Small Wonders Daycare

Summer jobs are in full swing at Elmcrest. Residents from age 14 and up are learning skills and earning money at jobs on campus. For six weeks this summer, 19 students have taken on the responsibilities of baking in the kitchen, landscaping on the grounds, janitorial services in the buildings, and customer service in the coffee house.

These boys and girls are part of Elmcrest’s EPIC program, (Education/Exploration, Preparation, Involvement, Community) designed to provide job readiness for students. Youth interviewing for jobs need to show some commitment to work on behavior/treatment issues and do reasonably well in school.

The EPIC program teaches them how to apply for jobs, act professionally in a work environment, and develop problem solving skills. They also learn how to manage income, create a budget and the importance of savings. Pay is provided by CNY Works, a local not-for-profit corporation that provides workforce information and brings businesses together with job seekers.

On the fast track to employment success, two Elmcrest youth earned more than wages from their summer job. Their experience brought them a SAFESERV Food Handling Certificate, a very valuable certification that lasts for three years. This will be an impressive assist to finding future job opportunities in the food service industry. Congratulations to all the boys and girls at Elmcrest, working hard at preparing for their future.

Girl Scouts celebrate grand opening of new sensory-friendly playground in Central Square Girl Scouts in Central Square celebrated the grand opening of a sensory-friendly playground on Sunday, which was part of a long-term project to help their community. Katie Haberer, a Girl Scout leader who oversaw the project, said the girls were tasked with identifying a need within their community....

Having fun in the sun!

So long Pre-K. It’s been fun! Look out kindergarten, here we come!

Some outdoor play and exploration for our toddler friends.

Happy Monday from the Toddler Room!

Some of our Green Caterpillar friends making and playing with edible mud. Thank goodness for paper towels... :-)

Our creative little ones helped craft some of our Summer boards. Which one is your favorite?

Check out our beautiful outdoor toddler play area where our little ones explore nature, burn off some energy, and develop social skills with their friends.