Family Resource Cente offer series for childcare providers

Do you take care of other people's children in your home? Are you a relative, a neighbor or a licensed provider offering childcare? All are welcome to join one or more of these free workshops at Charter Oak Academy, West Hartford. Materials, door prizes and a light dinner provided. Each workshop is limited to 15 participants. To register call the FRC at Charter Oak at 860-233-4701.

Wed. Feb. 6 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM "Our Providers, Our Families, Our Community": An introduction to the workshop series and to professional resources including guest speakers from Nurturing Families, the Bridge Family Center and Great by 8.

Wed. Feb. 13 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM "The Importance of Play". Let's discuss why play is important in the lives of the children we care for and how play sets the stage for learning. Create prop boxes and other homemade materials that encourage dramatic play.

Wed. March 6 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Growing a Home Childcare Business" We will identify tax, contractual and business issues, learn how to advertise and how to create effective promotional materials.  A guest speaker from "All Our Kin" will answer your questions. 

Wed. March 13 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Music, Movement and Meaning" Come and get your groove on with a special guest early childhood educator/musician. Learn some new ways to incorporate traditional nursery rhymes, puppets and read alouds into your daily routines.

Wed. April 3 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM: "Growing Up Reading" Share your ideas about using books in your program. Learn why it's so important to introduce books to even the youngest children in your care and how to encourage parents to read to their children. You will receive books to take home.

And providers who attend at least 4 of the workshops will be invited to participate in a special field trip!

Sat. April 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM "Kid Friendly West Hartford" It's breakfast at the Family Resource Center and then hop on our bus for a tour of West Hartford's best sites for kids. We will visit the Noah Webster House, the main library, Westmoor Park and the Children's Museum. Each of these local resources has lots to offer your home child care program.

Call the FRC 860-233-4701 and register for one or more of these learning experiences.

The Family Resource Center at Charter Oak International Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave., West Hartford