Save Money and Eat Well with EITC and 3SquaresVT
We wanted to pass along some information from 3SquaresVT, an organization that helps Vermonters "stretch their food budgets and put three square meals a day on their tables." Check out the description below for more on the Earned Income Tax Credit and 3SquaresVT food benefits. There is an online flyer that can be found by clicking here, so take a look and feel free to pass it along to others in our community.
It’s tax season again and families are thinking about how to save money in these tough times. Vermonters who made under $52,427 in 2014 may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to boost the income of working families and worth up to $6,143 as a tax credit or refund. Income guidelines are based on tax filing status and number of dependent children in the home. Families with dependent children who receive the Vermont EITC are automatically income eligible for 3SquaresVT food benefits. With the connection to 3SquaresVT, families not only save money on their taxes, but also put more nutritious food on the table. The amount of food money a family gets each month also depends on expenses, with the average monthly 3SquaresVT benefit now over $200. An added bonus is that children who get 3SquaresVT also qualify for free school meals, saving a family even more throughout the year. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont for information about free tax help services. Vermonters can make an appointment with a certified tax preparer who will help you claim EITC if you qualify. For more information about the connection to 3SquaresVT and school meals, also dial 2- 1-1 or go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com.
Play: Intentional, Meaningful, Vital
To be sure, this will only be the first of many pieces we do to discuss the concept of play. So let's dive right in. When we adults think about play, there's one word that might come straight to mind. Take a second to see what word you come up with. Got it? Was it FUN, or some close equivalent? For a lot of us, play is just that. It's what WE do to have fun.
While we agree that play is fun, it's not just fun for children, it's significantly more complex. We believe that play is an engaging time for children where a variety of critical skills are fostered such as: creativity, persistence, leadership, cooperation, and curiosity to name only a few. It's also where kids learn to express themselves and are able to explore their interests. It is through play that children's developing language skills take off, it is where they learn social norms and appropriate interactions with their peers, teachers, and world around them, it is the start of exercising compassion and good judgement. In short, play is a vital component of the "work" that children do on a daily basis.
To ensure successful play, we are very purposeful in how we construct both our environment and play times. An example of this is how teachers choose materials that offer children numerous and diverse opportunities without overwhelming them. Additionally, we hope that play has elements that are neither too challenging nor too simple. Through this kind of planning, children can get down to the work of childhood: play. Take a look at the photos from this week that highlight our curriculum, and our commitment to intentional play. Next week, tune in for more musings on this topic and how adults can support play at home and at school.
It’s tax season again and families are thinking about how to save money in these tough times. Vermonters who made under $52,427 in 2014 may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to boost the income of working families and worth up to $6,143 as a tax credit or refund. Income guidelines are based on tax filing status and number of dependent children in the home. Families with dependent children who receive the Vermont EITC are automatically income eligible for 3SquaresVT food benefits. With the connection to 3SquaresVT, families not only save money on their taxes, but also put more nutritious food on the table. The amount of food money a family gets each month also depends on expenses, with the average monthly 3SquaresVT benefit now over $200. An added bonus is that children who get 3SquaresVT also qualify for free school meals, saving a family even more throughout the year. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont for information about free tax help services. Vermonters can make an appointment with a certified tax preparer who will help you claim EITC if you qualify. For more information about the connection to 3SquaresVT and school meals, also dial 2- 1-1 or go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com.
Play: Intentional, Meaningful, Vital
To be sure, this will only be the first of many pieces we do to discuss the concept of play. So let's dive right in. When we adults think about play, there's one word that might come straight to mind. Take a second to see what word you come up with. Got it? Was it FUN, or some close equivalent? For a lot of us, play is just that. It's what WE do to have fun.
While we agree that play is fun, it's not just fun for children, it's significantly more complex. We believe that play is an engaging time for children where a variety of critical skills are fostered such as: creativity, persistence, leadership, cooperation, and curiosity to name only a few. It's also where kids learn to express themselves and are able to explore their interests. It is through play that children's developing language skills take off, it is where they learn social norms and appropriate interactions with their peers, teachers, and world around them, it is the start of exercising compassion and good judgement. In short, play is a vital component of the "work" that children do on a daily basis.
To ensure successful play, we are very purposeful in how we construct both our environment and play times. An example of this is how teachers choose materials that offer children numerous and diverse opportunities without overwhelming them. Additionally, we hope that play has elements that are neither too challenging nor too simple. Through this kind of planning, children can get down to the work of childhood: play. Take a look at the photos from this week that highlight our curriculum, and our commitment to intentional play. Next week, tune in for more musings on this topic and how adults can support play at home and at school.
Classroom Happenings
Infant I: Infant I has become a generally "younger" classroom with older students moving into Infant II and new children arriving. This has allowed for a couple of neat things to happen: The babies are starting to fall into a natural pattern of how the day is spent; they are awake and napping at similar times of this day. This has meant we get to spend more time together. This week, the children were on the floor as a group, which has lead to more engagement with each other. The babies are more eager to socialize with each other by touch, or by smiling at one another.
Infant II: The high point of the week was an activity that Carly and Kari dubbed, "Peer Popcorn Ping Pong Ball Painting." How's that for alliteration folks?!? The children worked together as they stood around a large open box that contained paper, paint, and a ping pong ball. As the group held the box, they worked together to make the ball move around the paper and create an original piece of art. This emphasized teamwork, creativity and the process of making something over the end product. Their work is now up in the classroom. With the chilly weather, the children got outside as much as they could, but also did a lot of gross motor activities in the hallway. The teachers also want to remind parents to keep up the daily hand washing upon arrival, as it is one of the goals the classroom has. Thanks!
Toddler I: Pete the Cat has made a comeback! Familiar with Pete? You should be! This book had been popular in the Toddler I classroom for many months, but interest waned as of late. After a brief hiatus, Pete's popularity has surged. The class is starting to really hit their stride as the schedule and routine of the day seems to be something all the children are now feeling accustomed to. The children were able to get in some good chunks of outside time this week, and the new fluffy snow was a lot of fun for them. On the "manners" front, the class has been working on trying to cover their mouths if they feel the need to cough. The language the teachers are using is, "Cover your cover" or "Cough into your elbow" along with a demonstration. Melissa and Hannah also wanted to mention that the weekly journals are a great place to communicate with them; feel free to ask questions or let them know about what the children are doing at home.
Toddler II: The kids braved the weather in pursuit of more outside time. On Thursday they enjoyed some beautiful sun on the front playground. A few times this week the class has been intrigued by mini "construction projects" that included foam packing material, golf tees, and hammers/stand in hammers (see the last photo in the series above for an example). The wet sand in the sensory table continues to be a real hit. And, the class has been working hard on cleaning up one activity before moving on to another one.
Pre-K: Friday was a wonderful part of the Pre-K week as the students donned pajamas for their very own Teddy Bear Picnic. In addition to Fruit Salad Friday, they also had a special popcorn snack as they set out blankets on the floor. No word on how the bears enjoyed the popcorn. The kids loved being in their pajamas for the day, and Jen's "Grinch" pajamas were, to put it mildly, very well received. Bears and hibernation continue to be their focus of investigation. Next week they will read more stories by Jan Brett.
Thanks for Reading
See you on the playground, I'll have toe warmers in my boots! -Sam