Events & Updates | Young Scholars Academy

Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

October 19, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

What do Kids Learn in Preschool in Colorado Springs

October 17, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

What do Kids Learn in Preschool-min — Kids having fun at school

An immense amount of learning and development occurs during a child’s early years. It is not only in the physical aspect of their well being but also in their social, emotional and cognitive development. Because your little one continues to develop, sending them to preschool is an excellent decision. Young kids learn so many things in a high quality preschool. All this contributes to their future success. These include their ABCs and 123’s, social skills, problem solving skills and more! Read on for essential things your child can learn from a good quality, Colorado Springs preschool.

Language, letters and sounds

In preschool, children spend most of their time working together with their classmates. Whether they are discussing an activity or playing, this contributes to their development. Preschool is also where children learn to identify and name all 26 letters of the alphabet. Although writing in a preschool classroom often appears as scribbles, children will be able to recognize their name and write it down. They will also learn how to identify other meaningful yet simple words such as mom and dad. As they develop a connection between letters and sounds, they will understand simple words.

Math basics

Teachers in preschool help kids recognize numbers and learn to count. As soon as the children are able to name the numbers and memorize their order, they learn counting. Developing their math skills doesn’t stop there. In a preschool setting, children use numbers everyday when they count objects around them. They will work with geometric shapes in their art projects. Simple graphics are also used by the preschool teachers to introduce math concepts.

Colors and shapes

Preschoolers will be exposed to various activities to learn about basic colors and shapes. Some of these activities include their art projects and coloring tasks. As soon as they are able to point out colors and shapes, the teachers turn it into a game to test their knowledge.

Socializing and sharing

Developing social skills at a young age is important for young children. It is necessary before stepping into kindergarten and elementary school. The good thing is that socialization is one of the things that your child will learn in a good quality Colorado Springs preschool. Kids are given plenty of opportunities to make friends and work with other kids. They will learn how to cooperate, work together, take turns and share things. They will also learn how to better express themselves and communicate their needs.

Cognitive and problem solving skills

What do Kids Learn in Preschool in Colorado Springs-min — A teacher playing the xylophone for the kids

A tremendous amount of cognitive development happens in a child’s preschool years. During this phase, children develop their ability to solve complex problems and make decisions. By sending your little one to a high quality preschool, they can further improve their cognitive skills. Their thinking and problem solving abilities are being honed in preschool. They are provided with more complex and challenging play. They are also given fun exercises that stretch a child’s thinking.

Science

Young kids are scientists by nature. They are always curious about the world and their surroundings. They always observe, experiment and ask questions. They are fascinated with the natural occurrences surrounding them. By sending your little one to a preschool, their interest and skills in science can be enhanced. Simple science experiments are performed in a preschool classroom. One of the examples includes the physical change of ice from solid to liquid in a warm room.

Thinking twice about sending your child to a preschool? Refer to this article and see how a high quality preschool education can benefit your little one. If you are searching for the best Colorado Springs preschool that tackles a child’s holistic development, you can always trust Young Scholars Academy.

Pumpkin Patch Deals In Colorado Springs

October 15, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

toddler care — DIY Halloween Fun for the Family

Autumn has arrived and with it comes cool breezes, football, and a favorite fall activity…visiting the pumpkin patch. It can be hard to decide where to go, which place has the best hours/activities to suit your family’s needs. Every person wants to get the best bang for their buck below is a list of pumpkin patches located in and near Colorado Springs.

For those who have visited Green Thumbkin Pumpkin Patch before, they have permanently closed their location as a pumpkin patch in town.

Long Neck Pumpkin Farm is located at 7595 California Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80923 (719) 551-0525. They have many activities to suit families of all ages. They have hay rides, hay bale slides, bean bag toss, corn boxes, tractor swings, farm animals, duck races, and more. These activities are included with the $10 admission fee. Children two years of age and younger are free. Pumpkins are an additional $5. During the month of October Long Neck Pumpkin Farm is open from 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. http://www.longneckpumpkinfarm.com/

Miners’ Pumpkin Patch is located at 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (719) 488-0880. They offer apple cider press, hay rides, gem panning, corn hold, tether ball and more. They charge $10 for admission with a pumpkin included in admission price. Additional pumpkins are $5 each. Children three and under are free (without a pumpkin). Miners’ Pumpkin Patch Hours of operation for the month of October are Saturdays 9am-4pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. https://www.minerspumpkinpatch.com

The Colorado Pumpkin Patch is located at 18065 Saddle Wood Rd, Monument, CO 80123 (719) 799-6780. Activities include but are not limited to, large outdoor games, jumping pad, farm animal petting area, straw slides, tractor hayrides, maze, and corn box. Admission for children is $12 and $10 for adults. Children three and under are free. Pumpkins Range from $2.50-$12 depending on size. They are open 9am-1pm Monday through Thursday and 9am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday. http://coloradopumpkinpatch.net

Wishing Star Farm is located at 24024 Highway 94, Ellicot/Calhan Colorado, 80908 (719) 244-7252. They have a sling shot, a variety of life sized games (like Jenna), pedal cars, hay wagon rides, a maze, straw pyramid, tire swings, a jumping pillow, and more. Admission rates are $10 per person for anyone two years of age and older. They offer pony rides for an additional $4. Pumpkins of any size cost $4 each. Wishing Star Farm is open Monday through Wednesday from 9am-2pm and Thursday through Sunday from 9am-5pm. http://wishingstarfarm.com

Diana’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze is located at 1649 Poplar Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212 (719) 821-9133. This farm offers a corn maze that can even be entered after dark using a flashlight, hay rides, fire pit with marshmallow roasting after dark, and more. Admission is $13 per person and includes a pumpkin. Children five and under are free with out a pumpkin. The last weekend (October 26th-28th) Diana’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze is offering a $2 discount for military with an ID and a $2 discount per person in a family of four or more paid admissions. Their hours of operation are Friday and Saturday 10am-9pm (they stop accepting admission at 8pm) and Sunday 10am-6pm (they stop accepting admission at 5pm). http://dianaspumpkinpatch.com

While there are more pumpkin patches around Colorado, the patches listed above are located a little closer to Colorado Springs. Many of these farms and pumpkin patches offer a discounted rate for large groups of 15 or more so it is worth calling the patch you are interested in to set up large group visits. Many also offer a concession stand of some sort. Most offer weekdays by appointment. Pumpkin patches are usually held on uneven ground with dirt, rocks, and hay. This may be something to consider when bringing strollers and/or wheelchairs. It is best to wear something you can get dirty and closed toe shoes. Please dress and plan accordingly. Enjoy your visit to the pumpkin patch this season!

-Ms. Blair
Wellness Coordinator
Lead Early Preschool Teacher

DIY Halloween Fun for the Family

October 15, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

It’s almost Halloween time! The fall décor has started to come out and the chilly weather has set in. October is such a fun month for our family as we begin to prepare for Halloween festivities. In my family we really like to dress up and go all out with the holiday and costumes. When I was younger my mom would let us choose a pattern of the costume, fabric, and accessories. This was something I looked forward to every year. It was a great time for us to connect and work together. Now, I have my own kiddos and we have started the same tradition.

Creating your own costumes can be very easy and fun. My mom was skilled in sewing and knew how to create some really amazing costumes when I was a child. I however did not learn how to sew but still wanted my kids to experience having homemade costumes and having fun being creative together. So, sometimes grandma helps with the sewing and creating too. We have started the tradition over another generation and it really is an amazing time we all get to experience. Working along with her we design and plan out what character my children want to transform into for Halloween. She does what sewing that we need and my husband and I try to do the rest.

Some tips I have for you non-sewers are to check out the ARC Thrift stores. There are a few around town to choose from and Saturdays you can find half off items. That’s usually where we start our search. For example, a few years ago we were all characters from Peter Pan and my husband was going as captain hook. We looked at the ARC for a long tail winter coat and cut it to fit the pirate look and searched at the craft and party stores for the added embellishments. I was able to find a blue nightgown and make a bow for my hair to look like Wendy. My daughter went as Peter Pan, my mom helped with the sewing on that costume and we let my daughter help with picking out the extra accessories. Like I said, my husband and I don’t know how to sew, but man we can sure hot glue! Really! Hot glue holds up super well! So, even if you can’t sew, you can always add a little flair to the store costumes to make them a little different. We let our kids choose all the materials and accessories that they wish to add and we all work together to create something fun! That’s what Halloween is really about to us; coming together and making memories even before all the fun of Trick-or-Treating.

Creating these costumes as a family is an easy way for us to have hands-on, imaginative fun. Being creative and allowing our kids to choose what they want to be for Halloween is so exciting for them. It really is simple to create your own costumes or just add to an existing one, even if you are not the crafty type like myself. Creating these memories is what is most important and it is an unforgettable experience for your family.

Good luck in your DIY journey we’re so excited to kick off the holiday season with you all!
-Ms. Whitney
Curriculum Coordinator
Lead Pre-K Teacher

7 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Toddler Program

September 24, 2018 by Admin 3 Comments

Choosing the best school and toddler program for your little one can be as stressful as applying to college, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are a lot of things to consider and these things can overwhelm you. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, but how do you decide? Don’t panic, take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for your little one. Here are some things to consider to help you in your decision making.

Figure out the personality and needs of the child

This should be a major factor in your decision. Every child is different and finding an environment for them to excel and embrace their needs is important. Here are some questions to think about:

Does the child need a program that will focus more on their motor skills?
Are they aloof or shy and in need of extra care from the educators?
Or are they advanced or behind in verbal skills needing challenges to improve?

It is expected that classrooms will have children with diverse personalities and learning capacities. However, a preschool environment is designed to be a comfortable setting for toddlers. It’s important to consider this so that you can set your child up for optimum learning. You can ask questions at each school that you are considering so that you’ll be sure that your child’s needs are met.

Check that the school has proper credentials

There are so many private preschools available that they make their own rules. To ensure that these schools are right for your child, ask if the teachers have ECE (Early Childhood Education) degrees and have CDA credentials. Also,ask if the school is accredited. It’s also a plus if the classroom teachers and staff are certified in CPR and first aid.

Does the school’s educational philosophy matches yours?

The bulk of a child’s brain development occurs in their first five years and this is the best time to expose your child to more learning. Teachers have different ways, approaches, and views on educating young minds. Some preschools are completely play-based, while others have lessons for letters and number to prepares kids for kindergarten. There are also schools that have discovery-based programs that don’t only focus on drills and practice skills.

The structure is essential, but parents should also look for a school that gives children the opportunity to learn by choice. Parents should also consider the openness between the school and the family in choosing a toddler daycare. It is important that the school welcomes and encourages the family to stop by any time. The program should also include regular feedback on the child’s development in school. Open communication is important for staying updated on your child’s progress.

What do you think will be best for your child? This all comes down to learning style and how you prepare them for school at home.

Discipline

A parent’s ultimate goal is to raise their children to be well behaved human beings with proper traits and discipline. While kids are young, it’s the perfect time to instill in them the values you want them to have. This is another important factor to consider in choosing the right preschool for your young one. Ask the school how they deal with child behavior. Ask them how they deal with conflict if it arises in the classroom. It’s important that you agree with the preschool’s disciplinary action and their approach to correcting children.

What is the school’s nutrition policy?

This is another factor to consider in you search. Children can be greatly influenced by their peers at this age. If other kids like to eat fruit, your child will probably also grow to love eating fruit. This goes both ways, too, and they may be negatively influenced. Ask the school if they provide healthy lunches and r snacks, or do you need to prepare their meals at home. If the school provides meals , ask them what they typically serve. Make sure to voice concerns if your child has food allergies, too.

Is the school convenient?

toddler daycare — playtime at the daycare

Does the preschool’s time fit into your schedule? Can you drop your child off at the neighborhood daycare or is on the way to your office? Are you looking for a half-day program or do you prefer a full-day one? Generally, schools go for 5 days a week, depending on a child’s age and the school itself. Some programs allow extended pick up times for those who have to work late.

Is it a Safe environment?

Last but not the least, safety is, of course, the number one thing you should look at when you are choosing a preschool. How does the school ensure a child’s safety? How do they keep track of the pickups after school? How do they respond to accidents when they happen? These are some basic things that you should ask if you are looking for a safe school environment.

Attending preschool or toddler daycare will prepare your child for kindergarten. So it is important to carefully choose the school they’ll attend. Consider all of the options and pick the one that is best using the tips above to guide you.