The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) will be observed April 13-17. WOYC is:
- A time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibility!
- A time to recommit to providing an environment that will promote early learning for each and every child.
- A platform for spreading the word about the importance of high-quality learning.
- A time to highlight the importance of community and collaborations.
- A time to recognize the important role early childhood educators play in the development of our early learners.
Music Monday (April 13): Members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band will visit the Center. The children will have an opportunity to see, hear, and learn about their instruments.
Tasty Tuesday (April 14): Classrooms will plan cooking activities and look for a tasty treat from Ms. Edwinna.
Work Together Wednesday (April 15): Visits from and Aggie Spirit Bus, the College Station Fire Department, and the University Police Department have been planned with the help of the Family Advisory Board.
Artsy Thursday (April 16): The classrooms will combine their artistic talents to create an exhibit for the J. Wayne Stark Gallery.
Family Friday (April 17): Join us in downtown Bryan on Friday, April 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. for Maroon & White Night, featuring the mayoral proclamation, Mr. Leo’s Puppet Show, the Lil’ Aggie Wranglers, and a variety of community partners offering engaging activities for young children.
Scholastic Book Fair will also be open during WOYC. This is a great opportunity to expand your collection of books for your home and contribute to the classroom library.
BGCC Director
Learn, Grow, Eat & Go!
Spring has officially arrived and the classrooms have begun the Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Curriculum written by Junior Master Gardeners to promote a love of gardening and an appreciation for the environment. Children will be planting and caring for flowering plants, herbs, vegetables and fruit in their garden beds. They will talk about the parts of a plant and what plants need to grow. The best part is harvesting and tasting the fruits and vegetables.
National Coalition for Campus Child Care (N4C)
I had the priveledge of attending N4C’s 54th Annual Conference & Professional Institute in San Antonio in March. The mission of N4C is to provide opportunities for leadership, professional development, research, networking, and advocacy to those who shape the future of campus-based childcare programs. This year’s theme, Deep in the Heart: Building Strong Foundations for Children on Campus, brought together early childhood professionals for an unparalleled learning experience. The conference provides an opportunity to build lasting connections with colleagues nationwide through dynamic workshops, compelling presentations, and transformative keynotes delivered by renowned experts in early childhood education.
I was honored to receive the Ambassador Award which is presented to a member whose commitment to early childhood education reflects the mission and purpose of N4C.
Family Advisory Board (FAB) Action Plan
A action plan established by the Family Advisory Board this year was to support the efforts of increasing co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities for children. Members of the FAB have taken an active role in reaching out to on-campus and off-campus organizations to visit our program and share their knowledge, experiences and talents with the children.
On February 27, members of the China Hong Dance Society shared their culture and talents with the children as part of our Lunar New Year exploration.
The children in the 12th Man classroom and Kyle Field shared in the traditions of Nowruz (Persian New Year).They learned all about this beautiful celebration and the meaning behind the Haft-Seen table. The children in 12th Man helped create their very own classroom display and even decorated eggs to add to it. They were so curious and asked thoughtful questions—it was a meaningful and memorable experience for all of us!
The children in Kyle Field wanted to share key things to know about Nowruz:
What it means: Now means “new” and Ruz means “day”—it is the “New Day”.
When it happens: It happens at the exact moment spring begins, welcoming longer days and warmer weather.
The Haft-seen Table: Families set up a special table with seven items starting with the Persian letter “S,” each symbolizing something good for the new year, such as:
Sabzeh (Sprouts): Rebirth and growth.
Sib (Apple): Beauty and health.
Sir (Garlic): Medicine and health.
Fun Traditions:
Spring Cleaning: Tidying up the house to welcome the new season.
Fire Jumping: Jumping over small bonfires to leave behind bad luck and get energy.
Final Day Picnic: On the 13th day, families go to parks for picnics and throw their sabzeh (grass) into running water to let go of any bad luck.
