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Did you know that only 17% of early learning centers are four- or five-star ranked or accredited? SWFL Stars is a rating system designed to highlight and enhance the quality of childcare services in our area. To be accredited you have to demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices. Fun Time Early Childhood Academy is both! We are proud of our high-quality center and work hard to maintain our forward momentum so that we can continue to bring awareness about the positive outcomes for our Fun Time children. We not only provide access for affordable childcare and a quality research-based education but also partner with other agencies to ensure that our children are screened for hearing, vision, dental and developmental delays. We encourage family partnerships so that we can work with families to understand their goals for their children and for themselves and accomplish them together. Fun Time board and emeriti are excited to expand the services we provide for families. We hope you will join us in this endeavor as we continue to provide a high-quality education to low-income families so that children are ready for kindergarten. |
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Give Where You Live Collier |
Give Where You Live Collier is right around the corner! This 24-hour Giving Challenge runs from noon on February 9th through noon on February 10th. Check out our Profile Page. All donations are matched by The Community Foundation of Collier County and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. If you have any questions, please call us at 239-261-8284.
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Let's Get Wild! The Safari Gala is February 17th! |
LAST CALL! Online and mail-in ticket sales have closed but you can still get wild and attend our Safari Gala! Don't miss this fun event! Contact Robin Larkin at consultpma@gmail.com to purchase tickets today!
Auction items include a 3-night stay and guided tour of popular distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a staycation at The Naples Grande and our newest auction item An 8-Day Scenic Luxury European River Cruise for Two.
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8-Day Scenic Luxury European River Cruise for Two
A Scenic River Cruise is a truly all-inclusive experience. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on-board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. Even shore excursions as per your itinerary are included! And the best part is you can choose your cruise destination from the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Garonne and Dordogne, and more! Cabin will be Balcony Suite (C, A, BA, BB, B, P, PA, PP) based on availability. Takes and port charges included. Cruise valid for 2022, however, Scenic can extend upon request into 2023 as needed by the recipient. Airfare not included.
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Silent auction opens at 10am on February 10th.
Get your bidding fingers ready!
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Executive Director Jessica Campbell joined other community speakers for a conversation about early childhood education, the importance of early learning, the challenges that centers face, and how employers can support their employees with families. The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce hosted this free event, which was sponsored by Champions for Learning. Text Link
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Jessica and Becca had the opportunity to attend NCEF’s Meet the Kids Day at the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County. They provided information about Fun Time to numerous patrons and donors. Quincy, a former Fun Time student, shared his hopes and dreams for the future. He will graduate from Beacon High School with the aspiration of becoming a music producer.
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Welcome Our Newest Staff Member |
Megan Neill is our newest staff member at Fun Time. She is originally from Michigan and moved to Florida to teach in 2014. She taught 4th and 5th grade for 8 years in Immokalee with Collier County Public Schools. While there, Megan was a STEAM coordinator, head of the garden club, ran the 95210 running program, and the new technologies program. She has taught many students with a variety of needs and firmly believes students are the best part of education. Megan has her Bachelor's of Science in Education and a minor in American Sign Language. She plans to return to school in the fall of 2022 to complete her Master’s degree. In her spare time, Megan likes to spend time with her husband and 3 cats, read, and craft. She is incredibly excited to begin working at Fun Time Academy!
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This month we hosted a Family Art Night for our Family Involvement Event. Artists from the United Arts Council came in to teach a painting and yoga activity to our children and their families after we ate dinner in our multi-purpose room. Families created coffee filter butterflies and learned some stretches for healthy bodies! |
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Our VPK students enjoyed their second visit by Cindi from the Golisano Children’s Museum, who taught students all about dry ice. The children made potions, launched rockets, and explored scientific topics like matter, pressure, and temperature. They love their hands-on learning opportunities!Te
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The Naples Police Department also came to visit our VPK children this month. Police officers read a story and shared information about what they do to keep our community safe. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed cookies as a special treat. |
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Jennifer Deane, a local published author, came to Fun Time this month too. She shared her book with the children, explained it in detail and showed how it was made, after which the children made their very own ABC Book for a hands-on book-making experience. They can use their ABC book in their classrooms to enforce their skills. |
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This month we have been learning about animals in winter. We learned how some animals hibernate, while others migrate or adapt to the cold weather, as well as all the ways that animals move, like running, flying, swimming, crawling and slithering!
We also studied force, motion, push and pull, as well as beginning our study of transportation and construction by learning that vehicles move by land, air and sea.
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We had special visitors to the Manion Family Library and playground recently. The “mini Manions” came to visit to see the new library and tour the school! |
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Apex Painting did an excellent job painting the exterior of Fun Time over winter break. |
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Free Home Tests for COVID-19 |
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
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Get Involved with Fun Time! |
Our children love interacting with our volunteers to read stories, complete academic activities and even head outside to our garden. If you are interested in volunteering, call us!
Want to help support our mission? Click here to view our Amazon wish list. Fun Time staff appreciate having a variety of books and academic toys to help support children in their development.
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Want to learn more about Fun Time and see our friendly, nurturing environment firsthand? You can view learning in action for each age group, hear about our curriculum, see our beautiful campus, and get answers to any questions you have. We just ask you wear a mask if unvaccinated.
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Fun Time Early Childhood Academy | [Website]
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