JULY 2026

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

WATER DAYS

Please bring in a water day bag for your child to keep at school for the summer. Classrooms will do water days on the days that work best for their class. This is based on schedule, curriculum, and weather. Water days will be on the playground using water tables, and sprinklers. Please make sure that your child has the following items so they can participate. Please ensure that all items are labeled!

-Swimsuit

-Water shoes

-Towel

-Reusable tote bag to store water day items in

FAMILY REMINDERS

EFC will be closed on Friday, July 3, for Independence Day. For those planning ahead, we will also be closed on Friday, September 4, for our fall staff professional development training and on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day.

Summer Vacations & Vacation Credits: Please let Alison or Laura know about any vacation you plan on taking this summer. If you are going on vacation for an entire week and have been with us for more than 6 months, you are eligible for a half-week tuition credit. There are adjustment slips located on the parent sign-in table, to be filled out after the vacation is complete.

FAMILY RESOURCES

Inver Grove Music in the Park @ South Valley Park 10:30 am through July
Summer Food Fest @ Rich Valley Athletic Complex 7/15, 5:00-8:00 pm
Movie in the Park The Bad Guys 2 (PG) @ 7/24 Oakwood Park 8:45 pm

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.

STAR WELLNESS

A FUN ACTIVITY TO TRY AT HOME

ACTIVITY: Pouring

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Pitchers, cups, or containers and water.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Fine motor, coordination, discovery and exploration of gravity, weight, muscle control, cause and effect, and self-awareness.

DIRECTIONS: Practice transferring water from one pitcher to the other, and back again. Children love to pour and dump, so this activity is very fun way to practice those skills on a warm day outside this summer.

FRUIT SPARKLERS HOW TO:

1. Cut watermelon vertically into 1-inch thick slices.

2. Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes from the flesh of each watermelon round.

3. Thread 7-10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the end for someone to be able to comfortably hold it, and a space at the top for the watermelon star.

4. Place the watermelon star on top and set the fruit sparklers on a serving tray. Cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.