ARC of Rockland - Serving People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities in Rockland County, NY

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December 6, 2011 Click to view this email in a browser

	Prime Time Receives Science Grant Child Care Resources of Rockland recently awarded Prime Time with a service grant designed to help teachers enrich the teaching of science for preschoolers. Pictured is Ellen Mitchell of Child Care Resources who met recently with Prime Time Assistant Director Dr. Janet Masotti to plan for a two-month program that will focus on science-related classroom activities. “The projects might touch on everything from wind and water to plants, animals and measurement,” says Dr. Masotti. Ms. Mitchell, Child Development Associate Coordinator and Quality Enhancement Specialist for Child Care Resources, will work with the classroom teachers towards incorporating science lessons into their routine. “We will begin with our Day Care classroom, and hopefully, we will expand the program to our other classrooms,” says Dr. Masotti.

Patrick McCullagh, Rebecca Campomanes, and Allison Lappetito	Deck the Halls At Prime Time for Kids, the hallway and classroom bulletin boards are as vibrant in October and every other month as they are in December. “Children love to see their artwork on display. There is a sense of pride—a feeling of accomplishment that goes hand-in-hand with the creative process. It is important that we exhibit the children’s work for everyone to see,” says Donna Bogin, Director of Children’s Services. “It is also a good idea for parents to post their children’s creations somewhere in the home. The refrigerator is a good place to begin. Or, if the artwork is of a seasonal nature, parents might consider posting the pumpkin painting, for example, right on the front door. And don’t worry if your child has opted to paint his or her pumpkin purple rather than orange. Art is highly subjective!”

	Dancing with the Stars! Children make the most of music therapy with Debbie Surace (pictured left) who visits Preschool classrooms weekly. Learning to use simple musical instruments as an accompaniment to Ms. Surace’s guitar playing, memorizing the words to a song, stamping one's feet or clapping hands and following directions are all aspects of education incorporated in music therapy.

Gianna Hernandez	Balancing Act Preschoolers love a challenge. Building a tower of blocks is a time-tested activity requiring patience, dexterity and determination. When the blocks scatter, the builder must begin anew. “We all know the saying, 'If at first you don’t succeed…try, try again.' This is certainly something we encourage at Prime Time,” says Ms. Bogin. “Preschool is a great place to learn the value of perseverance. Knowing how to deal with frustrations when our initial attempts fail is a concept we must deal with throughout our lives and a skill we hope to instill at an early age.”

Andrew Elias with his Mom, Dad and big sister.	Prime Time Pot Luck Supper Families, staffers and students of ARC’s Prime Time for Kids enjoyed a veritable pre-Thanksgiving international feast on Tuesday, November 15 at Prime Time. Lasagna, eggplant, tamales, sweet potatoes, macaroni salad, turkey and an assortment of scrumptious desserts were among the dishes on the menu. Judging from the smiles on their faces and the number of folks who returned for seconds—the event was a delicious success.

Avon Calling An Early Childhood PTO fundraiser featuring Avon products gave Prime Time families a jump start on holiday shopping. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used towards trips, activities and other Prime Time events.

More Than Turkey Who were the Pilgrims? What vegetable was introduced by the Indians? What does Thanksgiving teach us about sharing? These were among the questions posed by teachers during the weeks leading up to November 24. “Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday,” says teacher Debbie Zallo Pragdat. “The celebration gives teachers and students an opportunity to talk about traditions linked to various holidays and cultures. During a post-Thanksgiving conversation, students enjoyed telling classmates about the foods they enjoyed and the friends and family members with whom they visited during the holiday weekend.”

Key dates to remember: Santa and Co. The jolly fellow will arrive on motorcycle Friday, December 16 at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Escorted by his elves, also known as members of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club, the jolly bearded fellow will distribute gifts to Prime Time students. Curtain Up! The Prime Time Holiday Show for students in Early Intervention, Preschool and Day Care will take place Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Prime Time Plus+++ Games, activities, snacks and friends are all part of Prime Time Plus+++, the respite program for children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities ages 5 to 12, to take place December 27 - 30 at Prime Time for Kids. To register, please contact Annie Culianos at 845.639.2425, ext. 106. No fee for Prime Time Plus+++. School is closed Monday, December 26 - Monday, January 2 for Holiday Recess. School re-opens on Tuesday, January 3.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Donna Bogin, Director of Children Services, at 845.639.2425. Or visit us at www.arcofrockland.org. Please share your stories, comments and photos with us, send to dbranca@arcofrockland.org. Happy Holidays to All! Forward this message to a friend Click here to read ARCLIGHT Magazine!

Deck the Halls

Dancing with the Stars!

Balancing Act

Prime Time Pot Luck Supper