Published August 30, 2012 This content is archived.
UB’s Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC) will celebrate its 80th anniversary in style tomorrow with a Family Carnival on the North Campus.
It’s an event that'll give UB childhood experts a chance to help parents with back-to-school transition while they and their families are having a ball.
The carnival, which is open to children of all ages and not just families of those enrolled in the UB program, will take place from 1-4 p.m. in the ECRC, 15 Baldy Hall, and in the green space adjacent to Jacobs
Management Center.
The rain-or-shine event will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, live music and other activities for the whole family. There is a $5-per-person admission charge.
“We hope that our carnival will give families a chance to celebrate the start of the new school year,” says Kelly Roy, ECRC director. “We want children and parents to embrace that sense of anticipation and remember how much fun playing and learning together can be.”
The carnival comes as parents are preparing to send their children back to school: A time that, along with a sense of possibility and excitement, also can be stressful for all family members, she says.
“The start of a new school year can present difficulties for families,” says Roy. “With a little planning, these challenges can be reduced.”
Roy suggests smoothing the transition by trying to get everyone in the family on the same page and establishing a home atmosphere where everyone is enthused and positive about going back to school.
“If parents are anxious about it, their children will be, too,” she says.
Roy offers these tips to reduce anxiety before the first day back:
Since its beginning in 1932, ECRC has evolved from a small preschool offering opportunities for the study of young children to a community resource providing teacher education, professional development and continued study in early childhood education. ECRC currently offers services to about 75 children, from six months through school-age, and their families.