Time in Nature
The special connection of children with nature needs to be nurtured and we are lucky enough to live in Colorado – there is no place better to get outdoors frequently.  Unstructured play time in nature is associated with academic success, cooperation, happiness and health in all children and families.  Young Peoples Learning Center has seen how this difference is played out in behaviors and success of children.  We never miss an opportunity to connect children with their world.

• When weather prevents children from getting outdoors, we bring the outdoors inside, creating water tables filled with snow or making indoor bike paths.
• Camp programs are run from parks and buildings are only used when necessary!
• Toddler and Preschool buildings are located in areas conducive to planned and spontaneous nature walks which are used regularly as teaching experiences
• Young Peoples Learning Center takes advantage of every opportunity for hands on learning offered through parks, museums, the Environmental Learning Center or public gardens.

Real Food

We have worked hard with our menus to provide children with food that fuels their bodies and their minds with healthy ingredients and choices.  We understand that it takes children several encounters with a new food before they are willing to give it a shot.  With many children eating a majority of their meals with us, it is important that we are exposing them to healthful foods and creating healthy habits now.  We work with food experts and our parent board to provide exceptional nutrition to children in our care.  We also provide our recipes to families so that children can continue their healthy experience outside our walls!

• Limited amounts of sugar and white flower products used in our snacks, meals and homemade recipes
• Fruits and vegetables provided in abundance daily, incorporating them into both meals and snack times.   Salads include vegetables of many colors as well as nuts and seeds to provide a variety of nutrition
• Homemade granola, oatmeal and lunch dishes allow us to limit overly processed foods whenever possible, whole wheat and whole grains are used

–> Sample Menu
*Please note that we do not serve school-made lunch at our Milliken school.  We carry these ideals into our snack choices and are happy to share ideas with parents on healthy lunches to pack!

To gain respect from children by:

• Showing genuine interest in each child
• Talking and Playing with each child

If you plan on taking a vacation, please inform your
teacher or Karen, so we won't wonder where your
child is.

Proper Techniques for Sneezing and Coughing

It used to be that people coughed into their hands to prevent the airborne spread of germs, now experts universally recommend coughing into the crook of the elbow—preferably one with a fabric sleeve on it, the reason being that germs can’t live in fabric for very long. Coughing into the hands allows germs to pass from hands to door knobs, light switches, and of course toys that your child is playing with at his family daycare in Brookline.
And while these are great tips for preventing the spread of germs when your child is at her daycare, it’s important for parents to remember that staying healthy by getting enough sleep and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are your child’s first defense against illness.

Hand Sanitizers and Cleansers

Hand sanitizers and cleansers are a terrific option when kids are on the go, especially when they’re attending daycare. Although they contain alcohol as the main germ-killing ingredient, hand sanitizers for kids are generally mild and won’t dry their skin too much. Keep one in your child’s backpack, in her cubby at her childcare center, in your purse, and in the car.

Congratulations Rachael!
She was voted the winner of the T.R.I.P. Fund this year!
Rachael has been a wonderful and gentle teacher with us
for the last 3 years. She is in school finishing her degree in
Early Childhood Education and consistently strives to learn
from professors, co-workers, and children every day! We
are thankful for all of our teachers and will vote again next
year!