Jolly Fun House Playschool

Enjoying Our Recent Blog Topics? Visit These Resources to Learn More!

If you’d like to know more about quality early care facility criteria and the benefits of teaching children a foreign language from a young age, peruse the following links. Should you have further questions regarding these or other relating topics, feel free to call the Jolly Fun House Playschool at (847) 448-0105!

• Get more guidance on choosing child care services and facilities for your family by reading through these helpful chapters on KidsHealth.org.
• If you have more questions on how to assess the safety of the facilities you’re considering, see this Department of Health and Human Services Parent’s Guide.
• For more details on teaching children a second language from an early age, check out this Parents.com article.
• To learn about the direct benefits of learning a foreign language, both to children and adults, read through this Duke online newsletter.
• Looking for a reliable source of articles, third-party links, and pamphlets for parents? Visit the US Department of Education’s online page for parents.

Qualities to Look for in an Early Childhood Care Facility

Finding and selecting the best early childhood extended care facility in the area can be daunting and quite stressful for parents. In the interest of assisting parents through this process, we’ve provided the below list of criteria to use during your search:

• Emphasis on Safety—First and foremost, find a program that places the safety of the children they care for at the top of their list of priorities. Check to make sure the institution you choose maintains up-to-date and complete records pertaining to child and staff immunizations, walk through the physical property to identify posted evidence of building code inspections, and speak to staff members about their experience with first-aid and medical emergency response.
• Location and Flexible Scheduling—Considering logistics, you should also look for an early childhood care facility or preschool that is located in a good area that is convenient for you to travel to on a day-to-day basis. Then, check on the hours of operation, and find out whether or not extended care is offered to children of parents who maintain tough work schedules.
• Qualifications and Satisfaction of the Staff—Assess the qualifications of the staff members, including their educational backgrounds and approaches to teaching. Then, personally speak with each staff member about their experiences on the job.  The more satisfied they are with their position, the more enthusiastic they will be about caring for your child in a classroom setting.
• Low Child-to-Teacher Ratio—Fewer children per teacher means more attention and care is provided to each individual student. Not only will this fortify their academic and social experiences in the classroom, it will also bolster the safety of your child while they spend time in a facility outside of your home.

To learn more about the early childhood program at Jolly Fun House Playschool, give us a call at (847) 448-0105. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Utilizing Technology at Home: Kids Numbers & Math App for Android

In today’s technologically driven world, an increasing number of children are developing an interest in mobile technology, whether they use it to play games, watch movies, or learn.

To make the most of this increasing interest, the makers of the Kids Numbers and Math app have created a teaching tool that provides children with a fun and engaging way to learn basic math skills. These include, but are not limited to addition, subtraction, and counting, all of which can be spoken in foreign languages for an added learning perk. Check out the app and see for yourself!

Since 1942, the Jolly Fun House Playschool has provided the highest standard of care and educational opportunity for children from infants through preschool and the early grades. With three convenient locations, we serve many city and suburban families across Chicagoland. Call 847-448-0105 for more information.

Planning Effective Child Care for Your Busy Schedule

Many parents have responsibilities beyond just taking care of their kids. Between work and other commitments, it can be quite the challenge to find the best care for your child. Extended care programs, both before and after school, can open the door to the many options.

Extended Care

One way to keep your child busy in a safe and productive environment after school is to utilize extended care programs. Schools, like the JFH Academy, offer extended care hours for early childhood programs at no extra cost to families. This is a convenient option when you have to work late and there is no one to pick up the kids. Enrolling your children in an all-day program is a great way to assure that they’re learning while you’re taking care of other responsibilities.

Morning Care

For younger children, it can be hard to keep them busy in the morning hours. Thankfully, half-day programs exist. Regular day cares often just babysit your children, allowing children to do as they will without any mental stimulation. Opting to enroll your child in a program at a school ensures that they’re receiving the best care while simultaneously learning. Half-day programs are often a lifesaver for busy parents.

Parents want only the best care for their kids, and often it can be hard to find a program that fits your schedule and provides the quality you demand. If you’re looking for effective childcare to fit your schedule, contact Jolly Fun House Playschool at (847) 448-0105 for more information.