Child Care and Family Services
Our Services
Fun and Learning Idea #7
Fun with Shapes!
Draw and cut out several shapes like squares, circles, triangles, and stars out of colored paper (or you can use foam shapes purchased at the store). Ask your child to name each shape. First ask “what shape is this.” If your child is unsure, follow up with questions like “which one is the circle.” Next, ask your child to match the shapes. Ask your child to find all the blue shapes, all the green ones, and so on. Ask your child questions like “how many squares are there” and “how many blue shapes did you find.” Ask your child to draw a picture of a circle, a square, and a triangle. You may draw the shape and let your child copy.
Write the name of the shape next to each drawing. Add a final touch by asking your child to write their name and help them date their work.
You can extend this activity by counting, sorting, and classifying everyday objects such as blocks, cars, animals, Tupperware—the possibilities are endless!
Your child is practicing these learning goals:
- Children compare, contrast, examine, and evaluate experiences, tasks, and events
- Children use symbols to represent objects
- Children demonstrate knowledge of size, volume, height, weight, and length
Learning goals are connected to Washington State's Early Learning and Development Benchmarks that link early learning with grade school goals.
Through its innovative and dynamic partnerships, Child Care and Family Services (CCFS) provides referrals, education and support to families, caregivers and child care professionals living in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Skamania and Klickitat counties. We invite you to learn more about how each of our programs can support you in your important role in a child’s life.
Community News Newsletter
Summer 2010 Newsletter
Inside:
- Children with Challenging Behavior:
How You and Your Child Care Provider Can Help Your Child
- Assessments in Child Care programs — Using the Environment Rating Scales to Improve Quality
- Phone Numbers
Prior Edition:
Spring 2010 Newsletter - Parents and Providers Work Together
Spring 2010 Insert - Marketing Your Business in Tough Economic Times
Kindergarten Readiness Brochure
View our locally developed kindergarten readiness brochure based on the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks
- How will I know my child is ready for kindergarten? (English)
- Как я узнаю, готов ли мой ребенок к обучению в подготовительном классе (Киндергартене)? (Russian)
- ¿Como sabré si mi estudiante esta listo para entrar a Kindergarten? (Spanish)
Find Child Care
We help you find the best child care to meet your child's needs. Our phone representatives provide one-on-one, free customized referrals to licensed caregivers that meet your specific criteria. Whether looking for a preschool in a child care center, a licensed family child care provider, or after-school care, we narrow the search to save valuable time.
This referral service is funded for 25 hours per week. Calls and emails are returned within 24 business hours. Our hours of operation are:
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 2 PM
Clark County: 360-750-9735
Cowlitz County: 360-636-9735
Toll Free: 1-800-282-0874
Online Child Care Search
Address:
Child Care and Family Services
ESD 112
2500 NE 65th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661
This is a referral service only and we do not license, endorse or recommend any particular provider. Only you can determine whether the quality of care is appropriate for your child.