2020 Shuswap Explorers Updates!

Blind Bay Munchkins Shuswap Explorers Updates

Well here we are rolling into February! We have been having a ton of fun snow shoeing, stomping around in the snow, adventuring in the forest, enjoying our friends company and playing after school!

We’ve had some big helpers come in and do some crafts and sensory projects with the kids after school- everyone has really enjoyed this!

We would like to remind families to please make sure your children have appropriate gear to play outside after school as we spend the majority of our afternoons outside!

Also spare clothes are a great to have. A large ziplock bag with a spare set of clothes- labeled works great and you can leave it in our room!

*Please send us a quick text or phone call if you child will be absent! We have a list of children attending and we are left looking for your child if you have not informed us of their absence! A quick text will do wonders!! *   

***250-803-2996***

 

Spring Break is right around the corner- If you are looking for something fun for the kids to do-

Summit Kids in Salmon Arm offers 2 weeks of fun! Check us out on Facebook or text us for more info! 250-803-2996

2020 Summit Updates!

Blind Bay Munchkins The Outsiders Updates

Happy 2020 to all!

Here we are rolling well into February!  We have been having a ton of fun after school- visiting local parks, sledding, stomping around in the snow and playing with friends amongst doing crafts n such! Our latest Pro D Day we headed to Jump 360. What a hoot!

Please remember to send us a quick text if your child will be absent! **250-803-6306***  When we are not informed that your child will be absent we are left searching for your child which puts us behind on picking up other children who are left waiting. It is very IMPORTANT to send us a quick text or call!  If we continue to have families that do not inform us of absences they will be contacted and put on probation and may lose their space at Summit. Please be mindful of us all and let us know if your child is away for the day.THANK YOU!

If your child does not have a spare set of clothes in their backpack or left at the center please send one! Especially the under 7year olds- we are running out of our daycare spares! Just throw a spare set of clothes in a large ziplock- label and leave at Summit PLEASE 🙂

As always outdoor play is very important in our program- make sure your kids have appropriate gear for outdoor play.

Over Spring Break our hours will be 7:30 am to 6:00 p.m we will put out a schedule of events closer to.

If you will need care on days that your child does NOT usually attend please let us know ASAP as we fill up quickly.

REMINDER to Parents!!

On Pro- D Days please send your child prepared for the day!!

  • Large water bottle
  • Large lunch
  • Outdoor gear/clothes boots
  • Spare set of clothes! (we get dirty, wet etc…)

 

2020 Munchkin News

Blind Bay Munchkins Blind Bay Munchkins Updates

Well here we are rolling well into February and still lots of snow!

We have been having a ton of fun in all this snow! We have an awesome toboggan hill we have been spending lots of time on along with doing many sensory, baking and crafts!  Our days are packed with fun and playing as we strive to provide the best program we can for the children in our care! Remember as always to keep sending that outdoor gear, extra clothes and labeled items!

Please remember to keep your children home when they are sick- this helps stop the spread of infection. We value everyone’s health and try to keep germ sharing to a minimum which is hard when you’re little! So if you’re little one is showing signs- allow them the time they need to feel better!

Who is your back up care person? Do you have one? This person is someone you can call when your children are sick and you still need to be at work. This is vital in your support system. It helps ease the stress when your children are ill and shouldn’t be at daycare and the parents are still required to go to work.

We value our outside play! We go outside in all weather- please make sure your children have warm outdoor clothing that is waterproof! Layers is always great as the weather changes so much- little fleece sweaters are great to add under outdoor wear when its extra chilly- You can always label and leave in your child’s cubby!  Mittens!! Little finger ones and waterproof ones- the children tend to switch depending on the activity they are engaging in.

As always- LABEL- LABEL- LABEL!!! You can buy a whole booklet with your child’s name on these cute little stickers for so much cheaper than it is to replace all the things that go missing! Labels can be washed etc… They are durable! We put them on coats, shoes, mittens, sweaters, lunch boxes, containers, you name it and it can be labeled!! Labeling your things helps you get all your items back and helps the educators be able to return these items!!

I’ve found the best prices and variety at www.emilypress.com/bbmunchkins we also have a fundraiser set up there too- if you choose to order from here- just put in our school “Blind Bay Munchkins Childcare”

We require that children are dropped off before 9:00 am- this is beneficial to the children and the educators. Our programming is well on its way by 9:00 am, we have specifically planned out our routines & activities of the morning so children benefit from the programming that has been developed around their interests and routines. It is disruptive to the group when they are engaging in an activity and children are being dropped off late or having a hard time transitioning into the group. The educator is then not able to give her full attention to either child– a child who may be having a hard time transitioning— or the group that is engaging in a planned activity–.  This situation isn’t ideal for anyone.

The morning (7:30 am to 8:30 am) is ideal and set up for educators to be able to help with children transitioning in to the program. Activities in the early morning are set up with this in mind. They are flexible and an educator is not essential for children to partake in them.

We understand that sometimes things go unplanned but on the regular please be mindful of everyone in the program and plan to arrive by 8:30 so that YOUR CHILD can benefit from all their day has to offer.

Child care is essential for most families that need to work- but remember your children are thriving from their day to day activities!

The first 5 years of development are the most critical in a child’s brain.

Children who attend child care tend to have better communication skills, problem solving skills, enthusiasm for lifelong learning, ability to follow direction and work independently.  Just to name a few!!

We strive to offer high quality child care that meets the needs and developing minds of the children in our care.

As always we are closed at 5:30pm- we should be able to lock the doors at 5:30 as everyone should be on their merry way home! Please be mindful of everyone and pick up your children before closing. Daycare is hard work and just as you are excited to go home from work- your child(ren) is too- they are excited to kick back and share their day with mom and dad.

Please use caution on the driveway and walking up to the center- it has been very icy!

Please note our days of closure that are posted at the center. Family day weekend is coming up and there are some great activities you and your family can join in on!

We hope that you all enjoy this time with your loved ones! We live in an amazing area to get outside and enjoy being active as a family!

Love those around you and know that we are so grateful to have such an amazing group of children that we love spending time with.

We love all their ever curious minds and developing a program that engages them fully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October News

Blind Bay Munchkins Blind Bay Munchkins Updates

Well what a busy September! We’ve been having a blast playing outside, exploring the changing season, making mud pies, biking, painting, science experiments, making new friends and so much more!

 

 

 

To all our new families that joined us in September you all fit right in and we are so happy to develop relationships with your children and thank you for choosing us for that important job of caring for your littles! All the children are developing new relationships with each other and are blooming in their environments!

At the end of September we headed to Pete Murray’s corn farm. What a blast! The kids enjoyed riding behind the tractor, feeding the sheep corn and picking the perfect pumpkin.

We will be continuing to go on field trips for the next little bit until the snow fly’s! We will be doing local hikes, parks and walks. If anyone knows any fun little farms in the area that wouldn’t mind a bunch of cute children visiting please let us know! 🙂

We would like to thank all you amazing parents for sending your children prepared for the weather! We have been so delighted that all the children have the appropriate gear for the weather! The children are also super excited to go splash around and make mud slides & pies in their outside gear! THANK YOU!

As the weather gets colder please think about sending some warmer outside stuff. Fleece coats or sweaters to go under muddy buddies and little gloves and hats are always nice for the colder mornings. We continue to play outside for the majority of the day and want everyone to be toasty warm!

At the dollar store you can find little packs of finger mittens that the children love to wear- it keeps their hands warm but they can still play to their hearts content! 🙂

On a sad note we will be saying goodbye to Quinn as she heads in another direction. Quinn has been a creative, kind and fun educator- we will all miss her but wish her all the best on her adventures ahead!

With all bad news comes a ray of sunshine! We have the great pleasure of having Stacey join us, Stacey has been working in childcare for many years but most recently at some local farms as she enjoys traveling and seeing the world! We welcome Stacey with open arms- her fun, free flowing and kind personality shines as she plays and develops relationships with the children. She has been coming in and playing for a couple hours for most of September and will be joining us for full days after Thanksgiving. 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*****Reminder ****

We will be closed Friday October 11th and Monday October 14th for the Thanksgiving weekend.

We hope you all enjoy this time with your loved ones.

We are so thankful to have such an amazing group of children; having the pleasure of spending our days playing, exploring and learning together!

 

 

Back to School!

Blind Bay Munchkins The Outsiders Updates

Well summer has flown by! We had an amazing summer full of fun and games! We kept cool by the lake, spray parks, beaches, rivers and pools! We headed everywhere and explored!! So many adventures and fun had by all!

Now school is just around the corner! We would like to welcome our new families to Summit- we look forward to developing relationships with your kiddos.

As school begins and schedules are changing please keep the lines of communication open with us! Let us know if your child will not be attending- a quick text will do wonders. **Summit Kids cell phone # 250-803-6306

Gradual entry kindergarten- If you will be needing pick up during this transition please let us know. We have not received school kindergarten schedules yet but will need to plan pick up accordingly!

The first Pro- D Day is September 20th.

Continue to send bathing suits and towels with your children ( you may leave these at the center) it is still very nice out and we may pop over to the beach after school!

Be sure to pack extra snacks if you know your child is a big eater- we provide one after school snack.

Schedule changes and withdrawal require 30 days notice, please call or text Sam at 250-803-2996

Invoices are due on the first of the month for that month. If payment arrangements have not been made this will result in the loss of your child care space until payment has been received.

We look forward to another fun year ahead!

Back to School!

Blind Bay Munchkins Shuswap Explorers Updates

Well another summer has come and gone! We hope you all had an amazing fun filled summer.

As we head into a new school year we would like to welcome everyone back! Our first day will be Wednesday the 4th- we are NOT open the first day of school as it is a short day.

We are open the same days as the school from 2:00pm to 6:00pm- If your child is in Kindergarten you will not be charged for after school care until full days commence as we are not able to accommodate the gradual entry.

If you have not confirmed your child’s space and would like after school care please do so ASAP

The first Pro-D Day is September 20th. If you are looking for childcare that day- we have camps offered in Salmon Arm- Check out Summit Kids on our website.

This year we are still in the lower part of the school- we are fortunate enough to share the indigenous room again this year 🙂 (beside the Strongstart program) Parents may park along side the school and come to our classroom door for pickup. If we are out and about you will see us playing or a note will be on the door letting you know where we might have headed off adventuring.

We strive to provide a program where the children can unwind at the end of their school day. We try to leave it pretty open ended with engaging activities that children may choose to participate in with a large amount of free play offered outside.

Here are a few reminders!

• Please pack an extra snack for your child! It’s a very long day and the kids are often hungry after school.
• Pack a suit and towel (you may leave this in our room) while it is still warm we may head to the beach.
• If your child will be absent please call or text us to let us know! 250-803-2996
• It is your child’s responsibility to meet us at the designated meet spot-** In front of the main entrance inside there is a bench- we meet here daily after school – (Kindy’s will have some guidance!)
• Always pack appropriate outside gear- we head outside daily rain or shine 🙂
• Label, Label, Label your childs’ belongings!

We look forward to another awesome year with your kiddos!

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to give a call or text! 250-803-2996 (Sam)

 

September is here!

Blind Bay Munchkins Blind Bay Munchkins Updates

Summer is leaving us and September is welcoming us!

We have had such an amazing, fun filled summer with so many activities being done in this beautiful Shuswap weather we are so fortunate to have! The children have enjoyed themselves exploring a variety of engaging activities over the summer!

As September approaches we would like to wish all our “big kids” well on their adventure into Kindergarten. We will miss them dearly but we are all so excited for their next step! Have fun Kindy’s and never stop playing!

If you need after school care at Sorrento Elementary  you can register for Shuswap Explorers on our website. Our program is conveniently located within the school. Spaces are limited.

On that note, I would like to welcome all our new families starting in September! We are so happy to have you join our Munchkin crew and can’t wait to develop relationships with your little ones.

We will be starting to head out on field trips again towards the end of September- we will be venturing our local area- heading out on hikes, checking out some local farms, parks and exploring our area! As always the bus is equipped with car seats and everything else we might need 🙂

Reminders:

  • Please have your children dropped off by 9:00am so they can get the most out of our program. We also like to head out early on field trips- if your child has not arrived by 9:00 am we can assume they are absent for the day.
  • Please text us to let us know if you will be absent for the day.  250.463.KIDS
  • Schedule changes or withdrawal as stated in the Parent Handbook require 30 days notice. Please call or text Sam 250-803-2996
  • Apply sunscreen before drop off and send children with hats, sunscreen and bathing suits.
  • Pack large nutritious lunches and snacks. We are active during the day and work up quite an appetite!
  • Remember to send extra clothes and dress to play!

Fees are due on the first business day of each month for that month. You will be invoiced prior. Failure to make payment arrangements will result in a loss of your child care space until fees are paid.

We look forward to another fun fall- this is one of my favorite times of the year- the weather is still warm, there is so much changing as the season progresses which leaves the children with so much to explore, wonder and be inspired to learn.

“Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in their world.”   -Vince Gowmon

 

Summer is Here!

Blind Bay Munchkins Blind Bay Munchkins Updates

Summer has Arrived!

 

Wow, it’s July already. We have been having so much fun, playing in the water, sand, baking, painting and adventuring outdoors-not to mention our little excursions we’ve been heading out on. With all that fun in the sun please remember to pack your children or leave at the center daily:

  • Swim suits
  • Labeled Water Bottle
  • Sun Hat
  • Sun Screen applied on children before arrival
  • Change of clothes
  • Big Nutritious Lunch and Snacks

We are outside for the majority of the day and the children need healthy snacks to fuel them throughout the day!

Thank you for sending your children prepared for their day of fun!

 

For those of you who have not been formally introduced- we do have a new adult around the center lending some extra support services. Lori-Ann is from Sorrento and will be helping out around the center over the next few months- she is here from Supported Child Development and we are so happy to have her join us. The children have really warmed up to her and taken a liking to her 🙂 You might see her a few mornings a week! Please help us make her feel welcomed!

This summer is bittersweet as we spend our last weeks with our 9 children that are headed off to Kindergarten in September! We are so excited for their new ventures and will enjoy our time playing and learning with them over the summer.

 

Please remember to pull in the top of the driveway and park parallel to the fence- this leaves room for others to come and go 😀

 

 

 

 

Summer Adventures! What to pack!?

Blind Bay Munchkins The Outsiders Updates

 

 

What Do I Need to Know About Summer Day Camps!?

 

Everyday consists of a new adventure- Be ready for swimming, hiking, outdoor exploration, crafts, games, sports and outdoor fun!!

Everyday we head somewhere new whether it be a beach or river on the Shuswap to the many outdoor pools our area has to offer, along with mountain adventures, games, crafts, sports and all around outdoor adventures.

We are an outdoor based program and will be spending our days outside! Send your child prepared for the day!

What Do I Need to Send With My Child?

  • Swim Suit
  • Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Big Nutritious Lunch and Snacks
  • Shoes appropriate for hiking
  • Sun Hat
  • Labeled Life Jacket if your child requires one
  • Re-usable bag for swim gear!

 

We look forward to a summer full of fun & adventure!

 

 

Shuswap Explorers Newsletter

Blind Bay Munchkins Shuswap Explorers Updates

 

Summer is quickly approaching!!

We’ve had another great year at Shuswap Explorers After School Program and look forward to another fun year!

If you will be needing after school care in September please register online and secure your space. Spaces are limited!

A $50.00 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold your space for September.

If you will be needing summer care at all over the summer or would like to put your kids in a fun adventure camp for a week or two over the summer- check out our Summit Kids program based out of Salmon Arm. We offer full day adventure camps Monday to Friday. Bus heads out at 9 am and is back by 4pm. Our opening hours are from 7:30am to 6:00pm.

Please remember to let us know if your child will not be attending the after school program on their scheduled day!

A quick text can do wonders! THANK YOU!! 250-803-2996