Sunday, September 21, 2014

What, When, Where: Events This Week in NYC for Kids

Take advantage of this beautiful weather while we have it, and get outside with your little ones. Here are some ideas for things to do this week in New York with your family.

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WHAT: Rocket Park Mini Golf

Mini golf under a rocket ship? Sounds like a kid's dream to us. With nine holes full of space-related challenges and learning opportunities, kids will love this fun twist on a classic game. Click here for more info.

WHEN: Saturday, September 27th @ 10:00 am

WHERE: 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens

http://nysci.org/rocket-park-mini-golf/
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WHAT: Gazillion Bubble Show

Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. "Bubble scientist" Fan Yang puts on an amazing show consisting of sequences of bubble magic, using smoke, lights and other fun effects that kids will LOVE. Seriously though, is there anything that kids love more than bubbles? (Who are we kidding, we still love bubbles). 

WHEN: September 24th-28th, varying times. Click here for details. 

WHERE: 340 W. 50th Street, Hell's Kitchen, New York

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/gazillion-bubble-show
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WHAT: Dinosaur Safari

Bring your little dinosaur enthusiasts to the Bronx Zoo to witness over 20 life-like dinosaurs on an interactive wagon tour, and watch them enjoy learning! Learn more here

WHEN: September 22nd-September 30th

WHERE: Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservatory, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dinosaur-safari
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For more ideas, visit Time Out New York or Mommy Poppins.

Enjoy your week!


Friday, September 19, 2014

A Step in the Right Direction

There's some big news in the world of early childhood education!

In a rare bipartisan agreements on Monday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to reauthorize The Child Care and Development Block Grant Program.

What does this mean?

This bill offers vouchers to low-income families that will allow them to have their choice of childcare providers, including faith-based providers. "As of now, fewer than three of ten 4-year-olds are enrolled in a high-quality preschool program" (U.S. Dept. of Ed.), and hopefully with the passing of this bill we will begin to see a change in that number. While the Republican and Democratic party see different benefits of the program, they are on the same page when it comes to the absolute essentiality of early childhood education reform, and we couldn't be happier with their agreement.

Direct benefits of the bill:

-It will allow for low-income parents to work, knowing their children are being well taken care of.
-It will allow for the children of low-income families to have access to high-quality early education, allowing for early brain development and allowing for more children to start off on the same page in Kindergarten.

There is of course always more that can be done for early childhood education, but the passing of this bill is a step in the right direction, and we're looking forward to seeing further reform for ECE.



Learn more about the U.S. Department of Education's plan for the future of early childhood education here

Sunday, September 14, 2014

What, When, Where: Events This Week in NYC for Kids


With autumn on the way and the back-to-school season upon us, events for kids are popping up all over New York City. If you can find some time in your busy back-to-school schedules, check out some of these great family-friendly events with your littles ones!

Check out Time Out New York and Mommy Poppins for more family-friendly activities and events.

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WHAT: All Jazzed Out Performance Series

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." -Plato

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is bringing their "Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street" exhibit to kids' attention with a series of fun musical performances designed for kids of all ages. Tickets are required for this event. Click here for more info.

WHEN: September 13th- October 25th

WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd Street

http://cmom.org
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WHAT: Governor's Island Art Workshops

"The important thing is to create." -Pablo Picasso

Head over to Governor's Island where where the Children's Museum of the Arts is will be hosting family art workshops led by teaching artists. The event is for children ages 1-12, and the best part: it's FREE! Click here for more info. 

WHEN: September 13th- September 28th

WHERE: Governor's Island


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WHAT: Autumn Leaves Storytime

It's no secret that HMESF loves to see children enjoying books. Celebrate childhood literacy and welcome the new season with a story time centered on the theme of changing seasons, followed by a leaf and flower hunt activity. This event is free with museum admission. Click here for more info.  

WHEN: September 19th, 10:30am

WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st Street


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WHAT: Brooklyn Kids Block Party

The summer-long Kids Block Party is wrapping up on the 18th with the Mil's Trills interactive instrumental band, perfect for young children (and parents) who love music and dancing. Click here for more info. 

WHEN: September 18th, 10:00am

WHERE: Albee Square, DeKalb Ave, Upper West Side, Brooklyn

kindiy.wikidot.com
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WHAT: Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger,  and Kinder

The New York Public Library and Sesame Workshop worked together to create this installation that Sesame Street fans, both young and old, are sure to love. The exhibit includes scripts, storyboards, film clips, Muppet star appearances including Oscar and Elmo, activities and so much more. Also, since it's located in the library, it's FREE! Click here for more info.

WHEN: Beginning September 18th

WHERE: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side

muppet.wikia.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

An Exemplary Educator


As an early childhood education foundation, HMESF feels that an educator who makes it his or her primary goal to encourage, support, and instill confidence in students is one to be valued and appreciated. The role of a teacher is one that requires resilience, patience, positivity and creativity, and it takes a very special person to represent all of these qualities.

Estella Rash of the University Child Development Center at the University of Missouri has gone above and beyond as an educator for over 35 years, and is being rewarded for her tremendous impact on the children she has taught with the 2014 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award. 

Photo courtesy of www.stlamerican.com
Rash's exemplary teaching style since her beginning in 1981 has been individualized curriculum, as Rash believes in catering to each student's individual learning styles and interests. She has also structured her teaching on the belief that curiosity, individual expression, and idea sharing are absolutely fundamental for children's development. Rash allows her students to feel free to express any and every thought they have, without fear of ever being wrong. 

Teachers, whether they be certified instructors, family members, or community figures, are essential to early childhood educational development. Brad Henry said, "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." Estella Rash has proven to be a truly great teacher by this definition, and HMESF commends her hard work, and appreciates everything she has done for early childhood education. Estella will be presented her award by the St. Louis American Foundation at its 27th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on September 12th. 

Learn about the PNC Grow Up Great program here