Press Release
 
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Waterford The children of Carelot Children’s Center’s Clubhouse created a holiday that recognizes fisherman and all the creatures of the sea. Jeff from the Atlantic Land and Seaport Charters visited the children. He brought in a picture to show us the 1,006 pound shark he caught and explained the details and important role a fisherman plays in our society. The children also fished for their own snack in a fishbowl filled of Jello and Swedish Fish and enjoyed a hands on look at a real squid and fish. It was simply a “fish”tasic day! The center gives the children many opportunities to be creative and share ideas for planning of activities. These special times promote an interactive and educational learning environment for the children and introduces the many diverse fields of work that are encompassed in our area. By working together with the community, we all help the children “Build a Strong Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning.”
 
Friday, March 07, 2008
Brooklyn There was an explosion in Brooklyn on Wednesday February 27 which no one heard. It was a sensory explosion of gigantic proportions. The children at Carelot Children’s Center were engrossed in sensory activities from there eyes and ears to the tips of their toes. Infants painted with pumpkin filling and stuck their feet in jello, Toddlers made a mural out of shaving cream and food coloring and preschoolers listened to different rhythms and explored goop and water. Sensory Motor activities are a daily ritual at Carelot and an important part of early childhood education. After all, if we are too clean at the end of the day we haven’t had much fun!
 
Monday, March 03, 2008
East Lyme, CT, Carelot Children’s Center has been selected as the “Business of the Month” at the East Lyme branch of Dime Bank. In recognition of their ten year anniversary celebration, Carelot had it’s Carelot Croaker, a four foot frog, visit the branch for the month offering customers at the branch an opportunity to win a free week of summer camp at any Carelot location. The Carelot Croaker was dressed for St. Patricks day and ready to spread the luck of the Irish – Green is his favourite color. The Croaker will be making appearances over the next year in celebration of the Ten Year anniversary of Carelot Children’s Centers, and he is sure to be giving away something wonderful wherever he goes. Carelot believes that involvement in the community is a key factor to the success of it’s programs. Giving back to the communities where we educate the youngest population teaches the children at a very young age that “caring is sharing”.
 
Monday, March 03, 2008
Waterford Members of the Bridges at Crossroads Bell Choir visited the staff and children of Carelot Children’s Center for a sing-a-long. 7 talented women volunteered their time along with their Activities Director, Amy Rolfe to perform songs of familiar tunes to the children. The children were intrigued by the beautiful sounds the bells created and enjoyed singing along as their performance went along. “This annual program is a favorite of all of ours here at Carelot Children’s Center” remarks Heidi Pafias, Director. Carelot believes that community interactions such as these intergenerational programs are a key element to the learning process for young children. Theses experiences foster a sense of community and enhance the lessons being taught each day.
 
Monday, March 03, 2008
KILLINGLY: The students took a field trip to The Trampoline Place. The preschoolers had a great time bouncing and rolling during their 45 minute trampoline lesson. The preschoolers were flying high on the trampoline trapeze. Carelot tries to plan field trips to allow the children to experience many different activities throughout the school year. Students that are allowed the opportunity to experience new activities are well rounded and well prepared for Kindergarten
 
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The students at Carelot Children’s Center used all five senses this week for their sensory explosion. They experienced pudding, gelatin, frog eggs (tapioca), shaving cream, frozen green beans, and ice. When they were through squishing, splashing and squirting they sat down to a taste testing of pineapples, ugly fruit, mango and kiwi. The preschoolers charted their preferences and it is unanimous that we prefer pineapple above all the rest! Sensory activities are important to the developmental growth of young children. Preschoolers learn through their five senses. The senses of touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing are how young children explore the world around them. As parents and educators, it is our job to help them explore their senses by providing appropriate activities for sensory play and learning
 
Friday, February 22, 2008
Griswold School Age Program The children who are lucky enough to attend the Carelot Clubhouse in Griswold will be participating in a week long program showcasing their talents. The week of March 17 will be full of fun and laughter as we celebrate our diversity and special gifts. We all have something to share in this world and Carelot is about celebrating the individual and unique child. It’s ok to laugh along and be silly or to try your hardest and do your best. Everyone is wonderful just the way they are!
 
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Danielson, CT The students at Carelot Children’s Center welcomed the mail man into their classrooms to personally pick up their very special Valentine’s mail. The preschoolers made homemade Valentines for their families and mailed them home just in time for the special day. The Danielson Post Office collaborated with the preschool to help the children make the connection with the Mail Man and having the mail delivered to their homes, they will see their mail leave the classroom and in two days be delivered to their mailbox. Learning about how the community works is a just one part of the curriculum in Carelots preschool program. The children are learning about many community helpers such as police, firemen, postal workers and town officials. They have created a post office in the classroom for this months dramatic play set and are enjoying pretending to operate a postal center.
 
Monday, January 21, 2008
In recognition of Martin Luther King Day Carelot Children’s Centers closed and provided it’s staff a day of professional development. The staff received training throughout the day on how to enhance the learning atmosphere of the centers and tips on how to become a more effective teacher and nurturer. Sessions included Science in the classroom, presented by Mad Science of Griswold, Sign Language by Bonnie Palermo, and Positive Guidance presented by Judy Goldberg. Ms Goldberg is a certified instructor for the CT Charts A Course program that works with Early Childhood educators to receive their certification to teach in Child Care Centers. Carelot Directors and administrative team members also presented workshops on conducting effective parent teacher conferences, How to be an effective assistant teacher, Enhancing dramatic play, Helping children make friends, Gross motor activities and more using video training sessions from the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). NAEYC also sets the standards followed by Carelot Children’s Centers that are used as guidelines to establish quality learning programs for young children. In addition to the training sessions, the staff received a catered lunch along with door prizes throughout the day making the day a celebration of learning in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Carelot Staff from all it’s seven locations throughout the state came to the corporate offices at 315 Flanders Road to partake in the activities. The commitment to continuing education and professional development on the part of the families and staff of the center is to be commended as they all made this day possible. For more information about the Carelot Children Centers contact our corporate office in East Lyme at 691-1527 or view the company website at www.carelot.net to find the closest program in your area where your child can begin Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning.
 
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Killingly, CT Carelot Children’s Center recently held a “Beary Special” Ice Cream Social for the students and families to enjoy. The social was part of the Bear Theme unit and all the children had their teddy bears join them for the social. Carelot uses theme based play to teach the children the concepts and objectives outlined in it’s curriculum that is a mix of NAEYC standards and Carelot Philosophies. One of the standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is that family involvement is a key component of any successful early childhood program. Throughout the year families are encouraged to participate in as many of the special events and daily events that they possibly can. The center offers special events throughout the year at all different times of the day and different days of the week to offer the families as many opportunities as they can to participate. These special events promote an interactive and educational learning environment for the children and allow family members to see first hand the program in action and feel like a part of the child’s education. Carelot believes that learning begins at home and continues in our centers and by working together we all help the children build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
 
Thursday, January 17, 2008
East Lyme, CT Carelot Children’s Center recently held a “Beary Special” Ice Cream Social for the children and families to enjoy. The social was part of the Bears, Bears, O My theme which included the children toting their most favorite bears to school! Carelot uses theme-based play to teach the children the concepts and objectives outlined in its curriculum that is a mix of NAEYC standards and Carelot philosophies. One of the standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is that family involvement is a key component of any successful early childhood program. The center offers special events throughout the year at all different times of the day and different days of the week to provide the families as many opportunities as possible to participate. These special events promote an interactive and educational learning environment for the children and allow family members to see firsthand the program in action and become part of the child’s education. Carelot believes that learning begins at home and continues in our centers. By working together, we all help the children “Build a Strong Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning.”
 
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
BROOKLYN Birds of a feather flock together. The children at Carelot Children's Center explored what it is to be a bird the week of January 7. Our toddlers were immersed in feathery activities from art to sensory to books, songs and finger plays. On Friday January 18 we will have an in house program called Scales, Tales and Feathers. Animals and birds of all kinds will come in for a one of a kind living science treat. Our curriculum philosophy requires that we touch all the senses of the children as we teach them about our weekly themes. We routinely bring in community members and programs to enhance our teachers lesson plans to give the children a different perspective on the theme of the week. While discussing and learning about our themes our little ones are being assessed to help the teacher plan her curriculum to meet the individual needs of the children as they develop and grow.
 
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Killingly: Snow Days are no problem at Carelot Children’s Center! A Gross Motor Room was created for the children to utilize during inclement weather. The room contains ride on toys, small and large plastic balls, see-saws, hula hoops and a slide. The children are able to exercise and benefit their health by utilizing the Gross Motor Room.
 
Monday, January 14, 2008
East Lyme Carelot Children's Center in East Lyme watched the "hatching" of the children in the Cricket pretoddler classroom! For the "Birds of a Feather" themed week, the classroom teachers created a large "nest" using a wading pool, quilt, and pillows. The children thoroughly enjoyed sitting in their cozy nest as they practiced chirping!
 
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Brooklyn, CT – Is it really spring? All the children at Carelot Children’s Center are wondering. What great weather we had for Gross Motor activities like riding bikes, dancing with ribbons and playing hop scotch. Outside play is an integral part of early childhood development. At Carelot we have outside play time every day, twice a day unless the weather is too severe for our little people. Although snowsuits are not out of the picture yet, it sure was nice to have a break!
 
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Preschool children at Carelot Children’s Center in Brooklyn are wild about science! One of their recent science experiments was called ‘Water Flowing up Tree Mystery’. Do trees eat and drink? Well it turns out they do! Our little scientists dripped food coloring in a cup of water and then placed stocks of celery in the cups. They observed the celery for a few days and noticed the leaves of the celery turning the color of the colored water! Preschool teacher Kimberly Tracy, is enrolled in an Early Childhood Education class which focuses specifically on science and math for the young child. There will be much more discovery, observation and charting to come.
 
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Santa Claus Visits School Children Contact: Carelot Clubhouse-Clark Lane Middle School Address: 105 Clark Lane Waterford The after school students attending the Carelot Clubhouse enjoyed a special visit from Santa Claus. Santa arrived with cookies and chocolates for each of the children. Everyone was overjoyed with their special visitor as Santa listened to each of the children’s holiday wishes. Carelot Clubhouse is honored to have been chosen by Santa to visit them during this busy time of year.
 
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Brooklyn, CT – Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! The Preschool class of Carelot Children's Center, Brooklyn, CT spread the spirit of the holidays at Creamery Brook Retirement Village on Thursday December 20, 2007. The children sang Jungle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. The seniors provided the children with punch and cookies. Both generations had a great time.
 
Monday, December 17, 2007
Students from Carelot Children’s Center Enjoy Story Time -- Killingly, CT – The Pre-K Students from Carelot Children’s Center in Killingly enjoy bi-weekly visits from Killingly Librarian Claudette Stockwell. The children look forward to Ms. Claudette’s visits as she always makes her stories come alive with special props and lots of enthusiasm! Children who are exposed to interactive literacy-rich environments, full of fun opportunities to learn language will develop early literacy skills. Early literacy skills begin to develop in the first 5 years of life. We used to think that children's success at reading depended on getting the "right" first grade teacher. Now we know that a child's likelihood for success in the first grade depends on how much she or he’s learned about reading before entering school. Childrens’ early experiences with books and language lay the foundation for success in learning to read.
 
Monday, December 17, 2007
Waterford, East Lyme, Killingly and Brooklyn, CT – Representatives from Carelot Children's Centers throughout the state delivered thank you baskets to their local fire departments in recognition of National Fire Fighter Day. This gesture was a small thank you for all the collaborations that Carelot and their local fire departments do throughout the year. From fire safety visits during national fire prevention week in October to random visits by local firefighters to share with the children during community week and the many visits to celebrate various learning themes throughout the year. Carelot wants to thank all of the firemen and women for all their dedication to keeping our communities safe. Carelot believes that community interactions such as those with the local fire departments are a key element to the learning process for the young children. Theses experiences foster a sense of community and help the children realize that they can make a difference no matter how small they may be.
 
Monday, December 17, 2007
Carelot Children’s Center School Age Program Has a Tour of Logee’s Greenhouse Killingly, CT – The students from Carelot Children’s Center’s School Age Program recently attended an educational field trip to Logee’s Greenhouse. The children toured the greenhouse with Sharon, the manager of the greenhouse. They learned about carnivorous plants such as the Venus Fly trap and many other rare tropical plants. The children were given a very large lemon from the infamous one hundred and forty year old lemon tree in the greenhouse. After the lemon ripens, the children plan to make lemonade with it.
 
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Killingly presented the local Fire Fighters with a Basket for National Firefighters Day! The children loved making them a thank you gift for all their hard work in our community.
 
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Students from Carelot Clubhouse-Griswold Enjoy Origami with Mr. Nguyen, Principal Contact: Kristin Lavitt Address: Slater Ave, Griswold Phone: 860-779-0400 Alternate Phone Number:860-230-8908 Email: Kristin@carelot.net URL: www.carelot.net Killingly, CT – The Carelot Clubhouse students from Griswold Elementary School enjoyed a visit from Mr. Nguyen. Mr. Nguyen is the principal of Griswold Elementary School. The students were taught how to create an origami fish. Carelot Clubhouse believes programming from community member such as Mr. Nguyen is an essential piece of the quality after school program model. Quality after school programs such as Carelot Clubhouse and Carelot Children’s Center, have far reaching benefits for children. Carelot after school programs can play a large role in improving student achievement. Whether through targeted academic activities, or through indirect activities that positively motivate them, students’ chances of improving their school performance go up when they are actively engaged in a structured after school program. Student benefits include increased achievement in math, greater self confidence in reading, improved school attendance, completion of more and better-quality homework, and reduced in grade retention. Please visit us at: www.carelot.net
 
Monday, December 10, 2007
Children Getting The True Meaning of Holiday The spirit of the Holiday Season is filling the halls for the staff, families and children at Carelot Children’s Center. To celebrate the true meaning of giving this holiday, Carelot has adopted a family through the local Care and Share Organization. This family will have their gift wishes fulfilled through the staff and families at Carelot and will also be provided their holiday dinner. The “Giving Tree” is set up in the main hallway at the center with tags noting items the adopted family is requesting. “The annual Giving Tree is a perfect opportunity for us to teach our students about others less fortunate” comments Andreanna McKinzie, a teacher at Carelot Children’s Center
 
Friday, December 07, 2007
Carelot Children’s Centers will be drop off point for Toys for Tots this Year Carelot Children's Centers in Waterford, East Lyme, Brooklyn and Killingly will be working with the Toys for Tots program this year to help bring new, unwrapped toys to children in need. This is the 60th year that Toys for Tots will be working with caring community members to help the children enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Carelot will be accept donations, at each of it’s four early learning centers, during operating hours of 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Carelot believes in supporting the communities in which they teach. This program will compliment the two other programs that Carelot Children's Centers sponsors for the holidays where the families within the centers sponsor families in need with in the community and provide Thanksgiving Dinner and Holiday Gifts for those families. The families are identified by either a collaborating organization such as East Lyme’s Care and Share program, The Women’s Center of New London or through identification within the Carelot Family. Programs like these are conducted throughout the year at Carelot and through the Carelot Children's Center PTO to support the curriculum of the centers. Teaching the children to care about the community and to have empathy for others are two of the many objectives of Carelot’s early learning programs and Before and After School Programs.
 
Monday, December 03, 2007
Infant Massage Therapist Brings Gentle Touch to Carelot Carelot Children's Center Infant Program in East Lyme warmly welcomed Mrs. Nancy Tobin into their classrooms. Mrs. Tobin has been a nurse specializing in women's health for over 25 years. She has extensive training and certification in prenatal and infant massage and has practices throughout New England , including Niantic. Armed with soothing music, warm hands, and a pretend baby doll, Mrs. Tobin shared her knowledge and talents with a group of staff and parents, guiding the adults through the massage process. The children relaxed during the gentle massage session and even one parent received a "sample" massage! We sincerely thank Mrs. Tobin for sharing her talent with our staff and families!
 
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Killingly, CT – The students from Carelot Children’s Center celebrated “National French Toast Day” on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. The children helped to make the delicious breakfast meal in their classroom and then enjoyed eating the toast with their friends.
 
Monday, November 05, 2007
Dino Bob was a welcomed visitor on Monday November 5 at Carelot Children’s Center in Brooklyn and Killingly. He delighted the preschoolers with his presentation on the land of Dinosaurs. We were wowed by the fossils of great dinosaur eggs, teeth and even the petrified dino poop! Thank you Dino Bob we loved it!
 
Friday, November 02, 2007
In honor of National Family Literacy Day, Mrs. Lisa Mellon, a parent at Carelot Children's read to the Kindergarten students of Carelot. The children enjoyed their interactive time with Mrs. Mellon. After their time was complete, Mrs. Mellon donated the stories she read to the classroom. Carelot appreciates the time Mrs. Mellon volunteered to the program and for her contribution to the classroom library. Family involvement is key in a quality early childhood program.
 
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The results are in for East Lyme! Dust Bunny - Caterpillars-$2.47 , Silly Billy - Kindergarten - $1.50, Our Friends From Mars - Frogs - $2.08, Taddy the Turkey - Tadpoles - $2.75, Purple People Eater - Turtles - $14.00, Autumn Pumpkin Fairy - Busy Bees - 6.00, Wicked Witch - Dragonflies - $1.24, Boo - Butterflies - $4.88, Wilbur and Charlotte - Crickets - $13.15, The Wizard of Oz - Ducks - $34.16 --- Congratulations to our winner! ALL monies collected for voting will be given to DUCKS to purchase wish list supplies for their classroom!
 
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Brooklyn Pumpkin Results: Toddlers were the winners with their Count Dracula pumpkin at $1.70, Preschool were runners up with their Mummy pumpkin at .73 and Infants came in at .18.
 
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Killingly announces the results for their pumpkin contest! School age $1.62, pre toddlers: $11.30, toddlers: $1.56, Pre-K: $2.20, infants: $.50 and the winner is: PRE TODDLERS: Daisy baby!!!!
 
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The children of Carelot Clubhouse located at the Griswold Middle School have been busy learning about different careers. The children enjoyed a presentation by Larry Bevilacqua who is the CEO of Carelot Children’s Center's. He talked to them about what it takes to be a CEO and demonstrated the tasks with various activities. The children loved expanding their learning. We are always looking for community volunteer to meet the children and help us in the process. If interested contact Denise Ryan at denise.carelot@sbcglobal.net or 860-691- 1527.
 
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The results are in for our Waterford Center Pumpkin Contest! Infants-$5.18 Toddler-$10.61 Kindergarten-$6.72 Preschool-$16.25
 
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The children of Carelot Clubhouse located at The Friendship School in Waterford trick-or-treated at the Waterford Community Center on Wednesday October 31, 2007. The children popped in to visit the Waterford Recreation and Parks office along with the Senior Citizen's Office and waved to the many people who where visiting the Community Center at that time.
 
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Betty the Bat won our pumpkin contest at the CLbuhouse @ TFS!! Thank you for allyour support! Katty Kat was made by the PreK children Betty the Bat was made by the Kindergarten.
 
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Parents enjoyed an evening with staff and families to learn about their child's day at Carelot. Teachers had parents participate in a circle time, sensory, arts and crafts and music and movement. Families learned about the Carelot Curriculum for all programs.
 
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The students from Carelot Children’s Center went trick or treating at Logee’s Greenhouse and Big Daddy Hook-ups on Halloween. The children then returned to the center to enjoy a Classroom Halloween Party. What a great way to start off a special day for the children! A great time was had by all.
 
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A special Halloween visit was made to the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center on South Main Street in Brooklyn by Carelot Children's Center. Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers all joined in on the fun dressed in their Halloween finest. Good will and cheer was spread by all the trick or treaters young and old. The preschoolers sang songs and the seniors passed out Halloween goodie bags. Community involvement is a value shared by all Carelot Children's Centers.
 
Monday, October 29, 2007
Killingly, CT – Carelot Children’s Centers hosted a Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The festival was a free event and was open to the public from 11:00 Am to 2:00 Pm. The event included Pony Rides, a Moon-Bounce, Live Entertainment, Pumpkin and Gourd Decorating, Apple Printing and Face Painting. Hot dogs, chips and a beverage were served free of charge to all children in attendance. The event was sponsored by many local merchant’s generous contributions. Lapsley Orchard, located in Pomfret Center, generously donated one hundred pumpkins, gourds and apples. The Harvest Festival was an opportunity for Carelot to thank the public for welcoming the center with great enthusiasm and support. Both the Killingly and Brooklyn centers hosted the event at each site. The Killingly center is located at 155 North Street (next to Logee’s Greenhouse). Phone: 860-779-0611 The Brooklyn center is located at 86 South Main Street. Phone: 860-779-0400
 
Monday, October 29, 2007
The children of Carelot Clubhouse located at The Friendship School in Waterford have been very busy decorating pumpkins for Carelot Children's Centers 4th Annual Pumpkin Contest! The children work together with planning, and creating their wonderful creatures as you can see! Stop by any of the Carelot Children's Centers and cast your vote! The results will be posted on our web site, www.carelot.net next week! For more information regarding the many programs offered for children ages birth through 12 years, contact Carelot Children's Center Corporate Office at 860-691-1527
 
Monday, October 29, 2007
Carelot Children’s Centers in Waterford, East Lyme, Brooklyn and Killingly learned about Fire Prevention and enjoyed visits from local fire departments. Firemen shared information about safety, toured the truck and talked about the gear the firemen use in keeping themselves safe. The children were delighted by the visit and interaction with these modern day heroes Carelot currently operates four Early Learning Centers in Waterford East Lyme and Brooklyn and Killingly and is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Carelot is committed to “Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning” in a professional and nurturing environment. For more information contact Carelot Killingly at (860) 779-0611, Carelot Brooklyn at (860)779-0400 or Carelot’s Corporate Offices at (860) 691-1527 or visit the company’s website at www.carelot.net.
 
Monday, October 29, 2007
Heidi Pafias, Director for Carelot Children's Center in Waterford, had the honor of speaking to a group of Waterford High School students regarding pursuit of a career in the early childhood field. Heidi shared information with the students regarding the rewards of working as a Director for an early childhood program and offered words of wisdom as the students begin to consider furture careers. Raising awareness about the value of early childhood programs within the community is just one of the many ways Carelot Children's Center fulfills it mission of "Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning". For information regarding the many programs Carelot Children' s Center has to offer for children ages 3 months-12 years contact the corp