by WBC | May 11, 2018 | active living, early learning, extended education, Uncategorized
On May 5, guests enjoyed some Louisville excitement at the White Birch Center Kentucky Derby Party held at Pats Peak. Derby-goers dressed in style enjoyed classic cocktails, southern inspired food, and dancing on the deck to live music from Nick’s Other Band. Exquisite raffle items, a fun hat contest, and themed games were enjoyed by a crowd of more than 150 attendees. Gathering for a rendition of My Old Kentucky Home, followed by watching the Run for the Roses on the big screen, added to the tradition of this sold-out event. The Derby Party raised over $10,000 in proceeds towards the mission of White Birch Center – to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. Thank you to everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a wonderful success!
Amy McKean and John Prieto ready for the Derby
Top photo: Derby-goers dressed in style, l-r: Brenda Connor, Pat Chandonnet, Bob Chandonnet, Roseann Heitz, Ginny Doherty
Photos credits: Beth Ann Paul
Check out our 2018 Kentucky Derby Party Gallery!
by WBC | Apr 27, 2018 | active living, early learning, extended education, Uncategorized
(From bottom left: Denelle Rittersback, Evelyn Hannemann, Tasha Davis, and Leanna Lorden. Top Left: Kaitlyn Smith, Kayla Irving, and Megan Keim. Not Pictured: Judy Watkins and Jessica Jensen)
An annual statewide credentialing celebration of Early Childhood Professionals was held on April 10, 2018 at Grace Capital Church Auditorium in Pembroke. Educational leaders and State Representatives spoke passionately about the role educators have in teaching, nurturing, and enriching the lives of children and families. White Birch Center, and its education staff, was recognized in multiple categories at the event, hosted by the NH Child Development Bureau in accordance with the Early Learning Alliance of NH and Child Care Aware of NH.
Nine staff members from the White Birch Centers for Early Learning and Extended Education were recognized at the ceremony and awarded education credentials in various levels of specialized training and professional development. Credentialing recipients included: Denelle Rittersback, Evelyn Hannemann, Tasha Davis, Leanna Lorden, Kaitlyn Smith, Kayla Irving, Megan Keim, Judy Watkins and Jessica Jensen. White Birch was also recognized as a Licensed-Plus Child Care Center and a Strengthening Families program participant.
The NH Early Childhood Professional Development System recognizes professional development while providing a process for attaining professional credentials. Professional development in core competencies and specialized content areas helps improve the knowledge, skills, behaviors, attitudes, and values of the early childhood workforce. This is a critical component of high-quality early childhood programs. Leanna Lorden, Director of Children’s Programs at White Birch, explains “White Birch places significant emphasis on ongoing professional development, quality early learning, formal child assessment practices, and early behavioral supports”. White Birch is an annual participant in this credentialing event.
by WBC | Jul 21, 2017 | early learning
White Birch Center was recently awarded two generous grants in support of a project to institute technology for assessment practices in Early Learning. The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation, Inc., a supporting organization of the Boston Foundation, awarded a $5,000 grant and the Henniker Rotary Club granted $3,000 to this progressive initiative.
Assessment practices in education help to gather and analyze critical information about a child’s development and growth for parents and families. This information also helps educators to plan appropriate curriculum, instruction, and school transitions for children. White Birch Center is implementing a multi-phase plan to integrate the formal assessment tool, Teaching Strategies Gold (TS Gold), into their Early Learning Program. This recognized assessment tool is based on objectives for development and learning, and is aligned with Common Core State Standards and Early Learning Guidelines.
“Instituting technology in a formal assessment plan at White Birch Center is truly reflective of our commitment to be a leader in high-quality early learning practices, these grants help make this possible” states Leanna Lorden, Director of Children’s Programs at White Birch. The grant money awarded will enable White Birch to transition and train from the manual TS Gold system to the software system. Funds will also support the purchase and training needed for the technology hardware, including projection equipment and iPads. The new technology will enhance data collection, analysis, curriculum planning, program evaluation, information retention, and parent inclusion.
by stefanie-wbc | Aug 22, 2016 | early learning
Preschoolers from White Birch Center paid a very special visit to the Henniker Fire Department this week. In celebration of “Kindness Week”, the 3-year-olds and their teachers baked dozens of cookies and designed hand-made Thank You cards to present to local Firefighters. The class took a walk over to the station to meet Captain Mick Costello and Firefighter & Medic, Steve Meade.
The sentiments and appreciation were well-received and the children enjoyed talking with the firefighters and getting up close to the fire engines. Visiting the fire station was one part of the children’s experience in exploring kindness and community. Other activities for the week included bringing flowers and artwork to the White Birch Active Living program, crafting a blanket donated to a local hospital, and filling each other’s class folders with kind messages from classmates and staff. Lead Teacher, Emily Peters, explained “We planned our curriculum this week around the Kindness theme because social development is an important part of early learning and life skills; we’ve all enjoyed it so much”.
The mission of White Birch Center is to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. To learn more about these programs and services call 603-428-7860.
Preschoolers from White Birch Center visit Henniker Fire Department to deliver cookies & Thank You cards in celebration of Kindness Week
Preschool Teacher, Emily Peters, looks on as classmates give home-made cookies to Captain Mick Costello of the Henniker Fire Department
