(Blooming Prairie, MN December , 2022) :

Family Engagement in Childcare

This month’s newsletter will highlight family engagement in childcare. Family engagement is essential for promoting children’s learning and development. When our educators and families work together, children’s brains grow stronger. Research shows that quality family engagement can have a lasting effect on children’s social-emotional and physical health as well as their school readiness, and academic achievement. The positive effects of family engagement last through children’s K-12 years and beyond.

At Leo Augusta Children’s Academy, we understand that each family is unique and that all families represent diverse structures. We also realize that families are their child’s first and best advocates. Having just completed Parent-Teacher conferences at Leo Augusta we had the opportunity to meet with each family regarding the development and progress of their child, but to also listen to what our families had to share about their child and to learn from them as well. In collaboration with families, our staff helped to identify opportunities for families to support their child’s development, learning, health, and well-being. Open communication and positive relationships are the foundation of this effective engagement.

It is important that we facilitate opportunities available before and after our childcare hours where our families have the chance to get together, engage with other Academy families, and have some fun. These can be wonderful community-building and bonding opportunities. During December, we will have two opportunities for our families to come together in our community.

On Saturday, December 3
The LACA Academy staff will be providing hot chocolate to the community residents from our little cabin located in the
B to Z lot, from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

We will also have a float in the Christmas Light Parade
that begins at 6:00 p.m., with the lineup taking place at the Blooming Prairie High School Baseball field.

On Thursday December 22
at 3:30 p.m.
We invite our families to join us at the Academy for caroling.

Along with our kids, we invite families in to sing some of the well-known, holiday songs loved by all. Join us for a time of singing and Christmas cookies.
We hope to see you there!

May the magic and memories of this
season surround you and your family.

Doug Anderson, Director
Leo Augusta Children’s Academy

For updates on progress and development follow the LACA Facebook page.