To Pewaukee East KinderCare Families: Navigating the June 26th Closure

Call Our Team: (262) 246-2926

With the sudden announcement of the KinderCare Pewaukee East closure, we know local moms and dads are facing a stressful week. When a major childcare center closes its doors, it sends a ripple effect through our entire Pewaukee community. As educators, our hearts go out to every family whose daily routines—and whose children’s comfort zones—have suddenly been disrupted.

If you are currently juggling calendars and trying to secure high-quality childcare before the June 26th deadline: Take a breath.

It is completely normal to feel a bit panicked right now. You aren’t just looking for a new building; you are replacing the educators who understand your child’s unique personality, their daily rhythms, and their favorite activities. You are trying to rebuild the social circle your little one counts on every single day.

Don’t Just Fill a Spot

When time is ticking toward a June deadline, the temptation is to accept the very first opening you find. But these early developmental years are incredibly vital. Your child shouldn’t just be a number on a corporate enrollment sheet. You deserve a childcare partner where your entire family feels seen, valued, and completely at home. Make sure you FEEL good about the place you select wherever that is.

A Different Kind of Early Childhood Care

Located just five minutes down the road at our Kindness Hub in Pewaukee, we approach early education with a personal touch. We designed our center to embody the warmth, security, and joy of a grandparent’s home.

While our 6,000-square-foot facility offers plenty of room to learn and explore, our focus remains entirely on close-knit relationships. For parents transitioning away from a corporate chain like KinderCare, our infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms offer a refreshing, community-first experience:

• Gentle Transitions: Change can be tough on little ones. We customize the onboarding process for every new student to replace transition anxiety with a sense of security and fun.

• Purposeful Play: Our curriculum focuses on play-based learning that fosters kindness, emotional intelligence, and natural curiosity.

• Direct Access: We are independently owned and locally operated. You won’t navigate a corporate hierarchy here; you work directly with Grammy Kim and PopPop Matt.

Download Your Relocation & Transition Guide

Right now, your primary focus is keeping things stable and reassuring for your child during this shift. To make the next few weeks easier, we have put together an updated Childcare Transition Kit.

This free resource includes our ‘Smooth Start’ drop-off blueprint, a comforting social story to read with your toddler or preschooler before their first day, and an objective Wisconsin Quality Checklist to help you vet any center you interview.

Click Here to Have the Free Transition Kit Sent to Your Inbox

Priority Meet & Greets for Pewaukee East Families

Because your timeline is tight, we are setting aside dedicated VIP Tour Slots over the next two weeks specifically for displaced Pewaukee East families.

We currently have a few select openings within our infant, toddler, and preschool programs. We would love to invite you into our space, learn more about your child, and help you determine the best next step for your family.

Don’t just settle for the closest open door. Find a community where your child will truly thrive.

Click Here to Schedule Your Priority VIP Tour

Thinking of your family during this transition,

Grammy Kim & PopPop Matt

]]> https://www.justlikegrammyandpoppops.com/to-the-pewaukee-kindercare-east-families/feed/ 0 https://www.justlikegrammyandpoppops.com/4k5kpreschool/ https://www.justlikegrammyandpoppops.com/4k5kpreschool/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:16:03 +0000 https://www.justlikegrammyandpoppops.com/?p=4136

Why Our Private 4K/5K is the Heart of Kindergarten Prep

If you’ve peeked into our Blossoms classroom lately, you might have seen a familiar face! I (Grammy Kim) have been back in the classroom leading our oldest learners, and it has been such a joy to see their growth firsthand.

Whether your child is one of our “Buds” (our younger preschool group) preparing for the next level, or you are a Pewaukee family looking for a smaller, more intentional alternative to the “big” public school 4K programs—we are so glad you’re here. We believe these final years before “big kid school” are the most critical, so we wanted to share exactly what makes the 4K/5K experience at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S so unique for both our long-time families and the new friends joining us this season.

Purposeful Design (Yes, even the floor plan!)

Some parents notice that our classroom feels a bit “tighter” than a gymnasium-sized public school room. That is 100% intentional! We’ve designed the space to prevent “the zoomies” and running around. Instead, the layout naturally guides children toward focused play and fine motor development. It turns a large room into a cozy, high-functioning learning lab where every corner has a purpose.

The “Sprinkle” of Academics

We are, and will always be, play-based. But in our Blossoms class, we’ve mastered the art of “academic sprinkling.” While the kids think they are just having a blast, we are intentionally weaving in:

• • • Math Magic: Recognizing numbers 0-9, counting to 20, and even simple addition.

    • Early Literacy: Rhyming, identifying first sounds in words, and learning to write first and last names.

    • Spatial Awareness: Understanding “over, under, and behind”—the building blocks of geometry!

Small Groups, Big Results

This is the “Private School” difference. Unlike the large ratios in public preschools, we keep our groups small. This allows me (and our future lead teachers) to work at the child’s level. I can sit with one group that is mastering the tripod grip and writing letters, while simultaneously helping another group that is still in the “beautiful scribbling” stage of expression. No one gets left behind, and no one is held back.

The “Secret” Outdoor Games

Recess isn’t just about burning off steam; it’s about “Gross Motor Mastery.” We play games like Red Light, Green Light, hopping on one foot, and mid-line crossing (like touching your right hand to your left foot). The kids just think they’re playing a special game for being great listeners at the fence—but we know they’re actually building the balance and coordination they need for healthy physical development.

“I can do it myself!” (The Gift of Independence)

A huge part of Kindergarten readiness is self-care. We follow a “try it first” rule. Whether it’s zipping a jacket, pouring a drink, or independent bathrooming, we empower our kids to attempt the task before we step in. This builds a Growth Mindset where it’s okay to make mistakes—because that’s how we learn!

Our 4K/5K Checklist: What We’re Tracking

We don’t just “hope” they are ready for Kindergarten; we track it. We are currently using a comprehensive assessment (that I personally refined) to ensure our kids are hitting milestones in:

• Cognition: Sorting, puzzles, and shape drawing.

• Social-Emotional: Managing impulses, waiting for turns, and showing sympathy for others.

• Health: Using scissors properly and independent dressing.

Why Stay with the “Grammy & PopPop” Family?

We know the “free” public school options are out there. But they can’t offer the tiny ratios, the “home-away-from-home” consistency, and the deep personal relationships we have here. We are shadowing our lead teachers and raising our expectations because your child deserves a transition that feels like a step up, not just a move out.

Space is Limited!

Because we keep our ratios so small, we rarely have more than a couple of spots open at any given time. If you’re looking ahead to the Fall or even next year, let’s chat!

Want to see the Blossoms room in action? The windows face the right side of the front walkway—give a wave if you see us in between our window bean plantings! Or better yet, book a Meet & Greet to walk through and see the lesson plans for yourself.

Have questions? Pop in and ask! We’re here to help your “Blossom” thrive.  Inquire here.

Many of my favorites are books and authors that I read with Ashley, Kayla, and Morgan when they were little. I continued reading some of them with Mira, and now the grandchildren and all those who will listen at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s. Some of them I even remember hearing when I was younger. My Nana was an avid reader and always had a book close-by.  Thanks to her, I love that I just might have picked up on the reading hobby from her.

Our Kindness Hub is filled with books and I don’t think I’ll ever have enough. I’ve always enjoyed discovering the magic behind the covers of children’s books.

Grammy Kim’s Top 9 Favorite Children’s Books and Authors

in no particular order… because I just can’t…

Anamalia by Graeme Base
The illustrations are captivating there are no need for words.

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
This book gives a great example of how vast your imaginations can be.

Corduroy by Don Freeman
A demonstration of love and friendship.

Are you my Mother by P.D. Eastman
Many opportunities to use different voices to answer the question posed by a lost little bird.

Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day
Mostly wordless with beautiful artwork depicting adventure between toddler and the family dog.

The Pokey Little Puppy by  Janette Sebring Lowrey
There is something to be learned about consequences of not listening.

Animal Sounds by Athena Dixon, E.J. Koh
Tried & true first book for my little girls now grown. Simple animal sounds.

Love you Forever by Robert Munsch
The love I have for my children can’t be beat. The amusement of some little challenges bring back memories of their childhood too.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A commonly gifted book for goodnight wishes to little ones after saying goodnight to objects within the room.

Authors: Eric Carle; Mercer Meyer; Felicia Numeroff; Sandra Boynton; Anna Dewdney

I love some of the new series and authors too – but these above are my vintage classic favorites. I’d love to learn of more if you care to share…

They just couldn’t stay sitting when the big reveal at the end happened

The Magic of “The Mouse’s Pumpkin House”

At Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’S, we believe the best early education happens when children are truly engaged and when they choose to. Here you can see we focused on hands-on storytelling to capture their imagination and foster a love of learning!

Today, our classroom with mostly 2.5-3.5 year olds had a magical moment with the short story, “The Mouse’s Pumpkin House.” As you can see in the photo, the children were completely captivated, watching closely as I dramatically tore the paper (shh, don’t tell them it was just paper!) to tell the tale of a mouse building a cozy home. The best part? Getting everyone to “nibble” like a little mouse! It was fun watching them try to wrinkle up their noses like I did.

I was very surprised they were so engaged!

This simple, immersive activity is a perfect example of our developmental curriculum at work. It naturally reinforces their listening comprehension, and creative play, preparing children for a lifetime of learning while celebrating the warmth of the season.

We love sharing these joyful, easy activities with you to enjoy with the littles in your life.

Click here to get the full story and simple instructions, so you can create your own cozy Mouse’s Pumpkin House at home. It’s free and you don’t have to give us information to get the pdf – just click and download.  All you really need is that and a piece of paper (orange preferred but not necessary). Have fun!

Ready for the next step in your child’s educational journey? Schedule a tour today to learn more about enrollment for children 6 weeks to 5+ years old!

Take Advantage of the Listening Ears

I mean…I love singing along to Laurie Berkner songs when in the car with the grands, but it’s also a fun opportunity to make up your own songs. You

have a captive audience and a little bit of novety can be the perfect fit to fill in the time until you get to your destination. You can create songs with no purpose at all singing about the grass being green and that 1 + 1 = 2 with some animal sounds and rhyming. Or you can have intentional lyrics, like the one I created, Lenny’s Favorite that is teaching letters and names.

The Story of Lenny’s Favorite

There are more songs that I’ve created over the years that were forgotten after the first rendition and never sung again, but there are a few that have stuck around too.  In the three-year old classroom, I joined for lunch one day and while waiting for everyone to be served, I saw them getting bored so I just started asking what each of their names start with. Some answered, and then… here it comes….. to the tune of the Sesame Street song, “C is for Cookie“, Lenny’s Favorite Kim song came out:

“L is for Lenny, that’s good enough for me,

L is for Lenny, that’s good enough for me,

Oh, Lenny, Lenny, Lenny starts with _____”

[and I would pause and hear the class shout, “L”!]

I know… it doesn’t make sense… like how is an L good enough for me?  I don’t know… but… it has been a song remembered by many of the kids and we take turns singing through their names, animals, objects, and more. I’m pretty sure Lenny may have even introduced it to his family at home.

5 Steps to Create your next Toddler Earworm

1. Choose a simple tune. Pick a tune that you (or your toddler) enjoys and is easy.
   • Some ideas include: ABCs/Twinkle, Twinkle [did you even know that is the same tune?!]; B-I-N-G-O; and Open Shut Them.
2. Decide the topic. Choose if you are going to have a topic or just silly rhyming with no purpose at all.
3. Simple. Simple. Simple. Keep it very simple and start with lots of repetitive words & phrases
   • This is so you don’t forget the words and so that your toddler is all ears listening
4. Add some action. Add in some clapping and sounds, if you aren’t driving, of course!
5. Include them. Invite your child to sing along with you and just keep singing it over and over. Presto! You’ve got your new earworm.

Now you can sing it everywhere and share it with your family so they can help make your song, the latest earworm.

This article isn’t about how to be the next musician featured on stage at Summerfest, the song doesn’t have to make sense… it’s more about keeping your toddler and children entertained in the car while learning. [and maybe your car mate too!]

First, which Thermometer?

It’s tough to figure out the most accurate way to take a child’s temperature to see if they have a fever. OK, I have heard how it is best to take infants temperatures, but if you are like me, you cringe at taking your child’s temperature rectally. I never was able to do that with any of my children – I’ll leave that to the professionals.  Then, how do you want others to take your child’s temperature? What if you have a babysitter? Or you leave them at an early learning center like Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s?

During the COVID pandemic, I saw a lot of people using the point-and-shoot method where they used the trigger aimed at your forehead and it was super fast and likely the easiest.  But I have heard that they weren’t and still are not very accurate.

I am taking the point-and-shoot ones that we got for the center home to use and got two new ones to use.  One is a digital thermometer by Vick’s and gives a quick read. The other is one that you can use in the ear by Braun. I’m more comfortable with the recognized brand names when it comes to taking children’s temperatures.  Both are used only with covers on them, which I really like for cleanliness.

Cheat Sheet for Taking Temperatures of Children

Since I was replacing the thermometers, I thought a cheat sheet would be helpful to train our team members. This could come in handy for new team members as they come onboard and it will be placed with the thermometers in our health basket as well. I usually do a search on Google first. If I can save time and use something that exists, most of the time I will. I did not find anything that would work, so I created my own version.

The benefit to creating my own is that I can share it! It might be handy for people to have at home to leave in the cabinet with the thermometers or with a babysitter.  Of course, taking temperatures doesn’t seem that complex or difficult to those who have been down the road as far as I have been, but we all start somewhere!

Enjoy this copy of the Taking Children’s Temperatures Cheat Sheet below and feel free to share with others too!

Download your copy of the Taking Children’s Temperatures Cheat Sheet here.

I’ve heard this quite a bit…. just replace the word “TOMORROW” with a particular day or hey, just in general because quality child care is so hard to find! We have the answer with our Drop-In Care option that allows you to book space when it is available for ages 6 weeks through 12 years. More information on last minute care here. 

But why?

There are many reasons why one might have un-planned needs for childcare.

Some reasons you might have a last minute need….

• Family is coming to town and you need to stock up the fridge and pantry
• Best friends are coming over and you need to do a clean without a mess being left right behind you
• An in-person work meeting was scheduled when you were planning on working from home while LittleOne was napping
• You’ve been curious about how your child would handle being away… but you don’t want to commit to a schedule yet
• It’s time for a self-care day full of spa treats
• You have an ambitious reading goal and need some time to dive into all of the pages
• A test is coming up and you need some study time
• The fairways and greens are calling you
• It’s time for some socialization to be integrated into your child’s day
• School is closed
• You are relocated and not sure where you are going to settle down
• the list goes on and on and on.

We are here for you! Sign up BEFORE you need it so you can be assured when the time is right – you can be at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s.  Complete your application for enrollment today.

We believe reading is foundational for learning and development of children and should be incorporated into many minutes each day. You can read more on a post we wrote called Reading from the Start by clicking here. What we want to tell you about now is an app that Kim’s brother in law developed where your children, grandchildren, students, nieces, nephews, friends (you get the idea) can listen and follow along with a story that you read or tell! It’s called Snug Stories and it is a great way to stay connected whether you live in the same house or across the miles from your loved one.  All you have to do is record your voice and the pages of a book as you read and you can do it easily within the app!

3 Ways we will use Snug Stories at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s

1. Our team will record stories and share books to the children’s Snug Stories bookshelf so they can listen to a story from school!
2. As families are able, when they share books to Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s bookshelf, we can listen to them in class.
   • In person opportunities to read to the class can’t be beat, but we understand that is difficult to fit in as much as families may want.
3. We will be gifting our families a subscription for one year of unlimited access with each enrollment!

I just love the story about how this way to connect by reading came to be. Arlo was having a difficult time transitioning to school after a summer at his grandparents’ house and his Dad came up with a plan . . . Snug Stories.

Go grab Snug Stories now from the Apple App Store and dig out one of those iPods you have laying around with a pair of headphones or airpods. It’s very user intuitive and we are happy to help if you have any questions!

If you are joining us at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s, we can’t wait to build our bookshelves and share with you!

I really enjoyed a recent article shared by NAEYC and even found a broader use within the context. The article was titled “Engaging Families of Multilingual Learners: Using Families Stories to Link Classroom Content with Children’s Funds of Knowledge”.

No spoiler alert as I won’t walk through the entire article, but the essence was captured well in this passage; “Technology is a helpful tool for learning about families and making home-to-school

connections (Hall & Bierman 2015). Given our experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which technology is so present in our lives, it seems a missed opportunity not to tap commonly used devices (such as cell phones) to creatively and responsively seek and incorporate families’ funds of knowledge. Moreover, creating social and cultural links to everyday lessons is key to building on interests and background knowledge and to achieving language goals for multilingual learners (Méndez et al. 2015).”

While it was specific to multilingual learners, the content works as well in almost any setting.  Using technology to connect children – families – learning. Such as a simple short video showing how your family spends time together.  We have had recent opportunities with our grandchildren (6 & 2) such as playing 9 holes of golf, my wife took our 6-year-old grandson geocaching, or just a weekend family gathering with all of us together playing, laughing and eating great food.

This is definitely something we want to incorporate into our center’s activities.  You can read the full article, “Engaging Families of Multilingual Learners: Using Families Stories to Link Classroom Content with Children’s Funds of Knowledge”.  here.

Matt – aka PopPop