West Side Career & Technology Center (WSCTC) is partnering with Building Blocks Learning Center to offer a pre-kindergarten program at the WSCTC for the 2019/2020 school year. Pre-K Counts grant funding is available. If you qualify, the program can be free. Children who experience a good pre-k program are better prepared socially and academically for kindergarten and for their future school years. A quality pre-k program with a strong teaching staff will provide a child with cognitive, behavioral and social skills they can’t learn at home. Children who enter kindergarten with the skills learned in a pre-kindergarten program have the tools needed for academic success.
Pre-K programs make a huge difference in preparing a child for starting kindergarten. Children who enter kindergarten without the foundation of skills and socialization developed in a pre-k program may soon fall behind their better-prepared classmates. Children are not only learning the alphabet and simple math but also developing important social skills and independence.
The benefits of pre-kindergarten
Pre-K attendees are better prepared for school.
Pre-K programs provide children with a strong base of motor skills, cognitive skills, and language skills.
Pre-K children develop literacy, language, and math skills faster than children who don’t attend a pre-k program.
Enrollment in a pre-kindergarten program can help your child achieve his or her full potential when entering kindergarten. It will help them grow in confidence and independence. Most importantly, they will develop a positive attitude toward learning. Help your child kick-start their education by attending the pre-kindergarten program at the West Site Career & Technology Center in Kingston.
Building Blocks pre-kindergarten program at West Side CTC offers:
Small class sizes
Curriculum approved by the PA Department of Education
Literacy based curriculum
Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided
Before and after school care options available
Pre-K Counts Financial Aid/ELRC assistance available
Children must be 3 1/2 years of age
Building Blocks Learning Center is a fully licensed and accredited daycare, pre-school and pre-k facility that adheres to the highest standards in the industry. In addition to Building Blocks Learning Center’s pre-kindergarten program at the West Site CTC, we also offer pre-k programs at our learning centers in Wilkes-Barre, Mountaintop and Dallas.
For more information, or to enroll your child at Building Blocks pre-kindergarten program at West Side CTC, or to learn more about Pre-K Counts grants, call 570-793-1725. The right pre-k program can help your child grow in self-confidence and thrive academically. Learn more about the benefits of a pre-k program on our website.
Formal programs can help to improve your child’s academic and school readiness. For many children, this may be their first experience in a structured setting with other children and teachers.
They can provide a foundation for learning, both socially and academically. Preschool and readiness programs can help significantly boost pre-math and literacy skills. Children will not only learn academically, but they will learn to share, follow instructions, listen and so much more.
Kindergarten readiness programs can help to nurture your child’s creativity and curiosity. They begin to make choices.
Summer PreK and kindergarten readiness programs can provide your child with an opportunity to learn and play in a structured setting. This structure is integral to preparing your child for the next step. They teach your child to function in a classroom setting.
Readiness programs can help to prepare your child emotionally to move on to the next phase – preschool or kindergarten. Emotional readiness, such as learning to compromise, learning respect and learning to play can help your child build confidence.
They can help to develop a child’s motor skills. Play, various classroom activities and physical activity are all important to kindergarten readiness and PreK readiness. These activities can help children develop fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and balance.
Kindergarten & PreK Readiness Programs Can Help a Child Succeed
Is your child entering kindergarten or preschool in the fall? Do you feel they are well prepared for this big step in their life? If not, we can help! Even if they are, we can help to keep their skills nicely polished and ready for the start of their kindergarten or preschool year. Our summer programs will not only help them to continue to learn, but to develop friendships, confidence, self-awareness and the independence needed to succeed. Our programs are a unique combination of learning and fun.
Each summer Building Blocks Learning Centers in Wilkes-Barre, Mountain Top and Dallas help to prepare children with two exceptional readiness programs. Both programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Our Sparks Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp and our Prekindergarten Summer Boot Camp can give you the peace of mind in knowing your child will strengthen their skills and continue to learn and develop all summer long.
Sparks! Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp
Your child’s transition into kindergarten can begin with Sparks! Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp. Each week, students will study a carefully selected book. Then, using the concepts of literacy and reading comprehension they will focus on their kindergarten readiness skills in nine different areas. Skills of focus will include self-help, social-emotional, visual, verbal, language development, listening, work habits gross motor and fine motor skills. Building Blocks Spark!
Sparks! Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp is taught by a PA Licensed PreK teacher and is designed to meet the needs of all students, whether they attend a PreK class or not. Daily activities will include science exploration, math and reasoning, art and creativity, reading and language development and team building. The kindergarten readiness program begins in June so contact us to learn more or register your child today.
Prekindergarten Summer Boot Camp
This program has been specially designed for children ages 3 ½ to 4 ½ to help prepare them for their transition into PreK. A special prekindergarten curriculum will keep your child engaged and learning throughout the summer. Weekly themes will focus on areas of math, science, leadership, cultural awareness, cooperation, problem solving and health and wellness. Every day skills will be addressed, such as money concepts, reading comprehension, conflict resolution, creative thinking and more.
You can help give your child the edge they need to succeed in school by giving them the opportunity to attend preschool. This will help to expose your child to so many different learning experiences. Learn more about our PreK summer bootcamp now.
Are you ready to enroll your child in a summer readiness program?
Child care experts seem to agree that a high-quality early learning program can help a child to succeed in school. Transitioning your child to this next phase can be integral to their success. Kindergarten readiness programs and PreK readiness programs can help to broaden your child’s horizons and prepare them for the next steps in life. It will also help to build an excitement and lessen anxiety about entering kindergarten or preschool.
Let Building Blocks Learning Center help to prepare your child for a lifetime of learning.
What do you have planned for your kids this summer? A great summer of adventure awaits your children at Building Blocks learning Center. So much more than a daycare center, Building Blocks Learning Center has four distinct summer programs to fit your unique needs. Our summer camp offers a structured, social environment for children to learn, grow and develop their independence. It will enable them to develop necessary skills, build lasting friendships and gain the confidence they need to thrive in the years ahead. Summer preschool will enable your child to have a fun-filled summer while they maintain the stability and consistency of a classroom environment. Our Kindergarten readiness program and Kindergarten bootcamp will prepare them for that all-important transition to Kindergarten.
At Building Blocks, we realize the importance of keeping young minds active and continuing to develop throughout the summer months. Young children, especially those moving on to kindergarten in the fall, need to maintain a routine and reinforce and build on the skills they have learned. Whether you’re looking for a summer childcare option, a children’s summer camp, or a summer kindergarten readiness program, Building Blocks Learning Center has specially designed programs to fit your needs. These programs will engage your child in fun and interactive learning activities as well as introduce them to new and exciting experiences this summer.
Building Blocks Learning Center Summer Programs
All children’s summer programs run June 25 to August 16, 2019
Camp Leo Summer Camp for Kids – Calling all kids ages 6 to 12. You won’t want to miss this fun-filled summer camp. Our structured children’s summer camp offers exciting weekly themes and events, team sports and clubs. Before and after care is included in Camp Leo Summer Camp. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are also provided. Children ages 6 to 12 years of age are welcome to attend Building Blocks’ summer camp. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your child to a whole new group of friends and help them to build their self-esteem. We remember our fun days at summer camp, do you?
Pre School Summer Program – Ideal for 3 and 4-year-old children, our summer preschool program will help your child explore new interests and learn about structure as they follow a daily schedule. This age-appropriate program will inspire your child to interact with other children as they learn, help them to enhance their social skills, explore their creativity and develop emotionally. They will have fun with their peers while they learn important skills such as teamwork and cooperation. Best of all, they will develop their own sense of independence.
Prekindergarten Summer Boot Camp – Specially designed to better prepare children ages 3 ½ to 4 ½ for their transition into Prekindergarten. Pre-K summer bootcamp will keep children engaged with weekly themes focused on various skills and other areas of interest. Themes include reading, math, science, leadership, cultural awareness, cooperation, problem solving and health and wellness. Our interactive approach to summer learning will include subjects such as nature exploration, money concepts, computation, reading comprehension, environmental health, diversity, nutrition, physical exercise, creative thinking, conflict resolution, creative thinking and much more. Learning has never been so much fun!
SPARKS! Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp – The staff at Building Blocks Learning Center will help prepare your child for that important transition to kindergarten. Each week, SPARKS! Students will be studying a carefully selected book and using the concepts of literacy and reading comprehension. Our SPARKS! Summer Kindergarten Readiness program will help your child further develop the following skills in preparation for kindergarten: self-help skills, social-emotional skills, visual skills, verbal skills, language development, listening skills, work habits, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. A selection of enchanting books will keep them engrossed throughout this 8-week summer program. Start the SPARK! In your child this summer!
Introduce your child to the emotional, social and educational benefits of the summer camp, summer preschool program or a kindergarten readiness program at Building Blocks Learning Center. It’s our goal to help them develop life-long skills, gain confidence and make great friends.
All programs run for 8 weeks, from June 25th through August 16th. Enroll your child in our summer camp or one of our summer learning and readiness programs by calling 570-208-2252 or fill out our contact form.
An amazing summer experience awaits your child at Building Blocks Learning Center. Learn more about our summer camp and other summer programs or enroll your child today. We’ll keep your child engaged and learning all summer long!
March is National Nutrition Month and it’s a great time to teach your child the importance of making good food choices and developing healthy eating habits. The foods your preschooler eats throughout the day are an important part of his or her overall health. You can begin by setting a great example for your child by making healthy food choices yourself. Start nutrition education young by exposing your child to a variety of foods early in life. This will help them to develop a better attitude towards trying new and different foods.
You may be wondering just how much your child should be eating. The USDA ChoseMyPlate site offers handy calorie suggestions for boys and girls of various ages and activity levels. This guide, along with input from your pediatrician will help you to determine a healthy nutrition plan for your child. At Building Blocks Learning Centers, we realize the importance of a healthy diet for children of all ages. We focus on providing highly nutritious snacks and meals to the children in our care every day. We feel it is important to helping to energize their bodies and sharpen their minds.
Five tips to help your child develop healthy eating habits
Sit down for a family dinner as often as possible. We realize it can be hard juggling everyone’s schedule and may not always be possible. When you can do it, it’s a great way to not only be sure your child is eating a healthy dinner, but also learn more about their day. Plan your family meal so everyone is eating the same foods. No need to make a separate mac and cheese dinner for a fussy child, rather teach them to eat the well-balanced meal you are enjoying.
Provide plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains for your child with meals and snacks. Introduce various fruits and vegetables to their child when they are young, they won’t be as quick to turn their nose up at things if they are used to them. A snack that includes dipping raw vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots into a healthy dip can seem like a treat if it’s introduced that way!
Take your child grocery shopping. It’s a great way to help them make healthier choices right from the start. Show them examples of the various food groups that should make up their plate. Let them pick out some fruits and vegetables on their own. Explain how you check the nutritional information on food labels when making purchase decisions.
Let your child help plan and prepare a meal with age appropriate tasks. Explain how you incorporate products from all of the food groups into the meal and teach your child about portion size. If your child takes part in the process of making a meal, they are more apt to eat and enjoy it. Learning about what goes into a meal may also help them to make healthier choices in the lunchroom.
Most importantly, be a good role model by sharing the healthy foods you enjoy with your child. Avoid eating too much junk food and sugary drinks, don’t skip meals and snack sensibly. It’s also important to try to avoid eating in front of the TV or computer when your child is around, as it could lead to mindless eating. Talk positively about healthy foods and encourage your child to eat nutritiously each day. Teach them about listening to their body for hunger cues as well.
For a more in-depth look at the five food groups, along with examples of foods in each group to share with your child, visit the USDA ChooseMyPlate site You will also find tips for picky eaters, as well as food safety tips and more. Check the Building Blocks Learning Center blog monthly for more helpful tips regarding preschool children.
With March in sight, we’re sure your entire family is showing signs of cabin fever and craving some time in the good ole’ outdoors. We’re right there with you, just waiting for that much-anticipated break in the weather. Believe it or not, daylight savings time starts on March 10th, so get ready to set those clocks ahead. Believe it or not, the first day of spring is on March 20th. There are plenty of outdoor family events happening throughout our area in March and April. Here are just a few ideas.
10 ways to celebrate early spring outdoors in NEPA
Bundle up and head out to a St. Patrick’s Parade. You have several to choose from, starting with the Pittston parade kicking off at noon on Saturday, March 2nd. That’s followed up by the famous Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday, March 9th at 11:45am and the Wilkes-Barre parade on Sunday, March 10th at 2pm. Check for updated information on family activities surrounding each parade online as the dates near on the individual city/parade website.
Visit the SPCA of Luzerne County Pet Expo. Love to support your furry friends? Then head on over to the Kingston Armory on Saturday, March 30th between 10am and 6pm or Sunday, March 31st from 10am to 4pm for this 2-day event, which benefits the SPCA of Luzerne County. Admission is only $5 and children under 12 are admitted free. Best of all, you can bring your furry family members to this event. Yes folks, bring your pets! You will enjoy food and craft vendors, animal product and services, animal welfare organizations, adoptable pets will be on site, plus face painting, basket raffles and more. Best of all, you’re helping the adorable little critters at the SPCA. Tap to learn more.
Take me out to the ballgame; take me out with the crowd. Believe it or not, the RailRiders season opener is only a month away on Thursday, April 4th in Buffalo. The team is then home for a 7-game stretch from Thursday, April 11th through Wednesday, April 17th. They play Buffalo from the 11th through the 14th and then Lehigh Valley from the 15th to the 17th. Tap to see the RailRiders season schedule, as well as information on family nights, other promotions and giveaways.
Be on the lookout for local Easter Egg Hunts. Nothing beats a good ole’ fashioned Easter Egg Hunt, and there are usually plenty held throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. You may also find several breakfasts with the Easter Bunny events. Keep your eye out for an Easter event near you.
Pack a lunch and go fishing! Yes, April 13th is first day of trout fishing in NEPA. Introduce your children to the fun of fishing. It’s a great activity for the entire family. Don’t forget to pick up your license before the big day.
“Do it for the Kids.” The Wyoming Valley Children’s Association Kids that is. Not a fan of fishing? Then take a walk. The WVCA’s 27th annual “Do it for the Kids” Walk-A-Thon is on April 13th as well. This family friendly event features a 2.5-mile walk, food, music, raffle prizes, family activities and more, all to benefit the WVCA programs. The walk begins at the WVCA at 1133 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort. Tap for details.
Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kirby Park. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 11am to 5pm in Kirby Park. There will be food, crafts, rides, games, music and more.
Ride a bike. Your child may have gotten a brand new bike for Christmas, but haven’t had an opportunity to get out much in the cold weather. There’s no time like early spring to enjoy the outdoors with a family bike ride.
Celebrate Earth Day by starting a garden. They say April showers bring May flowers after all. Earth Day is April 22nd and it’s the perfect time to teach your children how to garden. The Farmer’s Almanac offers some suggestions for planting timeline for a Wilkes-Barre climate. You can start seeds outdoors for vegetables, such as beets, carrots, onions and spinach in April. It will also give you suggestions for a timeline for starting seeds indoors and transplanting them. You can start seedlings indoors as early as March, so be sure to check it out. Start seeds early for flowers and herbs indoors as well. This is an activity your children are sure to love as they watch their vegetables and flowers grow all summer. Need a few more ideas to celebrate Earth Day, how about taking a hike or building a bird feeder for your yard.
Fly a kite. The breeze of springtime makes it’s a great time to teach your child the joys of flying a kite.
Building Blocks Summer Camp for Kids
Spring is a great time to begin to discuss the Building Blocks Learning Center Summer Camp with your family as well. Our summer camp runs mid June through mid August. It includes fun projects, sports, STEAM activities and more. Breakfast, lunch and a snack is provided, as well before and after care. Building Blocks summer camp for children is a fun and interactive way for kids to spend their summer. You can learn more by calling 570-793-1725. Building Blocks is here for all of your summer camp, pre-school and daycare needs.
Most importantly, enjoy the beauty of spring with your entire family. Whatever you do, do it together. Follow us on Facebook to see more family fun ideas like this and information on what’s happening at Building Blocks Learning Center.