Welcome to the Tolland Family Resource Center!
Dear Families,
Life sure has changed for all of us! As we head into our new normal we will try our very best to provide the services of learning and fun we have provided to so many of you for years! The FRC will follow the advice of Tolland Board of Education Eastern Highlands Health Department, CT State Department of Education ,SDE and the Office of Early Childhood., OEC.
We are going forward with our Preschool and Before and After School Aged Programs for 2020-2021. understanding we will be following the guidelines as listed above.
During the hybrid plan we are creating a half day of care for Kindergarten students for the portion of the day they are not in the classroom. We are also offering care for children grades 1-6 on the days they are not in the classroom. We will provide opportunity and support with their continuity of learning program, outdoor play and planned activities. For further information, please contact Carol Hiller chiller@tolland.k12.ct.us or (860) 870-6885 x3.
PLEASE REGISTER ASAP!!
2020-2021 SAC Registration newly revised.pdf
If you are in need of preschool, home day care or center care, please email Lleibowitz@tolland.k12.ct.us.
Programs that have notified me that they may have current availability.
Cindy Boor: (860) 543-2333
Karen Ober (860) 875-1798
Megan McPherson Country Kids Daycare (802) 745-7815
Lauren Frisbee (860) 872-9955
Pamela Petosky (860) 871-1810
Tolland Recreation Department (860) 871-3610
Preschool of The Arts (860) 875-7195 Birth to age 12
Miss Merry Mac's (860) 978-4571 Birth to age 12
Little Farmers Child Care Center (860) 817-0933 preschool ages 3-5
Kid's Academy Childcare (860) 875-5437
Star Hill (860)871-8800
Please reach out if there is anything we can help you with during this challenging time.
We are in this together!
Dr. Willett will keep us all updated on his webpage:
In House Registration is also in process for all programs for the 2020-2021 year! Limited openings still available in ALL programs Preschool and School age!
Dear Families,
I hope this finds you well. I am sure your days are filled with ups and downs, just like mine, trying to navigate these unchartered waters the best we can.
The most important thing to remember is that you need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your family. Another important thing to do is to remember to listen to your children, they may not be using words, but be sensitive to their messages. They may be communicating very differently these days. Talk to them, acknowledge their feelings but most of all let them know they are loved, safe and help assure their security by keeping to a schedule and routine. Extra snuggles and hugs are always the best medicine. Teach them to give themselves big hugs!!
However, this is affecting you, life is different. It has changed for all of us. Some changes may be challenging and some may be quite refreshing. I think right now most of us are on automatic pilot on an untraveled journey. There are going to be many closed roads, one way turns and probably a few dead-ends. I do feel that as time goes on we will start adjusting to this new norm and maybe have a bit more time to reflect.
Everyone's struggles will be different, everyone's benefits will be different.
I just to remind you that I am here for you all through this journey. There are resources within the Tolland Public Schools available to assist you and your family. The FRC staff members are all safe at home with their families. They miss their students and families very much! Have your children give themselves big hugs from their teachers!
While much remains unknown here are a few updates!
- As of this evening at 8:00 PM anyone over the age of 2 will be required to wear face coverings in CT. in all public. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth but that you can breathe through it. Make sure you wash them after use.cdc.gov/coronavirus
If you do not have any coverings please let me know and I will try to get some for you.
- Governor Lamont has closed school buildings until at least May 20 and Dr. Willett has told us our last day of school will be June 18, whether or not we return to the building.That being said, I will be refunding Preschool family’s deposits and credits unless you will be with us next year. This process may take time as the business office is only open one day a week. f we are allowed to return to the building in June I may entertain a week or two of preschool camp.
- We have changed or summer camp registration and have opened it up this year to children who will be 5-12 years old and older by September 1, 2020. Safety considerations will be thoroughly considered when final decisions are made about whether or not camp will be held, but are going through with our registration process now to see what the interest is and so that we can plan staffing accordingly.
- Preschoolers are all invited to join EPIC books. I sent an email last week and have heard some great reviews!!
- Great news, the free breakfast and lunch program has been expanded to include children 18 and under in Tolland.YOU do not have to be enrolled in Tolland Public Schools, so this is now open to preschoolers.
Here is the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScckHOd5wJcRtGLafXAALm-mkXvhH7iSC81XXx_qgHIefrJJA/viewformc
School Closure Meal Program
You may order the Meals(s) as early as 10 AM the day *before* the pick up date, but
Orders for any given day may not be made after 8AM of the day you will be picking up the
Meal(s). PICKUP is from 12:00 - 1:00 PM @ Tolland High School (1 Eagle Hill, Tolland, CT).This program provides meals for any child 18 or younger in the Tolland Community. A parent or guardian may order through this system. For families in need of weekend meals, breakfast and lunch for your children 18 and under will be available for pickup on *Fridays*. WEEKEND REQUESTS MUST BE MADE BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. These meals will come either cold or frozen for you to prepare at home. We will follow any dietary requests already listed and provide breakfast and lunch for the number of children listed in your *total.*
- Tolland FoodShare Mobile Food Pantry Tolland United Congregational Church open to all in need April 23, May 7, 21, June 4 and 18 at 10:00 AM.
- Anyone needing any other financial or support services please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Tolland Human Services (860) 871-3648
UnitedWay Covid 19 Community Economic Relief Fund has help for those in need of bills, rent food 1-866-211-9966
Resources for you courtesy of Breathe More Yoga!
Meditation:
- Download FREE APP: Deepak Chopra offers a FREE 21-day Meditation- Hope in uncertain times
You are not alone!
I am here for you and willing to assist you in anyway, don’t hesitate to reach out.
lleibowitz@tolland.k12.ct.us
Laurel
I am attaching an interesting listing of POD Casts that was in the NY Times this weekend. Although I would consider myself on of the biggest non- technology fan for our little ones, I realize digital literature and learning has its place, especially right now!
A Big List of Podcasts for Little Kids
Here’s a list of great shows to keep kids ages 2 through 6, and their caretakers, occupied.
By Lindsay Patterson
- March 17, 2020(The New York Times)
Image
Credit...Maddy Price
My son’s podcast addiction began when he was 2, with “The Gingerbread Man.”
He was hooked at first listen and asked to hear it constantly. Eventually, I could recite the entire story, produced by Stories Podcast, along with the host, copying her intonations for the different voices. Our “Gingerbread Man” period peaked when my son was sick, and the only thing that could calm him down at 3 a.m. was listening to the podcast. I sat by his bed with phone in hand, and we listened over and over again, until he fell asleep.
My son is now 6, and fortunately, his taste in podcasts has expanded. He has many favorite shows and asks for episodes by name. It’s not a coincidence that he’s a dedicated podcast listener. His dad and I co-host “Tumble Science Podcast for Kids,” which we began producing just a few months after he was born. From this perspective, I’ve seen (and heard) the space grow from a handful of audio experiments to a big buffet of listening choices.
That’s great news, because once kids get into podcasts, they really get into them. A new study from the podcast “Brains On!” and the Science Museum of Minnesota of kids 3 to 17 and adults age 18 and over has found that 73 percent of listeners have heard an episode more than once. The study found that kids’ podcasts are a shared listening experience for kids and parents. Podcasts become part of the family routine, with the car the most popular place to listen.
All you need is a fresh playlist of shows that both you and your little one enjoy. I put together this list of great shows for kids ages 2 through 6 and their caretakers. They are all available free on nearly any podcast app.
Stories
“Circle Round” — Folk tales from around the world, told with the help of celebrity readers.
“Stories Podcast” — A combination of classic children’s stories and original tales.
“Molly of Denali” — An eight-episode serialized narrative, based on the PBS Kids series.
“Story Pirates” — Stories written by kids are woven into a narrative about a musical-theater company’s magical misadventures.
“What If World” — The improvisational storyteller Mr. Eric tells fantastic tales based on “What if?” questions submitted by listeners.
Ideas from The Times on what to read, cook, watch, play and listen to while staying safe At Home.
“Girl Tales” — Feminist fairy tales written and performed by playwrights and actors.
“Calm Kids Podcast” — Two sisters, Lucie and Charlotte (ages 11 and 8), share their original stories.
“Aaron’s World” — Aaron, a dinosaur lover, started this podcast when he was a kid to share dinosaur facts. It grew into a narrative adventure series that ran for five years.
Editors’ Picks
Educational
“But Why?” — The public radio host Jane Lindholm helps answer kids’ most burning questions.
“Earth Rangers” — A sound-rich dive into nature and animal science, guided by Ranger Emma.
“Wow in the World” — Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, radio and podcast stars, serve up science news with a heavy dose of silliness.
“Smash Boom Best” — This debate show pits two awesome things against each other, encouraging listeners to choose their own winner.
“Animal Sound Safari” — This Australian podcast travels in a Magic School Bus-style “safari mobile” to discover animals around the world.
“Pants on Fire” — Kids are challenged to “spot the liar” on this game show, co-hosted by a robot.
MEDITATION
“Soundwalks” — Each short episode is a guided meditation through beautiful soundscapes.
“Bedtime Explorers” — Settle down for the night with stories of magical expeditions.
“Peace Out” — This calming podcast teaches meditation and self-regulation through stories.
MUSIC
“Ear Snacks” — The children’s musicians Andrew & Polly explore different themes through songs and interviews.
“Noodle Loaf” — A clever interactive music podcast that features echo songs, musical challenges and a kids’ choir that anyone can join.
“The Music Box” — Each episode is a lesson about a musical concept featuring interactive activities.
“Classical Kids Storytime” — A sneaky way to introduce your kids to classical music, with the help of children’s stories like Hansel and Gretel.
“Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child” — An hourlong show that will introduce the family to the best in kids’ music, every week.
There’s a lot more out there, and much more to come. So how can you help your young children keep their podcast playlist fresh and expanding?
The best way to discover new shows is through the shows that you already love. Often, podcasts will swap episodes, collaborate on special features or sponsor ads on each others’ shows. This allows young kids to participate in discovering new shows. Apple Podcasts also features a curated collection called “Shows for Kids,” which is updated periodically.
If you listen on your own app, I recommend making a unique playlist for your kids so you can always find their favorite shows quickly.
But as with podcasts for adults, word of mouth is still the tried and true discovery method. Ask your parent friends if they’ve heard about podcasts for kids, share your favorites and discover new shows together.
A version of this article appears in print on March 19, 2020, Section A, Page 3 of the New York edition with the headline: Here to Help; Podcasts for Little Kids. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe
Tolland Family Resource Center Playgroups and Special Events
Will be rescheduled: Raising a Kindergaten Star: 6:30-7:30 PM What is important for you to do at home to help your child and you prepare for Kindergarten. We will discuss some things for you to do to help them be prepared.! A great opportunity to get your questions answered.
Playgroups *additional $25 fee for out of town participants
Monday: Morning Fun all ages with Miss Karen and Miss Laurel free* 9:00-10:00 AM TIS
1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/2, 3/9, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8
Tuesday: FRC/Library Playgroup preschoolers and siblings 1000 Books B4K 10:15-11:15AM free
1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19,
Wednesday: Little Cooks at TIS ages 3-5 10:00-11:30 AM $60
Winter: 1/15, 1/22, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/25
Thursday: Artist in Me ages 3-6 1:30 - 3:00 PM $75.00 per session* $140 to register for both sessions
Winter: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/12, 4/2
Spring: 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11
Adelante Espanol grades K-5 3:20-4:30 PM $80 per session $150 for both K-5 BGP
TIS Students can be bussed to BGP
Winter: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26
Spring: 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4
Friday: Babies, Toddlers, and Twos ages 0-3 9:00-10:30 AM $40 session*
1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 4/3, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12
Little Cooks at TIS ages 3-5 10:00-11:30 AM $60
Winter: 1/17, 1/24, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 4/3
**Drop ins welcome as long as program has at least 7 registered.
Contact Laurel Leibowitz for additional information regarding any of our programs, policies, or events!
lleibowitz@tolland.k12.ct.us