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February 2017
A newsletter for families of the Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center
*SNOW DAYS!  If the Kalamazoo Public Schools are ever closed because of a SNOW DAY, then KDCCC is also closed.  Watch the news if there is a snow storm coming.  Or you could sign up with www.wwmt.com to receive text or email alerts if there is a school closing.
 
*If you haven’t yet already, all parents have to re-register and fill out a new enrollment card for 2017.  Please bring your proof of income (Medicaid card, WIC card, or Bridge card are fine).  When you re-register, you will receive an updated copy of our  Parent Handbook, if you would like one.  See Heidi or Kathy if you have any questions.
 
*The reminders are just a courtesy!
  You are responsible for showing up or cancelling days that you scheduled, whether you receive a reminder or not.  If you signed up for reminder alerts and have not been receiving them, double check your phone number and/or email with Heidi.
 
*If you need to cancel your child’s spot for the day, call before 11am
of that day to cancel, otherwise it might count as one of your days for the month. 
 
*Since it’s cold out, please remember to bring a jacket, mittens and hat for your child. 
We take the children (even the babies!) to the First Care playground
or for a walk around the park every day that we have enough volunteers and the
sidewalks are clear of snow.  It is helpful for the staff if you put your child’s name on their coat.
 
*Remember to bring diapers, pull-ups, and/or extra clothes for your child. 
Even if they are potty-trained, sometimes there are still accidents.  If you have any
long pants or shirts (boy & girl) that your kids have out-grown, please consider
donating them to KDCCC.  We need a few more “just in case” outfits. 
 
We’ll Miss You, Miss April and Miss Jessica!!
 
KDCCC is sad to inform you that we are
saying goodbye to Miss April and Miss Jessica. 
 
Miss April has gotten a full-time job at a local preschool. 
Miss April’s last day at KDCCC will be Friday, February 10th. 
She has been such an amazing teacher and we will miss her very much. 
We truly wish her all the best!
 
Miss Jessica has been experiencing some health issues
which has prevented her from returning to KDCCC. 
We pray that she will have a speedy recovery.
 
Until we are able to hire new teachers, we will be combining the preschool and infant/toddler rooms which means not as many daily child care slots will be available.  We apologize any inconvenience  during this temporary time of transition and we thank you for your patience.
 

 
While we do not have an official “party” at KDCCC for Valentine’s Day,
you are welcome to bring in special treats or valentines for the children, if you want. 
Please do not bring in any hard candy since it is a choking hazard. Thanks!
 
What:  A FREE day of family fun and connection. 
Ideal for pregnancy through age 8. 
Exhibits, music, activities, learning, community
connections, and more!
When:  Sunday, February 26, 2017
Time:  10am-3pm
Where:  Downtown at the Radisson Plaza Hotel
More info & schedule of events:  www.kzoofamilyexpo.com
 

Sweet Baby Blues
What:  Explore the origin of the Blues—feel the rhythm, dance to the beat, sing, sway and play with Bluesy Suzy from Palamazoo Puppets.  Best for ages 3-8yrs.  Ticket required.
When:  Saturday, February 11th, 2017
Time:  10:30am-11:30am
Where:  Kalamazoo Central Library
315 S. Rose St
Tickets:  Pick up a FREE ticket at the Central Library starting one week before the event; one ticket per person.  Every person must have a ticket (even babies!) and bring it to the show.  Everyone must be seated 15 minutes prior to the start of the program. 
More info:  www.kpl.gov or call 269-553-7898
 
I DON'T FEEL SO GOOD!
 
According to our Medical Policy, children must stay home if they are sick. 
If your child displays any of the symptoms listed in the Parent Handbook,
please keep them home so that you help stop the spread of infection to other
children, staff, and volunteers.  Remember that KDCCC reserves the right to
refuse admission to any child who appears to be ill.  We will also call you to
pick up your child if they become sick during the day.  Center staff cannot dispense
any medications.  You will receive a call to pick up your child if they:  have a fever of
100 degrees F or higher, have 2 or more loose or watery bowel movements, are
vomiting, have a rash (except for a mild diaper rash), are crying/complaining
for longer than usual for that particular child, or if there is a serious injury.
 


Kindergarten Orientation is
Coming Soon in March!!

 
Children must be 5 yrs old by September 1st, 2017.
 
Kalamazoo Public Schools:
When:  Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Time:  Times vary depending on the elementary school
Bring:  Child’s birth certificate, immunization record, proof of hearing & vision screening (if available) and two proof of  residency documents
 
Portage Public Schools:
When:  Kindergarten Parent Night—Thurs., March 2nd, 2017
Time:  6:30pm held at each Portage elementary school
Call 323-5000 or visit www.portageps.org for more info.
 
 
*February Themes for the Preschool &
   Infant/Toddler Rooms:
Feb. 6th-10th:  Eating Healthy Foods
Feb. 13th-17th:  Friendship and Valentine’s Day
Feb. 20th-24th:  Colors
Feb. 27th-Mar. 3rd:  Numbers
 
 
HOW CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT KDCCC?

As you know, KDCCC is free for families who qualify, however it is
not free to operate.  KDCCC works hard seeking funding from local foundations,
businesses, and individuals in our community.  We believe this is a quality program and we strive to make sure that KDCCC continues to grow and provide high-quality child care
for your kids.  There are many ways that you can help, if you are able:

Contribute financially to KDCCC (even a little bit helps!)
or bring something in from our Wish List.
 
Write a letter or short note telling us how using
KDCCC has helped you and your family (we like to share your stories
with donors so they know how important KDCCC is).

Refer another family to KDCCC (a referral from you is the best compliment we can receive!)

Thanks so much for your support!!
Sign Up TODAY to Help KDCCC!!

KDCCC has joined the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program.  This program provides reimbursement to KDCCC so that we can provide and purchase healthy meals and snacks for your children.  We need every family to fill out and sign a Household Income Eligibility Statement (similar to what families fill out for the free/reduced lunch program for school) and a Participant Enrollment Form.  Please see Heidi or Kathy with any questions.  If you need help filling it out, bring your case number and we will help you. Thank you for your help!
 
Household Income Eligibility Statement:
Part 1.  Fill out your Name and Case Number.  Your Case Number is the same as your Bridge Card Case Number and/or your Medicaid Case Number.  Note:  It’s not the number printed on the card(s), but rather your Case Number on your Bridge/Medicaid records.
Part 2.  List the First and Last Names of All Household Members, related and unrelated, their age, birthday, and if they are a foster child.  If you filled out the Case Number in Part 1, you do not need to fill out the income information. 
*IF you do not have a Bridge Card or Medicaid, then please fill out the income information section. 
Part 3.  Sign & Print your name and date it.  If you filled out the Case Number, then the Social Security Number is not needed.  If you do not have a Bridge Card or Medicaid, then fill out the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, if you have one.
 
Particpant Enrollment Form:
1. List only children that are attending KDCCC.
2. List Ethnicity, see listed code.
3. List Race, see listed code.
4. List address, phone number, sign your name, and date .
KDCCC will fill out “Typical Days in Care and Times in Care.”

KDCCC Wish List


We truly appreciate the generous donations you have been bringing in. 
It helps keeps our costs down.  Here are some items that we use every day
*100% Apple Juice  
*Grape or Strawberry Jelly      
*Whole Grain Snacks
*Small or Large White Paper Plates
*Paper Towels/Facial Tissues
*Antibacterial Foaming Soap
*Tide Laundry Detergent
*Dawn Dish Soap
*Vinyl Gloves (Size Med or Large)
*Gently Used Clothing Sizes 2T-5T

 
 

Volunteers Needed!


As you know, KDCCC uses volunteers to assist our staff in caring for the  children. 
Without the help of our wonderful volunteers, we could not operate at full capacity. 
A few times during the year, we do not have as many volunteers so that means
we cannot schedule the classrooms full.  While we want to have full classrooms
each day, following licensing rules and the safety of your children come first.
 
If you, or someone you know, is available to volunteer on a regular basis or even
just one day here and there, we would very much appreciate it the help. 
Please talk with Beth (our Volunteer Coordinator) or Heidi.  Thanks!
 

 


Shop and Donate at the Same Time!!

Now you can help KDCCC by just grocery shopping? Spartan Nash has a great program called Direct Your Dollars
where non-profits can save D&W and Family Fare receipts to turn in for $1,000.
If you shop at either of these stores, please save your receipts and drop them into the container on the Parent
Resource Table.  It’s that easy!  Thanks so much for your ongoing support of this program!
https://www.shopdwfreshmarket.com/DirectYourDollars
 
 
Copyright © 2016 |Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
345 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center · 345 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, United States · Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · USA

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