Barnyard Bulletin | July 2026

🍉 July at The Little Red Barn 🍉
“Every interaction matters. Every moment is an opportunity to make a difference.”

>> 🌟 Classroom First Impressions Matter!

Our classrooms are often the first impression families have each day. Before children arrive and before families begin pick-up, take a quick look around your classroom. Ask yourself:

• Are toys organized?
• Are cubbies clean?
• Are tables and chairs clean?
• Is the environment warm, inviting, and ready for learning?
• Am I prepared for the day?

These small details make a big impact and reflect the pride we take in our program!💕

>> 🧼 Cleaning Refresh: Clean as You Go!

Cleaning should happen throughout the day, not just during closing. Take advantage of downtime, especially during nap time, to complete daily and weekly cleaning tasks. Staying on top of cleaning throughout the day makes end-of-day responsibilities more manageable and helps maintain a healthy environment for our children.

A few reminders:

• Please complete and check off all daily and weekly cleaning checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• We need to be using the Wash | Rinse | Sanitize process for EVERYTHING touched by kids. Make sure to sanitize tables, chairs, high chairs, and frequently touched surfaces after EVERY use.
  • REMINDER!!! Disinfectant = Bodily fluids ONLY! | Sanitizer = Tables, Chairs, Cribs, Toy
• Please make sure we are wiping the diaper changing mats between each use!
• Please sweep & mop after EVERY meal time, sensory activities, and art projects to keep floors clean and safe.
• Don’t forget to clean under shelves, cribs, tables, and other hard-to-reach areas as part of your weekly deep cleaning.

>> 📵 Phone Usage
We have observed an increase in personal cell phone usage within the classrooms recently. Our focus should always remain on active supervision, engagement, and interaction with the kiddos throughout the day. Personal phones should only be used for Playground documentation or emergencies ONLY.

>> 📲 Name-to-Face & Sunscreen REMINDER

Sunscreen:
Every application must be logged in Playground | We should be putting sunscreen on kiddos every time they go outside.

Name-to-Face:
ANY time you transition infants:

• Leaving the classroom to go to play area
• Returning from outside

You must log Name-to-Face in Playground!
This is not optional and ensures safety and accurate ratios.

>> 🍎 Daily Classroom Expectations

• 📱Playground Photos and Captions: Aim for 2-3 photos per child daily! One of these pictures needs to be curriculum! Add a short learning caption (doesn’t need to be long, just meaningful!)
• 📚 Don’t fall behind on Portfolios: Remember to start completing anecdotal observations and developmental checklists for Conferences!
• 🎨ART: Make sure you are doing an art project once a day! You should be saving art for portfolios and hanging some in your classrooms – this looks great for incoming parents! Product art is ok, process art is HIGHLY encouraged!!!

>> Outdoor Play🌻 : Please prioritize taking kiddos outside!

• Make sure infants are dressed appropriately for weather!
• Piglets | REQUIRED that you go outside AT LEAST once a day, weather permitting
• Cuddly Calves | REQUIRED that you go outside 2-3 times a week | daily if possible – weather permitting