Cold weather? That’s snow problem: The Children's Learning Center hosts family-fun Winterfest
Children’s Learning Center (CLC) students and their families beat February’s sleet and drizzle with multiple winter- and Valentine’s Day-themed activities. Families decorated fresh-baked sugar cookies with warm vanilla buttercream frosting, heart-shaped confetti sprinkles, and red and pink crystal sugar in one classroom. In another classroom, kids did arts and crafts using scratch art mittens and penguin stamps. Across the hall, students could play ring toss and corn hole games to win small prizes, such as bracelets and themed pencils. In the toddler room, kids could race and splash penguin rubber duckies.
The main attractions were the face-painting station and the book walk. Ms. Latifah turned CLC students into butterflies, puppies, Spider-men and Hello Kitties. In the large motor room, kids participated in a book walk (similar to musical chairs) to pick from a variety of books, such as “Llama Llama I Love You” and “The Snowy Day,” with “Five Little Thank-Yous” being the most popular choice.
“We were so happy to see all of our families coming out to enjoy a fun evening with their children and the staff. ”
Stephanie Atwood, early childhood education site manager
“Winterfest was a huge success! We were so happy to see all of our families coming out to enjoy a fun evening with their children and the staff. We look forward to our next family event.”
Due to COVID-19 and its restrictions and stressors, kids born during the height of the pandemic experience developmental delays and challenging behaviors. Parents of CLC students say that the preschool is opening their children up to new and exciting experiences, including bonding with fellow classmates.
“Allison was a COVID-baby, so we were stuck at home, but now she gets to play with kids her own age and make friends.” Ashley Bainbridge, her mother, said
“Autumn was an only child and, due to the pandemic, she was just at home with me all of the time and we couldn't get out and socialize with her. Now, Autumn gets to interact with her friends and learn social skills at the CLC. It gives her something to look forward to every day and allows me to work from home and care for her little brother,” said Javonda Smith, her mother.
“Hazel loves her friends here. The pandemic had us isolated, but here she can interact with other kids,” said Andrew Webster, her father.
“Aurora looks forward to school, it’s like what she has to do. When we come in for drop-off, all her classmates wave and say hello. She even wants me to take her to school on the weekends,” said Ellakeri Jackson, her mother.
And many students come from a legacy of CLC families.
“My son, who's now in the fifth grade, went to the CLC, and we loved it then. I decided to come back with my daughter, Paris, and if I have another baby, I'll bring them here too. The CLC is always clean and safe, and the teachers are great. It's funny because my son was in Ms. Carolyn's class and now years later, Paris is in her class too. We love Ms. Carolyn,” said Stephanie Valdez, Paris’s mom.
Our Children’s Learning Centers in Pontiac and Walled Lake offer free 4-year-old preschool for qualifying families through the Great Start Readiness Program, as well as affordable tuition preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Learn more at oaklandfamilyservices.org/education.
