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Coordinator Corner
It’s beginning to feel like fall out there, and with the season’s changes, back to school has everyone at the MECC office busy. We have hired a new part-time School Readiness Coach, Sahara Thurston, who has lots of energy, fresh ideas and experience that will benefit not only the classrooms she works with but the larger early childhood community as well. Tricia has been certified reliable again in the ITERS, ECCERS and FCCERS environmental rating scales – yay! We are planning monthly family nights, an event for family, friend and neighbor (FFN) providers, a Kids Count presentation by the Colorado Children’s Campaign, and are helping to plan the second annual SW Colorado Early Childhood Conference. We are applying again for Health Integration funding through the Colorado Trust and a public will building grant through The Colorado Children’s Campaign. So much good work is going on - I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with the children, families and professionals in this community!
-Vangi
Introducing MECC's New School Readiness Coordinator!
We would like to introduce to newest member of MECC's team, Sahara Thurston. She will be joining us as a school readiness coach.
Sahara began her career in an after school program. After about a year, she taught kindergarten enrichment and decided to move into the mental health field. Sahara spent 10 years working as a behavior specialist in a children's mental facility and became a supervisor shortly after. During that time, she also facilitated a high ropes course and served as a camp counselor.
Sahara got married and moved to Denver to work as a teacher and group counselor at a residential mental facility. After a year there and a 3rd trip to the hospital, it became too dangerous, and Sahara realized she needed to seek out a safer position. She became the dean of a Christian school.
After Sahara's dad became ill, she relocated to be closer to him. With no mental health positions available in the small town, Sahara started working as a preschool teacher and loved it! She served as the director until the economy forced the center to close.
It was after this time that Sahara become a mother to two amazing children, Bryce, 3 1/2. and Chloe, 2 and 3 months. Sahara, her husband Brandon, and children recently moved from Montana as Brandon is the new high school principal at Dolores. It is wonderful to have Sahara join MECC! Drop Sahara a line to welcome her at: saharathurston@rocketmail.com
For Parents and Providers
Foliage Buddies!
Use your imagination (and some paper, glue, and a pen or pencil) to turn ordinary backyard leaves into a whimsical menagerie.
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Materials
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Autumn leaves from your yard
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Paper
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Glue
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Pencils, pens, or crayons
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Instructions
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Go outside and see what kinds of animals are hiding in your leaf piles. Below are some possibilities. When you've found leaves in your yard whose shapes you like, glue them to pieces of paper and use pencil, pen or crayon to make your creatures complete. To preserve your creations, press them between two books.
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MAPLE:These leaves have three main points and lots of smaller ones; count them as they flutter by.
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ROSE:The rounded shape of this bush's leaves makes them look a lot like little shields.
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BIRCH: As big and tall as this white-bark tree can get, its leaves are as small and as light as feathers.
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GERANIUM: You might flip your wig if you find one of these wild-looking leaves in your yard.
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BARBERRY:While this plant doesn't live underwater, its leaves resemble raindrops.
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Courtesy of familyfun.go.com
DINNER IDEA: Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchinis
Get Recipe at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2012/08/vegetarian-stuffed-zucchini-rice-beans.html
Also check out: for some great family and provider ideas, http://www.makeandtakes.com/
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Reading Family Night!
5:30pm-7:30pm at the Church of Christ Annex, includes dinner. Please RSVP to telybely2@yahoo.com by September 17 so we can plan for dinner.
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September 27 |
Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care Workshop
This workshop is designed for anyone who watches children other than their own in an unlicensed setting. The workshop will be from 6-8pm at Trinity Lutheran Preschool. Dinner included and childcare provided. There is a $20 stipend and a children's book for participants who are FFN providers in their home (not licensed homes). Please contact Vangi McCoy at 749-7017 or mecc.coordinator@gmail.com for more information. Click here to read the article behind FFN.
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September 25 |
Children's Growth Awareness Day
For more detailed information, visit: http://www.magicfoundation.org
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September 28 |
"It's About Kids" Kids Count Presentation
11:30am-1:00pm at the conference room at Axis Health System. Lunch is provided. RSVP to liz@coloradokids.org by September 24th. |
October 13 |
2nd Annual SW Colorado EC Conference
Southwest District CAEYC
2nd Annual Conference
Fort Lewis College
"It's All About Relationships"
Conference Schedule
9-9:30am: Registration and Welcome
9:45-1145am: Workshop Session 1 (2 Training hour)
11:50-12:15pm: Lunch
12:15-1:15pm: Keynote Speaker, Dr. Gail Joseph (1 Training hour)
1:30-3:30pm: Workshop Session 2 (2 Training hour)
3:45-5:15pm: Workshop Session 3 (1.5 Training hour)
Registration due by October 1st!!! Space is limited!
For registration forms email: mecc.coordinator@gmail.com
Sponsored by Fort Lewis College and Montelores Early Childhood Council
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