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January/February 2012 Issue #203
 Tired of Early Education wood furniture brands that all look the same? Check out the new cute-asa- button Mushroom House Book Display from Whitney Brothers, a leading 108-year-old U.S. manufacturer of wood furniture, storage, and educational play products for the Early Education market. Our design philosophy is to create Early Education products that are unique in style, utility, and uncompromising quality. All Whitney Brothers products are GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified to ensure they are the safest products available in the market. For more information, visit: www.whitneybros.com or call (800) 225-5381. |  Kids of all ages will flock to the exhilarating new BCI Burke swing options Ñ Tot Swing, T-Swing, 3.5" Arch Swing, and Single Post Adaptive Swing Bay and Seat. Swings promote important developmental skills including movement and perceptual/spatial awareness, general fitness and sensory integration, including vestibular stimulation (inner ear development). More importantly, Burke swings create tons of fun. The swing options are offered in an array of colors and are the perfect addition to any play area. As with all Burke products, swings are protected by the Generations Warranty. Visit www.bciburke.com for more information. |
 Concrete in playgrounds is appealing to project planners because it can be molded into any form to help create imaginative and unique play equipment components. This also provides an opportunity to introduce a variety of textures and colors to children on the playground. Landscape Structures Inc. makes impressions of materials such as tree bark, rock, fur, and feathers into concrete to create a real-life look and feel for its concrete playground components. Traditional play equipment becomes an outdoor adventure when a slide turns into a dragonÕs tongue, a tunnel becomes a hollowed-out log and climbers turn into scalable boulders. Themed concrete playgrounds are as safe as any traditional playground equipment when manufacturers adhere to the safety standards set forth by organizations like the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). To learn more: www.prweb.com/releases/2011/10/ prweb8889801.htm. |
 Ever need a helping hand for your children to reach tall items? Jonti-Craft announces the new Step Up Stool Deluxe, designed to give children the boost they need to reach items placed at a higher level. The two steps give children an added height of up to 13 inches and each has a 1-inch non-skid strip to prevent slipping. Like all Jonti-Craft products, the Step Up Stool Deluxe is designed with childrenÕs needs in mind. It is made with KYDZStrong¨ Construction, KYDZSafe¨ Edges, and KYDZTuff¨ finish ensuring its safety and durability. We have even added a lifetime warranty to prove it will withstand the rigors of classroom use. To learn more, please visit www.jonti-craft.com or call (800) 543-4149. |
November/December 2011 Issue #202
 Have you ever looked for a way to conquer clutter without sacrificing style? A way to keep organized without having to settle for a 'utilitarian' look? Jonti-Craft has now provided a solution to these questions with the announcement of RooMeez, a modern storage solution for any home, any room, and any organizational task. RooMeez is completely customizable, durable, and designed to meet the needs of kids and adults alike. Composed of handcrafted modular pods, bins, and accessories, RooMeez lets customers get creative and stylishly addresses each unique organizational need. With dualsided fronts that can be engraved, anyone can choose, connect, and arrange the pieces they want to easily create a personalized storage system for any space - including bedrooms, closets, playrooms, classrooms, or just about anywhere else! Learn more at www.MyRooMeez.com/purchase or call (800) 543-4149. |  A colorful and contemporary CGIanimated TV series from Ludorum that encourages early social readiness skills, 'Chuggington' follows the amusing escapades of three young trainees, Wilson, Brewster, and Koko, as they learn to 'ride the rails' of life and become productive chuggers. Each has their own unique personality and learning style. The series is set in a world much like our own with cities, villages, and diverse cultures and geography. The exciting train property for preschoolers is designed for ages 2-7 and their families. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com. |
 OnCare, our web-based child care management system, was born at Children's Creative Learning Centers (CC LC). OnCare was recently made available to centers, and it has become one of the fastest growing child care management software companies. We are ECE people with your best interests in mind! With OnCare you can manage family accounting, time and attendance, parent communications, staff records, collect tuition, and much more! OnCare is simple to use - pay as little as $69/month, with no hidden charges, upgrades, or support fees. Are you with another company and want to switch? We even offer free data migration. Try our 30-day free trial today by calling(866) 921-4267 or visit www.oncareservices.com. |
 Lucas Products has an EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant cleaner that is great for child care centers and schools. It is a fragrance- and dye-free cleaner called Lucas ol, that kills staph, HIV, herpes, foot fungus, and more. This is a 60-second no rinse, cleaner/disinfectant that kills 99.9% of all bacteria. It is being used all across America and is very well known. We also have our LUCASOL Instant Hand Sanitizer that leaves your hands 99.9% germ-free in 15 seconds and doesn't leave your skin dry or sticky. For more information, please visit our website www.lucasproducts.com or email Melissa@lucasproducts.com. |
September/October 2011 Issue #201
 Are your children ready to learn? Teach them essential skills with the brand-new Second Step program designed by Committee for Children, specifically for multiple-age early learning classrooms. The program is taught through 28 weekly themes, consisting of five- to seven-minute activities to be done throughout the week. The activities build on each other using songs, games, and puppets to develop children's self-regulation skills and socialemotional competence. The easy-to-use online Teaching Guide includes directions for teaching and reinforcing the weekly theme activities, video examples, and interviews with real teachers. The guide also includes resources to help program directors create professional development opportunities for their teachers. More info at: www.cfchildren.org. |  Our cozy reading nook is a book lover's dream! It features comfy, padded seating covered in wipeclean vinyl - complete with angled backrests that let children sit back and relax as they read. There are also 4 easy-access compartments that hold approximately 75 books, so students can easily grab one story after the next. Plus, clear acrylic side panels keep children in full view! Measures 47" wide x 40" deep x 34" high. GREENGUARD¨ Certified. Lifetime warranty. Assembly required. www.LakeshoreLearning.com |
 The administrative details of managing a child care center can be daunting. While there are other software solutions out there, they're often expensive, complicated to set up, and difficult to use. EZCare Online is different. It's easy. You get everything you need for a low monthly fee. There's no up-front capital expense or set-up fee. And because it's online, there's no software to maintain, no more time-consuming, costly upgrades. Plus you get the convenience of anytime, anywhere access. With EZCare Online, you'll spend less time on aperwork and more time with your kids. Try EZCare Online FREE for 30 days: www.ezcareonline.com. Runs on Windows and Mac platforms. |
 BCI Burke's new Interactive Play Panels encourage exploration, interaction, and develop fine-motor skills for children with all abilities. They provide opportunities for social interaction and imaginative play. Panel options for different ages 2-5 and 5-12 include Sprocket, Propeller, Charade, Waver, and Paratroop. Combine with BurkeÕs existing interactive panels to maximize and enhance play options. As with all Burke products, these panels are protected by our exclusive Generations Warrantyª that provides 100-Year Limited Warranty on hardware, 15-Year Limited Warranty on plastics, and 5-Year Limited Warranty on moving parts. Visit www.bciburke.com for more information. |
July/August 2011 Issue #200
 This innovative portable infant recliner provides a cozy, secure place for a baby, asleep or awake. Nap Nanny's 30-degree angle offers the perfect solution for infants who have trouble sleeping flat on their backs. A newly designed harness and contoured seat ensure a safe, snug fit,while the large foam base provides maximum stability. The Nap Nanny Chill is ideal for sleep-time, feeding time, play time, and managing multiples. With no top end weight limit, the Nap Nanny transitions into a perfect toddler chair. Available in several colors, made with a soft, washable cover, it includes a waterproof liner to protect the foam. Additional covers can be purchased, as well as a durable travel bag. The Nap Nanny Chill, helps babies sleep. The Nap Nanny is for floor use only. It should never be used in a crib, bassinet, or on an elevated surface. For more info: www.napnanny.com. |  Children can experience awareness of and acceptance of individual differences through pretend play with these Diversity Block People of varying ethnicities, ages, genders, and physical abilities. Durable hardwood figures are designed to be super-safe for toddlers, while also depicting the realistic detail that appeals to older children. As they build and play, children work, share, and talk with other children. Language grows along with their understanding of themselves, as well as other people. Block people are 1" thick for easy-play stability and range in size from 2-3/4" to 5-1/2" tall. Set includes 8 sturdy figures. www.environments.com |
 Set of 12 blocks that you can actually fill and refill! Take a look at what's inside! Our exclusive block set takes block play to a whole new dimension. Simply fill blocks with beads, shells, objects found in nature - just about anything you can imagine! The see-through property of the blocks gives kids a sense of perspective that other wooden blocks do not. They're ideal for nature and science lessons and promoting the concept of spatial relationships. Want a change? Simply take blocks apart, empty contents, and fill with brand new objects. Blocks are crafted of sturdy birch and acrylic. Bilingual (English/Spanish) activity guide/instructions included. Please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4tVoSo6DLM for a product demonstration and www.discountschoolsupply.com/ to shop for more of our unique products. |
 The World's Safest and Easiest-to-Use Face Paint. As you know, children love to have their faces painted; think of the long line at events as children wait anxiously to have their faces painted. It is a magical experience as children are transformed into a princess, superhero, tiger, butterfl, and the smile on their faces . . . priceless. Face Painting is fun rewarding play . . . SNAZAROO is compliant with all FDA Cosmetic Laws and is the ONLY brand that has a 'child toy safety' rating on its entire line. See our safety information: www.snazaroo.us/safety.htm, visit our web site: www.snazaroo.us or call (800) 451-4040. |
May/June 2011 Issue #199
 Children sort and match moving balls into columns on the interactive boards in our fun, animated games - and develop phonemic awareness as they play! Each game features an on-screen sorting board that dispenses animated activity balls, each with a cute picture representing a specific phonics sound. Simply choose 3 sounds . . . then students touch and drag the balls into the correct spots on the board - matching a lollipop to a lion, a kite to a bat, a ring to a swing, and more! Complete set includes all 3 games. For Macintosh and Windows. Targets these standards:
|  Oshi mat is an environmentally friendly, recyclable, easy-to-clean, non-toxic foam mat designed for infants. It is 100% Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE), which means it is 100% PVC and Latex free! Oshi matÕs main use is for developmental classes and educational activities. It is extremely versatile, lightweight, water repellant, and cold resistant. Because it is moisture free, it does not store bacteria. Oshi mat's density and material provide excellent comfort. |
 Jonti-Craft has just announced the launch of a new, affordable product series, KYDZSuite, a collection of modular early learning furniture that allows early childhood educators and child caregivers to design custom learn/play environments through a variety of connectable eco-friendly modular pieces. KYDZSuite is durable and safe, and makes it easy to design the right environment for young learners, from small groups to large. This new line from Jonti-Craft will interest educators and administration that work in early education. |
 Diggables brings a new element of discovery to sandboxes. It creates an excavation adventure where kids can unearth replicas of dinosaur bones and fossils. Adults will appreciate the fact that Diggables are built to withstand eons of play sessions. Made of super-durable PolyFiberCrete, so they will withstand tough play and harsh weather. Diggables can be surface-mounted and are available in two other formations: Raptor Rock Head and Raptor Rock Tail. |
March April 2011 Issue #198
 Now more than ever, adults must help children develop the skills necessary to navigate through life successfully. By focusing on building social and emotional strength, we increase childrenÕs resilience and prepare them to handle the challenges in life. The strategies and activities in Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure help children become socially and emotionally healthy for life. For children, living and learning are seamlessly integrated. The activities in Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure offer a way to help children live and learn their way into social and emotional resilience, while having fun! Authors Nefertiti Bruce and Karen Cairone, with the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, have organized this book into five chapters, with activities to support and build resilience in children ages 3 to 8. 160 pages. |  Playing is learning! The all new Early Play Centers are the latest addition to Burke's innovative line of early childhood play events. Burke's new Step 'N' Scoot and Climb 'N' Crawl encourage physical and cognitive growth, while providing exploratory fun for children 6 - 23 months. Hands-on play enhances dexterity, while walking, running, climbing, crawling, and scooting strengthen gross motor skills. Both designs are available in gentle, natural earth-tones or bold primary colors. Both the Step 'N' Scoot and Climb 'N' Crawl are available in soft or firm/stable play platforms. Create essential play and development opportunities for your little ones with BurkeÕs new Early Play Centers! |
 Jonti-Craft, Inc.¨ is pleased to announce the addition of the Take Home Center to their widespread lineup of early childhood furniture. This unit is an excellent option for children of all ages as it features ten locker sections, each with a paper-tray slot. Excellent for organizing messages and homework, among other things. Each locker contains two double hooks, which are perfect for hanging book bags, jackets, and more. Ten paper-trays are included and come in a variety of colors. This stationary unit has a lifetime warranty and is made with KYDZSafe¨ edges, KYDZStrong¨ construction, and KYDZTuff¨ finish. Like all other Jonti-Craft¨ branded products, the Take Home Center is GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM indoor air quality certified. |
 New for 2011 and only available from Kaplan! Imaginations will sprout as adventurers explore in these stylish and functional dress up sets. Available in green or tan, each set includes a bucket hat and multi-pocket vest. These are perfect for children 4 years and up. |
January/February 2011 Issue #197
 Introducing Scholastic Big Day for PreK - a new, comprehensive program that embraces children's natural curiosity and prepares children for success in school and life! Based on the most current research, Big Day for PreK provides everything teachers need to create a purposeful and fun learning environment. Big Day for PreK has 5 BIG Elements of Success:
|  Playing is learning! The all new Early Play Centers are the latest addition to Burke's innovative line of early childhood play events. Burke's new Step 'N' Scoot, Climb 'N' Crawl, and Kiddy Korral encourage physical and cognitive growth, while providing exploratory fun for children 6 - 23 months. Hands-on play enhances dexterity while walking, running, climbing, crawling, and scooting strengthen gross motor skills. All three designs are available in gentle, natural earth-tones or bold primary colors. Both the Step 'N' Scoot and Climb 'N' Crawl are available in soft or firm/stable play platforms. Create essential play and development opportunities for your little ones with Burke's new Early Play Centers! |
 RooMeez are like a great roommate - they help you organize, clean, and de-clutter your space, while providing you a modern look and feel. This modular storage system features connectable cubes and accessories and provides consumers with organization, style, and functionality all in one. Versatile cubes are eco-friendly and provide a solution to finding an aesthetically pleasing storage system that can fit the style and design of any space. RooMeez cubes can be customized to fit any space and can be easily adjusted to fit a consumer's ever changing needs. Anything is possible - from a playroom system to a computer desk and even a night stand. They are made in the USA and are GREENGUARD Children & Schools indoor air quality certified! |
 Our "just like home" furniture units are built with sturdy hardwood frames, comfortable dense foam, and then carefully upholstered with premium coverings. Designed and built for everyday use, with durability, quality, and comfort in mind. Made in the USA by craftsmen who take pride in building furniture by hand. Meets ASTM, CA117, and CPSIA. One year warranty. Enviro-Child Upholstery offers early childhood classrooms an eco-friendly and healthier upholstery alternative that is as durable and easy to clean as vinyl. Made of polyurethane, it is PVC-free. Plus, it features an antimicrobial finish that inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses. Available in three new colors: chocolate, sage, and blue. Ages 3-6. |
November/December 2010 Issue #196
 NEW for 2011! It's a small world after all with this set of 10 ethnic hand puppets. Collection includes boy and girl puppets from the American Indian, African American, Asian, Latino, and Caucasian cultures. Each is approximately 11" in height. Machine washable. Further embrace diversity with our matching Multi- Cultural Dress Ups! Ages 3 & up. |  According to designers, landscape architects, and architects creative caregivers now have access to products in Play Mart's new Nature of Early PlayTM line that allow them to design and build low maintenance, durable infrastructures that invite children to spend more of their day outdoors. In Sweden, where children spend as much as 75% of their day outdoors, there is a saying: "There is no bad weather, only bad clothes." Play Mart's Nature of Early Play™ product line outfits your facility with the proper 'clothes' so caregivers can watch nature grace childrenÕs lives. |
 Jonti-Craft, Inc.® is pleased to introduce the Changing Table with Stairs to its already expansive line-up of early learning furniture. The pull-out stairs are located on either the right or left side of the unit and conveniently glide under table when not in use. The extra-deep rails exceed recommended safety standards, while the three shelves (one fixed and two adjustable) provide generous storage. The paper roll dispenser, changing pad, and safety strap are included with the unit. Like all other Jonti-Craft branded products, the Changing Table with Stairs is GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM indoor air quality certified. |
 Teach your early-years children to develop their tactile recognition skills with our new Sensory Center, divided into 4 sections, which can be used by itself on a tabletop, desk, or floor, or team it up with one of our Mobile Mite tables. Items placed inside the Sensory Center can be touched and handled without being seen, letting children identify the object by its texture, shape, and size. Add our innovative "Braille Chips for the Sighted," a 44-piece set to promote appreciation for the challenges faced daily by the blind. |
September/October 2010 Issue #195
 iStartSmartª combines research-based adaptive teaching technology with automated progress tracking. The system is designed to increase school readiness skills through research-based activities and provide automated, standards-based progress monitoring through individualized performance reports. The iStartSmartª All-in-One Computer Learning System includes the latest multi-touch, all-in-one computer hardware, an age-appropriate computer desk, and the Hatch¨ exclusive ECLaunch,ª an Internet-safe, child-directed desktop management system for teachers and children. |
 According to statistics, children under the age of three may average two illnesses a month.* Only the Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System¨ program gives your child care center the safest, most sanitary care. No wonder nearly 50,000 companies, including many of the Fortune 500, trust our innovative methods to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the same cost as a traditional commercial cleaning service. *Lehigh Unversity: www.lehigh.edu/~inluccc/illness.html |
 Early Childhood ResourcesÕ modular Sand and Water Play Centers promote tactile discovery, fine motor skills, and cooperative play. Stations can be connected into several configurations. (Available in 4, 6, and 8 station centers.) Features brightly colored polypropylene basins and sturdy, powder-coated steel legs with ABS feet. Each station includes a clear cover for storage. Easy assembly. Ages 3+ with adult supervision. |
 Do you really know what being green means? Most people associate being green with reducing, reusing, and recycling. It is also about contributing to healthy indoor air quality. Many do not know that the furniture you use in your everyday environment, from your home to your childÕs school, can give off harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are released from materials these products are made of. These chemical emissions can negatively impact the quality of air indoors. So, what does this have to do with Jonti-Craft? Well, Jonti-CraftÕs products are now GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified.¨ This includes: our core line of Baltic Birch plywood furniture; Rainbow Accents¨; MapleWaveª; Sproutz¨; ThriftyKYDZ¨; Berries¨ line of stacking chairs; and full line-up of KYDZ Activity tables. |
July/August 2010 Issue #194
 Wood Designs has converted its entire product line to Healthy Kids, safe, strong, durable and environmentally friendly furniture available for children's use in classroom and daycare facilities. Healthy Kids furniture is made in the U.S. from 100 percent solid, strong Baltic birch plywood or Maple hardwood and is free from phthalates, melamine, lead and added formaldehyde - chemicals often linked to asthma, leukemia, autism and neurobehavioral disorders. Each piece of Healthy Kids furniture meets or exceeds current eco-certifications, including compliance guidelines for CARB - 2, the Consumer Product and Safety Improvement Act and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools. |
 Ideal for children with speech and language delays, these award-winning games from Fun and Function enhance receptive and expressive skills, build vocabulary, and encourage critical thinking and concentration. Features large magnetic play pieces, colorful cards sized for small hands, and fun game variations for children at every level. The language games are available in Combo Packs, which is perfect for childcare centers, schools, and clinics. Shipping is free. |
 Jonti-Craft, Inc. has announced the addition of the Locking Laptop Table to its expansive line of early childhood products. This multi-functioning table has four pull-out drawers with drop-down fronts for work access. These drawers also keep laptops secure while providing cord management for simple organization. The mounted locking casters allow the table to be moved quickly and easily from room to room. The Locking Laptop Table is available in three heights and requires minimal assembly. |
 An interactive inclusive game for learning fun. Twenty Thumball designs are effective tools to develop language and social skills. Safe, soft, soccer-style balls are inexpensive and easy to use. Catch Thumball and discuss what is on the panel beneath your thumb. Four distinct "Early Learner" Thumballs enrich circle time, promote movement and teach alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors and animal vocabulary. For staff meetings, the Ice Breaker or new Meet & Greet design increases motivation and participation. Thumballs create meaningful conversation for kids and adults. |
May/June 2010 Issue #193
 This two level sink with 3 Bowls allows several people to wash their hands at the same time. Designed for child care programs, it is useful for both children and adult staff members. The staggered height ensures that everyone can find a sink that is easy to use. The best part is that it is completely portable. Simply fill the Fresh Water Tank and slide it into the cabinet. Then roll the sink to the desired location. Plug the power cord into any standard outlet and the electric water pump and heater provide hot and cold running water for everyone. The single pump and heater support all 3 hand wash stations. Excellent value compared to purchasing three individual sinks. |
 Landscape Structures Inc., a playground manufacturer, introduces A Higher Level of Inclusive Play™, a revolutionary playground design solution that will provide new sensory play experiences for children of all abilities. Landscape Structures' goal with its Inclusive Play solution is to include children with autism and sensory disorders in all play, and lead in the creation of a new generation of inclusive playgrounds. As part of this solution, Landscape Structures launched a suite of Sensory Play products that will create welcoming play environments for all children especially those with autism or sensory processing disorders. |
 A child's surroundings can determine their productivity, energy and development. Poor indoor air quality can not only reduce a child's ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation and memory; but can also aid in spreading certain airborne contaminants and germs. Providing peace of mind, the PureTrac® software system and Nose Monitor® from PureChoice, supervises indoor air to ensure that your child's environment is conducive to their wellbeing and educational development. With PureTrac®, child care facilities are able to guarantee families a completely safe learning environment, starting with the air they breathe. |
 Sakar International has teamed up with Leapfrog to create the ultimate in interactive education. The Leapfrog Camera is a talking 2.1 megapixel camera with kid-friendly edges and fun phrases like "Say Cheese!" and "Great Shot!" Accompanying software allows kids to create books, illustrate stories, and incorporate photos into fun games, such as Concentration. Recommended for kids for ages 4+ depending on skill and reading ability. Some kids will need little or no help from parents, while younger children might see this as a fun activity to do with mom and dad. |
March/April 2010 Issue #192
 Community Playthings' popular Roomscapes line has a new addition: With their translucent backs, these beautiful shelves will brighten everyone's day. Natural light flows unhindered through the classroom while children play in the cozy nooks created by the shelves, supervised unobtrusively by their teacher. Built with virtually unbreakable architectural polymer, the shelf backs will look great for years. Community Playthings' Shelving is Forest Stewardship Council and Indoor Advantage Gold certified. FSC certification assures that products are produced with wood from responsibly managed forests. Indoor Advantage Gold certification assures that products meet rigorous indoor air quality standards. Roomscapes products qualify for LEED credits. |
 Child Care Marketing Solutions is excited to announce the launch of their new Child Care Business Success System, a comprehensive toolkit for marketing and enrollment-building. The system features ten learning modules with ten accompanying audio CDs, designed specifically for early childhood business owners and administrators. By using these innovative, cuttingedge, and cost-effective strategies, centers and schools can easily increase their enrollment, improve customer satisfaction, and improve their return-on-investment on marketing and advertising budgets. Includes actual examples, templates, and worksheets. Discover the hidden wealth buried in your child care center! |
 Hat:Cat, Fan:Man, Jam:Ram. This seating rug has fun and silly icons that rhyme from left to right. Each row features a different vowel from the alphabet. Thirty spaces in total provide enough room for each child to sit comfortably, and an alphabet border throws in an extra element of literacy! |
 With the Janibell M400D commercial diaper disposal system you can breathe easy, knowing your nursery will always be sanitary and odor free. This large 15 gallon container has a double seal lid design to eliminate odors. Hands-free foot pedal operation results in quick, hygienic, step and drop disposal. An ingenious self-lining cartridge system gives you flexibility in bag size for each removal. Soiled diapers remain out of sight and contained at all times, assuring mess-free disposal. The trash liner cartridge will last for weeks between refills. Gone is the daily task of bag replacement, and liner material is 100% biodegradable. With Janibell, your staff, children, and parents are ensured a pleasant, odor-free environment. |
January/February 2010 Issue #191
 Play Mart's literally ground-breaking Nature At Play™ line introduces products that allow care-givers to easily provide young children with the opportunity to have authentic experiences with nature, water, sand, dirt, insects, butterflies, birds, vegetable gardening, plants, flowers and music. These new natural play products are designed so that even an infant can be allowed to be outside in a protective environment and experience some aspect of the natural world. Nature at Play™ has musical instrument play-components, gardening beds and bowls, and vine-covered arch hideaways. Furthermore, the products are made from recycled, non-toxic, heavy-duty, low-maintenance materials and are modular in design. |
 Teaching Strategies GOLD™ is an innovative, seamless, birth-to-6 early childhood assessment system.. The authentic, ongoing observation-based assessment system, Teaching Strategies GOLD™, assesses key elements that research indicates are most predictive of school success in the areas of social - emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development, as well as learning in literacy and mathematics. It is designed to assess all children accurately, including children with developmental delays and disabilities, children who are advanced learners, and children who are English-language learners. It's a teacher-friendly, easy-to-understand approach to observation, documentation, portfolio-building, and reporting--the essential components of a high-quality assessment system. |
 Rest a little easier when it comes to microbes in the classroom with ECR's new line products. ECR rest cots, resin chairs and tables, wooden classroom furniture and soft play environments with Microban antimicrobial protection help keep these products cleaner and fresher for longer. Microban antimicrobial protection works to continuously fight the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew - and because the technology is built-in, it never washes or wears away. This sustainability is crucial in public areas where children play, learn and interact. Look for the Microban logo to be sure your furniture and equipment have antimicrobial protection! |
 The Children's Garden can delight children - even as young as 3-years in age! This portable garden is handcrafted in solid maple and equipped with a 400-watt SunLight. Kids can experience the miracle of seeds sprouting in a matter of days and can take home plants in 6-8 weeks! Watering is easy - using small, refillable plastic squeeze bottles and a 21-inch high garden area. Movement from room-to-room is effortless on the large, quiet casters. |
Novmember/December 2009 Issue #190
 The PlayBright® Early Learning System is a new educational program for both parents and educators that combines the most current early child development research with fun, interactive play experiences to promote healthy brain development and school readiness. The system includes an educator's resource guide, professional development training, and a developmental milestone-based activity guide. |
 Hatch, Inc. announced the launch of It's in the Bag™ Infant & Toddler kits.These seven compact, portable kits containing high-quality educational products and pre-designed activities for caregivers support infants and toddlers by reinforcing nationally recognized developmental milestones. |
 This research-based Emotion Coaching kit from Parenting Counts includes everything you will need to facilitate a workshop for 25 participants. This kit includes a DVD and workshop guide with activities to reinforce learning. This kit also includes visual aids and handouts. Emotion Coaching is a research-based method that gives caregivers a way to help children learn about emotions. Emotion Coaching helps prepare children for the challenges they face throughout their lives. A child's ability to delight in the happy times and recover from the bad ones is a key part of good emotional health. |
 You can't tell just by looking if a child has food allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Celiac Disease, or another health issue. That is, without STATkids®. The innovative STATkids® health identification products quickly and clearly alert others to a child's specific health issues and facilitate the management of emergency situations. Since 2006, parents, schools, child care centers and summer camps have relied upon the STATkids® wristbands, customized lunch bags and backpacks, travel packs and other items to provide peace of mind. With STATkids® you CAN tell just by looking... and that could save a child's life! |
September/October 2009 Issue #189
 Jonti-Craft, Inc. is pleased to introduce the new MapleWave™ brand of furniture. This new offering features a maple laminate surface with matching thermofused edgebanding - it looks like wood, but is tough like laminate. MapleWave™ products are available in the most popular early learning designs from storage units to lockers and pick-a-book stands to classroom tables. |
by Ellison  Leading yogafor-kids company creates 'YogaBuddies Bedtime Stories' DVD to help teach children how to settle down for a restful sleep at the end of their day. YogaBuddies has inspired thousands of children to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and socially since 2004 through a fun and unique yoga curriculum that has been taught in schools, summer camps, corporate day care centers and yoga studios. |
 A new resource for the classroom is Germy Wormy Germ Smart for Kids, the only product on the market to teach all of the latest CDC hygiene guidelines to kids as young as 2. Pop in the fun, kid-friendly Sesame Street-style DVD where they learn how to avoid getting and spreading colds and flu viruses. Slide the Germy Wormy Disposable Sleeve over the child's elbow, giving them a fun place to aim their coughs and sneezes at. Voila! Healthy hygiene habits learned in a snap. |
 Bite Fixer™ is scientifically proven to immediately and completely stop the pain and itching of bites and stings from bugs. Bite Fixer™ also relieves itching caused by poison ivy, oak and sumac. It contains the maximum amount of Lidocaine allowed without a prescription and the product is safe for use for children 2 years of age and older. |
July/August 2009 Issue #188
 BigToys, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial playground equipment based in Olympia, WA, has launched "BigToys Naturals," a collection of outdoor play activities and structures for the early childhood market serving children aged six months to five years. These products can be combined with landscaping elements to create a natural outdoor playscape that connects children to nature through play. The Naturals product line (like all of BigToys other products) is available in wood or recycled steel and recycled plastic. |
by Ellison  Up Down and All Around is a creative movement and exercise DVD focused on fun and fitness. Utilizing the elements of movement, the DVD entertains as kids and adults are motivated to get physically fit through movement games, silly exercises and challenges. This movement program is unique because it was designed specifically to be utilized by early childhood educators and parents. Up Down and All Around provides accessible movement activities for all types of movers, regardless of ability or experience. |
 Invite children 3-8 years old to explore the world of nature! Puzzles shown are from a series of sturdy wooden Habitat Puzzles - all teeming with an abundance of plants and animals. Each 9" x 12" puzzle frame has a built-in corner clue to help children get started. Puzzles include a laminated thematic activity card with "Fast Facts" for teachers to share with children. 9-11 pieces. |
 Baby's first year is an exciting time with lots of exploration and discovery. Research shows experiences that involve sensory and motor investigations and engage infants in social interactions build brain connections. Brighten your interactions with baby using the HighReach Learning Bright Baby Kit. Each multisensory kit actively engages and stimulates infants through social interactions and incorporates American Sign Language and baby yoga. |
May/June 2009 Issue #187
 A metal EVACUATION "window" crib features a non-breakable clear-view acrylic panelsecured in each headboard. Big casters and "shopping cart" handle bar design make for easy manuverability. This crib is very durable with dual fixed sided crib, without a drop side feature, for extra safety as well as increased lateral rigidity. For more information on where to find a distributer near you contact: John@lababyco.com or call (800) 584-3094 |
by Ellison  The newest Ellison shape-cutter, the RollModel Machine, empowers educators everywhere to teach more effectively through proven visual, tactile and kinesthetic learning methods. Teachers can use the RollModel to create powerful combinations of reinforcing visuals and hands-on applications to help address important curriculum and standards. Students will love how subjects come to life as fun, interactive challenges. |
 How Fun! Safe for gliding indoors and outdoors, these high density foam "scooter boards" are so comfortable that kids play and exercise longer and build their confidence in a variety of positions and activities. Strengthens the upper and lower extremities and improves balance, posture, and coordination. |
 A great alternative to the traditional dollhouse, this Fairy Garden Kit provides a wonderful backdrop for hours of imaginative play. Kids will love to plant their own special garden and watch it grow! Comes with all the tools and furniture you need to make an enchanted oasis in any room of the house. |
March/April 2009 Issue #186
 Playground equipment designed to focus on the use of all muscle groups for children ages 2 - 5 to develop balance, hand-eye coordination and basic upper and lower body strength. The events are designed at ground level reducing the risk of injury-causing falls and are a great complement to physical activity programs in early childhood settings. |
 A walk-in cardboard castle for children to climb in, crawl in, play in and decorate it inside and out. This castle is beautiful, sturdy and offers so much room for play and even storage and secret compartments in the towers. It is easy to fold away for storage and better yet, it is RECYCLABLE! |
 The Reflecting Cube is Jonti-Craft's newest addition to its lineup of early learning furniture. With mirrors on top, bottom and the sides, children gain an interesting perspective of self awareness. The mirrors are made from super-safe acrylic and are distortion free. It makes for a pretty fun hiding spot as well. |
 When children use Tree Cookies, they can engage in imaginative pretend play, build towers, examine the tree circles to see how old the tree was, or work on elaborate collaborative projects. These work well in a "Messy Materials Area" and are designed to decompose over time so children can observe this natural process. |