This Week at LVCC

Winter Fun at Fowler

2012-02-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Since we haven't received much snow so far this winter, our older toddler class at LVCC's Fowler Center created our very own indoor winter wonderland.

To practice fine motor coordination, we brushed white paint onto grey paper, creating a blizzard on the bulletin board. Snowballs inspired this activity. To exercise our fine motor development, we glued cotton balls, representing ice and snow, onto the igloo shape to make a 3-D igloo. We also painted coffee filters, which are shaped like igloos, using colored dot markers.

Once we finished our artwork, we discussed things that are white - snowflakes, paper, crayons, and even blankets. We sure found lots of objects that can be white.

All this busy crafting made us hungry! It's a good thing our teacher had a healthy snack of bananas and goldfish waiting for us. Water washed it all down into our full bellies!

Go Team!

2012-02-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for some football?!! LVCC's South Mountain is!

Our toddler and pre-school classes celebrated the upcoming pro-football championship game by having a Superbowl party. Children and staff sported attire from their favorite teams. NY Giants, Oakland Raiders, and many other teams were represented. We even had a few cheerleaders to lead Team LVCC in songs!

We have spirit!
Yes we do!
We have spirit!
How 'bout you?

LVCC at Walnut Street had the team spirit this week too! Our preschoolers stretched, sang, and danced to the music of The Banana Song. We have lots of fun singing about healthy snacks like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and avocados.

What Do Firemen, Nature and Book Fairs Have in Common?

2012-01-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

...they are all things we did at LVCC's South Mountain this week!

The Allentown Fire Department gave us a demonstration. Our heroes taught us what to do in case of a fire at home. We learned how important a fireman's job is (but we also had a great time playing inside their firetruck). The Allentown PoliceDepartment and Allentown Health Bureau also visited earlier this month to talk about health and safety.

Our fantastic friends from LVCC at Truman School sent us some wonderful gifts - a tree, mushrooms, feathers, and more - to help us learn about nature. We wanted to show our appreciation, so we brainstormed on how to make a nature thank you card. In this photo, Mrs. N fromthe Truman School Age program is modeling the thank you cards that Pre-K CountsSouth Mountain made.

Our Pre-K Countsclass excitedly read different kinds of books to prepare for our Scholastic Book Fair fromFebruary 6th-10th. Each year Scholastic Book Fairs, in partnership with schools across the country, hosts more than 120,000 book-sale events that give more than 35 million students and their families access to thousands of affordable and educational products, helping foster a lifelong love of reading.

Snowflake Has Arrived

2012-01-20T14:58:00.002-05:00

We are so excited about Snowflake arriving! No, not the white stuff that falls from the sky - the Wells Fargo Bank mascot!

Mr. Roy Detweiler, III and Ms. Evalys Flores (pictured on the right) from Wells Fargo Bank, located on Union Boulevard, visited us at LVCC's Union Boulevard and brought along a 4-foot plush pony named “Snowflake.” Each bank branch donated a pony to a children’s organization of their choice; the staff at the Union Blvd.branch chose LVCC. This year's pony, Snowflake, is modeled after aWells Fargo express wagon horse from the 1880s. The historical Snowflake led ateam of horses that helped deliver money, merchandise, important papers, andpackages from Jersey City across the Hudson River into Manhattan.

Now, Snowflake is delivering smiles and giggles to all of our classrooms. We hugged and snuggled with Snowflake the whole day! Our teachers also instructed us on how to properly pet and care for an animal.

Our LVCC classes made alarge thank you card with our painted handprints that Ms. Sharon delivered to the wonderful staff at Wells Fargo.

Thank you Wells Fargo Bank! We will take care of Snowflake for many, many years!

Click here to see more photos of LVCC with Snowflake.

Frosty the Snowman

2012-01-13T11:23:00.001-05:00

Did you know Papier-mâché in French means chewed paper? We didn't chew the paper when we made this paper-mache snowman in our preschool class at LVCC's Walnut Street. Instead, we pasted strips of newspaper onto a blown-up balloon. We made the paste out of water, glue and flour. When the paste dried, we painted the snowman white and gave him some facial features and painted buttons. Once the paint dried, we gave him some finishing touches of a hat, a scarf, and pipe cleaner arms. Everyone worked as a team to create this cute guy! The whole class decided to name him Frosty.

When we were all finished, our teacher took us outside to play in the snow. We pretended to be Frosty the Snowman and let the cold snow drop onto our noses! It's a good thing we were all bundled up to stay warm. The real Frosty would have melted!

Winter Mosaic

2012-01-06T17:38:00.000-05:00

Our school-age class at LVCC at Forks School explored art and animals this week with Ms. Josetta Vadala, our new Center Director. Since winter is upon us, we discussed animals that enjoy the cold and how they live. Did you know penguins like the cold? Their funny little tuxedo bodies keep them warm and waterproof!

We also discovered the beauty of mosaic art. Mosaic art is a collage of materials assembled to make an image. The greatest part of making a collage is that it doesn’t have to be perfect!

We made our very own penguin mosaic using cut paper. The bow accents distinguish the male and female. Our penguins, however, are NOT waterproof.

Happy New Year Mom and Dad!

2011-12-29T23:02:00.001-05:00

Our Younger Toddler Class at LVCC Campus got good and messy while making a Happy New Year banner. We finger-painted and mixed all kinds of colors. We squished the paint and made little paw-prints. Ms. Olga, our teacher, also asked us the names of the colors we were using.

Although one or two of us needed some coaxing, the other toddlers dug right into the paint! It was quite exciting seeing all this gooey stuff on our hands.

Don't worry Mom and Dad - our teachers cleaned us up for you!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THE YOUNGER TODDLER'S ARTWORK

After we finished the banner, we took time out of our busy schedules to wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

'Tis the Season

2011-12-23T18:01:00.002-05:00

South Mountain
LVCC Pre-K Counts class at LVCC South Mountain put on a spectacular performance based on a book called Stone Soup. The children all played their parts well. They worked together to create the props, settings, costumes AND they even MADE STONE SOUP for all their parents to taste.

Click here to view more photos of Stone Soup
Click here to watch the play Stone Soup

Stones Crossing
The infants, toddlers, and preschoolers went caroling from door-to-door around the Stones Crossing Shopping Plaza. A surprise visitor stopped by to sing a jingle or two with the kiddies! As a special thank you for all the wonderful holiday tunes, our friends at Pizza Chef gave the children tasty cookies.

Click here to view more photos of Stones Crossing Holiday Caroling & to see who the surprise visitor was.

It's Snowing!

2011-12-16T16:13:00.003-05:00

Mr. Joel was busy making it snow at LVCC Fowler Center on Main St.!

He and the Preschool, Pre-K Counts, and School-age classrooms made paper snowflakes. We cut out different designs, decorated them, and hung them in the front windows of the building.

We learned that snowflakes are all different. No two snowflakes are alike, including the paper snowflakes we created!

Holiday Family Fun

2011-12-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

Festive holiday events took place at many of our centers this week. LVCC Alburtis held a Holiday Family Fun Night starting with a visit from Colleen Heimbach, Shafer and Nazareth Intermediate Center Director, and some canine guests. Ms. Heimbach, along with her seeing-eye trained dogs, gave a presentation on how to properly approach dogs.

A representative from the Lehigh County Humane Society spoke about importance of taking care of your pet.

Afterward, parents and children snacked on goodies, made crafts together, and finished the night with an active dodgeball game - parents vs. children.

Click Here to See More Photos from Alburtis Holiday Family Fun

LVCC St. Luke's held a grand holiday event at St. Luke's Hospital. Children and their parents enjoyed festive foods, face painting, and creative crafts. The sounds of holiday singing and stories echoed through the halls.

Special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus brought presents for all the children!

Click Here to See More Photos from St. Luke's Holiday Party

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

2011-12-02T21:42:00.001-05:00

The preschoolers from LVCC at Walnut St. and the Kiwanis Club of Allentown celebrated the joyous season with a holiday party at the Allentown BrewWorks. The festivities began with a delicious lunch. Afterward, Joan Kniess, Head of Children's Services and Chief Elf at Allentown Public Library, read a story about how Santa met the reindeer and the elves. The children were VERY excited about the surprise guest who came to visit - Santa!!! Santa also brought his elves from the Central Catholic High School Key Club to help out. And they brought PRESENTS for each child!!

Thank you Kiwanis Club of Allentown for making special memories for our tiny tots!

Click here to view photos from the party

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-27T15:57:00.001-05:00

Many of the centers celebrated Thanksgiving with various festivities. ELC invited the families of our students for a Thanksgiving feast. Over 100 family members attended, where they enjoyed delicious food and fun with their children and the LVCC staff.

Stones Crossing also invited families to a Thanksgiving celebration. Moms and dads were thankful to spend this time with their precious little ones. And the children, well, as you can see they had a blast!

LVCC is blessed for our students, always eager to learn; our families for being supportive of their children's education; and our friends and donors for making high-quality early education possible.

The Next Van Gogh...Is Still in Diapers?

2011-11-18T21:25:00.001-05:00

Would you let an infant play with paint? Ms. Bertha and Ms. Ada from the LVCC Teen Parent program at William Allen High School definitely do (with supervision, of course)! They know that even a single brush swipe from a 4 month-old is artwork. According to Ms. Bertha, by 9 months-old, an infant will pick up a paint brush and realize something exciting happens when they take a stroke. October's artwork included footprint ghosts, displayed on the center's wall. The bright colors and feel of the paint on their little tootsie-toes kept the infants curious and engaged.

This week at LVCC, the children took home turkeys - made of a real maple leaf and their very own handprints. Ms. Ada so kindly laminated the artwork for parents and grandparents to treasure forever!

Ms. Bertha during lunchtime rocking an infant.

Handprint Turkeys

Footprint Ghosts

We Salute the Veterans

2011-11-11T11:17:00.001-05:00

LVCC's Fowler Center on Main St. has our very own army veteran, Joel Buskirk. Mr. Joel is our Preschool Teacher. To honor Mr. Joel and the many other military veterans from the area, all the classrooms at Fowler Center created thank you cards and posters to give to Mr. Joel.

The students participated in stimulating activities centered around Veteran's Day. Through drawing, painting, and listening to stories, the students learned that a veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. The students also learned that veterans are special people because they protect us and they deserve to be honored with a holiday. So, thank you Mr. Joel and the veterans of the Lehigh Valley!

Stop, Drop, and Roll

2011-11-03T16:31:00.016-04:00

LVCC St. Luke's had a special visitor on Wednesday. Fire Chief David Boehrer from the Fountain Hill Fire Department brought his nicest firetruck for the children to explore. After Fire Chief Dave taught the basics of "stop, drop, and roll", he allowed the children to ask questions. The children asked very good open-ended questions that demonstrated their excellent communication skills (and fascination with firetrucks). Fire Chief Dave rewarded the children with their very own fireman helmuts for being such attentive listeners.

Ms. Natasha from the Preschool class volunteered to try on the fireman's uniform. Once completely suited up, Ms. Natasha was carrying 120 lbs. of gear! All the children agreed, they liked Ms. Natasha in the suit.

Fire Chief Dave was so informative and he even gave the center a "Sparky the Fire Dog" video to watch. Now all the preschoolers and older toddlers should know what to do in case of a fire and that they should not hide from the fireman when he comes to save them.

To see more photos of this event, click on this link to Flickr.com
.

We Have Power!

2011-11-01T16:52:00.008-04:00

Our power is on again at all centers and we will be ready to welcome your youngsters back with open arms on Wednesday. We appreciate your understanding during our recent power outage due to the weekend snowstorm. Several of the LVCC centers were among the 155,000 unfortunate energy consumers in the area to lose electricity. LVCC would like to reference information in case of future weather closings or delays. LVCC posts updates on WFMZ, WAEB, Facebook, Twitter, and our blog, This Week at LVCC.

Update on School Closings for Tuesday

2011-10-31T20:26:00.000-04:00

Due to the recent snowstorm, several centers have no power and are CLOSED including St. Luke's, South Mountain, and Truman. Call centers on Tuesday for an update or to take child to an alternate LVCC center. Centers with power and OPEN are Campus Center, ELC, Fowler, Stone's Crossing, Union, Walnut, and Western Salisbury. We will continue making updates on WFMZ and WAEB.

2011-10-31T06:32:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: Due to the recent snowstorm, several centers have no power and are CLOSED including St. Luke's, South Mountain, Western Salisbury, and Truman. Call centers on Monday for an update.

Centers with power and OPEN are Campus Center, ELC, Fowler, Stone's Crossing, Union, and Walnut.

We will continue making updates on WFMZ and WAEB.

2011-10-30T19:38:00.004-04:00

Due to the recent snowstorm, several centers have no power including St. Luke's and South Mountain. Call centers on Monday for an update.

Centers with power and open are Campus Center, ELC, Fowler, Stone's Crossing, and Union Boulevard.

We will continue making updates on WFMZ and WAEB.

Halloween, Parades, Stories, Oh My!

2011-10-28T23:13:00.022-04:00

All the LVCC students were busy this week preparing for the Halloween festivities. Many of the activities centered around pumpkins, black cats and creative costumes. LVCC Campus Center paraded around historic Bethlehem in their costumes, while parents proudly played paparazzi. The youngest representation of the toddler group must have sent each other memos in advance. They were a roaring hit as a cub pack. Ms. Adams and her creative after-schoolers at LVCC Forks School decorated their class with Halloween artwork and created signs for their "Halloween Costume Show". Every child took home an award for their imaginative costumes. Ms. Dana at LVCC South Mountain Pre-K Counts read a story about an astronaut during reading circle time. Afterward, a number of students wanted to be an astronaut and wear a helmet for trick-or-treat! The Toddler Room stirred with anticipation as everyone took turns mixing a batch of Halloween brew on one side of the room, while the other side of the room learned about creepy bugs, yuck!

To see more photos of the exciting happenings this week, log on to www.flickr.com/photos/LVCC or like us at www.facebook.com/LVCConline.

Robotics Rock!

2011-10-21T16:09:00.013-04:00

With the help of Mr. Hans from Computer Explorers, the children from LVCC Ritter School and LVCC Nazareth Area Intermediate began their introduction to the principles of engineering. In this 10 week course, children in the after-school program, grades 1-5, participate in super-cool experiments using computers and LEGO® materials to build simple machines that actually move!

This week the LVCC Ritter School explored levers, pulleys, and wheels to create dancing birds. Wide-eyed, looks of excitement stirred throughout the class as our promising engineers activated the twirling birds. Soon, the entire room was filled with the singing computer noises. Everyone worked cooperatively to solve problems and had a "chirping" good time.

Rainy Days Don't Get ELC Down!

2011-10-14T21:49:00.011-04:00

The rain fell hard outside today, but that didn't stop our budding 4-year olds in Pre-K Counts from the LVCC Judith Chase Early Learning Center. The creative juices flowed with all the active play, allowing the children to explore imagination.

Watch out Picasso, there's a new artist in town! This lil' tike showed us proper smock wear to keep her clothes clean and dry when creating a masterpiece.

And speaking of fashion, this belle of the tea party played "dress up" with all the fun clothes and accessories in the play closet. "Cinderella", as she called herself, modeled her sunflower hat to match her sunny disposition. She could pretend to be anyone or anything in her magical outfits.

Group play is A-OK as these tots demonstrated at the sand box. As they created sand castles and other cool shapes in the sand, the children learned the importance of tactile play and cooperative sharing.

Field Day

2011-09-02T17:16:00.003-04:00

The competition was fierce between Bethlehem and Easton when school-age kids from LVCC's Fowler and Campus Centers faced their rivals from LVCC at Stones Crossing in an end-of-summer Field Day at Fairview Park. In addition to soccer, kickball, and relay races, there was a picnic with healthy treats like frozen 100% juice pops! Field Day marked the end of the "Get Moving" summer fitness program, sponsored by Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation and AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan. Throughout the summer our campers in Northampton County explored new ways to keep active, learned the benefits of teamwork, and got LOTS of exercise.

The Joy of Learning...it's not just for kids!

2011-08-24T17:45:00.006-04:00

At LVCC's annual Staff Development Days, employees sharpened their skills and explored an exciting range of topics, including Critters in the Classroom, Cooking with Kids, When Toddlers Don't Eat, Inclusion, Cultural Sensitivity, Writing Lesson Plans, Storytelling with Yoga, Science Exploration, and much more. The two days of in-service training provide the only opportunity for all LVCC staff to gather in one place and learn from each other, as well as from guest experts. It's also a time for honors, awards, teambuilding and fun!

Dance Mania!

2011-08-12T10:18:00.005-04:00

Dance instructor Jessica introduced the rhythms and moves of salsa to the school-age class at LVCC's Campus Center--and before long, the whole group was stepping to the beat, exercising and having fun! Jessica, a teacher from Repertory Dance Theatre in Allentown, has been leading weekly dance classes at Campus Center as part of LVCC's "Get Moving" summer school-age fitness program. A big thank you goes to Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation and AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan for supporting a whole summer of healthy activities!

Liquid Nitrogen is Cool!

2011-08-05T15:44:00.005-04:00

Representatives from Air Products visited students at LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) to share a liquid nitrogen presentation. There were a slew of "ews" and "ahs" as students helped the experts from Air Products test a number of hypothesises.

Our friends at Air Products'recently gave a generous gift to LVCC to help us convert to a more efficient heating system at our Fowler Center! Thank you, Air Products!

The top photo features LVCC Board Member Suzanne Stianche -- also an employee at Air Products.

Bop, Twist, Kick

2011-08-01T13:56:00.003-04:00

During P.E. class today, campers at LVCC's Stones Crossing location (Easton) learned to play a new game -- similar to rock, paper, scissors -- with their feet! The video below shows some of today's warm-up exercise, "Bop, Twist, Kick."

This summer, LVCC was able to provide physical education classes in our Northampton County locations thanks to generous funding by our friends at Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation.

South Mountain Closed

2011-07-19T17:11:00.000-04:00

LVCC's South Mountain location will remain closed on Wed., July 20, 2011. See alternate location info below.

South Mountain Location Closed Today

2011-07-14T07:43:00.003-04:00

Due to plumbing issues at LVCC's South Mountain location, we must close the center today (Tuesday, July 19, 2011).

Please feel free to take your child(ren) to alternate LVCC locations:

School-Age Children
LVCC at Truman School
1400 Gaskill Avenue, Allentown
610-791-3906

All other Age Groups
LVCC's Campus Center
410 E. 5th Street, Bethlehem
610-865-6444

We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the problem quickly.

Phys Ed Enrichment

2011-07-05T14:57:00.004-04:00

LVCC's physical education teacher introduces children to a variety of team sports, aerobic exercise and cooperative games. Among other activities, she facilitates weekly soccer lessons to help children develop gross motor skills, increase aerobic exercise and learn to work as a team.

These exciting activities have been funded by the generosity of Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation and Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation.

Welcome Back, RDT!

2011-06-29T15:24:00.005-04:00

We're thrilled to welcome back instructors from the Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT)! LVCC is partnering with RDT to offer summer dance instruction to school-age summer campers. The multi-cultural instruction includes a variety of dance styles, such as hip-hop, jazz and ballet. Students will not only engage in physical exercise, but also hone creativity, self-expression and an openness to and appreciation for diverse genres of music and dance.

Summer campers at LVCC's Fowler Center got their first lesson from RDT this morning -- check it out!

Budding Scientists

2011-06-08T11:15:00.005-04:00

Pre-K Counts students at LVCC's Campus Center (Bethlehem) had a blast conducting experiments with our friends from the Da Vinci Science Center. The students discovered how many drops of water fit on a penny. In addition, they used water to create movement and conducted experiments to see if objects (like marbles, sticks and pennies) would float or sink. In another lesson, the young scientists learned about and created their own fluffy, white clouds!

See an album of photos on LVCC's Fa cebook page.

Rep. Freeman Reads on a Rainy Day

2011-05-20T14:55:00.005-04:00

Reading is a great way to enjoy a rainy day. It's even better when you have a GREAT guest reader!

Pennsylvania State Representative Bob Freeman visited LVCC's Stones Crossing location (Easton) to read a couple of books to the toddlers and preschoolers. You can see a short video from his visit on LVCC's Facebook Page.

Thanks, Rep. Freeman. We ALWAYS enjoy your visits and appreciate your support in Harrisburg!

The Browne Report

2011-05-13T14:41:00.004-04:00

LVCC's President/CEO, Susan M. Williams was interviewed for this month's edition of The Browne Report -- Pennsylvania Senator Pat Browne's webcast. You can view the episode here.

In addition to Susan's interview, footage was shot in the Pre-K Counts classroom at LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center.

We are proud to be a part of this program. Special thanks to Senator Browne for including LVCC -- and especially for believing so strongly in the importance of quality early childhood education.

It's Easy Being Green!

2011-04-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

Preschoolers enrolled in LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) spent a beautiful spring morning learning about gardening and recycling.

In true eco-fashion, the class used a resource that the center has plenty of -- recycled baby food containers -- to plant seeds for their garden! The students are hoping to watch their seeds grow into yummy tomatoes, peppers, carrots, green beans, and basil!

When they sprout, the children will replant their fruits, veggies and herbs in a garden next to their playground -- where they plan to re-purpose the sides of old cribs for fencing!

Week of the Young Child

2011-04-11T14:54:00.004-04:00

LVCC centers are celebrating Week of the Young Child! The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of the WOYC is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. LVCC centers will be celebrating with activities, events and special guests -- like Officer Sam (left) who visited students at LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) to tell students about his important job.

NAIS' Power Breakfast

2011-03-17T08:59:00.002-04:00

Students enrolled in LVCC at Nazareth Intermediate School prepared their own breakfast to to fuel their minds and bodies the morning of the PSSA Tests!

Sam I Am!

2011-03-09T15:28:00.003-05:00

The Pre-K Counts class at LVCC on Union Blvd (Allentown) celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday by making green eggs and ham and iconic "Cat in the Hat" headwear!

Welcome, Representative Simmons!

2011-02-25T14:56:00.004-05:00

Newly elected Pennsylvania State Representative Justin Simmons paid a special visit to students enrolled in LVCC's South Mountain (Allentown) location. Rep. Simmons read stories to both the Pre-K Counts and Preschool classrooms. He also received a VERY elaborate, student-guided tour of the Pre-K Counts classroom. To see a short video of the tour, visit LVCC's Facebook page!

We {Heart} Art!

2011-02-10T10:24:00.003-05:00

At LVCC, we love art! Read our electronic newsletter, CRIB NOTES, to find out why!

Also, be sure to check out our virtual art gallery on Flickr. We hope it inspires you to have an artful day!

Snow Art

2011-01-31T10:06:00.003-05:00

Snow has so many uses! Students in the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC on South Mountain (Allentown) used water color paper and washable markers to create melted art. First, students drew colorful pictures depicting outdoor scenes. Then, they bundled up, stepped outside, and let the snowflakes fall on their pictures. Throughout the day, they watched their drawings melt right before their eyes! Thank you, Mother Nature!

Artist Residency

2011-01-25T12:09:00.003-05:00

Preschool children enrolled in LVCC at St. Luke's (Bethlehem) enjoy time with their artist-in-residence, Mr. Bill. This morning, Mr. Bill engaged students in a storytelling exercise.

The artist-in-residence program is designed to bring art and creativity to every area of the classroom. Through the exploration of art and music, children develop language and literacy skills, as well as math, science and social skills.

This project is made possible through the Arts in Education Partnership of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency. It is funded by the citizens of Pennsylvania through annual legislative appropriation, and administered locally by the Allentown Art Museum. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Matching funds for this are provided through a grant from the LEGO Children's Fund.

More photos are available on LVCC's Facebook Page.

Legislative Breakfast

2011-01-21T14:10:00.003-05:00

LVCC hosted a legislative breakfast on Friday, January 21st at our Union Blvd location. The purpose of the gathering was to highlight the importance of providing high-quality early education and care for working families in our community.

We love snow days!

2011-01-14T15:48:00.005-05:00

Many commuters and homeowners were frustrated by the fluffy white stuff that blanketed our region this week, but we LOVE snow days! Staff from LVCC at Fowler Center (Bethlehem), top photo, used their parachute as a makeshift sled. And, students at LVCC on South Mountain (Allentown), bottom two photos, discovered fresh animal tracks on their playground!

Wet, Wild & Educational

2011-01-06T14:34:00.003-05:00

Today, LVCC kicked off another exciting partnership with the Da Vinci Science Center -- thanks to funding from the Harry C. Trexler Trust. Below, students enrolled in LVCC on South Mountain (Allentown) got up close and personal with sea life.

Gingerbread Fun

2010-12-23T13:29:00.006-05:00

Pre-K Counts students enrolled in LVCC on South Mountain (Allentown) honed their artistic skills while decorating gingerbread people with their families and teachers.

Science Rocks!

2010-12-17T14:00:00.003-05:00

LVCC is set to begin another exciting partnership with the Da Vinci Science Center -- thanks to funding from the Harry C. Trexler Trust. Beginning in 2011, students enrolled in LVCC's preschool classrooms will enjoy regular visits from Da Vinci Science Center educators (and maybe some of their resident creatures, too!)

Yesterday, LVCC preschool teachers honed their science skills at an in-service training at the Da Vinci Center. Experiments reinforced the tools of the trade -- observing, questioning, hypothesizing, predicting, planning, investigating, interpreting & communicating.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

2010-12-16T08:52:00.002-05:00

This week, students enrolled in LVCC's center at Alburtis School made snowman doormats out of carpet squares. The only problem is that they are too cute to wipe your feet on!

Holiday Celebration

2010-12-14T13:27:00.003-05:00

Students enrolled in LVCC at Shafer School (Nazareth) hosted a holiday celebration for their families -- complete with an outstanding musical performance!

Warm Holiday Wishes

2010-12-13T15:14:00.000-05:00

Best wishes for a jolly holiday season! Check out our holiday card -- Warm Holiday Wishes -- sure to put a smile on your face and a hop in your step!

Santa's Elves Spotted in Nazareth

2010-12-08T11:07:00.002-05:00

Students enrolled in LVCC's program at Nazareth Intermediate School have decided to "adopt" the toddler class at LVCC's Stones Crossing (Palmer Township) location. For their first project, the school-age children made sensory bags for the toddlers to enjoy.

The sensory bags are made from reinforced Ziploc bags filled with water soluble paint and baby oil. The enthusiastic toddlers practiced drawing their shapes and letters, as well as mixed paint colors inside the bags. Great job, NAIS students!

Happy Holidays, Kiwanis!

2010-12-07T15:29:00.002-05:00

The Kiwanis Club of Allentown threw a fun-filled holiday bash for preschool students enrolled at LVCC's Walnut Street (Allentown) location. Children were treated to a magic show, lunch and a visit from the big man himself. Key Clubbers from Central Catholic High School added to the merriment! Thank you for a warm and wonderful afternoon, Kiwanians!

Happy 40th, LVCC!

2010-12-01T14:30:00.002-05:00

Lehigh Valley Children's Centers is celebrating 40 years of dedication to early education! You can help us celebrate. Join our birthday party... already in progress on YouTube.

Don't forget to leave your birthday wishes in the comment box!

Gobble! Gobble!

2010-11-19T08:17:00.003-05:00

A feast was enjoyed by all, as the preschoolers, toddlers and infants dined together to celebrate Thanksgiving at LVCC's Stones Crossing (Palmer Township) location. Thank you to all the parents who donated food and the staff who worked so hard to prepare the special luncheon.

Helping Hands

2010-11-16T12:08:00.003-05:00

Students enrolled at LVCC at South Mountain (Allentown) are collecting clothing and food to donate to the Salvation Army. They will be accepting donations until December 10th.

Yuck vs. Yum

2010-11-12T09:12:00.001-05:00

Thanks to our friends at Moravian College, Pre-K Counts students at LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) enjoyed a lesson about poison control. Come back and visit us soon!

A Fairy Tale

2010-11-09T09:23:00.001-05:00

The Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Union Blvd location (Allentown) read several versions of the Cinderella story - the Disney version, a Vietnamese version, and an Egyptian version. After comparing and contrasting the stories, the students made masquerade masks and wands and went to the ball!

Halloween

2010-11-02T09:20:00.001-04:00

More halloween happenings at Nazareth Intermediate School!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T15:08:00.002-04:00

Everyone at LVCC, including the infants at Stones Crossing and school-agers at Alburtis School, are in the Halloween spirit. And, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

Allentown's Destination Playground

2010-10-26T10:59:00.003-04:00

Preschool and Pre-K Counts students attended the grand opening of Allentown's new destination playground at Cedar Beach. The playground is accessible for children who are differently abled and fun for all! Pre-K Counts Teacher Stephanie Pacifico said that she would take her students back in a heartbeat. "You can literally spend a whole day there!"

Reaching New Heights...

2010-10-21T10:34:00.001-04:00

Students enrolled in LVCC's afterschool program at Nazareth Intermediate School are enjoying the school's new playground... including the climbing matrix! We'd like to thank the NASD for helping these students "reach new heights!"

Campus Center's Fall Festival

2010-10-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

Pre-K Counts is back... and busy!

2010-09-24T11:24:00.002-04:00

The Pre-K Counts program at LVCC's Union Blvd location (Allentown) is back from summer break and busy as ever! In the top pic, students are making puppets to represent themselves. In the middle photo, the students are making and enjoying friendship mix. And, in the bottom photo, the students are enjoying a puppet show about animal safety from our friends at the Allentown Health Bureau.

Our Playground is OPEN!

2010-09-15T14:32:00.003-04:00

Students enrolled in LVCC's Stones Crossing location (Palmer Township) are enjoying a brand new playground! Special thanks to the Stones Crossing families and the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township for their generous support!

Master Chefs

2010-09-13T09:53:00.003-04:00

Students enrolled in LVCC's South Mountain location (Allentown) took a trip to Pizza Hut to create their own personal pan pizzas. Our students showed so much talent in the kitchen that many are hoping for their own Food Network show!

Visit from a Friend

2010-09-07T11:28:00.001-04:00

Linny Fowler, philanthropist, honorary LVCC director, and best friend to children across the Lehigh Valley, toured LVCC’s Union Boulevard center in August. Although it was naptime for the younger ones, a group of wide-awake school-agers welcomed Mrs. Fowler to their classroom.

Another Busy Day

2010-08-23T14:15:00.003-04:00

School-age students enrolled in LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center (Allentown) had a busy morning Friday with visits from both the Da Vinci Science Center (top photo) and the Repertory Dance Theatre (bottom photo). Both organizations have partnered with LVCC to offer students a summer filled with active learning!

Congrats, LVCC Awardees!

2010-08-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

LVCC honored 56 employees (just over 25%) who have been with the organization five years or more at our annual Staff In-Service Day on Friday, August 13, 2010. In addition, two individual employees and one team were awarded special honors.

Karen Nichols, who recently celebrated 29 years with LVCC, was given the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Management. The award is designed to recognize outstanding managerial leadership and achievements that have significantly improved the operation or productivity of LVCC. Karen serves as Center Director at LVCC’s largest center, the Judith Chase Early Learning Center on Chew Street in Allentown.

Sandra (Sandy) Haas was honored with the Founder’s Lifetime Service Award. This award is designed to recognize an employee who has served at least 15 continuous years at LVCC and who has demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication to advancing the LVCC mission. Sandy recently celebrated 26 years of service to LVCC and currently serves as Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher at LVCC’s Union Blvd Location.

Members of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (Helen Ojeda, Ruth Loor-Barco, Janelle Rice, Jade Peters and Rosa Sabater) were honored with the Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Team. This award is designed to recognize exceptional performance. The CACFP team now monitors 651 family child care home providers in 19 counties, up from serving 164 in 2004.

All awardees were nominated by their peers. Award decisions were made by a committee of community volunteers. Congratulations, LVCC Awardees! You are all incredibly deserving!

Staff In-Service Video

2010-08-18T10:51:00.003-04:00

Mobile Dentist

2010-07-27T12:19:00.001-04:00

LVCC on South Mountain received a visit from the mobile dentist!

We Want Tacos! We Want Tacos!

2010-07-23T12:04:00.003-04:00

Students enrolled in LVCC's Stones Crossing location (Easton) were disappointed to learn that tacos were not on the lunch menu in July. But, instead of sulking, they decided to make their voices heard! The school-age class wrote the kitchen staff a letter. The front of the card read, "Please, please, please bring back tacos!"

Randy Levan, LVCC's director of food services, was so delighted with the students' request, that he decided to pay them a visit personally. The students prepared a petition, detailing their reasons to "Bring Back Tacos" and elected a spokesperson for their growing taco movement.

With the help of their teachers, the students studied the food pyramid and based their argument on the nutritional value of tacos. According to their petition: 1) Tacos are healthy because there are veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. 2) They have protein in the meat 3) They contain dairy, protein, veggies and fruit 4) Taco shells are made of grain and wheat 5) Contains all elements of the food pyramid.

Congratulations Stones Crossing! All LVCC students will be enjoying nutritious and delicious soft tacos on August 11th!

Scientist Visits Stones Crossing

2010-07-07T13:22:00.002-04:00

School-age campers at LVCC's Stones Crossing location (Palmer Township) had a blast learning about gravity while building roller coasters with our Scientist-in-Residence from the Da Vinci Science Center. The children designed and built their own roller coasters, experimenting with different "riders" -- marbles of differing weights and sizes.

A scientist from the Da Vinci Science Center will visit LVCC once a week throughout the summer. The students will celebrate their scientific discoveries at a Science Fair at the end of summer.

Excessive Heat Policy

2010-07-06T09:26:00.005-04:00

Due to excessive heat warnings for Tuesday, July 6th and Wednesday, July 7th, LVCC has cancelled all planned trips to pools and parks. Brief periods of outdoor activity will be limited to shady areas and water play will take place whereever possible. This decision has been made in accordance with LVCC's excessive heat policy.

America on Wheels

2010-07-02T08:07:00.002-04:00

The school-age class at LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) enjoyed a field trip to the America on Wheels museum in Allentown.

KNEX Kreations

2010-06-07T16:09:00.003-04:00

The Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center (Allentown) recently received a visit by new friends at KNEX. The KNEX representative read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle and then helped the students make their own KNEX caterpillar to take home.

The children also participated in a team building activity. Working in groups of 4, they created and named their own KNEX "Buddy." Finally, they made their very own KNEX buddy to take home.

Let the Search Begin...

2010-06-03T13:57:00.003-04:00

We've added a search button to our blog -- making it easier than ever to find site-specific news and events. Let the search begin...

A Very Colorful Lesson

2010-05-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

Infants and toddlers enrolled in LVCC’s center at Liberty High School (Bethlehem) enjoyed an afternoon of body painting with their parents and teachers. Wearing only a diaper, the children were encouraged to crawl through the safe, washable tempera paint and onto large sheets of paper. Children who are not yet able to crawl were able to explore this activity with the help of parents and teachers, who gently placed the child’s hands and feet in the paint and then pressed them onto the paper. Not only does the activity support Pennsylvania’s early learning standards, but more specifically, the colorful lesson gives children a great way to experiment, learn cause and effect and discover different colors.

Ooey Gooey Good Time

2010-05-14T16:09:00.006-04:00

The students enrolled in LVCC's after-school program at Wilson Elementary School spent an afternoon making ooey, gooey slime with The Da Vinci Science Center. Visit us on YouTube to see all the slime-making fun!

Pre-K Rocks

2010-05-07T14:21:00.002-04:00

Students enrolled in the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Fowler Center (Bethlehem) spent the last few evenings gathering rocks with their families. The children observed and identified characteristics of the rocks in their collection. "This is a smooth, round rock." "This rock is grey and rough."

In class today, the students shared their rocks with their classmates and then created a rock garden next to the playground.

New YouTube Video

2010-05-04T13:35:00.004-04:00

Have you seen LVCC's new recycling video on YouTube -- it's YouCute for words! Check it out!

Earth Day

2010-04-23T09:24:00.003-04:00

Parents of children enrolled in the Pre-K Counts program at LVCC's Campus Center (Bethlehem) helped make bird feeders to celebrate Earth Day.

Hot Topics!

2010-04-22T10:06:00.001-04:00

Last week, fire departments across the Valley took time to visit LVCC locations in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. In the pic below, a Firefighter in Allentown helps a student at LVCC on Union Blvd try on his coat!

Reading Fun for Everyone!

2010-04-08T08:59:00.003-04:00

This week, students enrolled at LVCC on South Mountain (Allentown) enjoyed the on-site Scholastic book fair!

"L" Week Draws Lafayette Leopard

2010-03-26T12:35:00.003-04:00

Who better to help the students at LVCC on College Hill (Easton) celebrate "L" Week than the Lafayette Leopard? The special guest received a warm welcome at the center and was even encouraged to hold the Young Toddler Class' rabbit, Lucy... because, as was pointed out, "Lucy begin with "L" too!"

Breaking News

2010-03-25T11:41:00.002-04:00

Lehigh Valley Children's Centers (LVCC) received notification from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that LVCC has been awarded grant funding to open two Keystone Babies classrooms in Allentown and one classroom in Bethlehem.

Keystone Babies is a research-based, state-initiated pilot program that will provide high quality early care and education for approximately 200 infants and toddlers across the state. LVCC received funding for three classrooms with eight students enrolled in each class - or 12% of the state's allocated spots. The grant, totaling $191,482, will fund the program for 16 months through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

To learn more, click here.

Robot Week

2010-03-23T13:51:00.004-04:00

What can you create with recycled boxes and packaging materials, tons of glue, silver paint and foil? Students enrolled at LVCC at the Nazareth Intermediate School, created their very own robots! Before construction began, each team named their robot, decided what type of fuel it used, what task it was built to perform, any special powers it may have, and the type of environment in which it worked.

Dads who rock...

2010-03-12T10:43:00.003-05:00

At LVCC, we love Dads who rock! Special thanks to Rockin' LVCC Dad, Paul, who shared his talent with the toddlers at LVCC on College Hill (Easton). Paul played some of our favorites, like the Muffin Man and the ABCs.

LVCC at St. Luke's Re-accredited

2010-03-10T15:50:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the staff and families at LVCC / St. Luke's (Bethlehem) for acheiving re-accreditation by the prestigious National Association for the Education of Young Children. We're all very proud of you!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-04T14:23:00.003-05:00

The students enrolled in the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday by cutting out and decorating hats. Friday will be Green Eggs and Ham day. The children will wear green and make their own green eggs!!

Bringing the Outdoors in...

2010-02-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

With high winds keeping children indoors, Lehigh Valley’s Children’s Centers location on William Penn Highway (Palmer Township) took advantage of one of nature’s best art materials by bringing the outdoors in! Teachers brought in buckets of snow for school-age children to create their own special snowperson!

Snow: A burden to some. A lesson to others.

2010-02-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

During the snowstorm, students enrolled in the Pre-K Counts class at Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers caught and examined snowflakes. The students discovered that each snowflake is beautiful, individual and special – just like them!

Move Over Emeril...

2010-02-24T10:51:00.004-05:00

Pre-K Counts students enrolled in LVCC's Union Blvd location took a trip to McDonald's to tour the restaurant. The tour was so inspirational that when they returned to their center, they opened up their own restaurant! No doubt that it will soon be the hottest reservation in town!

Fowler Center Featured on PBS

2010-02-16T15:33:00.002-05:00

LVCC's Fowler Center was featured on PBS. Check it out!

http://www.wlvt.org/TEMPO/TSS/tempops.htm

Thank You!

2010-02-01T10:59:00.005-05:00

The staff and students at LVCC's Fowler Center on Main Street (Bethlehem) would like to extend their gratitude to their new friends at Michaels Store #9921 in Whitehall. The students received a very generous donation of 15 cartons of arts and crafts materials which they have quickly, and creatively, put to use!

The Crab Man

2010-01-29T11:53:00.003-05:00

School-age students enrolled in LVCC's South Mountain location spent the morning reading "The Crab Man" by by Patricia E. Van West and Cedric Lucas. Not only did the book teach a lesson about courage but it encouraged the students to learn more about Jamaica and hermit crabs.

Seeing Eye Puppy

2010-01-18T10:44:00.005-05:00

Mrs. Heimbach visited LVCC at Truman School today with her furry friend, Irwin, to talk to the children about the important work of seeing eye dogs. Mrs. Heimbach is a Puppy Raiser for the Seeing Eye. Visits like this one are important for Irwin, because he needs to be socialized to learn how to be around people in public places.

PBS Taping

2010-01-15T15:45:00.003-05:00

Our friends from PBS visited LVCC's Fowler Center today to tape a segment for TEMPO! The segment is scheduled to air February 5th at 7:30 PM on PBS. We'd like to extend our appreciation to our friends from PBS, Fowler Center staff, students and parents for their participation. We'd also like to send an extra special thank you to Janet and Colleen for their willingness to be interviewed. Excellent job!

Congratulations, ELC!

2010-01-13T10:49:00.002-05:00

LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center has renewed their NAEYC Accreditation!Congratulations to Karen Nichols, Helen Stovall, and the dedicated staff at LVCC's Early Learning Center (ELC) who received news that the center's accreditation status will be renewed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The renewal is effective through 2015.

The hardworking staff at ELC also received several commendations for their work -- including a PERFECT SCORE in program standards and exemplary scores in every evaluation area.

Receiving accreditation is a difficult and time-consuming process, so please join me in congratulating the staff at ELC on their success.

Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-29T08:42:00.002-05:00

The students enrolled in the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC on Union Blvd created unique gingerbread houses alongside very special helpers -- their families!

Thank You!

2009-12-16T13:01:00.005-05:00

"Thank you" to all of our readers. We appreciate that you take the time to keep up with what's happening THIS WEEK AT LVCC. On behalf of everyone at LVCC, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Editor's Note: We'd also like to extend some holiday cheer and a great big THANK YOU to all the teachers and center directors who make this blog possible. We couldn't do it without you!