I have ALWAYS used newsletters in my child care program. Not only does it make your program more professional, but it also keeps your parents updated in our fast-paced world. Of course, face to face interaction is the best way to keep your parents updated and informed.; as well as parent involvement in your program (we'll save parent involvement for another blog entry). But as we know, life can get hectic for any and everyone. From extra-curricular activities, to homework, to groceries, to work and back again, some days might be "scoop up the kids and out the door" kind of day. I feel newsletters can help keep the parents involved with their children's days, weeks and months. If Mrs. Roberts scooped up little Susie today and quickly left, thanks to our monthly newsletter, Mrs. Roberts can confidently ask Susie "So, did you learn anything new about your senses today?". Susie can now be excited to explain to her mom about her lesson on her five senses.
In the beginning of my child care career, my newsletter started with just words typed out on a piece of printer paper. It did it's job. Then I saw another provider's colorful and playful newsletter. So I decided to "fancy" it up a bit. My newsletter has visually evolved over the years, but the content has typically stayed the same. It always lists important dates, important reminders (no fevers over 100.3), and most importantly it lists our themes, ideas, letter, numbers & colors etc..
Newsletters are also a good way to address a situation without singling out a specific parent, child or group. For an example, when parent(s) start to slip on timeliness of payments, it's easy to note in the newsletter "Please remember payments on their due date. Please refer to your contract on payments and late fees. These will be strictly enforced. Thank you for understanding".
I have to say that since I started using Funshine Express as our curriculum, newsletters have never been so easy, because they are included! The newsletters that are included are simple yet beautiful. It has everything regarding what the children will be learning that month. What I really love about the Funshine Express newletters is the "extras". They have parent involvement activities right on their for the parents. An example, on the December newsletter there is a cooking activity the parents can do with their children at home. We are learning about the 5 senses this month. The cooking activity is an apple/bread bake. It gives the ingredients, the recipe and EVEN gives tips as how to connect it to what their learning at preschool, their 5 senses. I will provide pictures of some recent newsletters from Funshine Express below.
December front:
December back:
Buttercups Nov/Dec front:
As always enter the following code to receive $20 off of your first order!
