Child Care Now- May 2016

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May 2016

In the news:

Lets Move

 Let’s Move! Child Care goals. 

Visit the Let’s Move! Child Care website to get started.   For more information go to http://www.letsmove.gov/early-education-providers

Water Safety

 With the temperatures starting rise and school getting out, summer time and water activities are just around the corner.  Here are a few important water safety tips  to remember whenever you are in, on or around water:

  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water
  • Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Establish water safety rules for your family and enforce them without fail.
  • If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
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    Quote of the Month:

    Why fit in when you were born to stand out? – Dr. Seuss

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    Centers Celebrate Earth Day

    Norm

    GSA child care centers around the country held Earth Day celebrations on April 22nd.​ ​Activities included getting dirty and having fun creating center gardens and planting ​flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

    ​I​n recognition of Earth Day, ​the children of the FedKids Child Care Center in New York showcased their artwork in the building lobby and held ​a planting ceremony.  The children and their “helpers” planted flowers and vegetables in flower boxes surrounding their playground.

    Denise

    This year's event was attended by Norm Dong, the Public Buildings Service, Commissioner; ​Denise Pease Region 2, Regional Administrator​;​ Frank Santella, Region 2 PBS Regional Commissioner​;​ David Segermeister, Director, Facilities Management;​ Gloria Stevens, Director, Manhattan Service Center; and​ Barbara Peyton, Property Manager.

    Thanks to Joseph Ungara, Building Manager and Digna Campos, RCCC, for supporting the staff and children at FedKids in their Earth Day celebration.

    Region 1 Recognizes Alan Bombardier

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    A well-deserved shout out of recognition and appreciation goes to Alan Bombardier of the New England Region North Service Center.  His long standing commitment to the Y’s Early Learning center in St. Albans, VT, is appreciated by all.   

    Bombardier's leadership skills and attention to detail successfully delivered a recent renovation project on time and on budget. He is currently working with the Y’s staff and lessor on a new playground surface project.  Of the many projects that Alan has managed at the center, he always demonstrates a positive attitude and is incredibly supportive of the child care program.  On behalf of the New England Region, the Office of Child Care, the North Service Center, and the Early Childhood Program at St. Albans, we thank Alan Bombardier for all that he does and for his commitment to the children and families of the Gilbert C.Tabor Federal Building.

    Board Business: Board Network Focuses on Roles and Responsibilities

    Thanks to all who participated in the Board Networking Call on May 23rd.  There was a presentation on Board Roles and Responsibilities, as well as time for discussion and comments.  Twenty-seven people participated representing 17 Federal child care centers in 14 states.  Please let your Regional Child Care Coordinator (RCCC) know if you would like copies of the handouts.  Copies of all Network Call training will soon be posted on www.gsa.gov/childcare on the Board of Directors page.

    The presentation focused on Boards in GSA child care centers and their major responsibilities; oversight of the contract with the Provider and fundraising for and implementing a tuition assistance program to make the center affordable for Federal employees.  Responsibility for the day to day operation of the center belongs to the Provider, as well as program development, personnel, program administration, and parent communication.

    The next Networking Call will focus on recruiting new Board members, mentoring and engaging them, and succession planning.  If you would like to be a part of this exciting new group, please contact your RCCC.  Look for the next call in late summer/ early fall. In the meantime, contact Jill Rhea at jill.rhea@gsa.gov or Sandy Axelrod at sandra.axelrod@gsa.gov with any questions about the Board Network.