Greetings!

Summer is in full swing, and our classrooms are enjoying all the fun, learning, and adventures that come with the season. This month, we are excited to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary—a special milestone honoring 250 years of our nation's history, growth, and community spirit. From patriotic art projects and music to water play and nature exploration, our children will enjoy a variety of engaging experiences that encourage creativity, curiosity, and fun. Be on the lookout for pictures, projects, and notes from your child’s teachers as they share what will unfold in EFC classrooms this month!

Thank you for being part of our Especially for Children family. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

CENTER HAPPENINGS

FIELD TRIP

On Thursday, July 16, our preschoolers will be going to Bryant Lake Park in Eden Prairie to do a little hiking on the trails and playing on the playground. Mike Sorensen, Patrick’s dad in the Monkey classroom, will be presenting a hands-on outdoor learning experience for our preschoolers. He did an amazing job last year and we are so fortunate to have this opportunity once again! We will eat a picnic lunch and then return to the center. The bus leaves at 9:00 am with an extra $5.00 charge.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

GARDEN UPDATE

Please keep an eye on the garden box progress that we have on the preschool playground. Our gardens are growing amazingly with vegetables, flowers and eventually some basil and mint to taste. Here are some pictures of our progress so far…

FAMILY REMINDERS

As a reminder, Especially for Children will be closed on Friday, July 3, for Independence Day. If you plan to keep your child(ren) home additional days this week, please mark an “X” on those days on the attendance sheets in the front entry. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Our next closure will be on Friday, September 4, for staff professional development day as well as Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. We hope to enjoy a long and lovely summer before then!

FAMILY RESOURCES

AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This milestone, often called the Semiquincentennial, is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, recognize the many people and cultures that have helped shape America, and celebrate the values of freedom, opportunity, and community.

At Especially for Children, we will explore this historic anniversary through age-appropriate activities that introduce children to patriotic symbols, American traditions, and the importance of working together as a community. As we celebrate this special occasion, we encourage families to share stories, traditions, and experiences that help make our country a diverse and vibrant place to call home.

For more ways to teach your children about America’s rich history, here are a few stories you can read at home:

My America By: Karen Katz

My America is a picture book celebration of immigration to the United States told through the experiences of children who have come from around the world. Children come to live in America from many different countries, and for many different reasons . . . In this beautiful celebration of immigration, children from around the world tell their stories, sharing their love of where they're from and where they live now--homes old and new. As they describe the foods they eat, the languages they've learned, the sports they play, and more, the differences and similarities that link us all are revealed.

ABC’s of American By: J. D. Forester

An alphabetical introduction to the United States for the youngest of readers, just in time to celebrate America's 250th anniversary! A is for America, the land of the free. B is for bald eagle, the country's national bird. C is for cowboy boots , worn out on the ranch. In this celebration of the United States, there's a classic American symbol for each letter of the alphabet. Featuring bold, dynamic art that promotes engagement for curious minds, this educational and patriotic book highlights American culture, history, and more for little ones.

America is 250!: A 4^th of July Storybook for Kids Celebrating Independence Day, Freedom, American History and Birthday By: Bibi Squish

Written for early readers ages 4 to 7, this warm and patriotic storybook takes children on a journey through American history - from the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, to the parades and fireworks of today's Independence Day celebrations. With simple, read-aloud language and vivid storytelling, every page builds a sense of pride, wonder, and love for this great country.

Especially for Children - Eden Prairie

6223 Dell Road 

Eden Prairie, MN 55346

(952) 934-1119

edenprairie@cadence-academy.com

Center Directors

Cathie Underwood and Jamie Kittleson