News and Upcoming Events

News & Upcoming Events

We love sharing about the great things happening at ChildServe Childcare Centers!

Top Story
ChildServe Childcare Center - Johnston Offering Summer Explorers Program • February 16, 2010

Excitement is on the rise at the ChildServe Childcare Center in Johnston due to preparation for a fun and educational summer program designed for children ages four and five. ChildServe's Summer Explorers program develops fun themes, games, activities, and field trips, all with a careful eye on safety and security. Our teachers keep children engaged and entertained, and give them even more opportunities to learn and grow. Weekly swimming, music sessions, and special visitors keep things fun while educational projects keep your child sharp and ready for school in the fall!

The fun begins June 7th and ends August 16th. Summer Explorers is available full-time, Monday through Friday only. For more information or to register, call Amanda or Jamie at 515.278.2499.

To view of pdf of the Summer Explorers brochure, please click here.

Upcoming Events
ChildServe's Scoop on Children's Health:
How Scared Should We Be About Technology & Our Kids?
with Doug Gentile, PhD, Associate Professor, Iowa State University,
and Research Director, National Institute on Media and the Family
March 2 • 7 p.m. • ChildServe Center, 5406 Merle Hay Road

Did you know that playing violent video games not only enhances aggressive thoughts and behaviors, but also increases the body's heart rate, adrenaline, and blood pressure? Dr. Gentile discusses what parents can do to mitigate the negative effects and promote the positive effects of media and technology.

Other News
ChildServe Childcare Center - Ames Earns Four-Star Rating • November 16, 2009

ChildServe Childcare Center in Ames is proud to announce that they were recently awarded a 4 Star rating by the State of Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS).

QRS is a voluntary program that gives childcare settings guidelines on improving their quality of childcare. By participating, they have chosen to demonstrate their desire to improve the quality of care and education their children receive.
 
QRS has five levels indicated by the number of stars on the providers QRS certificate. Centers with a Level 4 rating have made significant steps in meeting key indicators of quality in the areas of professional development, health and safety, environment, family and community partnership, and leadership and administration.

ChildServe Childcare Service Manager LuAnn Murgatroyd and Ames Site Supervisor Stephanie Troncoso said this week they've set their sights on Level 5, the highest ranking possible. All QRS programs, regardless of their level, have made a commitment to providing quality care to the children they serve. Each program awarded a star rating must wait an additional year to apply for a higher rating.

For more information about QRS please visit www.dhs.state.ia.us/iqrs.

Mitigating H1N1 at ChildServe Childcare Centers • September 22, 2009

We are taking steps to keep our children healthy and we need your help. Using the suggestions below will help you prevent influenza illness in your child, your family, and other children.

Know the symptoms of influenza. The symptoms of influenza include fever (100 degrees orally Fahrenheit or above), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may vomit or have diarrhea.

Do not send sick children to child care. Influenza spreads very easily. Please stay alert for the symptoms of influenza in your family. Any child who becomes sick at child care will be sent home. Call us to let us know your child is sick. You should begin now to plan how you will provide care for your sick child if you are not able to stay home with them.

Keep sick children at home. Children with influenza-like illness should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. Aspirin should NEVER be given to children under age 19 years to reduce a fever. Cough and cold medicines should NOT be given to children under age 6 without physician guidance.

Returning child to child care. Your child cannot have a fever, or be using fever lowering medicine, (like Tylenol or ibuprofen) for 24 hours before the child may return to child care. Your child will likely be absent from child care for 3-5 days and maybe longer. Please do not bring your child back to child care before the child has fully recovered.

Teach children influenza is spread from person-to-person. Help us teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. When tissues are not available, teach children to cover their cough or sneeze using their elbow or sleeve instead of their hands as that can spread germs.

Teach children to wash their hands. Older children should be taught to wash their hands often with soap and water and every time after they cough or sneeze. Parents should wash the hands of young children. Parents can set a good example by doing this themselves.

Teach children not to share their personal items. Older children should be taught to not share items like beverages, cups, food, unwashed eating utensils, or toothbrushes. Parents must closely watch the behaviors of young children to reduce the spread of disease.

Get your family vaccinated. All family members should be vaccinated for seasonal influenza now, and for novel influenza A (H1N1) when that vaccine becomes available.

Stay informed. The ChildServe communications team will provide current information from the CDC and Iowa Dept. of Public Health on our web site: www.childserve.org.

Thank you for helping to keep all of our children healthy!

Believing in the spirit of a child. © ChildServe 2009
ChildServe Home • Privacy Policies • Family Handbooks• SilentWhistle • Contact Us