The Safety Patrol

LVCC's after-school crew at Nazareth Intermediate School has been asked to serve as the school's safety patrol! They are responsible for signaling when the the halls are clear so the buses can be released, as well as the other patrol duties. As you can see, they are taking their new duties very seriously!!!

Day of Caring

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who participated in the United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, September 24, 2009. We were thrilled to host a group of volunteers from Dun & Bradstreet (pictured above) at our Fowler Center location in Bethlehem. This group painted our staff lounge and infant classroom.

Also joining us in Bethlehem was a group from Lehigh University. They helped us reorganize and redecorate. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

What's New at LVCC?

Find out! Visit us on YouTube to see our What's New? video!

Grand Opening Celebration

On September 16th, LVCC celebrated the GRAND OPENING of our newest location -- LVCC at Stones Crossing (Easton). On hand to help us celebrate were representatives from the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township. Pictured below from left are: Kiwanis Club President Steve Ryan, Ann Marie Panella, LVCC Center Director Gail Murphy, Carry Gerber, Debra Jo Ashton-Chase and Bob Lammi. President Ryan presented the Center Director with a $500 donation to help establish a playground at the location.

Giving Kids a Leg Up on Education

Giving Kids a Leg Up on Education

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Aloha Week!

The young school age program at LVCC's location on Union Blvd. (Allentown) celebrated the end of summer with "Aloha Week." Festivities included the children making their very own hula skirts and leis.

Thank you!

Our friends from KNBT / National Penn Bank visited LVCC's Stones Crossing location in Easton to present a generous check for $10,000. The money will be used for Pre-K scholarships. Pictured with the preschool children (from left) are KNBT Representatives Darla Stecker and Ron Donchez, LVCC President/CEO Susan M. Williams and teacher, Miss Jess.

Welcome Home!

LVCC at Liberty High School returned to their original home -- Liberty High School -- after years of renovations to the space. On the first day of school, LVCC played host to five infants / toddlers and a new Center Director. We warmly welcome Amanda Olsen to the LVCC family!

Beach Party!

Children and staff at LVCC's Walnut Street location (Allentown) celebrated summer with an on-site beach party!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the hard working staff members who have served LVCC for five years or more! Thank you to the students from LVCC's South Mountain location for helping to honor these committed staffers.

Please help us celebrate! Crank up the volume and dance at your desk!

Staff Development Day

On Friday, August 14th, LVCC centers were closed for our annual Staff Development Day. Staff received training on fire safety, blood borne pathogens, imaginative use of art materials, teaching nutrition through interaction, bully prevention, hands on math and science, and more!

During the retreat, we celebrated 54 staff members who have been with the company five years or more. Those celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years are shown in the picture below. Two staffers, Janet Soos (VP of Early Childhood Services) and Carry Ackinclose Gerber (Marketing & Communications Manager) were honored with special awards. Janet was given the Founders Lifetime Service Award and Carry was given the President's / CEO's Award for Individual Growth, Creativity and Innovation.

Thank you to Valley Youth House for hosting us at their beautiful retreat -- Camp Fowler. And a special thank you to our families for their patience and understanding. Our retreat was energizing, and we look forward to bringing enthusiasm and new skills back to your children!

Green Day!

It's not easy being green! School-age students enrolled in LVCC's South Mountain location decided that last Friday would be GREEN day. They wore green clothes, ate green foods and even constructed green ears!

Cooperative Games

School-age students enrolled in LVCC at Stones Crossing (Easton) are shown here playing a "cooperative game" called Circle-to-Circle. The objective is to pass the hola hoop around the circle without breaking hands. Cooperative games are physical and mental activities intended to teach teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. LVCC school-age staff underwent training last year to learn and incorporate cooperative games into their curriculum. A grant from Hospital Central Services Education Fund helped LVCC purchase equipment.

Dentist Visits South Mountain!

Dr. Berardi visited LVCC at South Mountain (Allentown) as part of the Smile Pennsylvania / Mobile Dentist in-school dental program.

Junior Chefs

LVCC's Chase Early Learning Center's School Age Program (Allentown) recently celebrated "Jr. Chefs" week by highlighting foods from different countries. The countries involved were China, Italy, and, of course, the USA (which included African American and Hispanic cultures).

The foods were prepared by children and staff, and included mac/cheese, hot wings, hot dogs, baked goods, spaghetti and meatballs, Chinese noodles, rice and fried chicken.

The children researched the different countries, favorite foods and fun facts. The entire project took approximately one week and the children had a great time preparing for it.

Wet and Wild!

Toddlers at LVCC's Stones Crossing (Easton) and South Mountain (Allentown) locations beat the heat this week by enjoying some outdoor water play! Aside from how to splash their friends, water play activities teach children important early math, science and reasoning skills.

LVCC Joined Facebook!

Do you have a Facebook profile? Become a fan of LVCC! Join our discussion group -- this week's question -- "What has your child done to amaze (or amuse) you today?"

Go Fish!

LVCC at Truman School spent time exploring the Fish Hatchery!

Happy 257th Birthday, Easton Farmers Market!

Happy 257th Birthday to our friends at the Easton Farmer's Market! We had a great time on Saturday visiting with friends of the Farmer's Market. Thanks to all who stopped by to visit our booth, make a bookmark and chat about LVCC's services! You can visit the Farmer's Market at

http://www.eastonfarmersmarket.com/

July Ushers in a New Era

On July 1st, all 23 LVCC locations began operating under the name, “Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers." According to Susan M. Williams, President / CEO, “This subtle name change more aptly reflects who we are -- today, tomorrow and for years to come. Careful thought and consideration went into the decision to change our name. We are very proud of our rich history, and the new name allows us to continue to use the abbreviation, ‘LVCC.’”

It’s a simple but important change, since the new name better encompasses the vast array of services LVCC offers, including quality early care and education, state-funded Pre-K, and before- and after-school programming. In addition, as the largest Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor in Pennsylvania, LVCC monitors child care providers in 30 counties across the Commonwealth.

We look forward to continuing to offer the Lehigh Valley high quality early childhood education and care for years to come!