Cubes & Crayons Coworking - Silicon Valley

Volunteering while looking for a job - we'll give you a break

I came across the story about volunteering while looking for a job and it really caught my attention.  I work with other volunteers all the time who are highly professional individuals. And while laid off or looking for a job, what a great idea to fill some of those hours by helping out a non-profit or startup with your skills.  Certainly, Cubes&Crayons could always work with talented individuals.  But more importantly, I love the concept of giving hours instead of wasting them in front of the television or internet, and who knows what the relationships you build might lead to even as you spend time looking for a traditional job.  So, two things out of this:

1. PinkSlip Party - in just over a month, we are hosting a pink slip party for people looking for a job to network.  We invite recruiters, job hunters, and non-profits who could benefit from a little extra help to join us for lunch and networking.  Space is limited, so RSVP at contactatcubesancrayons.com
2. Are you volunteering now and need some place to work or some childcare?  Let us know and we will extend you a special deal.  We are happy to give back to the community anywhere we can. 

C&C Reads: Alphabet Under Construction

A simplistic and visually fun take on an alphabet book, Alphabet Under Construction is fun for six months and up and can be enjoyed on different levels by different ages.

TITLE:Alphabet Under Construction
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Denise Fleming

C&C Reads: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

By far one of the favorites for the five and under set at Cubes&Crayons, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom puts a rhythmic twist to learning the ABCs. 
TITLE:Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
AUTHOR: Bill Martin Jr., John Archmabault
ILLUSTRATOR: Lois Ehlert

WHAT WE LOVE:  The illustrations are bright and colorful with lots of white space making them appealing to young readers without being overwhelming.  Simplicity makes this a big favorite.  The rhythm of the text is a natural "rap" and the kids bounce and clap as it is read aloud.  Universally, the Cubes&Crayons infants to toddlers to children listen entranced to this book.  We also love the ability to appeal to a range of readers.  As kids grow they get new and different things out of the text.  Truly a classic not to be missed.

LasMadres: Bring a Friend Open House

Cubes&Crayons and LasMadres are partnering to bring SAHM, WAHM, and well, just Silicon Valley parents in general a chance to meet and learn about all the great events LasMadres does. Heard of Cubes&Crayons but still wondering what we are all about?  Wondering about LasMadres' fabulous group of parents?  Drop-in for our upcoming open house.  Las Madres members are encouraged to bring a friend.

C&C Reads: The Trouble With Dragons

As we continue to build our community at Cubes&Crayons, we are proud to offer resources, information and ideas related to our member needs.  We love to let people know about our favorite books for both children and adults.  Here's just one of our favorites for the kids:

Title: The Trouble with Dragons
Author/Illustrator: Debi Gilori

What we love: This story about sustainable practice gently weaves a story of dragons gone wild who in their enthusiasm ruin the planet.  By listening and learning, they try to mend their wasteful ways and learn from the other creatures about ways to preserve and protect their environment.  This is a gentle and sweet story that provides a lovely introduction to young children about sustainability in a fun way.  The illustrations are colorful and engaging.  Definitely a must read.

Cubes&Crayons Silicon Valley Calendar

Want the most up to the minute information on events and happenings at Cubes&Crayons Silicon Valley?  This is the place.  We constantly update this post with new events for adults and new happenings in the child development center.  Read more to get the latest:

PinkSlip Party

Looking for a job?  Need to polish the resume?  Want to network with other professionals?  Looking for talented recruits in Silicon Valley?

Mark your calendars now. 

When: May 19th, 5 - 7pm

Where: Cubes&Crayons SV. 154 E. Dana Street, Mountain View, CA 94041; contact@cubesandcrayons.com

The Basics:    

• Professional networking event
• Location: Cubes&Crayons Coworking Silicon Valley (Mountain View)
• Attendees:  Professionals needing to network, recruiters, head hunters, career coaches, and direct-hire companies.
• Cost: None
  Are you a recruiter and would like to attend?  Please contact us for more details
• Want to attend? Register now at contact@cubesandcrayons.com
• MORE DETAILS TO COME

Separation Anxiety: Support for Parents

As parents we all have trouble letting go, even as our children get older.  When they are infants and toddlers and cry for mommy or daddy, we want to scoop them into our arms and make it all better.  So placing them in a childcare setting, even a warm one that we trust, can be as upsetting to us as to our child.  Please join us for a conversation on ways to deal with the anxiety that we and our children go through and make the transition easier.  We encourage new parents and veterans to join us and contribute.  Each week is free and open to members and non-members.  Come once or as many times as you like.   Sessions will be moderated by Ashley Correira and/or MF Chapman.

Upcoming discussions:
Time: 9:30 - 10:00am
Dates:

• March 26th, Thursday
• April 7th, Tuesday
• April 23rd, Thursday
• May 5th, Tuesday

April 2009 Special - 10% off all childcare/office rates

Dress-up-at-cc,
originally uploaded by Felicity at Cubes.

Looking for the best infant and childcare in Silicon Valley?  Need one or two hours or several hours a week?  Join us in our small (no more than 10 children) and exciting learning environment.  And just as a bonus, we are giving EVERYONE 10% off all childcare rates for April 2009. Details...

Parenting 101: Separation Anxiety - We all have it

Whether it is the parent or the child, most of us at one time experience separation anxiety with our child. Both of my kids had/have separation anxiety and occassionally when they are tired or sick still have bouts of it.  With my one child because she was never in a day care setting, she just struggled and I didn't bring her often enough for her to get used to it.  She even had trouble in mommy and me classes some how scared of the different adult being in charge.  Then when we went to school, it was awful.  By the time we got to school the tears were streaming, and after I dropped her off, I would run to the car and have my own cry.  Then I would call an hour later, and of course she was happy and playing.  It took her going for 2 weeks before she started to get over it, and now it only flairs up when she is extra tired or not feeling well.

Almost every child who has come into Cubes&Crayons with the exception of the 6 week to 3 month old set have had separation anxiety.  But our childcare staff is amazing! They pick them up, sing to them, engage them in books or activities and after a couple of weeks, the children are toddling away from their parents as soon as they arrive, eager for playtime and fun with their friends.

Tips and tricks:

• Go in and spend about 15 minutes playing with your child and then when s/he is engaged with staff and kids, leave.  No fuss.  It takes more stamina I think on the parents' part than the kids. 
  
• Don't keep coming back in the room, that only upsets the child.  Instead take a moment and go around to the glass to see how your child is doing.  You can look in without them getting upset.
• Remember kids anticipate what you feel so put your trust and excitement into the setting, and they will be excited, too.
• Questions? Problems?  Ask our staff.  They are knowledgeable and happy to help.

More reading on Separation Anxiety:

• Kids Health
• Dr. Sears
• BabyCenter