Join Us for an Open House October 7, 9-11am; October 8, 4:30-6pm; October 10, 10am-1pm Register Now
A Note from Our Principal
October brings chilly mornings, vibrant leaves, and so much seasonal energy to our school! We’re leaning into autumn all month long, exploring nature’s changes through creative art, sensory bins, science experiments, and more. Plus, we’re gearing up for favorite fall events like Trunk or Treat, all the costumes, pumpkin exploration and fun filled harvest activities, where our students are sure to have fun and make new memories. As always, thank you for trusting us with your child’s growth and learning.
Sincerely,
Morgan Bell
October Open House Events
We are hosting three Fall Open House events this October and would love for you to invite your friends and family for a visit!
Wednesday, October 7 from 9 – 11 AM
Thursday, October 8 from 4:30 – 6 PM
Saturday, October 10 from 10 AM – 1 PM
Family Survey Launching Soon Our family survey will be launching the week of October 19. This is your opportunity to confidentially share what you love about our school community, as well as areas where we can continue to grow and improve. We value your feedback and appreciate your time.
Fall Cubby Refresh
The days will soon be getting crisp! Please supply an extra set of weather-appropriate clothes for your child and a jacket for chilly days.
Alma
Do you have a new email address or phone number? Need to add or remove an emergency contact? You can do this at any time in Alma. You can also make payments and access statements through the Alma parent portal. If you need help logging in or accessing the system, please let us know.
Family Referral Bonus
Do you know a colleague who recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member looking for a new preschool for their child? When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!
Important Dates
October 5 – World Teachers Day
Catered lunch from Noodles and Company
October 7 – 10 – Open House Events
*Fall Festival Saturday, October 10 from 10 AM- 1 PM
October 7th- Harold and the Purple Crayon art project
October 8th Staff- Loaded Potato Bar
October 12th-14th Parent teacher conference
October 12 – Columbus Day
October 14th- Zoo Encounters @ 10am from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
October 17th- Mommy and Me event from 9AM-11AM
October 19th-23rd Spirit Week
October 24th- Trunk or Treat @ EC 10AM-12PM
October 26th- Breakfast 2 Go
October 29th- Hilliard Trick or Treat
October 30 – Halloween Celebrations and end-of-month folders go home
October 30th- Staff Pot Luck Halloween Theme
October 31st- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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New On Our Preschool Blog
Crawling and Walking: Infant Milestones and Tips
Parents and caregivers are often eager to see their baby crawl, stand, and take those first steps. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some common patterns you may notice as your baby becomes more mobile. And once they get moving, watch out! They’ll want to explore everything around them.
Below, we’ll share the key signs that your little one is getting ready to move, simple activities you can try at home to encourage their progress, and essential tips for keeping your explorer safe along the way.
When Do Babies Start to Crawl?
There is no exact age when babies should start crawling. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says crawling is usually mastered between 7 and 10 months, but some babies crawl earlier or later. Some babies also skip crawling and find another way to get around, such as scooting or moving on their stomachs.
Look for these signs that may signal your child will be crawling soon:
● Spending more time on their tummy
● Reaching for toys just out of reach
● Rolling or scooting to get where they want to go
● Getting into a hands-and-knees position
● Rocking back and forth on their hands and knees
● Moving from sitting to a crawling position
By around 9 months, many babies can sit without support and get into a sitting position on their own. These skills help build the strength and control they need for the next stages of movement.
How Our Teachers Encourage Crawling
Teachers in our Infant classroom provide purposeful tummy time and use interesting materials such as mirrors, books, toys, and different textures to encourage babies to reach, grasp, kick, and move. And they’re huge cheerleaders! Kind and patient, our teachers encourage and praise babies as they make strides toward this milestone.
At Home Tips
Some of the best ways to encourage movement are simple floor games. Place a favorite toy just beyond your baby’s reach. Give them time to reach, roll, scoot, or crawl toward it. Better yet, spend time on the floor with your baby and play alongside them. Your attention is often a bigger magnet than any toy on the market!
Firm pillows and cushions can create simple, low obstacles to crawl over as you stay close to supervise. Keep small objects and other choking hazards off the floor.
From Crawling to Walking
As your baby becomes more mobile, you may notice them becoming interested in standing. They may pull themselves up using furniture, then begin moving from one piece of furniture to another. This is called cruising.
These steps help your baby practice balance and strengthen the muscles they will use for walking. Around their first birthday, some babies may take a few steps on their own. Others may need more time before they feel ready.
How Our Teachers Encourage Walking
As babies become stronger and more mobile, teachers provide safe opportunities for them to practice standing, balancing, and moving independently. They may place interesting materials just out of reach to motivate babies to stand and reach for them or encourage them to move between safe, sturdy surfaces. Teachers stay close by to support babies as they practice these new skills.
Give your baby plenty of safe opportunities to move. Let them pull up on sturdy furniture and cruise along it while you stay nearby. You can also place a favorite toy on a stable surface to encourage them to stand and reach for it.
Once your baby starts taking steps, they may enjoy pushing a sturdy toy or wagon. If you use a push toy, make sure it is stable and weighted so it will not tip when your baby pulls up on it.
Side note: You may wonder if your baby needs shoes to learn to walk. Inside, babies generally do not need shoes while they are learning. When your baby begins walking outdoors, choose comfortable shoes with flexible soles and enough room for their feet to move.
Baby walkers with wheels do not help babies learn to walk and can pose serious safety risks, including falls down stairs. The AAP strongly advises against their use. Instead, stick with the activities we mentioned, which let your baby build skills at their own pace.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Little Explorer
Once your baby starts crawling and walking, they can reach more places and get into things they couldn’t before. This is a good time to look around your home again from your baby’s point of view.
Keep small objects, medicines, cleaning products, and other unsafe items out of reach. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs and make sure furniture your baby may pull up on is sturdy and stable.
Every Milestone Is Worth Celebrating
Every baby develops at their own pace. Give your little one plenty of safe opportunities to move, play, and practice. Before you know it, those first steps will lead to a whole new world of exploration!
We’d love to partner with you as your baby reaches those big milestones. Contact us today to learn more about our Infant program! For quick tips to keep handy, print our Tips to Encourage Crawling & Walking.
