TCDC

When Aunt Syssa was planning to return to work after 3.5 months of being home with all three babies (#COVID), it turns out the Gilden children had no preschool to return to. The Gildens realized they knew a former educator who lives in their neighborhood who just happens to be in an isolation pod with them. (The cute cousin peers were an additional perk.) Thus birthed the idea of "TCDC" - Team Cohen Day Care.

To prepare for the campus opening, we had some founding scholars create the sign that would hang at the entrance to our brand new school.

All enrolled scholars' names were included within the letters of the sign. But then, we realized something (aka someONE not enrolled) was missing, so we fixed it.

In the days leading up to the launch, Ms. Aunt Debbie made sure that we had materials prepared and ready to go. She even made some new activities to enhance learning and fine motor skills. Spencer got to preview them early.

We were so excited to welcome our cousins into our house on the first day of TCDC on the first day of September. Believe it or not, children apparently respond to structure, routine, and schedule. (Who knew?) We started the first morning like we will all mornings with "Quiet Toys."

Spencer and Shayna are the besties as bestie cousins could be.

Two recesses are built in to our morning routine. When it was drizzling on our first ever recess on our first day, that meant "Garage Recess!"




TCDC was off to a great start with some VERY happy scholars!


Back inside, the elementary scholars resumed work on their computers while TCDC preschool scholars went upstairs for some learning activities of their own.

Joey spent a long time matching numerals with dot pictures, finding the missing number on number lines, and then ordering numbers from least to greatest (all while working on fine motor practice with clothes pins).

Shayna and Spencer began by matching color popsicles with their matching word stick and then made an epic feast for Piggie.

Time for "Music and Movement" break!

Back to work!

exploring classroom materials

The sky cleared up for 2nd recess outside.

class picture on the first day of school (unpictured: testy, stubborn toddler)

calm and healthy lunch, expertly crafted by our Kitchen Manager (and Assistant Principal), Jon

Day 1 was a beaming success!

TCDC Day 2 continued just as smoothly:

Music and Movement quickly became a daily highlight:



We have already done so much, and we've only just begun. Gabi and Ethan work very diligently on their computers, and our preschool friends respectfully give them space. All 5 kiddos know that we will all reunite often for recess, movement breaks, snacks, and lunch. Here are some more highlights from a most successful TCDC start.

sorting shapes by attributes

repeating patterns

At TCDC, we are pleased that each scholar works appropriately at his or her developmental level.

Cousin fun outside during recess:

sensory exploration with water beads

playing "market"

TCDC shows off their imaginary play:


These two nutty toddlers often try to fill up the black chair with as many animals as possible and then put them to sleep.

One day, we welcomed a guest student to class with us:

I would encourage all families to enroll now to secure your space at our award-winning* program. But I won't. Because I don't mean it. *Awards are made up by TCDC Admin.