Celebrations and recognition are the order of business during the Week of the Young Child, this year celebrated April 23-27. Every year the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) observes a week in April for child care providers, teachers, community members, state governments and the federal government to recognize the impacts high quality child care has on our children and families.
Some fun from the Pacific Northwest centers:
In Seattle, Growing Years Child Care Center prepared the “World’s Largest Fruit Salad” – This activity supported collaboration throughout the center, and connected the children to healthy nutrition and Earth Day. Families of each age group were invited to bring in a specific type of fruit. The children prepared the fruit in small groups and each classroom enjoyed the fruit salad for afternoon snack.
Little Eagles Child Care had a concert in the courtyard, incorporating the music and movement with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Campaign”. The band, Brian and his Good Buddies, performed two sessions. The center invited some of their neighbors: United Way, Starbucks, and Russell Investments to party with them.
At the Green Tree Child Care Center they hosted an art walk for families and friends in the Park Place Building. The event showcased children’s art work from all the classrooms and was attended by EPA associates from the building, GSA, families and board members.
Joyful Noise Child Care Center, located in Portland OR hosted an art walk at the 911 federal building in Portland. Children’s art was displayed for purchase. Funds raised will support the child care program in purchasing a light table to enhance their discovery and science curriculum.
Parents and Board members at Little Aviators Child Care Center, located in Renton WA, planned daily activities including visits from the K-9 unit with Customs and Border Patrol, Renton fire department, Renton police department, and Valley Medical center. Parents and FAA volunteers came into the center all week to read to the children.
Building Blocks Child Care Center Hosts a Community Summer Carnival
While our GSA child care programs provide high quality, affordable child care to federal families, the program also prides itself for being a community partner. Many of the child care centers enroll children whose parents work in the communities where the center is located. The culture of many of the child care programs focus on supporting and reaching out to communities and bringing them into the center.
On August 18, 2011, Easter Seals Building Blocks Child Care Center in Auburn, WA hosted an end of summer celebration with Federal and community families, as well as federal and community partners.
Everyone joined together for a BBQ, homemade lemonade, games, bounce house and demonstrations by Customs and Border Patrol. The Puget Sound Field Office provided space and tables and chairs for the event. According to Lara Canada, Director of Building Blocks, children from each classroom participated in games with their families; “we had a 99.8% participation rate. It was a huge success.”
GSA Child Care Programs strive to meet the NAEYC requirements for accreditation. One standard is dedicated specifically to Families and Community 
Relationships. Criteria 7.A.12 and 7.A.14 require the program to facilitate opportunities for families to meet with one another on a formal and informal basis, work together, and provide support for each other. Program staff and families work together to plan events. The carnival demonstrated Building Blocks dedication to families while showcasing their ability to partner with local community vendors and supporters and have fun!
The blistering heat and blaring sun were unable to interr
upt the excitement and enthusiasm in Newark on July 11th as federal and local officials, families, teachers and children gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the renovation and expansion of the Newark Federal Kids Care Child Care Center.
The renovation/expansion of the child care facility, located on the first floor of the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building in Newark, New Jersey was managed by New Jersey Service Center architect Anne Marie Michael, and designed by the architectural firm of Messick, Cohen, Wilson, Baker Architects LLP.
The original Newark Federal Kids center was opened in 1990 with roughly 4000 square feet of space able to accommodate approximately 56 children. 
The renovation and expansion has added an additional 1000 square feet to the center, in order to meet the growing need for child care at this location.
Michael sang the National Anthem which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by the children of Newark Federal Kids center. Regional Administrator Denise Pease was the keynote speaker and painted a picture of GSA’s commitment to continue improving federal child care centers through programs and partnerships like the center’s partnership with The First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative.
In her remarks Pease also thanked Michael, Magda Marcano from the GSA Child Care Division, contracting officers Rochelle Powell and Brenda Yates for their work on the project, and Gary Walz, Chris Braham from the Newark Service Center as well as student intern Chelsea Reed for their help with the ceremony. The Newark Federal Kids center is an endorced EcoHealthy center that is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for children to grow and learn while promoting and setting an example of sustainability.
Welcome to “Inside Voices”. What you’ll find in this space is current news and information about and for the GSA child care center network. We’ll include stories and events from the centers, and boards, highlight providers and staff and share best practices. Every day can bring joy and adventure in this business and we’ll share the fun but also lessons learned and helpful resources.
Stay tuned.
Everyone joined together for a BBQ, homemade lemonade, games, bounce house and demonstrations by Customs and Border Patrol. The Puget Sound Field Office provided space and tables and chairs for the event. According to Lara Canada, Director of Building Blocks, children from each classroom participated in games with their families; “we had a 99.8% participation rate. It was a huge success.” 
Relationships. Criteria 7.A.12 and 7.A.14 require the program to facilitate opportunities for families to meet with one another on a formal and informal basis, work together, and provide support for each other. Program staff and families work together to plan events. The carnival demonstrated Building Blocks dedication to families while showcasing their ability to partner with local community vendors and supporters and have fun!
