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Landis
Child Development Center
Reports Exciting Changes
We have made many improvements here at Landis, including structural improvements as well as added educational
opportunities for the children and staff members.
The
most visible change is the renovation of the Landis courtyard.
A safety ground material called Saf Dek now covers the
courtyard. The benches are reset and new play structures for
preschoolers, toddlers and infants are installed.
Improvements
have been made inside as well. By expanding and renovating some of the
rooms, Landis has been able to increase its capacity and now accommodates
99 children, from six weeks to 12 years of age. The increase in capacity
benefits both employees and the growing community.
One
of the advantages of having a child development center at Foxwood
Springs is having the intergenerational connection between the children
and the residents. On a regular basis, the children visit residents
who live in the Atrium, RCC and HCC.
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While a
resident
of Foxwood, Bill Knowles enjoyed playing with the children in the Landis
courtyard. He was one of the many residents who volunteer at
the Landis Child Development Center.
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In
addition, many residents volunteer to help with Landis activities which
include Bible Story Time; Story Time; assisting with play time, lunch
time and nap time; rocking babies; and reading books. These
volunteers are a special part of our family.
The
Landis program has expanded to include a computer class
for children who enroll in that. Linda Payton also provides Spanish,
Art History appreciation, and culture lessons in the pre-kindergarten
room.
Nita Van Natta, a resident and music teacher of 26 years, taught music
appreciation
to four and five-year-olds. Since no curriculum was found for this age
group, Nita created her own. “We studied rhythm, discussed how music
affects our feelings and had several musical demonstrations. When you
work with children, expect the unexpected and usually you aren’t
disappointed,” exclaimed Nita.
Continuing
education for childcare providers is vital for quality childcare. Landis
is proud of having teachers from time to time complete their Child Development
Associate to enhance their training. This is a continuing education program for childcare providers
who work with children from six weeks to six years of age.
The
success of the childcare program at Landis is the result of many factors:
providing new learning opportunities for the children and the staff
members; improving and expanding the facilities; and involving residents
who volunteer many hours and enrich the children’s experience at Landis. |
