The Early Childhood Center
August 2026
October 2026
Hello ECC Families,
October has arrived at Shorian Early Childhood Center, and we couldn't be more excited for everything this month has in store! October brings several important events, including our first Parent Engagement Committee meeting, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and some fun fall celebrations your children will love. Thank you, as always, for partnering with us and for your continued involvement in your child's early learning journey.
We hope to see you at our first Parent Engagement Committee (PEC) meeting on Tuesday, October 6th at 6:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families, hear updates about our program, and share your voice in shaping the Shorian community.
Update Regarding Mum Sale Pickups
Thank you to everyone who made our Mum Sale a huge success!
Mums will be ready for pickup on Monday, October 5th, beginning at 12:00 PM. Pickup will take place outside near the main entrance of the Community Center. Upon arrival, please check in with staff to receive your distribution order list before collecting your order. Please note that the Center will close early, at 5:00 PM, on October 5th.
A Note on Fall Celebrations
We're looking forward to celebrating fall together! On Thursday, October 29th, we'll hold a school-wide/center-wide costume parade at 9:00 AM.
More information will be sent home after our Parent Engagement Committee meeting, so please watch for that communication. Students are welcome to come to school in their costume; for everyone's comfort and safety, we ask that costumes do not include heavy face makeup, masks, or weapons/props, and that they be comfortable enough for a full day of play and learning.
On Friday, October 30th ( during the school day), all families are welcome to join us for a Petting Zoo and Fall Fun — a wonderful way to close out the month together. More info to be sent out soon.
As always, thank you for being such an important part of your child's learning community. Wishing your family a wonderful October!
With gratitude,
The Shorian Early Childhood Center Team
Fire Safety
October is Fire Safety Month! Our next fire drill is scheduled for October 8th. Please take a moment to prepare your student for this and help reassure them that they are safe. Below you will find a list of books about Fire Safety.
The SCS Fire Department will be visiting the ECC on 10/28.
First Then
Communication Tip: Using "First-Then" Language
You may hear us use "first-then" language in the classroom — and it's a simple strategy you can use at home too! Instead of just stating an expectation, we break it into two clear, sequential steps: "First we clean up, then we go outside" or "First wash hands, then snack."
Why it works:
- Builds predictability — children know exactly what's coming next, which reduces anxiety and resistance
- Supports executive function — it helps young brains practice sequencing and planning, skills that are still developing
- Reduces power struggles — it's not a threat or a bribe, just a clear roadmap, so it feels less like a demand
- Works for all learners — it's especially helpful for children with language delays, autism, or attention differences, but benefits every child
Try it at home: Keep it short and concrete. "First shoes on, then playground" works better than a long explanation. Say the "first" step in the same breath as the "then" step so the connection is clear.
👋November News!
Infants (0–12 Months) | Ratio 1:4 | November Theme: Cause & Effect: I Make Things Happen
Staff Names: Ms. Holly and Ms. Briana
Happy November, Infant Families! Babies are discovering something powerful this month: they can make things happen! Banging, shaking, and back-and-forth exchanges are all building their earliest understanding of cause and effect.
What We're Learning This Month
Approaches to Learning
AL 2.1
Repeating Actions That Produce a Response
What we're doing: We offer toys that react to touch — rattles, buttons, mirrors — and celebrate when babies repeat the action.
Why it matters: Repeating cause-and-effect actions builds problem-solving skills and a sense of "I can make this happen."
Try it at home: Offer a toy that makes a sound or light when touched and watch your baby experiment with it.
Science
SCI 1.1
Banging, Shaking & Dropping to Observe Results
What we're doing: We provide safe objects for banging, shaking, and dropping, and talk about what happens each time.
Why it matters: Observing results of actions is a baby's earliest form of scientific experimentation.
Try it at home: Let your baby safely bang a spoon on a pot or shake a container with rice inside.
LANGUAGE & LITERACY
LIT 1.3
Vocalizing in Back-and-Forth Exchanges
What we're doing: We respond to every babble with a sound or word, building true back-and-forth "conversations."
Why it matters: Vocal turn-taking is the earliest form of conversation and builds language development.
Try it at home: When your baby babbles, respond right away and wait for them to babble again — keep the exchange going!
MATHEMATICS
MATH 1.3
Exploring Sizes & Shapes Through Touch
What we're doing: We offer objects of different sizes and shapes for babies to touch, hold, and compare.
Why it matters: Exploring shape and size through touch builds the earliest spatial reasoning skills.
Try it at home: Offer two different-sized safe objects and let your baby explore both with their hands
Learning at Home This Month
Offer a toy that reacts to touch and let baby experiment.
Let baby safely bang or shake a safe container.
Respond to every babble and keep the "conversation" going.
Offer objects of different sizes and shapes to explore.
Book Corner — Ask at the Library!
Tickle, Tickle by Helen Oxenbury
Where Is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Important Dates in November
◆ Center closed November 2 and November 3,2026
◆ Thanksgiving Break (Center Closed) — November 25–27, 2026
A Note from Your Teacher
We would like to WELCOME Ms. Corrine to our class.
We had an amazing October with all of our friends. We celebrated 2 birthdays this month, Gino and Veer. Happy 1st Birthday. We hope everyone had a great October too and was able to get outside and enjoy the weather. We hope everyone enjoyed all of the artwork your child has done.
In November we will be singing songs and reading stories about Thanksgiving. We will be working on rolling over, crawling, sitting up sharing our toys with our friends.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Classroom Reminders
Please continue to make sure that everything is properly labeled, including bottles and the caps of bottles. Food containers should also be labeled with the child’s first and last name and the date.
Thank you for helping us stay consistent with this and ensuring everything is clearly identified!
🍎November News!
Young Toddler(12–22 Months) | Ratio 1:4 | November Theme: Yummy! Foods & Nutrition Basics
Staff Names: Ms. Jenette, Ms. Skye, Ms. Hailey
Hello Toddler Families! We're talking all about food this November — naming favorites, practicing self-feeding, and noticing how different foods look, taste, and feel.
What We're Learning This Month
Language and Literacy
LIT 1.3
Identifying Familiar Foods by Name
What we're doing: We name foods during meals and snack time, encouraging toddlers to point to and name their favorites.
Why it matters: Naming familiar objects builds vocabulary and gives toddlers a sense of control over their world.
Try it at home: Name foods together at the grocery store or dinner table — let your toddler point and repeat.
Health & Physical Development
HPD 1.2
Practicing Self-Feeding with a Spoon
What we're doing: We offer child-sized spoons and encourage independent self-feeding at every meal, with support as needed.
Why it matters: Self-feeding builds fine motor skills, independence, and confidence at mealtimes.
Try it at home: Let your toddler practice using a spoon at home, even if it's a little messy — practice makes progress!
Science
SCI 1.2
Noticing Similarities & Differences in Foods
What we're doing: We compare foods by color, texture, and taste, talking about what's the same and what's different.
Why it matters: Comparing foods builds early observation and classification skills in a meaningful, everyday context.
Try it at home: Talk about how foods are the same or different at snack time: "This is crunchy, that is soft."
MATHEMATICS
MATH 1.3
Sorting Foods on a Simple Mat
What we're doing: Children sort play food or real snacks by color or shape onto a simple sorting mat.
Why it matters: Sorting foods builds classification skills using materials that are naturally motivating.
Try it at home: Sort snacks by color or shape before eating them — it's a fun way to practice math!
Learning at Home This Month
Name foods together during meals or grocery shopping.
Let your toddler practice self-feeding with a spoon.
Talk about how foods are the same or different.
Sort snacks by color or shape before eating them.
Book Corner — Ask at the Library!
Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat
Important Dates in November
◆ Center closed November 2 & 3, 2026
◆ November 9-13 ECC Conferences
◆Thanksgiving Break (Center Closed) — November 25–27, 2026
A Note from Your Teacher
We have been having lots of fun with the children. Watching them grow is absolutely amazing from crawling to walking, sitting in high chairs to sitting at the table.
Classroom Reminders
Please always remember all notes and art goes home on Friday. Please have everything labeled. Please make sure bedding goes home on the child's last day of the week if they don't come Friday for all others Friday please take home bedding on friday. Make sure your child has extra clothes.
👨🚒November News
Toddler Plus(22–30 Months) | Ratio 1:4 | November Theme: My Family and Community Helpers
Staff Names: Ms. Amanda, Ms. Grace, Ms. Sam
Hello Toddler Plus Families! This November we're learning all about families and the helpers in our community. Children are exploring roles through dramatic play and talking about the people who care for us. We will be talking about Thanksgiving a little bit and turkeys and maybe even a little football. They love looking at the photos that were sent in that are on the wall and talking about moms and dads and seeing the pets and who’s who. If you want to send more in for this month please do! We don’t mind adding to what’s up there or updating what is there. Photos of pets & extended family are always welcome as well.
What We're Learning This Month
Social Studies
SS 1.2
Describing Roles of Family & Helpers
What we're doing: We talk about family roles and community helpers — firefighters, doctors, teachers — during circle time.
Why it matters: Understanding roles and relationships builds social awareness and community connection.
Try it at home: Talk about the different roles in your family and who helps your family in the community.
Approaches to Learning
AL 2.1
Dramatic Play with Role-Play Scenarios
What we're doing: We set up dramatic play props so children can act out family and helper roles they've learned about.
Why it matters: Role-play builds empathy, language, and understanding of how the world works.
Try it at home: Play pretend at home — let your toddler be the "doctor" or "chef" for a while!
Language & Literacy
LIT 2.2
Identifying Community Helpers in Books
What we're doing: We read books featuring community helpers and ask children to point out and name each one.
Why it matters: Connecting real-world roles to books builds vocabulary and comprehension.
Try it at home: Point out community helpers you see during the day: mail carriers, crossing guards, cashiers.
Mathematics
Math 2.1
Counting & Comparing Family Photos
What we're doing: Children count the people in their family photos and compare group sizes using more/less language.
Why it matters: Counting meaningful, personal collections builds number sense in a motivating way.
Try it at home: Count the people in a family photo together and talk about who has more or fewer family members.
Learning at Home This Month
Talk about family roles and community helpers.
Play pretend helper roles together at home.
Point out community helpers you see during the day.
Count people in a family photo and compare group sizes.
Book Corner — Ask at the Library!
Career Day by Anne Rockwell
Whose Hands Are These? by Miranda Paul
Helpers in My Community by Bridget Heos
Important Dates in November:
◆CLOSED NOVEMBER 2 - Building Closed
◆CLOSED NOVEMBER 3 - Election Day
◆ Thanksgiving Break (Center Closed) — November 26–27, 2026
Procedures & Routines
The children are loving the circle time jump up & down song & who’s here today. Getting to learn everyone’s names and jumping all over the place. They are little jumping beans.
A Note from Your Teachers
We are going outside right now as much as the weather allows us. Once it starts getting too cold we will be indoors. However we will be going out with the proper outdoor clothing on. You may bring snow pants & boots in & leave them in the cubbies as the time grows closer… Even though that’s something I really don’t want to think about right now. I’m enjoying fall!!
Classroom Reminders
Please make sure to label everything that comes into the classroom with your child’s name.
Sometimes items, such as water cups, jackets or even bedding & stuffies, may look different from what we are used to seeing with your child. Without a name label, these items can accidently go home with the wrong family.
Labeling your child’s belongings helps us make sure everything gets home to the correct family.
Thank you for your cooperation & support!! We greatly appreciate your help
** Please make sure to circle if your child is getting breakfast and/or lunch. The numbers are taken daily at about 8:15 am so we need to know preferably as soon as possible for counts please and thank you!
🍂November News
2.5 to 3 year old preschool(30–36 Months) | Ratio 1:8| November Theme: Thankfulness-Families and Communities
Staff Names: Ms. Olga and Ms. Brennen
Dear Preschool Families, this November we're focusing on gratitude and family! Children are describing their own families, expressing thanks, creating family art, and comparing family sizes.
What We're Learning This Month
Social Studies
SS 1.1
Identifying Characteristics of Own Family
What we're doing: Children share about their families during circle time — who's in it, what traditions they have.
Why it matters: Talking about family builds identity, belonging, and respect for different family structures.
Try it at home: Ask your child to describe your family and what makes it special.
Social Emotional
SS 2.1
Expressing Gratitude Through Words & Actions
What we're doing: We practice saying thank you and naming things we're grateful for during daily routines.
Why it matters: Practicing gratitude builds emotional awareness and positive social habits.
Try it at home: Share one thing you're each thankful for at dinner every night this month
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Creative Arts
CA 1.1
Creating Family Portraits
What we're doing: Children create family portraits using paint, collage, and drawing materials.
Why it matters: Family art builds fine motor skills while honoring each child's unique family.
Try it at home: Draw a family portrait together and talk about each person as you draw them.
Mathematics
Math 1.2
Counting & Comparing Family Sizes
What we're doing: Children count family members and compare family sizes using more and fewer language.
Why it matters: Comparing meaningful groups builds number sense and comparison vocabulary.
Try it at home: Count your family members together and compare with a friend's or relative's family size.
Learning at Home This Month
Describe your family and what makes it special.
Share one thing you're thankful for each night.
Draw a family portrait together.
Count and compare family sizes with friends or relatives.
Book Corner — Ask at the Library!
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang
Important Dates in November:
◆CLOSED NOVEMBER 2 - Building Closed
◆CLOSED NOVEMBER 3 - Election Day
◆Center Closed for Thanksgiving November 25-27
Procedures & Routines
We will continue practicing our daily classroom routines, including arrival, handwashing, snack time, cleanup, and transitions. Children will learn to follow simple directions, take turns, share with friends, and become more independent. We will be encouraged to be safe, responsible, and respectful every day.
A Note from Your Teachers
November is a wonderful time to talk about thankfulness, family, and kindness! This month, we will explore what makes our families special, practice and enjoy fun, hands-on activities together. We will continue building friendships, learning classroom routines, and developing new skills through play.
Thank you for continued support
With gratitude,
Miss Olga & Miss Brennen.
Classroom Reminders
Please make sure to label everything that comes into the classroom with your child’s name.
Sometimes items, such as water cups, jackets or even bedding & stuffies, may look different from what we are used to seeing with your child. Without a name label, these items can accidently go home with the wrong family.
Labeling your child’s belongings helps us make sure everything gets home to the correct family.
Thank you for your cooperation & support!! We greatly appreciate your help
** Please make sure to circle if your child is getting breakfast and/or lunch. The numbers are taken daily at about 8:15 am so we need to know preferably as soon as possible for counts please and thank you!
🗺️November News
3 & 4 year old Preschool | Ratio 1:10 | November Theme: Our World-Maps, Neighborhood, and Culture
Staff Names: Ms.Erin and Ms Ciera
Dear Preschool Families, we're exploring the wider world this November! Children are locating home and school on simple maps, learning about cultures, and building neighborhoods in block play.
What We're Learning This Month
Social Studies
SS 2.1
Locating Home & School on a Map
What we're doing: We introduce simple maps and help children locate familiar places like home, school, and the park.
Why it matters: Early map skills build spatial reasoning and an understanding of the wider world.
Try it at home: Draw a simple map of your neighborhood together, marking home, school, and a favorite spot.
Social Studies
SS 2.2
Identifying Cultural Similarities & Differences
What we're doing: We explore books, music, and traditions from different cultures, celebrating what's similar and different.
Why it matters: Exploring culture builds empathy, respect, and a broader understanding of the world.
Try it at home: Share a family tradition or recipe with your child and talk about where it comes from.
Mathematics
Math 2.2
Counting & Comparing Buildings on a Map
What we're doing: Children count buildings on a neighborhood map and compare totals using more/fewer language.
Why it matters: Counting real-world representations builds number sense and map-reading skills together.
Try it at home: Count houses, stores, or buildings during a drive and compare which street has more.
Language & Literacy
LIT 3.1
Responding to Multicultural Literature
What we're doing: We read and discuss books from a variety of cultures, encouraging children to ask questions and make connections.
Why it matters: Multicultural literature builds empathy and broadens children's understanding of the world.
Try it at home: Visit the library and check out a book from a culture different from your own.
Learning at Home This Month
Draw a simple map of your neighborhood together.
Share a family tradition or recipe with your child.
Check out a book from a different culture at the library.
Count buildings during a drive and compare totals.
Book Corner — Ask at the Library!
Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney
As the Crow Flies: A First Book of Maps by Gail Hartman
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Important Dates in November
◆No school- November 2nd and 3rd
◆ ECC Conferences (November 9-November 13)
◆ Thanksgiving Break (Center Closed) — November 25-26–27, 2026
Procedures & Routines
- Practice classroom rules.
-Follow our daily schedule.
-Use gentle hands and listening ears.
-Walk safely inside.
-Clean up toys.
-Wash hands before meals.
-Practice bathroom and nap-time routines.
A Note from Your Teacher
Wishing all our families a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Enjoy the break, spend time with your loved ones, and have a wonderful holiday!
With love:
Ms Erin & Ms Ciera
Classroom Reminders
📌 Reminders
* 📬 Please check your child’s cubby regularly.
* 🍎 Complete the weekly breakfast/lunch selection on Monday.
* 🥤 Label your child’s cup and napping bag.
* 👕 Keep weather-appropriate extra clothes in your child’s cubby.
Birthday Treat Policy
We love celebrating your child's special day at school! To ensure celebrations are safe, smooth, and fun for all students, please follow our classroom treat guidelines:
Teacher Coordination: Contact your child's classroom teacher at least one week in advance to schedule the celebration date and confirm current food allergies or dietary restrictions in the class.
Store-Bought Treats Only: All treats must be pre-packaged and store-bought with ingredients clearly labeled on the packaging. Homemade items are not permitted due to safety and allergy protocols.
Class Portions: Bring individual, pre-portioned items (e.g., cupcakes, individually wrapped snacks) in a quantity sufficient for every child in the class.
Paper Goods: Send along paper plates, napkins, or utensils needed to serve the treats.
Thank you for helping us keep our classroom celebrations safe and enjoyable!
Join Our Parent Engagement Team to Help Plan our Fall Fun!
Join Our Parent Engagement Committee!
We are looking for families to join our new Parent Engagement Committee and help plan our Halloween Fun! This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, share ideas, and partner with our staff.
First Meeting: October 6th at 6:00 PM
Sign Up Here: Parent Engagement Committee Sign-Up
Tentative Halloween Event Schedule
(More detailed information will be sent home soon!)
Tentative Schedule
Thursday, October 29 (9:00 AM): ECC & AM ECSE Costume Parade and Activities
Thursday, October 29 (1:00 PM): Pre-K For All, PM ECSE, K2, Costume Parade and Activities
Friday, October 30: Petting Zoo, Cider, and Doughnuts (No costumes) All programs invited to participate.
Brand new facility!
Creative and fun environment!
