AEYC-SEA

Bones, Bones, Bones at the Downtown Library

2012-03-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

In February, AEYC took over the Downtown library again for our monthly Family Night. The theme this month was Bones, Bones, Bones. Thanks to our special guest, Kristin Romanoff, from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for bringing lots of animal bones for us to explore, reading a story about bones, and sharing her knowledge with everyone!

Special Guest, Kristen Romanoff, talks about bones!

A grand total of 115 people stopped by Family Night in February, all these people put together have (at least) 23,690 bones in their bodies!

Families make q-tip skeletons of themselves!

Q-tip skeletons with each person's face as the head, and dog bone fossils!

Activities included Make-your-own dog bone fossils (you could even bring the bone home to your dog afterward!) and Q-tip skeletons.

Some people decided to wear their bones
on the outside for this event...

Making a dog bone fossil with clay!

Kids in the Capitol 2012

2012-03-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the nearly 60 children from local early learning programs that pulled a little red wagon through the Capitol during Valentine’s week to deliver hand made valentines, thank you cards, and the Invest In Young Children packet to each and every legislator.

The children were great ambassadors for the cause of support funding of early learning programs such as Best Beginnings, Parents As Teachers, thread ROOTS awards, Head Start, and Infant Learning.

Special thanks to Kueni Maake from ABC Center, Lisa Arehart from Tlingtit and Haida Head Start, Roseanne Funk from Neighborhood Kids, Blue Shibler from Discovery Preschool, and Lupita Alvarez, our First Lady of Juneau, a dedicated early educator, as well as AEYC staff Nikki Morris, Robin Bergey, Lauren Brooks, Cathleen Balantic, and Joy Lyon.

Families Love Family Night at the Turf!

2012-03-05T16:17:00.002-08:00

Families in Juneau have been avoiding cabin fever this Winter by meeting with friends and getting some exercise at Family Night at the Turf. This event takes place on the 4th Friday of every month from 4:30-6pm at the Dimond Park Field House (www.dimondparkfieldhouse.org).

Birds-eye view of the Turf during the month of February

79 people attended in January and 141 people were present in February. Don't let this deter you from coming, at the Turf, we've got enough toys for everyone!

Older siblings sometimes help keep track of their younger siblings!

Thanks to all the dads, grampas, uncles, brothers, etc. who filled out the survey in January about being a guy and caring for young children in Juneau. This information will be used to create a brand new Father's Toolkit with materials and resources for the men in Juneau who care for young children. Your input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks to all the families who donated baby food and other items in February to be given to the SE Alaska Food Bank! Your contribution will go to families with young children here in Juneau. If you missed your chance this time around, we'll have another food drive later this year.

Hula hoops, although edible to some, were not accepted at the food drive!

An Orange in January!

2012-01-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Did you ever wonder how that delicious orange makes it all the way to Juneau in the middle of the winter? On January 3 at the Downtown Library in Juneau, families got together to celebrate citrus fruit and learn where it comes from!

Activities included: citrus taste-testing where people voted for their favorite citrus (lemon, grapefruit, or orange?); and making orange-clove air fresheners!

We were joined by David Ottoson of Rainbow Foods and he read stories about citrus fruit and talked to us about how these fruits make it all the way to our grocery stores in the middle of the winter.

The next downtown library family night is on February 7th from 5:30-7pm and the theme is Fairy Tales! We hope to see you there!

Cool Cats!

2011-12-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

The final downtown library Family Night of 2011 happened on December 6th. The theme, Cool Cats, was definitely the cat's meow. Families made paper bag cat puppets and painted their faces like cats (or other creatures).

A family works on their paper bag puppet together.

Rachel from Gastineau Humane Society visited us bringing along her feline friend. She talked briefly about cats and then families were invited to pet our (feline) guest before both visitors returned to the Humane Society.

Children visit with our restless furry friend.

The evening ended with a story about a dog who acted more like a cat and a surprise visit from a big black dog who was, in fact, dressed as a cat!

Surprise! Do you think this dog really wants to be a cat?

Dance Together!

2011-12-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

In October, Family Night at the Turf became an evening of dance/movement related activities! Several families were in attendance and participated in free-style dance to some fun tunes as well as a creative movement session where we acted out a nature walk using our imaginations and bodies.

A blur of arms and legs during our creative movement activity!

Of course, the usual Turf activities were available. Many new families attended Family Night in October and were given a great example of what a great time it is! Free dance- and movement-themed books were given to each child who participated in dance activities. We continue to invite families from nearby neighborhoods and communities to attend this event!

Kids hitch a ride as one father gets his exercise by pulling them around!

One family samples the free books before deciding which one to take home.

Time for a snack break... This family has a picnic on the Turf! A common sight at Family Night!

Be Seen on Halloween!

2011-10-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Limousines, dinosaurs, and free books! At Be Seen on Halloween this past Saturday, kids and their families got to hang out with Reflectorsaurus of Safe Routes to School and learn about safety while walking and crossing the road.

Families were also invited into a stretch limo for some hot chocolate and a story! Each child received a Halloween goodie bag with a free book, activities, reflectors, recipes, and more! You can expect find AEYC popping up throughout the community this year, keep your eyes peeled!

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out with this event and all the agencies that made it possible: Best Beginnings, United Way, Safe Routes to School Program, Alaska Department of Transportation & Facilities, Tlingit & Haida Housing Authority, Juneau Limousine, and SAGA.

Stop, Drop, and Roll!

2011-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

October family night at the Downtown library was hot, hot, hot! 88 people showed up to Stop, Drop, and Roll night! Activities included: make-your-own fire dogs, custom fit fire caps, and free pizza!

Of course, the best part of the evening was being able to meet three local firefighters, read a story with them, and explore a real fire truck!

We look forward to seeing everyone in November for "Family Stories" night!

For more library events, check out the website: Juneau Public Libraries!

Family Night at the Turf

2011-09-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 23rd marked the first evening of Family Night at the Turf this year. 81 young children and families attended the event, many of whom had never been to Turf night before.

Many toys and activities are available at Turf nights including hula hoops, lots of balls, giant parachute, tricycles, soccer nets, and more. By far, the best part of the evening was spending time with family and making new friends.

You can also sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at Turf Night. Children signed up receive a free book in the mail every month until they turn 5! Snacks, fun, and friends are always guaranteed at Turf Night. This event takes place every 4th Friday of the month from 4:30-6pm. See you there on October 28th!

"Under the Sea" Family Night Fun!

2011-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's family night at Gruening Park was attented by 65 children and family members, and 5 people were signed up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (Click here to check it out!)! The theme was "Under the Sea".

We made paper plate fish, went fishing for fish crackers for a snack, and were visited by Rich Mattson from DIPAC fish hatchery! He brought along some ocean creatures for everyone to get to know and also read a story about life under the sea.

Ketchikan Family Night at the Children's Library!

2011-09-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

78 people (and a few feathered friends) attended the kick-off of the 5th year of Family Night at the Children's Library in Ketchikan.

The stars of the evening were the raptors from the Wayne and Jerry Thompson Southeast Wildlife Center.

The next family night will be November 20th with guest speaker, Tiffany Cook, from Wells Fargo bank. Many thanks to Wells Fargo for providing pizza and refreshments; and to First Book for providing the books given out to each family.

HEARTS: New Child Care Initiative for Juneau

2011-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Child care may be bolstered in Juneau Juneau Empire - Alaska's Capital City Online Newspaper

AEYC Movie Premiere!

2011-07-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Check out our AEYC movie here!
http://vimeo.com/26937773

Family Engagement In Gustavus

2011-07-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Two parenting classes and a family night were held at the Gustavus Library in June. We learned about whales, made our own ice cream and turned into a moving glacier before we enjoyed this delicious "natural" treat!

SEA Dogs!

2011-07-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

May Library Family Night

The library was full of furry friends on Tuesday night. Well actually, only one, I bet we fooled you with all of those canine look-a-likes in the photos below. We learned all about search and rescue dogs and how helpful they can be. To demonstrate this idea, a young child was hidden in the stacks of the library and Ky, the rescue dog, went off barking around the library and to everyone surprise, found him!

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day!

2011-07-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Mayor Bruce Botelho signed a proclamation on behalf of the City and Borough of Juneau declaring May 6th, 2011 Child Care Appreciation Day, in recognition of child care providers, teachers and other early educators of young children. Started in 1996, National Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day, and promoted by the National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and other early childhood organizations.

Deputy Mayor Merril Sanford presented the proclamation at a reception last night, May 5th hosted by the Association for the Education of Young Children Southeast Alaska, in partnership with thread, Best Beginnings, and United Way.

“Most parents of young children are in the workforce, and while they are out there earning, hard working child care providers are doing all they can to ensure children are learning,” said Nikki Morris, Family Services Coordinator for AEYC. According to AEYC, there are over 100 child care providers serving over 800 of Juneau’s youngest citizens in 36 licensed child care programs.

Also recognized at the event were Blue Shibler, owner of Discovery Preschool, who was one of 50 individuals recognized as National Child Care Teacher of 2011 by the Terry Lynn Locke Foundation at an award presentation in Philadelphia last month. Ms. Shibler opened Discovery Preschool in 2009 with the support of the Alaska Legislative Affairs Council to provide care for children of legislators, legislative staff, state employees, and the City and Borough of Juneau.

Samantha Adams, owner of TLC Childcare was given a round of applause for her recent recognition as one of three Outstanding Early Childhood Educators and Advocates of 2011. Ms. Adams currently operates a group home for 12 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and is working toward opening a nature-based program for school age children this summer. The City and Borough of Juneau proclamation urges all citizens to recognize Child Care Providers for their important work.

Sing-Along Stories

2011-07-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

April 2011 Library Family Night
Juneau's youngest rock-stars prepared for the upcoming Alaska Folk Festival at the library with their homemade kazoos and songs led by Teri Tibbett. We read a story, had some great snacks and learned some new songs and dance moves. This crowd is ready to rock and roll!

Imagination Library Graduation!

2011-07-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

This year 167 “graduates” of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and are headed to Kindergarten in the fall. Children and their families celebrated with an evening of family fun at DIPAC fish hatchery. The “graduates” enjoyed the touch tanks, music with Kathy Fanning, and a delicious supper. Some of the children attending have been enrolled in the program since birth to receive a new book in the mail each month, for a total of 60 books now in their home library. The program helps children become strong readers and ready for success by the time they enter kindergarten. The program is made possible through the support of Best Beginnings, AEYC, Communities In Schools, Friends of the Juneau Public Libraries, the Juneau Empire,Bartlett Regional Hospital, Coeur Alaska- Kensington Gold Mine, Douglas-Dornan Foundation,United Way of SE Alaska, and many generous local sponsors. For more information or to become a sponsor, call AEYC at 789-1235 or www.aeyc-sea.org

Beaches, Boots & Blueberries: Learning Through Nature

2011-07-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Building tree forts, watching ant parades, collecting beach rocks...many adults have vivid childhood memories of running free outdoors. What are children today going to remember as their favorite outdoor experiences? Nearly 250 early childhood educators from over 17 communities came to learn and reflect on this question at the "Beaches, Boots and Blueberries: Learning Through Nature" Southeast Alaska early childhood conference, March 10th – 12^th at Centennial Hall sponsored by AEYC in partnership with the Juneau Children Outdoors Community Coalition.

There were over 30 workshop sessions to choose from, with special guests Martin LeBlanc; vice president of the Children and Nature Network, Leon Smith; with “Earthplay” and Jack Dalton of Raven Feathers and the Wind.

A big "Thanks!" to the following organizations that helped make this year's conference a success!

Alaska AEYC, Best Beginnings, thread,Tlingit and Haida Child Care Assistance, Juneau Children Outdoors Community Coalition, Lakeshore Learning, Kaplan Early Learning Company, Community Playthings, State of Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Abby's Kitchen, Carl Rose and the Association of Alaska School Boards, SAGA Americorp Members, the Baker family, KTOO, KINY, Juneau Empire, Rich Lyon of Wilson Engineering and Mark Kelly for the donation of nature photography.

Finally, thank you to all our fabulous presenters who donated their time and expertise: Shirley Pittz, Shelia Wray, Rich Mattson, Joyanne Bloom, Joy Lyon, Kristen Romanoff, Lynne Osheim, Carrie Lindoff, Krista Bertholl, Linda Squibb, Chris Thomas, Sue Baxter, Karin Halpin, Sam Adams, Beth Weigel, Cathleen Balantic, Nate Heck, Jennifer Nu, Ed Buyarski, Cori Stennett, Rosanne Funk, Terrie Chang, Van Waggoner and Nicole Ferraro.

WOW! The Wonders Of Weather

2011-07-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

March 2011 Library Family Night

We made a cloud in a bottle and learned all about the wonders of weather! To express ourselves, we dipped chalk in water and drew our own interpretations of wind, rain, sunshine, snow and more!

Kids In The Capitol

2011-07-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

February 2011

Groups from local child cares, preschools and head starts were at the Capitol this week advocating for early care in learning. Along with a valentine and some chocolate, all 60 legislators received the updated McDowell Economic Impact study of early care and learning, Invest in Young Children Public Policy Priorities 2011 and Alaska Children: Today & Tomorrow poster. The little lobbyists were very well received and certainly made quite an impact!

Cozy Times w/ Crazy Quilts!

2011-07-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

February 2011 Library Family Night

We made our own quilts, learned all about the art of quilting from some local quilters and enjoyed heart shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in honor of Valentines' Day! And of course, read a great story and went home with a new book!

I think I can. I think I can.

2011-07-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

December 2010 Library Family Night

Good times were had by all on a Tuesday night at the Juneau Downtown Library. Our conductors in training worked hard making their own trains out of paper towel roles and even looked the part with their own train conductor hats. We had a real life train conductor come to share Dolly Parton's favorite story, "The Little Engine That Could." Everyone went home with a new book, some great healthy snacks, a new hat, confindence and a smile :)

Children & The Red Thread

2011-07-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Juneau’s youngest artists had an opportunity to
display their incredible creativity in an elegant setting, with live piano music and red refreshments, including chocolate dipped strawberries and cranberry sparkling cider. The “Children and the Red Thread” event featured over 150 pieces by local toddler and preschool artists from 15 different early learning programs, at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center as part of the First Friday Gallery Walk on Friday September 3rd 2010. Local child care programs were each given a skein of red yarn as a medium, to see what children could create. Many of the pieces reflected our southeast Alaskan environment – from life size halibut, a catch of red crabs, to a magical macaroni mermaid.

The event was hosted by AEYC and thread in celebration of the first anniversary of thread: Alaska’s Child Care Resource and Referral Network in Juneau. thread is the new name and brand for the Child Care Resource and Referral services funded through a grant from the State of Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services. The network joins together across the state to: help parents find quality care, support the quality and professional development of early learning programs, and to promote community awareness and support for affordable quality child care.

The artwork will be on display through October 15 at the our office in the Juneau Empire building, second floor north, 3100 Glacier Highway, Suite 215

January Born Learning Bulletin

2011-01-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Check it out here!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Born-Learning--January-Parent-Bulletin.html?soid=1103909274750&aid=Y3dPdJ_P6iU

Send an email to southeastfamilies@gmail.com to receive these bulletins each month in your inbox!

Join Us at the Upcoming AEYC Early Childhood Confernece!

2011-01-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

Beaches, Boots, & Blueberries: Learning through Nature
AEYC Early Childhood Conference
March 10-12, 2011
Centennial Hall, Juneau, Alaska

Conference information and registration is available on our website: http://www.aeyc-sea.org/.