In talking to parents, they are often surprised to learn when registration occurs for activities happening over the summer or next fall. As discussed in our year-end newsletter, registration for PreK programs for September 2024 enrollment started earlier in January and many programs are now full.
In this issue we talk about registration for kindergarten and summer camp - both of which open soon, along with Bath Safety Month, an announcement from Sparkler and upcoming events. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Southington Public Schools will host the Kindergarten Registration Information Session for all parents/guardians who have children entering kindergarten for the 2024-202 school year. It will be held on Monday, March 11th at DePaulo Middle School, 365 Pleasant Street in Southington. Registration is at 5:30 and the presentation starts at 6 pm. Sign-ups are not required in advance for this event. The snow date is March 18th.
Details about the kindergarten registration process are on the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington's website at http://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/southington-kindergarten-registration/
Online registration will open by March 11th. The district's website, which still has the 2023-2024 details, will be updated before then.
Learn more about what skills your child should have before they start kindergarten at http://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/kindergarten-ready/.
Questions about the SPS Kindergarten Registration process can be directed to Lisa Rizzo, the District Registrar at lrizzo@southingtonschools.org
It may be winter, but it is time to think about summer camp.
There are several State licensed all-day summer camp programs in Southington:
- The Arts at Angeloria's, LLC - grades 4-9
- Camp Korp - pre-k through middle school
- FAST Camp - grades 1-8. FAST Camp Jr. is for fully potty-trained campers that are not entering 1st grade yet.
- Leadership Martial Arts - ages 5-12
- YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center - grades K -9
- YMCA Naciwonki Summer Adventures - grades K-6 and Preschool Summer Adventures for age 3-5
Each of these camps has their own "personality" and level of structure. Depending on the program, registration is underway or opening soon. Some offer early bird discounts. Specialty programs will fill up quickly.
Southington Recreation Department runs a Playground camp program for ages 5 to 12 and Camp R.I.S.E. for children with special needs entering grades 2-12, their registration usually opens in March.
The Southington Public School district offers summer elementary enrichment programs, including Camp Invention, details are usually announced before April break.
Several organizations run half-day art, dance, theater or sports programs.
Details about all these programs, plus some in nearby towns, is at http://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/resourcecat/summer-programs-for-kids.
Bath time can be so much fun and a great bonding opportunity for you and your little one, but it's important to make sure that your baby is safe and happy throughout the experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your baby stays safe and comfortable during bath time:
- Always keep an eye on your baby: Stay close and never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub, not even for a second. Make sure all bath supplies are within reach before putting baby in the water.
- Check the water temperature: Make sure the water temperature is just right, not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature is around 100°F (38°C). Double-check the temperature by dipping your wrist or elbow in the water before placing your baby in the bathtub.
- Use a baby bathtub: It's best only to use an infant bathtub manufactured on or after October 2, 2017, so it meets current safety standards.
- Have FUN: Having fun in the bath will help make baby more comfortable and less fearful of the water and is a great bonding experience. Infants do not need toys for bathtime to be fun and interesting. Toys can be introduced once they are old enough for the bathtub. Stick to toys that are easy to clean to reduce the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Dry your baby carefully: After the bath, dry your baby thoroughly with a soft towel to keep them nice and warm.
Following these simple tips can help ensure your baby stays safe and happy during bath time. Bath safety is an important part of parenting, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Remember to always stay close and keep an eye on your little one, and enjoy the precious moments you spend together in the bath!
Learn more about how to keep bath time safe
Sparkler is now available for expecting parents in addition to parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Families can now use Sparkler’s free mobile app starting in pregnancy and through age 5 to support healthy early brain and child development. Find your access code and learn more at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/sparkler/.
Join the ECCS at any of these events next month.
ECCS Office Hours at Southington Public Library
January 29, 2024 from 9 to 11:30
February 16, 2024, 9:30 am to noon.
Stop by the Southington Public Library and see the ECCS Executive Director, Joanne Kelleher. She can answer your questions about summer camps, kindergarten registration, raising children here in town or help you get set up in the Sparkler mobile app. Look for the ECCS table near the Children’s Department.
Loads and Laughs Playdate
February 1, 2024, 10:30 am - noon
Super Suds Laundromat, 166 Main St
Bring your laundry and little ones and Super Suds will provide snacks, drinks and the fun!
Super Suds Southington is thrilled to announce their special guest, Ali the Balloon Guy, who'll be bringing joy and incredible balloon artistry for the kids!
To make this experience truly magical, they are kindly asking for RSVPs this month so that Ali can craft unique balloon creations for each child. Please contact Super Suds with your RSVP to ensure a fantastic time for everyone at (860) 621-0038 or via their social media channels.
Puerto Vallarta fundraiser
Save the date! The ECCS is having a fundraiser at Puerto Vallarta on Queen Street in Southington on Tuesday, March 5th and we hope you can join us.
Twenty percent of all sales on that day, from 3 pm to close, will go to the ECCS. You don't need to bring a flyer or tell them.
1) Follow us on your favorite social media platforms and then like, comment, or share so your friends see our posts too!
2) Forward this email to a friend or colleague.
3) Volunteer your time as a board member or advocate.
4) Help with one-time or periodic donations.
Copyright © 2024 Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address:
Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington
PO Box 210
Southington, CT 06489-0210