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

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May 8, 2013 Click to view this email in a browser

Spring in the Air Birds on the wing, buds on the trees, flowers blooming everywhere and children running, jumping, reveling in the warmth of the season—spring is in the air and Prime Time for Kids Early Learning Center has taken to the great outdoors.

Pictured are Prime Time Day Care students from left: Madison Poitevien, Reynold Slavin, Makayla Gleason, Bryce Hicks, Trista Richard and Ariana Samaroo.	Autism Awareness Month Blue was the designated color for Autism Awareness Month. In keeping with the theme, Prime Time staffers and parents contributed blue baked goods for a sale Friday, April 5. Throughout the day children, staff members, parents and the bus drivers who transport children to and from Prime Time stopped by to purchase the treats. Goodies included cookies, cupcakes, puzzle piece Rice Krispy treats, cakes, muffins, brownies and more. The project is one of several Friday fundraisers scheduled for the month. Proceeds will go towards school trips and outings in the community.

	Play-Doh Creations Members of ARC of Rockland's Sibs Club use their imaginations to design Play-Doh creatures during a recent Sibs Club gathering. Under the guidance of professionals, children ages 5-13 have a great time with peers who share their life's experiences. The informal setting gives sibs the opportunity to discuss some of the joys and challenges they face as brothers and sisters of youngsters with disabilities. Crafts, games, snacks and conversation create lasting friendships. To learn more about Sibling Support, please contact Susan Wallach at 845.267.2500, ext. 3051 or Dale Fisher at 845.735.5135. Pictured from left: Dylan O'Hare, Emily Fisher, Ryan McMahon and Jenna Davidson (standing).

	Brotherly Love Brothers Arham Khan and Abdullah Khan in a show of affection at Prime Time for Kids. The concept of family is an integral part of Preschool education. “Children are encouraged to tell us about their parents, siblings and extended family members,” says Children's Family Service Coordinator Annie Culianos. The boys and girls take great pride in sharing the unique and similar aspects of ‘family’ in its many formations.

	All Aboard! With a smile on his face, Joshua Alvarez sports his engineer’s hat as he heads for the Prime Time playground. “As early as age three, children begin to express preferences in their attire,” says Director of Children's Services Dr. Janet Masotti. “Every item of clothing, from socks to shirts to hats, offers a teaching moment. In this case, we might discuss the job of an engineer, the purpose of a hat, or how to give and receive a compliment.”

	The Good Earth Prime Time Preschoolers learned the ways in which people can help the environment by recycling glass, paper, aluminum and plastic. Students in Linda Atzl’s class brought recyclable items from home on Earth Day, April 22, and throughout the week. Pictured back row from left: Christelle Jose, Maya Fahy and Sharo Karim. Front row from left: Joshua Alvearez, James Anthony Vick Jr., William Chappell and Griffin Fleming.

	Oh What a Beautiful Morning Prime Time Preschoolers take to the playground after the long, cold winter. With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, children revel in the joys of the great outdoors. Climbing, running, jumping, sliding—these are among the rites of spring. Pictured from left: Sean Baker, Grace Pizzutello and Allyson Zhune.

	Count Me In Left: Nathaniel Rivas practices writing and counting numbers. Preschoolers take pride in conquering pre-reading and pre-arithmetic skills. “Experience has taught us that the earlier children are introduced to numbers and letters, the easier it is for them to grasp more complicated concepts when they transition into elementary school,” says Curriculum Coordinator Lisa Rinaldi. “It is always a delight to watch a child’s face light up when he or she links the number on the page to the same number of items.” Below: Dylan Cocly completes a numbers puzzle.

	On the Move Strength, coordination, muscle tone, movement— these are among the benefits of physical therapy. At Prime Time for Kids, physical therapy sessions are provided to eligible children, and are designed to meet the specific needs of the individual. Pictured at left: Andrew Brady works with physical therapist Tammy Kantrowitz. “Where children are concerned, physical therapy should be engaging and fun,” says Occupational Therapy Supervisor Elizabeth McKiernan.

	Cutting Edge How does one hold a pencil? A crayon? A scissors? What is the proper way to hold a fork or spoon? How does one button a button, snap a snap, zip a zipper? The answers to these questions come in the form of practice, both in the classroom and at home. “Follow through is an important aspect of education at all levels,” says Assistant Teacher Elena Trinagel. “By reinforcing lessons learned in school, parents are helping children gain skills and confidence.” Pictured at left: Diana Mercier with Assistant Teacher Elena Trinagel.

	Food for Thought Prime Time families celebrated International Night with cuisine representing many cultures. Shepherd's pie, pasta with sausage, kasha varnishkes and stuffed grape leaves with yogurt dip were just a few of the dishes prepared by staff members and parents. Families enjoyed sharing meals and conversation during the early evening event. Left photo: Nian Ali Abdulrahman with son Sharo Karim. Bottom photo: Ariana Samaroo with her dad Avinash Samaroo.

	A Pensive Moment A bit of chalk, a warm spring breeze, a moment to dream. “In this hurried, technological world, it is important to give children the opportunity to reflect,” says Teacher Debbie Zallo-Pragdat. “Invention and innovation are the products of thought—that is reason enough to make sure that our youngest minds have time to think.” Pictured at left: Brianna Atzl

Key dates to remember: May 13 - 17: Scholastic Book Fair May 16: Pajama Reading Night May 17: Staff Conference Day June 5: Staff Appreciation Luncheon June 14: Field Day June 21: Preschool Graduation

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Dr. Janet Masotti, Director of Children's 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. Forward this message to a friend Click here to read ARCLIGHT Magazine!