Welcome to our March newsletter! This month, we want to highlight the importance of early learning and how it can positively impact a child's development.

Research has shown that the early years of a child's life are critical for their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Early learning experiences can help build a strong foundation for future success. At our center, we prioritize play-based learning and hands-on activities to help our children explore and develop their skills in a fun and engaging way.
 
In addition to providing quality early learning, we partner with other agencies- Naples Lions Club Foundation for vision screening, UF Dental Program for preventative dental care, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program for hearing, height and weight screenings. Upon enrollment, each child is screened using an Ages & Stages Developmental Screening Questionnaire (ASQ) in five developmental areas and ASQ SE (Social Emotional) for social and emotional concerns. 

Our highly qualified teachers use My Teaching Strategies Assessment System to observe, evaluate and plan for the individual needs of all children. Assessment information is used to plan instructional programs for early learners that will help them move to the next step in a sequence of learning. We encourage family partnerships so that we can work with families to understand their goals for for both their children and themselves and accomplish them together. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our March newsletter! We hope you find the updates and information helpful. At Fun Time Academy, we are committed to providing high-quality care and education for children. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We value your feedback and appreciate your trust in us.
Classes start in June.
Download both forms and send it to Ms. Bianca at bbelido@funtimeacademy.org. Also, you can reach out to her at the office to submit the documentation.
Read Across America Week was celebrated from March 2 to 6 at Fun Time Academy, beginning on the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. The entire month of March, in fact, is dedicated to reading. The National Education Association (N.E.A.) aims to encourage reading and educate people about its benefits, especially among children and young adults.

At Fun Time, we had guest readers, to read Dr. Seuss books such as Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, and others.

In addition, Sandy, our chef served green eggs and ham to the children for breakfast, they were really excited! Inside the classrooms, children made Dr. Seuss hats and engaged other fun activities.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
The VPK program is a free prekindergarten program for four- and five-year-olds who reside in Florida. Participating children must be four years of age on or before September 1. Parents can enroll their children in the state’s free voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) education program that year or wait until the following year when their children are five.

You will also need to upload:

  • Proof you live in Florida (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
  • Your child’s birth certificate or passport

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) gives children a jumpstart by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language and social skills. By developing the skills that children need to become strong readers and students at an early age, our students are more likely to be successful in school.

Our two VPK classrooms at Fun Time Academy offer a high-quality program that includes literacy standards, developmentally appropriate curricula, small class sizes and qualified teachers. The school-year program includes 540 hours of instructional time and begins in August.
If you need help registering your child, attend to this parent meeting on April 25 on the Multi Purpose Room between 4:30 to 5:30. We will help you fill out the forms. Ms. Bianca and Ms. Fany will be there to assist you.
Earth: Reducing, reusing and recycling.
During the month of March, the children were learning about our Planet Earth. Children are encouraged to describe what the Earth is made up of (land, air and water).

Children understand that people, plants and animals depend on Earth's natural resources to live. Also, they know that the materials can be recycled and how important reducing, reusing and recycling are.
On March 2, we had double celebration- Dr. Seuss's birthday and we also celebrate The National Education Association Day to endorse the importance of reading.

On March 16 we wore green and talked more about earth and the importance of recycling.
All About Recycling
In the classrooms teachers have been reading books about recycling and singing songs that reinforce the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. These activities help preschoolers understand why recycling is important and how they can make a difference.

We are thrilled to announce that The Healthy Earth Organization partnered up with Fun Time Academy to provide students ages three and four the tools to know how to properly recycle. The recycle challenge helped the children identify and sort recyclable goods by using critical thinking, quick response times, and what can and cannot be recycled.

Students had the opportunity to watch a video to help identify which items are recyclable. Afterwards, they were separated into two groups to start the challenge. The children were given items which they had to determine were to be recycled or put in the trash.

Teaching young children about recycling is an important step in developing their understanding of sustainability and the environment. By teaching recycling at a young age, we know that we are instilling good habits that will benefit the environment for years to come.
C'MON visit
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (C'MON) came up with an awesome and interactive activity with kids-learning how to make different types of weather using simple materials they have at home.

  • Rain: This simple chalk and water activity simulate clouds full of water wand taught our kids about condensation by discovering how the water and chalk react together. This exercise provided lots of opportunities for fine motor practice, sensory play and creativity. Materials needed include black cardstock, colored chalk, a jar of water, and a paintbrush or sponge.

Step 1. Use the paintbrush or sponge to spread water all over the black cardstock.

Step 2. This particular step is lots of fun, specially for toddlers. Even before the chalk hits the paper, kids will enjoy exploring the wet paper-the way it looks and feels and the way it sticks to itself and the table.

Step 3. Once the black cardstock is wet, it's time to start coloring. The chalk colors become so much brighter and intense on the wet paper.

  • Snow: Grab a cup of water and instant snow. Mix it together and you will create a snowy day in Florida!

  • Wind: Blow painting is a wonderful art project with unpredictable and beautiful results! You only need: straws, liquid watercolors or food coloring, small cups, paper and a tray.
C'MON Museum
Parent Meeting Engineering & Pizza Night
Parent engagement is a key piece of child development, especially for those preschool age. Is an important way for parents to stay connected with their children's education and in the know as to what is being taught.

This parent engagement meeting was a recap of last month's VPK class with C'MON at the school. The museum representatives had taught the students about engineering with fun and entertaining tools that families have at home.
Fun Time Academy encourages parents to attend parent engagement meetings, by attending you'll meet a variety of benefits including:

  • Building relationships: The parents who attend get to know other parents and learn about resources around the community.

  • Sharing information: These meetings serve as a platform for teachers to share information about what the children are learning and any areas of concern. Parent can then ask questions and provide feedback, which helps teachers tailor their instruction to better meet the needs of each child.

  • Providing resources: These gatherings provide an opportunity to share information about community services, parenting tips and other resources that can support families.
Reading Volunteers Needed
We all know that early education is a key factor in preparing children for kindergarten. Reading to children contributes to the growth of their verbal skills while giving them the opportunity to bond with a caring adult.
 
We need volunteers to read books with preschool-aged children once a week to further their learning experiences. Everything is provided for volunteers (ELLM Bags, with books, props, lesson plan and other materials). Our children love interacting with our volunteers who help them read stories, complete academic activities and even head outside to our garden.
 
Please consider getting involved. Contact us to schedule a tour or visit our website to learn more. 
Donate

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Make a donation to provide safe, quality and affordable childcare.
Legacy Society

Supporters who have a passion for Fun Time Early Childhood Academy's mission can ensure that their love of education will live on for generations to come. A preplanned legacy gift is one of the best routes for leaving a long-term impact. Through simple estate planning, you can enjoy the tax benefits of your gift before you have to make it!
No School Day
April 7, 2023

Early Release Day
April 10, 2023
Please pick up your child prior 12:30 pm

We help you register to VPK
April 25, 2023 - 4:30 to 5:30 pm. -Multi-purpose Room
If you recently moved or changed your phone number, please update your information by clicking the button below.
Thank You!
Your commitment to Fun Time Early Childhood Academy allows us to provide safe, quality, affordable education and care for children and parents from low-income working families and to prepare the children for kindergarten, ready to read and ready to learn!
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy | [Website]