CPDS Kindergarten Class takes First Prize in Longwood Garden Competition

At a ceremony on Saturday, October 29th, Longwood Gardens presented the kindergarten class of CPDS with a first place plaque and Blue Ribbon for their entry in the 2005 Chrysanthemum Festival Community Competition - Children's Division. The theme was Asian Opera Masks. Entries were judged on creativity and presentation as well as selection of materials. The judges also looked at originality, use of color and symmetry. In addition to the plaque and ribbon, the Kindergarten class was awarded a $100.00 cash prize. This is the second time that CPDS has taken top honors at the Chrysanthemum Festival. The kindergarten class of 2003 took first place for their depiction of an Asain mobile. This contest presents a wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about other cultures and CPDS looks forward to the 2006 competition.

CPDS Awarded Two Grants by Childcare Resources Developers

This year CPDS was also the recipient of two grants by Childcare Resource Developers, a non-profit group for the enrichment and accreditation of school age childcare programs. Proceeds from the Health and Safety and Capacity Grants have been used to purchase new outdoor playground equipment and resources and facilities to support emergent literacy and pre-reading skills -- writing and listening centers, manipulatives and visual aids.

CPDS Receives CyberStart Grant - 2001

CPDS has been awarded a grant from the CyberStart Initiative. The purpose of the multi-year grant is to provide young children with a strong foundation to master their future in an electronic age. The funds for this grant are earmarked to provide computers and Internet access and education in the classrooms. The program is administrated by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community and Economic Development in conjunction with the Dept. of Public Welfare. In March 2002, four Gateway computers were delivered to Creative Play Day School and the classes were wired for Internet access. The initiative also provides the school with a color printer, educational resources and games, staff training to integrate technology in the preschool classroom and technical assistance. For more information on Cyberstart, visit them at www.cyberstart.net

Creative Play Day School now a Keystone Stars Facility

Creative Play Day School is proud to announce that it has received STAR status from the Southeast Regional Keystone STARS program. Keystone STARS (Standards, Training, Assistance, Resources and Support) is Pennsylvania's voluntary program for improving the quality of child care. Through Keystone STARS, a child care provider works to increase its standard of care above the state's minimum health and safety licensing regulations. Research shows that quality child care increases a child's learning skills and school readiness level. CPDS's goal is to provide the best child care possible!