Happy New Year, Koala Families! 🎆

We’re excited to kick off 2026 with a focus on several important life skills that help our toddlers grow more independent and confident.

Handwashing Skills
This month, we’ll be teaching the children how to wash their hands properly—before eating, after diaper changes, and whenever their hands are visibly dirty. We’ll use songs, fun visuals, and hands-on practice to make handwashing engaging and easy to remember. Our goal is for each child to begin understanding why handwashing is important and to feel proud of doing it with growing independence.

Clean-Up Time
We’ll also continue working on cleaning up after ourselves. The children will practice putting toys away after playtime and helping to clear their dishes once they’re finished eating. With simple directions, routines, and lots of encouragement, we’re helping them build responsibility and independence. These skills take time, and we’re excited to celebrate every bit of progress!

Using Our Words
Another important focus this month is practicing how to use our words. We’ll be encouraging the children to express their needs, feelings, and wants through words and simple phrases—such as asking for help, taking turns, or telling a teacher how they feel. This helps support communication skills, emotional development, and positive social interactions.

Winter Crafts & Creative Play
Throughout January, we’ll continue enjoying winter-themed crafts and activities. These projects allow the children to explore creativity, textures, and colors while strengthening fine motor skills—and having lots of seasonal fun!

How You Can Help at Home:

• Handwashing: Turn handwashing into a fun routine with songs or a colorful handwashing chart.

• Tidy Up Together: Make clean-up time playful by turning it into a game or singing a clean-up song.

• Encourage Words: Gently prompt your child to use words when asking for something or sharing feelings, and celebrate their efforts.

PLEASE CHECK CUBBIES

We kindly ask that you take a moment to check your child’s cubby and take home any toys, artwork, or extra items.

To help keep cubbies organized and clutter-free, please ensure they contain only the following items:

• 1 blanket

• 1 stuffed animal

• Extra socks, shirts, and bottoms

• Winter attire (hats, gloves, coat)

Please make sure all belongings are clearly labeled with your child’s FIRST and LAST NAME.

Additionally, we ask that you take your child’s blanket home every Friday and return it clean (or bring a new one) every Monday.

Classroom Whiteboard Reminders

We would like to kindly remind all families to please check your child’s classroom whiteboard regularly. These boards are used to share important reminders about items your child may need, such as diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and other classroom essentials.

We will continue providing verbal reminders and updates through ProCare as well—the whiteboards are simply an additional form of communication.

Whiteboard Locations:

• K2 Classroom: Immediately to the right as you walk into the classroom

• K1 Classroom: Above the sensory bins, near the emergency exit

Important Dates & Closures

• 1/1 – Closed for New Year’s Day 🎉

1/9 – Early Closure for Staff Meeting
Please make sure to pick up your child before 4:00 PM on this day.