 10/13Stadium .............................. 10/14WISD ................................ 10/8Traver ................................. 9/29Oak Valley Lake wing, AM Preschool and Forest wing .............. 10/21 Garden wing, AM Preschool and Trail .......... 10/22Dhu Varren Farm .............................. 10/15 Pond .............................. 10/15 Railroad ......................... 10/16Chelsea .............................. 9/30

Curriculum Night

Please join us for Curriculum Night at your center. This is a great opportunity to see the room and hear about our program without children present. In addition, teachers will have more information on the HighScope approach, and what that looks like in our program.

Mt. Vernon .......................... 10/22Mt. Pleasant ........................ 10/19Stadium .............................. 10/15WISD ................................. t.b.a.Traver ................................. 10/21Oak Valley Infants & Toddlers ............ 10/12 Preschool ....................... 10/13Dhu Varren Pond .............................. 10/20 Railroad ......................... 10/22 Farm .............................. 10/22

Important Notes

The Good News Gazette

9These staff members are celebrating Gretchen’s House anniversaries this September! Years

Michele Davis 24

Luz Figueroa 14

Sara Guoan 12

Misty Wesney 12

Rebecca Stoessner 11

Kathleen Lewandowski 7

Alesha Carter 7

Betsy George 6

Miriam Sannes 5

Melissa Galerneau 4

Nichole Kaufman 3

Stephanie O’Hara 3

Angel Homak 2

Mojdeh Meghnot 2

Sherrie Springer 2

Tena Shizuma 2

Heidi Hochrein 2

Mojdeh Meghnot 2

Rachel Beaver 1

Alexandra Kidd 1

Knar Pifer 1

Holley Kranz 1

Kimberly Hartley 1

Meghan Koglin 1

Lara Yaish 1

Nicole McNulty 1

Jasmine Rogan 1

Melanie Hicks 1

Gretchen’s House WISD is proud to be celebrating it’s 25 year this month. At the request of the WISD (Washtenaw Intermediate School District) we opened our center, located inside High Point School, in September of 1990. We have been fortunate to get to know many wonderful families, teachers and community partners. We are proud to be a part of this unique setting and look forward to many more years to come. Please join us in celebrating our Silver Anniversary on Friday September 25, 5:00 pm.

The Infants and Toddlers from the GH-Mt. Pleasant Baby House have been going on many neighborhood stroller rides and walks this summer. They are often greeted by neighbors and their pets, which is a real treat for the children to meet friendly cats and dogs. The toddlers have visited the Eberwhite playground and park, exploring the climbing structure and wooded area.

GH-Dhu Varrenenjoyed a busy summer filled with field trips and fun! Recently, the children partnered with our Traver Summer Camp program and participated in a circus at Dhu Varren hosted by Cirque Amongus! The children enjoyed participating in the following activities: walking stilts, clown bikes, high wire, juggling and trapeze! The younger children enjoyed venturing over to watch all the excitement!

GH-Traver had a wonderful summer full of fun field trips in scamp, lots of water play, and very successful garden projects! Reaping the benefits of eating what we grew was a highlight for some of our preschoolers.

GH-Mt. Vernon is continuing to harvest from its playground garden. We will be enjoying fresh herbs and tomatoes as well as pumpkins this fall!

Neighborhood NewsThe GH-Mt. Pleasant Baby House bids a fond farewell to all of our recent graduates to preschool at the Big House and would like to welcome all of our new families.

Shot ClinicsWe will once again offer flu shot clinics at the Oak Valley and Dhu Varren centers. We have had a good turnout in previous years, and parents and staff appreciated the convenience. The flu shot clinics are open to all GH employees and spouses, and all parents of GH children (must be 16 years of age or older, so no GH kids).

Dates: Tuesday, 9/29 at 1580 Dhu Varren Road

Wednesday, 9/30 at 2340 Oak Valley Drive

Time: The clinics will run from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 per person, unless you are insured by one of the following companies (remember to bring proof of insurance)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Blue Care Network

Priority Health PPO and HMO

Health Alliance

Medicare Part B – Seniors

Medicare – Advantage

www.gretchenshouse.com

social studies

Social Studies for young children

include diversity, community roles,

decision making, geography, history

and ecology.

Preschoolers at Mt. Vernon look

at their family books as they

discuss family and describe the

pictures.

As children play together they

learn how people have different

interests, backgrounds and

abilities.

When we play and explore outside it gives us a chance to recognize and interpret features in our environment.

I am helping our custodian fix this water pipe. Learning about people and the roles they play in our community will prepare me for the social world when I grow older.

Every year we get a turn to ride the train trolley around the parking lot. This is a tradition that we greatly enjoy in our community at WISD.

The Good News Gazette

We visited a local pizza parlour and had the chance to make our own pizza!Taking field trips is one way we get out in our community to learn about human diversity by interacting with adults and classmates.

Fancy meeting you here! Being

face-to-face with friends helps

me begin to understand diversity

and learn the geography of our

classroom.

Self-awareness is the beginning

of gaining knowledge about

myself. Later I will be able to

start noticing similarities and

differences between myself and

others.

Friends work together to “drive”

and wait for a turn.

www.gretchenshouse.com

CPR/ First Aid

Parents are welcome to sign up for CPR and First Aid training through Gretchen’s House. We schedule regular trainings each month for our staff. Cost to parents is $20 for CPR, or $30 for both CPR and First Aid. Classes are held at GH-Oak Valley, and they start at 6:00 p.m. Please contact Heike at our Oak Valley center to register: 734-327-6126 or email her at heike.hampel@ gretchenshouse.com.

Upcoming Classes:

September 15 CPR/First Aid

September 16 CPR Renewal

October 5 CPR/First Aid

October 6 CPR Renewal

November 3 CPR/First Aid

November 4 CPR Renewal

Illness Policy: Can s/he come to school today?Our illness policy is regularly reviewed, to bring it in compliance with recommendations from the Washtenaw County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control. We are fortunate to have the counsel of Dr. Andrw Hashikawa in maintaining our health policies. Dr. Hashikawa is the American Academy of Pediatrics liaison for the UM Mott Children’s Hospital. He is an emergency room pediatrician and has a special interest in providing support to child care centers and families in group care.

You will receive an Illness Policy reminder from your center Director in the next week. Please review the policy now, and think about your back-up plans for the coming year – children always seem to get sick when it’s least convenient, and flu season will soon be here.

We send children home when they are not able to comfortably participate in our program, or if they display symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, unexplained rash, or high fever. Children who display these symptoms need to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to the center. This means that if your child is sent home on Wednesday, they may not return on Thursday. They may return on Friday if they have been fever and symptom free for 24 hours. We post signs on the parent bulletin boards whenever a child in our program is diagnosed with a communicable illness, so you can be alert for any symptoms.

We ask that all families have a back-up plan in place which will allow us to quickly notify you when your child needs to go home due to illness. We expect parents or your designated emergency caregiver to pick up sick children within one hour of being

called. It is difficult for a child who doesn’t feel well to be at the center, and we strive to reduce exposure to any communicable illnesses. We hope you understand that these policies benefit everyone in the long run.

But my child’s doctor said s/he could return to the center! We understand that it is difficult for parents to miss work. It can be very frustrating when the center policy doesn’t match the doctor’s permission to return to the center. Some illnesses, such as conjunctivitis and coxsackievirus, are very contagious and difficult to contain in a group setting. Please know that we strive to provide a healthy environment for all children, and our policies are based on that goal.

If you have questions about our health policy and/or preventative measures, please ask for a copy of the Health Policies Purple Page.

Medication

If your child needs medication while in our care, please remember that we can only administer medications which are in their original pharmacy or OTC container, labeled with your child’s name. We must have a signed permission slip filled out by you which includes the dosage, frequency, and any observed side effects. We do not administer medications to reduce fever.

The Good News Gazette

staff NewsWork Days Training

Gretchen’s House closes each year for the three days prior to Labor Day, for staff training and development. We also use the time to pull things apart in the centers and get ready for the start of our fall program. This is the only time each year that the teachers are in their classrooms without children, and the days are fully packed with meetings and room overhauls.

This year our all-staff training format was conference-style. Teachers attended trainings on a variety of topics, including curriculum training on adult-child interactions, sensory integration and family style dining. Our consulting pediatrician, Dr. Andrew Hashikawa, did a presentation to all staff on healthy practices in early childhood environments.

At the center level, staff participated in more training, specifically geared to their program’s needs. It was a very busy three days!

Thanks to all of our parents who support quality in our programs through professional development. Your child care dollars are put to good use during these three days, and we work hard to make the most of that time.

Congratulations to Alesha Carter who was recently promoted to Lead Teacher at Gretchen’s House on Mt. Pleasant. Seema Ahuja, a long time Gretchen’s House Infant and Toddler teacher, has recently transferred to the Baby House. We are so thankful to have her join or center!

Parent Advisory Group

Are you looking to get more involved in your center? Consider joining the Parent Advisory Group. The PAG mission statement:

To advise Gretchen’s House on issues facing the GH community in a manner consistent with the best interests of children through a deliberative, inclusive, and participatory process.

The PAG typically meets 2-3 times during the “school” year. Newcomers are welcome to sit in on a meeting or volunteer to help with various projects, if joining regularly isn’t manageable for your family.

Please mark your calendars for October 6th, 6:30 p.m., for our first PAG meeting of the upcoming school year. The meeting will be held at our Traver location.

Child care will be provided, but we do need to know ahead of time if you need care. Please email Heidi (heidi.mcfadden@gretchenshouse.com) with any requests for care by Monday, October 5th.

Conquering Change

continued from page 1

and plenty of sleep. Your children will notice when you make your own health a priority.

Your child may be a newly enrolled infant, a preschooler who is meeting a new teacher, an excited kindergartner who will ride the bus for the first time, or a nervous teen starting high school. Or perhaps you’re the one with a change this fall – adjusting to a new boss or moving to a new neighborhood.

Being intentional in caring for our health, balancing our work with leisure and rest, and putting it all in perspective will give you and your child a great foundation. Let us know how we can help your family navigate the changes you experience this year!

~ Heidi McFadden

Parking Lot SafetyAs you well know, our parking lots can get very crowded at drop-off and pick-up times. To keep everyone safe, we ask that you please:

Do not leave your unattended car running, ever.

Never leave children alone in the car.

Drive slowly, even if you are running late!

Hold hands of small children and stay within arms reach of older ones.

Park your car in a way that allows other drivers to enter their cars and exit the parking lot safely, even if you will just be away from your vehicle momentarily.

A large part of our day is pretend play and exploring family roles.

For more photos and information about Social Studies at Gretchen’s House, please see our “bulletin board” on pages 4-5.