Swimming
The CDC introduces the children to swimming beginning in our 3 year old program. Certified lifeguards and swim instructors guide the children throughout the lesson. Please check with your child’s teachers for specific times and dates.
Sunscreen
Sun-protective clothing, applied skin protection, or both with UVA and UVB protection of SPF15 or higher is recommended. We require written parental permission to apply it. The sunscreen must be in its original container with your child’s name written on it.
Clothing
Your child should wear comfortable play clothes, socks and closed-toe shoes at all times. We ask that the children wear clothes in which they can play freely. Please make sure your children are dressed in clothes that can get dirty! Send a labeled bag containing a complete seasonal change of labeled clothing, including socks and underwear if applicable. Accidents do happen! We also feel it is important to go outside whenever possible. Please make sure during those winter months to pack heavy coats and gloves and hats.
Potty Training
Potty training is not required for admission into the program. All children must be potty trained before entering our four year old program. We are happy to help with mastering toilet training and there are many books and resources on this topic available in our Library.
Holidays
While we celebrate cultural diversity and various national and Jewish holidays, we do not celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or Easter. Please refrain from sending in cards or candy related to these holidays for distribution to the children while in our school and no costumes related to the holiday. See the attached calendar for Jewish Holiday closings.
Birthdays
Families celebrate their children’s birthdays in different ways and some do not celebrate birthdays at all. We try to recognize and respect these differences. We are also aware that a little bit of excitement goes a long way in groups of young children. We intentionally keep birthday observances low key. If you would like your child to celebrate a birthday at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, we welcome you to bring treats or favorite food which the teachers will help your child serve for snack time. Fresh fruit is always popular. For example, if you child loves watermelon, slice one in half
and put candles in it like a cake! Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher in advance. No homemade products are allowed in our building. The CDC does have two kitchens and it can be arranged for you to use them in preparing the birthday treat. Please remember that snacks are held in the morning for all of the children and sugary items are not recommended. The full-time children in our program have an afternoon snack where you are able to bring in other types of snacks. Please do not provide balloons or party favors. Invitations to birthday parties are only distributed when the ENTIRE
class is invited. Please make other arrangements when this is not possible. A school directory with student names, telephone numbers and addresses is published and distributed in the fall.