French chefs may be preparing four-course meals for children under the age of three, but the staff at Evesham Child Care’s new Teddy Bear Academy is planning on serving their kids…ants. But these “ants” will look and taste suspiciously like raisins, and the “log” they sit on will be nothing more than celery topped with peanut butter.
Throughout July and August, each week at Teddy Bear Academy has a special summer theme full of related crafts, activities, and snacks for the preschool-aged children to enjoy. “Ants on a log” is just one part of “Camping Week” — the theme for the week of Aug. 10 — which will also include a nature walk, s’mores treats, and a teddy bear campout, when the children will bring their sleeping bags and stuffed animals to have a pretend nighttime campout outdoors. The “campers” also will make campfire crafts, sing songs, and listen to stories.
As the preschool students assist in crafting and eating the “ants on a log”, the staff will discuss with them the importance of eating healthy snacks.
“It is especially important at this early time in their lives to drive home the significance of a balanced diet and eating things with a good nutritional value,” said Leah Perlmutter, Evesham Child Care Coordinator. “The children love to eat, snack and lunchtime are some of their favorite times.”
The children’s favorite days thus far have been Splash Days, when they can play in the sprinklers and pool. These days will be incorporated into the schedule throughout August, including during “Under the Sea” and “Beach” weeks.
Spaces still are available for Teddy Bear Academy, open to all children aged six weeks to pre-kindergarten. Evesham’s Teddy Bear Academy facilities include seven large classrooms, an indoor play area, a fenced outdoor play area, a nurse’s office, and a separate entrance and bathrooms.
“Our program is providing an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and be creative, while being safe and secure throughout the day,” Perlmutter said. “We’ve been providing quality before- and after-school care for school-aged children enrolled in the district for more than 23 years, and are thrilled to expand our program to include infants, toddlers and preschoolers.”
Teddy Bear Academy is available year-round with varied full-day options to fit most families’ schedules. The hours of operation are from 6:45 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families can choose to enroll children from two to five days a week. A half-day preschool program also is available for 3- and 4-year olds from 6:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m. (morning session) or 12:30–6 p.m. (afternoon session).
Children who attend the district’s preschool program at Rice Elementary School and are enrolled in Teddy Bear Academy, are provided transportation to or from Rice dependent upon am or pm enrollment. These families also have a wrap-around care option available to them, if interested. All children in the preschool program must be 3 or 4 on or before October 1st and fully potty-trained to meet program requirements.
Tuition rates range from $303 to $1,100; detailed tuition information is available on the Evesham Township School District website at www.evesham.k12.nj.us. To register or arrange for a tour of Teddy Bear Academy, located at 150 Tomlinson Mill Road, contact Evesham Child Care at (856) 988–0686. Registrations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all spaces are filled. In addition to contact information and current immunization records, a non-refundable $75 fee also is due at the time of registration.
