Savannah Adventist Christian School has a few spots available right now! They have two-day, three-day, and five-day spots in Preschool and full-time spots in Pre-K.
Call to schedule a tour or start the application process here.
Children must be fully potty-trained and be at least three years old to start Preschool. Children who are 4 on or before Sept. 1 2022 are eligible for Pre-K enrollment.
The early childhood center is at 50 Godley Way, Pooler, GA 31322.
The childcare program is for mildly ill children ages 3 months to 14 years of age who are too sick to go to school or daycare. At Bearly Sick, your child receives special attention from certified Patient Care Technicians for minor illnesses such as a cold, allergies, fevers under 101 degrees or infections for which the child has received antibiotics over the previous 24 hours.
Registration is required by calling Bearly Sick at 912-819-7382 during normal business hours or after-hours by calling the pediatric nurses’ station at 912-819-6215. The cost is $24 a day for St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers and the general public.
Being a mom in Savannah means going places — to and from school, ball games, play dates, music lessons, or any number of other events that require a vehicle. With gas prices going through the roof, all that driving can really add up in terms of expenses — but you can mitigate that by starting up a carpooling group among friends, family, or co-workers.
Reasons to Set Up a Carpooling Group
One of the first and most obvious benefits to starting a carpooling group: saving on fuel costs! When everyone chips in, everyone saves money and has to fill their gas tank less often — but those aren’t the only benefits to starting a carpooling group. For one thing, the financial benefits aren’t limited to gas — you’ll also save money on parking fees and car maintenance, because you’ll be driving a car a lot less than you might be otherwise!
Some other perks of starting a carpooling group include:
It’s more fun. Commuting or driving back and forth from events can be a bit of a drag on your own, but if you have one or more friends along, things are likely to get much more lively. You might not notice the frustrating traffic and travel time so much when you have several people to talk to on the way!
The carpool lane! If you’re traveling with more than one person in the car, you might be able to shave some time off that trip by using the carpool lane. Just imagine: shorter trips that are way more fun than driving alone? Bliss.
Another way you can save money by carpooling comes as a side effect of driving less — your Georgia car insurance rates could drop due to a low mileage discount. Check with your insurer to see if you’d be eligible — it can’t hurt to take a few more bucks off your insurance bill!
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your employer about ride-sharing or carpooling incentives. You never know!
Getting Started
If you’re intimidated at the thought of starting a carpooling or ride-sharing group, don’t fret. If you’re a busy mom, chances are you either know other busy moms, or your kids have friends whose parents may well fall in love with the idea.
In fact, that should be one of your first steps — talk to your kids about whom they might feel comfortable riding with on a daily or weekly basis, and get in touch with those parents. You can also ask around during extracurricular activities to see who’s interested in sharing rides to and from those activities. Preferably, your group would mostly be made up of people from your neighborhood, but don’t rule out willing members if they live a couple of blocks away.
Keep in mind as well that your carpooling group doesn’t have to be massive, or even composed of more than one family — if you set up a ride-sharing schedule with your next door neighbors and no one else, that still counts!
Once you have some interested parties, it’s time to organize a meeting so everyone can meet and get on friendly terms with everyone. You want to keep this a pleasant experience, after all, and that means making sure everyone is a good fit for everyone else.
Once you’ve completed that step, you should plan a driving rotation. This won’t take much work if you’re involving just one other family, but once your group gets bigger than that, it’s critical to work out a clear schedule up-front and make sure everyone is accountable. Designating certain days of the week for certain pick-ups and drop-offs is one of the easiest ways to manage this.
You don’t all have to meet in person to do this, either — for example, you could create a Facebook group or start a shared calendar on Google to get everyone on the same page.
Next Steps
Once you’ve gotten the groundwork laid, you’re well on your way — but there are still a few finer points you might want to go over with your fellow carpoolers.
Make sure to account for traffic or other delays when scheduling pick-ups and drop-offs, and build in extra time! Better to be a little late than to drive recklessly to try to be on time.
Establish a course of action for when a child or parent is sick. You know it’s going to happen!
Set some proper ground rules, such as no running of errands with a car full of kids, or only parents allowed (i.e. no teen drivers). This will help avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the road.
Posted in Parent Services, Parenting News | Comments Off on Setting Up a Carpooling or Ride-Sharing Group in Savannah
Shelter From the Rain Inc. announces “Motors For Moms” Charity Car Show to raise funds for single mothers on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11 AM-2 PM.
The car, truck and bike show is open to the public with a $5 suggested donation.
MOTORS FOR MOMS CAR SHOW SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022 @ 11 AM 9701 FORD AVE, RICHMOND HILL, GA 31324
The Motors For Moms Car Show benefits single mothers. Enjoy cars, food trucks, music and fun all for a great cause.
The vision at Shelter From the Rain is to create a community of strong, economically independent single mothers through education, mentorship, personal & professional development, home ownership, health and wellness.
Help move single moms towards economic mobility by supporting this event today. Your participation will allow Shelter From the Rain to set single moms up for success.
The Children’s School at St. John’s Church in Savannah is currently seeking an enthusiastic Pre -Kindergarten Teacher to guide a classroom of four- and five-year-old children in a variety of educational activities including arts and crafts, free play and reading readiness.
Your prime responsibility would be to teach the fundamental concepts in preparation for kindergarten, such as identifying numbers and letters, socializing with others, and working effectively in a classroom structure.
Patience, compassion, and energy are all vital qualities of a successful pre-K teacher. You should be capable of inspiring, encouraging, and developing young children, each of whom will have different abilities, challenges, and personalities. The top candidates will also have a creative mindset and good administrative skills, to plan and execute lessons which are memorable, innovative, and achieve the desired learning outcomes.
The hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30AM until 1:30PM.
Please contact Laura Mattocks at childrensschool@stjohnssav.org for more information. Please provide your resume, references, and salary requirements.
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The Children’s School at St. John’s Church is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
For those school searching, mark your calendars for Pooler MOPs annual School Fair, which will be Jan. 26, 2022, 9:30-11:30AM.
This is your opportunity to talk with preschools, private schools, public schools and home school co-ops, groups from across Chatham and Effingham counties. Get your questions about the 2022-23 school year answered.
The FREE school fair features representatives from Chatham and Effingham preschools, public and private schools, after-school groups, homeschool co-ops, early intervention programs & more.
Wed. Jan. 26, 2022 at 9:30-11:30AM
Pooler MOPS
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, GA 31322
BabyQuip is a total game changer for family travel!
Rent all the baby equipment you need (like cribs, strollers, car seats, toys and more) for your next getaway and skip packing all the bulky items. They deliver and set up everything for you, and pick it up when you’re done—all at your convenience. They’ll even meet you at the airport! All rental gear is clean, safe and insured.
Find all the info on renting baby gear in the Savannah area here.
Stephanie Jackson
Independent Quality BabyQuip Provider: Coastal Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina
call or text: 912.247.7825
Despite the fact that mental health disorders are one of the most common diseases among children, the idea of mental health advocacy for our children is still pretty rare.
Read here how Dr. Keith Seibert and his wife, Dr. Heather Seibert, both pediatric advocates at SouthCoast Health in Richmond Hill, helped one 11-year-old girl who was struggling with mental illness including anxiety and ADHD. Learn more here.
For the 17.1 million children in the United States estimated to have a mental illness, back-to-school season can be a time full of anxiety and worries.
“Mental illness still has a lot of stigma surrounding it, especially when it comes to children,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam stated. “And yet, that number of children with a mental illness is more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It’s time we stop being hesitant to talk about mental illnesses that are potentially harming our children.”
If the school season is full of worries with how your child will balance their mental illness, you are not alone.
Pooler MOPS Open House 2021, First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
Connect with other moms this school year.
If you’re pregnant or have a child in kindergarten or younger, Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) would love to have you join this year to journey through motherhood together and grow in faith.
If you’re familiar with MOPS and want to register, drop by between 9:30-11:30AM on Wed. Aug. 18 2021. If you want to learn more about MOPS, Pooler MOPS will have two informational sessions starting at 9:45 AM and 10:30 AM. The group will also have information about MOPS kids.
No childcare will be provided at open house, but snacks and activities will be available for the kids, as well as coffee and food for the mamas!
Can’t attend open house? Don’t worry! You can still register. Email poolermops@gmail.com.
If you’re interested in joining a community of fellow moms and meeting for brunch, conversation, crafts, speakers, and a little break from the kids, all while strengthening your relationship with Christ, Pooler MOPS might be just the right place for you.
Pooler MOPS Open House 2021
Wed. Aug. 18 2021
9:30-11:30AM
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, GA 31322
Tiny Tots Playtime @ Summit Gymnastics in Savannah will be offered on certain days during Summer 2021: June 8; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 27.
Tiny Tots is for children ages 5 & younger & their caregivers.
Kids can enjoy trampoline, foam in-ground pit, bars, balance beams & more.
Tiny Tots Playtime
9:30-11AM June 8; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 27.
Call ahead to confirm: 912.921.1034
$5 per child (Cash only)
For ages 5 & younger
Questions? Email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com
Summit Gymnastics, 74 W Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, 31406, (912) 921-1034, On Facebook here. Summit Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertise
You’re invited: Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym AUTISM AWARENESS 5K Bubble Run & Children’s DASH on Sat June 26, 2021 in Bluffton, SC. Register online here.
There will be two children’s dashes at 8AM – one for ages 2-4 & one for ages 5-10.
The 5k race starts and ends at LowCountry Community Church off of Buckwalter Parkway. It is a fast flat course and will be chip timed by Grounded Running. There will be one water station on the course approximately at the halfway point. The race will start promptly at 8AM with the Children’s DASH followed by the 5k run. Parents are welcome to run with their child(ren) if necessary. All participants will be welcomed back to the finish with a shower of bubbles (representative of special needs) and a finisher’s medal. NOTE: Each participant MUST turn in their timing chip to receive a medal.
Register by June 15 to receive T-shirts.
Registrations accepted until 7:45AM on race day.
Packet Pick up is Friday June 25 9AM-6PM at Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym, 163 Bluffton Road, Suite C-1 and race day morning from 7-7:45AM at the race start.
**Proceeds from this event will be used to provide support groups, special events and activities like art, music, yoga and fitness opportunities for our local special needs population.
At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.
As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.
Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.
The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!
Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.
Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.
Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910
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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
In honor of Maternal Mental Health month, the Maternal Mental Health Collective will host a Mother’s Day community picnic at Forsyth Park.
You’re invited: Sun. May 9 2021, 10AM-noon. This gathering welcomes any and all Savannah-area mamas (including those who are pregnant).
Bring a picnic to the park for this free, fun, laidback outdoor meet-up. Stop by on your way to your Mother’s Day plans – or stay the whole time. Bring something to sit on, something to eat, and yourself just as you are. Cold beverages and lots of good company will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your kids and family with you, or not.
All moms deserve care, support, and social connection – and this pandemic year has been long and so isolating for many moms. Come on out to make new friends, relax in the springtime (at a safe, outdoor distance), and find your community. The group will gather in the grass near the bandshell and playground.
Please spread the word within your networks and let organizers know if you have any questions. Find more info here.
Questions submitted by readers and answered by Dr. Ryan cover such topics as: at what age to start swim lessons; when to switch from crib to toddler bed; signs of dairy allergy in infants; when to call your pediatrician; signs of postpartum depression; at what age should your baby be sleeping through the night; how do you know if your baby is crying too much; what is ”purple crying” in babies and what to do about it; all the info you need on sterilizing baby bottles, nipples & pacifiers; plus more answers to your questions.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
YOGA KIDS @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum Tanger 2 in Bluffton SC & online
The Yoga Kids program is designed for the 5-10-year-old who likes to move but also wants to work on flexibility and calming techniques. Basic yoga poses will be introduced to help develop a balanced heart and head.
Sundays March 14 & March 28, 11:45-12:30PM
In-person or zoom option
Children (ages 5-10 years) $20 in person, $10 Sibling or Zoom access
Member children $12 in person, $5 Sibling or Zoom access
Motherhood is not a career threatening event (anymore)!
Here’s a new free service to help you find a job – part time or full time.
Bus Stop Mamasis a female/mama founded tech startup that is a workforce tool for moms. It connects moms with flexible (key word), work that works for their life.
So how do they do this? Mamas sign up for their FREE network then you will receive weekly emails with new job opportunities — and all of them have been vetted as flexible and suitable for a working mom. If you see something you’re interested in, you hit a button and are immediately introduced to the hiring manager.
Bus Stop Mamas recently partnered with companies in the Savannah area.
Free class, “Managing Parent-Teen Conflict” for parents and their teens aged 13-18 on Sat. March 20 2021, 9:30AM-12:30PM. The class is offered virtually and teaches parents and their teenagers how to constructively address their conflicts, communicate effectively, and heal their relationships.
This class will also be offered:
9:30AM-12:30PM Sat. April 17
9:30AM-12:30PM Sat. May 15
The class is presented by the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, a non-profit organization in Savannah that seeks to harness the power of qualified volunteers to facilitate the process of citizens proactively managing conflict, provide alternatives to litigation and increase access to justice.
Seeking guidance together can improve navigating stressors such as parenting, career and finances, extended family pressures, internal struggles, affairs, life transitions, and feeling disconnected from one another.
Marital and couples counseling can help strengthen partnerships, improve communication, ease tensions, heal wounds, promote bonding, and enhance intimacy.
Attend MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. MOPS groups are in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, the Islands & Rincon.
There is also a new Virtual MOPS Group for Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head area moms.
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New Virtual MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group for Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head moms
Join other local moms to discuss, encourage one another and grow in faith through the Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head Mamas MOPS virtual group!
If you are a mom of little ones looking to get connected and encouraged, sign up online here.
Here is the quick registration code for this local group: G64J
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Other moms groups in the Savannah & Lowcountry area
Anxiety Disorder, that on-edge feeling or worry happens frequently and leaves the body fatigued, stressed, and malnourished – can affect children, too, just like adults. The difference being that they don’t know the words to describe what is happening.
Therapists from Low Country Counseling in Savannah share the causes of anxiety and the two types of anxiety in children here.
So how can parents tell the difference between situational stress and actual anxiety? Children will display changes in behavior. Look for these signs or shifts in their habits.
Find Low Country Counseling’s tips on what to do when your child feels anxiety here.
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Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The first free workshop will be Wed., Feb. 26, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS. Find registration information and the schedule of all the free mindful self-compassion workshops offered through Oct. 28 here.
These trainings help participants learn fundamental concepts and skills in mindfulness and self-compassion. Workshops are a program of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and organized by Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council, Inc.
Open to all residents including educators, law enforcement, medical and behavioral health providers, caregivers, students and community members.
Learn more about the benefits of the workshops – especially to educators – in our newspaper column here.
Thanks to funding from Chatham County, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and Pitulloch Foundation, and in partnership with Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition and Gateway Community Service Board, organizers are able to bring this resource to our residents and schools at no cost to them
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, April 29, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, June 24, 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, Aug. 26 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
Wednesday, Oct. 28 9AM-4PM at Chatham County DFCS
There’s no need to stress about finding a babysitter this Valentine’s Day, just sign the little ones up for a fun filled night of games, gymnastics, and pizza. You’ll be able to enjoy date night worry-free and child-free while the kids have a blast with Summit Gymnastics’ amazing coaches thanks to Parent’s Night Out, Fri. Feb. 14 2020.
