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<p>We&#8217;re opening our newest campus in Hudson Yards in just a few weeks, and are thrilled to add an amazing leader to our learning team!&nbsp; Meg Roosa, our newest Head of School, is a true all-star in the world of childcare and early education, with over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience around the world.</p>



<h2><strong>Get to Know Meg Roosa</strong></h2>



<p>Meg began her career as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in NYC independent schools, including Trinity, Friends Seminary, and Packer Collegiate, and was founding director of Plymouth Church School in Brooklyn Heights. Meg returned to her New York roots after 18 years in Seattle, where she became immersed in curriculum design from PreK to 5th grade at University Child Development School, and a 6-year tenure as head of an innovative start-up school, Ascend International, in Mumbai, India. As a working parent of three now-grown children, Meg knows the challenges faced by working families. She brings a deep appreciation for the magic of early childhood and firmly believes that the seeds of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving are sown in these exciting years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>How did you come to choose a career in early childcare?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>My first job was as a camp counselor. I was studying history and literature in my liberal arts college but took a course in child development which required me to work in the campus child development center several hours a week with 3–5-year-olds from then on, I was hooked on classroom teaching and chose to get a degree in early childhood education.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Proudest professional moment to date?</strong></h2>



<p>I have been involved in 3 start-up schools. My proudest moments have come when I have seen a vision come to life and to see children thrive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>On your days off, you&#8217;re most likely to be&#8230;</strong></h2>



<p>Reading, knitting, chatting with friends or family, or relaxing with a pet.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>If we polled your friends &amp; family, what 4 words would they use to describe you?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Patient, supportive, collaborative, and creative.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>What are you most excited to learn/do at Vivvi?</strong></h2>



<p>I am excited to work with the dynamic team and community of families. I’m also looking forward to bringing an engaging and innovative program to Hudson Yards.</p>


Introducing our Newest Head of School


<h5>Managing Child Care During a Pandemic</h5>



<p>Many parents, especially mothers, across the United States will agree that one of the largest struggles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic was that of child care. As of October, it was estimated that up to <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t01.htm">4.5 million</a> extra women were unemployed in comparison to the previous year, many of whom are unable to seek new job opportunities. And, approximately 33% of these women left their job due to child care responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While both parents have bared the brunt of the pandemic restrictions when it comes to child care, working mothers seem to be faring worse. Many are continuing to take on the time, cost and stress of trying to support their children in hitting their developmental and educational milestones. In fact, many mothers are reporting spending up to 15 hours more each week on child care duties while also juggling their careers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is clear to see that for many Americans, child care during the pandemic has not been sustainable and with many child care providers having to shut their doors at different stages over the course of the year, the flexibility that parents relied on was a dream many were holding on to.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>How Have Child Care Providers Adapted to the Challenges Posed by COVID-19</h5>



<p>For those child care providers that have been fortunate enough to stay open for extended periods of time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to adapt to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus was evident.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naturally, many parents were nervous to allow their children to return to their child care providers without knowing fully what measures would be put in place. Besides that, even the challenges that commuting now posed left many feeling uncomfortable. This was understandable and expected. However, as many working parents are now aware of, the need for child care support is not just a luxury &#8211; it’s a necessity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many child care providers had to adapt quickly to make sure that they were continuing to provide a safe place and learning environment that their students had grown accustomed to while also dealing with staff shortages, lack of funds and arduous cleaning protocols.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For those parents who were looking to receive outside child care support but were working full-time from home or were worried about letting their child interact with others, many child care providers started to offer in-home learning support to ease the pressures on remote parents.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://go.vivvi.com/in-home">Vivvi In-Home</a> program allows your child to receive the full benefits of the Vivvi learning model&nbsp; but right from the comfort of their own home.&nbsp; Our expert teachers are trained in health and safety by our Head of Compliance in conjunction with the New York Presbyterian Hospital Network to ensure that your child and family are kept safe from COVID risks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Which Health and Safety Measures Should Parents Be Looking Out For?&nbsp;</h5>



<p>For those child care campuses located in New York, there were clear and stringent state regulations that all child care providers needed to implement prior to reopening their doors back in July, 2020. These regulations included but were not limited to:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>No more than 15 children in a room</li><li>All adults and children (expect those under the age of 2) were required to wear face masks</li><li>Daily health screenings of the children and staff were to be carried out</li><li>Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the day care centers were required especially of high traffic areas such as bathrooms, classrooms and any kitchen facilities</li><li>Social distancing was to be adhered to</li><li>Limited sharing of toys and supplies</li></ul>



<p>If you are a parent who is looking for a child care and early learning provider for their child for the very first time or you are looking for your child to return on-site, it is important to ensure that you’re comfortable with the health and safety measures that have been put in place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before agreeing to send your child back to the campus, make sure that you are asking what protocols they have in place in regards to social distancing, disinfecting, health screening, staff training and pick up/drop-offs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, understanding which HVAC systems the child care provider is using to improve airflow in the building and whether their staff is being provided with adequate PPE equipment can be comforting for parents.</p>



<p>In most cases, including here at Vivvi, we will be happy to answer any questions that parents have regarding the new regulations in place and will ensure to put your mind at ease.</p>



<h5>How Vivvi Have Adapted and How We are Preparing for the Future&nbsp;</h5>



<p>At Vivvi, our main focus has been supporting families and keeping children safe. That will never change. So, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have made sure that our campuses are safer than ever before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As part of our cleaning protocols, we are cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces every hour and more frequently, if needed. All toys are sanitized regularly and after a child has finished playing with a toy it is moved out of circulation in order to limit cross-contamination. Each night, the campuses are deep cleaned which involves steaming of all furniture and rugs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To protect staff and families, we are requiring all parties to submit medical forms before they are allowed on campus. Temperature checks are carried out on a daily basis before a parent, child or teacher is allowed to enter. Additionally, all staff members are required to be tested for COVID every three weeks. If a child or team member is to fall ill while on campus, they leave the facility immediately in the case of a teacher or they will be removed from a classroom in the case of a child and cared for until a parent can collect them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our team wears masks at all times during the day. While, for children, we work with families to ensure that children over 2 years old wear masks while on and commuting to and from campus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We have restricted classroom sizes as outlined by state regulations and will not be allowing children to go for outdoor walks in order to limit cross-contamination.</p>



<p>As mentioned above, for those parents who are unsure about sending their children back to the Vivvi campuses, we are providing an in home option that allows you to work productively from home while your child is being cared for and taught by one of our teachers. .&nbsp;<br>For more information on how Vivvi is preparing for the future, <a href="https://vivvi.com/contact">contact us</a> today and we’ll be happy to discuss any concerns that you may have. &nbsp;</p>


How Child Care Providers are Adapting to the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic


<p>Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions that parents will have to make for their babies. As you may already know, the support and nurturing that your child receives in its early years will set them up for success in their later life. But what many don’t realize is that you can start looking at early childhood education options during your pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this article, we are going to discuss why it is never too early to start preparing for how your child will reach its developmental milestones, the importance of early childhood education, and which child care options you should consider.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>The Importance of Early Childhood Education&nbsp;</h5>



<p>Early childhood education is more than just preparing your child for entering elementary school. Rather, it is about focusing on the holistic development of a child when it comes to their emotional, social, mental and physical needs so that they can build a strong foundation that promotes learning and wellbeing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many conversations have been had in the past regarding the importance of ensuring that your child receives the educational support they need to hit early childhood milestones. According to a research study carried out by the <a href="https://www.ffyf.org/new-harvard-study-reveals-lasting-benefits-quality-early-childhood-education/">Harvard Graduate School of Education</a> in 2018, investment in early childhood education options leads to an increase in cognitive abilities, sociability, and self-esteem. It was also found that those who attended a high-quality preschool program were more likely to educate from high school and attend college.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life. By enrolling your child in a child care option, you will not only ensure that they are equipped with the tools they need for their educational life but also, it will help them become the best version of themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Why Soon-to-Be Parents Can Never Be Too Prepared</h5>



<p>Many often think that the time to start researching child care options is when they have spent a number of months at home with their baby and are now preparing for a return to work. But, you don’t have to wait so long.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you are a soon-to-be parent, start preparing now by researching the various child care options that are available within your local area. Early childhood education can come in many different forms and understanding the pros and cons of each can guide you in making the right decision.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, many doctors believe that early learning begins before birth and not just when your child enters the classroom. Babies begin to engage with their senses and learn about the world that they are about to enter during the last trimester. Our children even begin to reach certain developmental milestones such as recognizing voices before we even meet them in person.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Parents are a child’s first educators and for that reason, you should be putting a plan in place for early childhood education as early as possible. We believe that choosing your child’s child care options during pregnancy should be as normal as decorating the nursery.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Choosing Child Care Options During Pregnancy</h5>



<p>If you are a first-time parent, choosing which form of child care is the best fit for your family and your child’s needs can be daunting &#8211; and it certainly isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. However, navigating through all the various information about childcare shouldn’t be done alone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Below, we provide you with the steps that all expectant parents should know when it comes to evaluating which form of child care will not only be most beneficial for them but also for their child’s development.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>What are the Different Types of Child Care Providers?</h5>



<p>There are three core types of child care providers: nannies, daycare centers and in-home learning support. All of these options have their own advantages and considerations that parents should keep in mind. And remember, what is right for one family isn’t necessarily right for another. So, although your friend may have recommended a certain nanny to you that doesn’t mean this form of child care will be beneficial for your child.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let’s have a look at each option in more detail below.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li><strong>Nanny/babysitter</strong> &#8211; If you decide to hire a nanny, this person will come to your home on a full or part-time basis and provide highly individualized care to your child. Generally, you will have full control over the daily routine you would like the nanny to follow and you can advise on which meals your child will have. The only downsides to this childcare option are that your child may not have the ability to socialize with other children as much and all vetting is your responsibility.</li><li><strong>Daycare center</strong> &#8211; These organizations are generally either privately or publicly run and most will be licensed. The core caregivers here are educators that have certifications in early childhood education and are held to certain standards determined by the daycare center. In this environment, your child’s day will be structured and they will be cared for in a safe place. There will also be plenty of opportunities for your child to socialize with others and be encouraged to reach developmental milestones. The only drawback is that your child’s sleeping routine may be infrequent or interrupted.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>In-home learning support</strong> &#8211; This childcare option combines the best of both a daycare center and a nanny. As part of an <a href="https://go.vivvi.com/in-home">in-home learning support</a> program, like Vivvi’s, your child will receive 1-on-1 expert care from a trained early childhood educator from the comfort of your own home. So, whether you will be working remotely or not, you can rest knowing that your child will be receiving the best care where they are most secure.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h5>Is Day Care or In-Home Child Care a Better Choice?</h5>



<p>The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking to receive from an early childhood education provider. Both provide excellent benefits to the child and parent. Although, some parents may consider a daycare center to be better for allowing a child to improve their social skills more easily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the most part, these child care options cost relatively the same depending on which organization you pick and which state you live in. It is important that if a particular organization offers both on-site and in-home early learning support that you see whether it is possible to have a trial run of both if you’re unsure which option is the better fit.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Tips for Evaluating Child Care Options&nbsp;</h5>



<p>Looking for child care options is doable during maternity leave but doing it ahead of time is definitely the better choice, especially when it comes to evaluating different options. Many daycare centers and childcare providers will have long waiting lists and application processes, so you don’t want to get caught out last minute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When evaluating early childhood education options for the first time, it is important to follow these steps:</p>



<ul><li>Make a list of possible daycare centers and child care providers in your local area. Recommendations from other parents are generally very valuable when searching for good care.</li><li>Choose between three or five facilities and arrange a tour. Make sure that you visit during a time when you can see how teachers interact with the children so that you can get a real sense of what your child will experience.&nbsp;</li><li>Prepare your list of questions ahead of time. This will make sure that you get all the information you need during your visit. See our list of recommended questions to ask a child care provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Take notes of what you did and didn’t like about the particular facility that you visited.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>As we mentioned above, this is a decision that shouldn’t be made hastily. So, make sure that you look at all the different factors and have a conversation with your partner or a family member before rushing into a decision.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Benefits of Preparing Early: More Than Just Peace of Mind</h5>



<p>The first few months of parenthood can be stressful and tiresome. So, trying to make a decision about the child care option that will shape your child’s developmental process should always be prepared for well in advance.</p>



<p>Not only will it give you the peace of mind knowing that when you return to work full-time your child will be receiving high-quality care, but, it will also allow you to get fully involved in their early childhood education ahead of time. You will always be your child’s primary educator and the more hands-on you are in terms of early learning, the better the outcome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That means being actively engaged with the early learning activities that they are doing with a child care provider and understanding the importance of each of the childhood development stages. The more you know, the better a parent you will be.&nbsp;</p>



<h5>Vivvi: Working with Families From the Very Beginning</h5>



<p>At Vivvi, we work with families right from the very beginning. Our infant program offers individualized support that focuses on your baby’s growth in a safe, learning environment from as early as 6 weeks old. Our learning model for babies focuses on their social-emotional growth, sensory work, motor skills development, self-care and much more.&nbsp;<br>If you are an expectant parent or have a newborn child and are looking for child care options to support your baby’s early childhood education, <a href="https://vivvi.com/contact">contact us</a> today for more information. We are currently operating virtual tours of our campuses in New York and we also are providing in-home learning support for remote work parents.</p>


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