FSU Childcare & Early Learning Program

If you are looking to get rid of some kiddo shoes, the center could use some. ☺️

To all of our 2022 graduates- you are going to do GREAT things and change the world with your knowledge, bravery and resilience. You will do it with kindness and open-mindness.

To our parents - Thank you for ALL of your support and feedback. Most importantly, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family!

Congratulations and best wishes in your next journey!

Paige Callahan
I am graduating with a bachelor's degree majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biological Sciences and Psychology. I plan to apply to graduate school to obtain my doctorate in occupational therapy.

Maria Schlecht
I’m graduating this weekend with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a minor in Childhood Development! I plan on taking a gap year and working as an assistant preschool teacher (here at FSU!), and then will be going to grad school for Early Childhood Education.

Delaney Wheeler
Degree received: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
Minors: Biology & Chemistry
Plans moving forward: moving to St. Petersburg to work as a medical assistant before applying to physician assistant

Julia Barker
I am graduating this summer with a Masters in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am attending UCF in August for a Masters in Family and Marriage Therapy!

Emily Capote
I will be graduating in August and going to another job.
Degree receiving: Bachelor’s of Science
Major/Minor: Psychology major with Family Child Sciences Minor
Plans moving forward: working at Florida State University Schools in the elementary school

Sidney Starman
I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry and child development as well as a certificate in developmental disabilities. After graduating, I plan to work as an ophthalmic assistant/scribe as I study for the MCAT and prepare to apply to medical school next summer!

Cami Redden
Graduating with Bachelor's degree; major in Human Development, minors in Biology and Chemistry. After graduation, I will pursue a second bachelor's in Nursing Sciences.

Rebecca Vasile
I first just wanted to say that my two years here was very formative and that I will miss it greatly. I graduated in December of 2021 with a degree in psychology and a minor in child development. Starting in the Fall, I will be starting my Ph.D. in reading education here at FSU.

Caitlin Adams
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology
• My plans moving forward are to move back home to South Florida where I will be taking a gap year and working at an Elementary School before going to grad school for School Psychology.

We would like to congratulate our student teachers and staff on achieving their degrees this summer and would like to put them in the spotlight!

We are so proud of them and thankful for all they have done for our program, children and families. We all wish you the very best in your next journey!

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Alejandra (Ale, pronounced “Ally”) Barocio as the program’s Faculty Pod Leader for the Wobbler classrooms.

As the Faculty Pod Leader Ale is responsible for the leadership in the early education of children (12-20 months old) including developing curricula for classroom and assistant teachers; developing and conducting classroom instruction; maintaining appropriate records and evaluations related to the participation, performance and accomplishments of children enrolled in the program; conducting regular developmental assessments; working with the Early Intervention Specialist to determine priorities and adapted lesson plans for children with exceptionalities; and regularly updating each child’s classroom file. Ale will oversee, supervise, train and evaluate the instructional staff for both classrooms in pod.

Ale started working at the FSU Childcare Center in spring 2018. She started as an Assistant Teacher and later became the Lead Teacher in Walkers 1. Ale got her Bachelor’s degree from FSU in Family and Child Sciences with a certificate in Developmental Disabilities. She just graduated with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction past semester. Along with her extensive experience and training working with young children, she has experience working with children with special needs. Ale is interested in going back to school in the future to learn more about how to create an inclusive environment in the classroom. Ale will officially start her new role with the program on Friday, July 8th.

‘I have been working with children for as long as I can remember. At the age of 13 I decided I wanted to be a teacher for young children. I love having the chance to work with our wobblers and do everything I can to create a safe and loving environment so that they feel comfortable and excited to learn.’

We are so excited to have Ale on board in this leadership role and are looking forward to having her grow with the program and providing the children with the very highest quality of education and care.

So excited to welcome Audrey back as our Faculty Pod Leader for infants and crawlers next week!

Hello, Parents!

I am so excited about returning to FSU Childcare to be the Faculty Pod Leader for Infant/Crawler.

A little bit about me: I was born and raised in south Alabama, I am the oldest of three girls. I graduated from FSU in 2019. While at FSU I spent 2.5 years working at FSU childcare as an OPS teacher. I loved every minute of working at FSU, so I am thrilled to be coming back! Since leaving FSU in 2019, I have been a full time preschool teacher in Charleston, South Carolina.

When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with family and friends. I also like to travel, whether it be a day trip or a long vacation. I love to watch and cheer for many different sports teams, both college and professional.

I can’t wait to love on , teach, and encourage your little ones as they grow and develop!

Teacher Appreciation Week (Day 4)
Unfortunately we didn't get pictures today but the Chick-fil-A lunch was enjoyed so much! Thank you!!!!

FSUCML Open House

Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos! Check our the Marine Lab Open House...
https://marinelab.fsu.edu/outreach_education/special-events/open-house/

FSUCML Open House FSUCML's Open House highlights the importance of improving human awareness of the tight linkages between healthy ecosystems and healthy societies. Think of our local habitats -- seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, saltmarshes, and other wetlands that protect their inhabitants, retain sediments and dampe...

Building trust: Teddy Bear Clinic helps ease children's anxiety about doctor visits

Such a great event! Thank you Taylor Posey & FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Interest Group students!

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/family/2022/01/25/teddy-bear-clinic-eases-childrens-anxiety-doctor-visits/6637366001/?fbclid=IwAR0NCPqsfQR5Mf2RJ8ArEG-SNr37Qr-ZsxTTnBiFUN5esYIOtIzxNzlZcFk

Building trust: Teddy Bear Clinic helps ease children's anxiety about doctor visits Using teddy bears, med students showed the children at the FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program the basics of a health exam.

Leon County Hosts Third Annual Community Gingerbread House Competition
Sugar and spice and all things nice are in store at the Leon County Main Library

WHO: Leon County Government
WHAT: Third Annual Community Gingerbread House Competition Display and Awards Announcement
WHEN: Saturday, December 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. Awards will be announced at 2 p.m.
WHERE: LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library, 200 W. Park Ave.

Join Leon County Government for the Third Annual Gingerbread House Competition on Saturday, December 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue.

Citizens are invited to put their design skills to the test in this family-friendly Gingerbread House Competition for a chance to win gift card prizes. One winner from each age category (child, teen and adult) will be selected. Ahead of the event, citizens can pick up free grab-and-go gingerbread-themed youth activity bags at all Library locations.

Entrants can drop off their confectionary creations at the Leon County Main Library on Friday, December 3 from 5 to 6 p.m. or on Saturday, December 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. Entries will be on display to the public from 1 to 3 p.m. on December 4, and awards will be announced at 2 p.m.

Learn more about the competition and register to participate here.

In addition to the Gingerbread House Competition, on December 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Main Library is hosting Andy’s Room: Life-Size Toy Box for children in preschool through elementary school. Attendees can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through fun activities, and enjoy snacks, photos ops and more. Andy’s Room will travel between Library locations throughout December and January. View the schedule here.

For more information, contact Michelle Ray, Learning & Workforce Services Manager, at (850) 606-2665 / [email protected] or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / [email protected].

Penguin Palooza
Come learn abou t penguins and sustainability at this FREE environmentally-friendly, educational carnival...with games, relay races, fun pictures, snacks & more! Your chance to win awesome prizes and learn about the world around us! Masks Required.

Ms. Stephanie is starting a donation drive....

Hi friends! I'm sure you have heard, but just in case you haven't, Louisiana and Mississippi have been hit by a catastrophic and record-breaking hurricane. The people of this area lost close to everything, including their homes. We will be holding a donation drive at the center through September 17th. A list of suggested donations and more information can be found below. Any little bit helps.

Please let her know if you have any questions! Thanks!

Spreading joy in our community!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4796340827107813&id=258462990895642

Thank you to the children at FSU Childcare & Early Learning Program for spreading their holiday cheer to the seniors in our community! ❤️

www.dss.virginia.gov

The Story of the Oyster and the Butterfly: The Corona Virus and Me
By Ana M Gomez

What do oysters do when something bothers them? What do butterflies do when they have to go through tough changes?
What super powers do we have to cope with the pandemic?

https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/covid-19-docs/oyster_and_butterfly_ana_gomez_book.pdf

dss.virginia.gov

Sending some sunshine to our Senior community members!
https://www.facebook.com/eldercaretally/photos/a.336413399767267/4500818333326732/?type=3&theater

Thank you Elder Care Services!
https://www.facebook.com/eldercaretally/photos/a.336413399767267/4500818343326731/?type=3&theater

Loving our Senior community members!
https://www.facebook.com/eldercaretally/photos/a.336413399767267/4500818366660062/?type=3&theater

We may be little but we have BIG Hearts!
Children have sent art to Seniors in our community to let them know that they are not forgotten in this pandemic.
https://www.facebook.com/eldercaretally/photos/a.336413399767267/4500818459993386/?type=3&theater

Welcome to our newest team members!
We are so excited to have them onboard and look forward to the many great contributions they will make to our program!

Welcome to our new faculty pod leader.. Lindsey Fasce

As you know we have been in the process of hiring a faculty member for the Tweener Pod. This has been a long process that was interrupted by COVID-19 and the closure of the Center in April. However, we are very excited to announce our new Faculty Pod Leader for the Tweener Pod…Lindsey Fasce!

Lindsey Fasce received her Bachelor’s Degree in 2017 In Anthropology and History. In 2019 she completed her Master’s degree in Information and Library Science with a concentration in Information Needs of Children. Lindsey has 10 years of experience in the childcare field. She began working with our program in 2016 as an Assistant Teacher in the Preschool Pod. Lindsey has been our interim Tweener Pod Lead Teacher during the hiring process.

Some fun facts about Lindsey to get to know her better:

Favorite food: Italian (father is 100% Italian).

Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice and Howls Moving Castle.

Favorite movies: Studio Ghibli films, Mulan, Cinderella, and Pride and Prejudice (2005).

Favorite place: DISNEY WORLD.

She loves watching Korean and Chinese TV dramas and listening to Korean music.

We are thrilled to have her as a part of our faculty leadership team and look forward to the many great ideas that she will bring to our program, families and children.

Please join us in sending her a warm welcome and congratulations!

Dear Families,
We have partnered with Elder Care Services to brighten the days of Seniors in our area that have become even more isolated because of COVID-19. The children have created artwork and cards that will be delivered.
Be sure to like and follow Eldercare Services' page for photos!

https://www.facebook.com/eldercaretally/

With heavy hearts, FSU Childcare is remembering our friend Michael Ojo today. He will be missed.

Congratulations to all of our PK grads!!!
Please share pictures of your graduates!
Or you can email me at [email protected]

Looking for Excellent “Diverse” Books for Children? Start Here!

https://www.embracerace.org/resources/where-to-find-diverse-childrens-books

embracerace.org Recommended resources for finding excellent and "diverse" children's books.

Black Doctors From The University Of Virginia Create Children’s Book To Explain Coronavirus Pandemic

https://www.facebook.com/1803864436525784/posts/2666452026933683/

becauseofthemwecan.com This is so needed! Two Black doctors from the University of Virginia decided to create a book to help explain the coronavirus pandemic to children, NBC29 reports. Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb, Dr. Ebony Hilton, and illustrator Ashleigh Corrin Webb teamed up to write a children’s book that would explain the ...

To all of our families and children! We are still here for you!
Stay safe!

We may be far apart, but we are still planning for our children and families. We miss you all! ❤️

FSU Alert

CENTER CLOSING TODAY AT 12:15PM

Dear Families,
The University and the Center will close today at 12:15 PM due to severe weather. Please plan to pick up your child by 12:15 PM today.

For more information about the current operational status of the University please visit FSU Alert at https://alerts.fsu.edu/

alerts.fsu.edu If you have received an FSU Alert, refresh this page and scroll down for official emergency information and instructions.

FSU Alert

CENTER CLOSED TOMORROW AT 3:00 PM

Dear Families,
The University and the Center will close tomorrow at 3:00 PM due to severe weather. Please plan to pick up your child by 3:00 PM tomorrow.

For more information about the current operational status of the University please visit FSU Alert at https://alerts.fsu.edu/

alerts.fsu.edu If you have received an FSU Alert, refresh this page and scroll down for official emergency information and instructions.

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Tallahassee Balloon festival

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=125817868892634&id=107925710681850

freshtix.com Hot Air Balloons, Kids Zone, Laser Show, Over 100 Vendors, Great Food!

Baby sign language helps ease frustration, communication of young children

https://www.thegazette.com/subject/life/people-places/baby-sign-language-helps-ease-frustration-communication-of-young-children-20160304?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=postplanner&utm_source=facebook.com

thegazette.com Your baby is throwing a tantrum, but you can't figure out why. Frustrating, right? Probably not just for you.

Happy New year!
We would like to welcome all of our new and returning families!
To help you ease back into the semester after a long break, we will have coffee, tea and to go snacks for our parents in the morning. Please help yourself.
Wishing you a very happy New year and spring semester!

Too Much Structured Playtime - Child Trends

https://www.childtrends.org/videos/too-much-structured-playtime

childtrends.org SEATTLE, Wash. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- We’ve all seen it. Maybe we’re guilty ourselves of being parents who want their kids in every lesson and on every team. But we may not be doing kids any favors, as far as helping them develop what’s called self-directed executive function. That means settin...

A child’s brain develops faster with exposure to music education

https://www.facebook.com/1803864436525784/posts/2457881404457414/

musiceducationworks.wordpress.com A study by researchers at the University of Southern California shows that exposure to music and music instruction accelerates the brain development of young children.

FSU Alert

CENTER OPERATIONS AND HURRICANE DORIAN

As you know many around the state are watching the track of Hurricane Dorian. The university is also monitoring its track and any associated weather that may impact university operations. The center follows the direction of the university in the event of severe weather and will close if instructed to do so.

Should the center close we will send out an email to everyone. Please continue to monitor the FSU Alert page for updates on the status of all university operations. https://alerts.fsu.edu/

Please let us know if you have any questions.

alerts.fsu.edu If you have received an FSU Alert message, additional emergency information and instructions will be posted here as it becomes available. Refresh this page for updated information.