16 hours ago
Friday, December 4, 2009
When the unexpected happens
Is your child care site prepared for the unexpected?
Yesterday a vehicle that was fleeing the scene of a robbery lost control and ran into one of our local child care sites. Thankfully most of the children were out of the building on a field trip. However, some of the children and teachers that were there were hurt. The rescue workers responded quickly to help the individuals that were inside the building and the hurt were rushed to the hospital. Hopefully all will recover quickly.
What would your child care site do if the unexpected happens? Please take time to make a plan with your staff so that everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. When you make that plan remember that Child Care Answers is here to help.
This is how Child Care Answers responded yesterday when we heard the news story break. We ran a list of nearby child care sites that could possibly help families with temporary child care. We then went to the site where the children were taken. We gave the list of possible emergency child care sites to the director along with child care brochures. We also offered to help them to call families or help in any other way they needed.
Please post our name and number near your phone and make us one of your calls if the unexpected ever does happen. We are here to support you through those difficult times.
Yesterday a vehicle that was fleeing the scene of a robbery lost control and ran into one of our local child care sites. Thankfully most of the children were out of the building on a field trip. However, some of the children and teachers that were there were hurt. The rescue workers responded quickly to help the individuals that were inside the building and the hurt were rushed to the hospital. Hopefully all will recover quickly.
What would your child care site do if the unexpected happens? Please take time to make a plan with your staff so that everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. When you make that plan remember that Child Care Answers is here to help.
This is how Child Care Answers responded yesterday when we heard the news story break. We ran a list of nearby child care sites that could possibly help families with temporary child care. We then went to the site where the children were taken. We gave the list of possible emergency child care sites to the director along with child care brochures. We also offered to help them to call families or help in any other way they needed.
Please post our name and number near your phone and make us one of your calls if the unexpected ever does happen. We are here to support you through those difficult times.
Child Care Answers 631-4643.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Attention Paths to QUALITY Providers
Paths to QUALITY is being advertised in theaters! In the following theaters there will be Paths to QUALITY brochures and a print ad of Paths to QUALITY participants in that area.
Trader's Point Showplace 12
5920 W 86th
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Showplace 16 & IMAX
4325 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Regal Village Park Cinema 17
2222 E 146th St
Carmel, IN 46032
Trader's Point Showplace 12
5920 W 86th
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Showplace 16 & IMAX
4325 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Regal Village Park Cinema 17
2222 E 146th St
Carmel, IN 46032
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Study: Kids Watch Hours Of TV At Day Care
SEATTLE -- Parents who thought their preschoolers were spending time in home-based day cares, taking naps, eating healthy snacks and learning to play nicely with others may be surprised to discover they are sitting as many as two hours a day in front of a TV, according to a study published Monday.
When added to the two to three hours many parents already admit to allowing at home, preschoolers in child care may be spending more than a third of the about 12 hours they are awake each day in front of the electronic baby sitter, said Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and a researcher at the University of Washington.
That's double the TV time he found in a previous study based on parental reports of home viewing, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. The study is the first to look at TV watching in child care in more than 20 years.
The figures come from a telephone survey of 168 licensed child care programs in Michigan, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. Christakis said he thought television use was probably underreported.
Of the child care programs surveyed, 70 percent of home-based child cares and 36 percent of centers said children watch TV daily. The children were watching TV, DVDs and videos. The study did not track what kind of programs were shown.
"It's not what parents have signed up for," Christakis said. "I'm not sure how many parents are aware of this."
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages any television viewing of any kind in the first 2 years of life and recommends a daily limit of 1 to 2 hours of quality programming for older children.
Children go to day care to develop social skills, build on cognitive abilities and enjoy imaginative play, as well as allowing their parents to work, Christakis said.
"We know what's good for children and we know what's not," Christakis said. "High quality preschool can make a very, very positive difference. We're so far from meeting that, that we really have a lot of work to do."
His research found a difference between the amount of TV watching at home daycares and larger child care centers, although both reported some TV time.
The study found that among preschool-aged children, those in home-based day cares watched TV for 2.4 hours per day on average, compared to 24 minutes in centers. Toddlers watched an average of 1.6 hours in home care and about 6 minutes in centers. Only home-based day cares admitted putting infants in front of the TV, for an average of 12 minutes a day.
"It's alarming to find that so many children in the United States are watching essentially twice as much television as we previously thought," he said.
Other research has connected excessive TV watching during the preschool years with language delay, obesity, attention problems and aggression.
Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children's Hospital Boston, wasn't surprised by the findings in this study but he was forgiving of the parents and child care providers who put kids in front of the TV.
"In general, we still have a culture that sees television as benign," said Rich, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard University. "This is an area where we're learning more and more all the time."
He compared society's growing knowledge of the impact of TV on child development to the early days of seat belt use. Today's parents and child care providers grew up on TV, Rich said, so it's understandable that they do not recognize the problem.
"We can always do better," he said.
Christakis said one of the main problems with TV for young children is that it takes away time that could otherwise be spent playing outside, being read to, playing with blocks and talking with adults and other children.
The study did not include passive TV time, when the TV is on in the background but no one is actively watching it. Christakis said any time a TV is on, children speak less and adults interact with them less frequently.
Instead of urging parents to turn off the TV, President Barack Obama might want to start sending the same message to child care providers, Christakis said.
"Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call," he said.
____
On the Web:
Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org
Center on Media and Child Health: http://www.cmch.tv
Seattle Children's Hospital: http://www.seattlechildrens.org
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
When added to the two to three hours many parents already admit to allowing at home, preschoolers in child care may be spending more than a third of the about 12 hours they are awake each day in front of the electronic baby sitter, said Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and a researcher at the University of Washington.
That's double the TV time he found in a previous study based on parental reports of home viewing, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. The study is the first to look at TV watching in child care in more than 20 years.
The figures come from a telephone survey of 168 licensed child care programs in Michigan, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. Christakis said he thought television use was probably underreported.
Of the child care programs surveyed, 70 percent of home-based child cares and 36 percent of centers said children watch TV daily. The children were watching TV, DVDs and videos. The study did not track what kind of programs were shown.
"It's not what parents have signed up for," Christakis said. "I'm not sure how many parents are aware of this."
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages any television viewing of any kind in the first 2 years of life and recommends a daily limit of 1 to 2 hours of quality programming for older children.
Children go to day care to develop social skills, build on cognitive abilities and enjoy imaginative play, as well as allowing their parents to work, Christakis said.
"We know what's good for children and we know what's not," Christakis said. "High quality preschool can make a very, very positive difference. We're so far from meeting that, that we really have a lot of work to do."
His research found a difference between the amount of TV watching at home daycares and larger child care centers, although both reported some TV time.
The study found that among preschool-aged children, those in home-based day cares watched TV for 2.4 hours per day on average, compared to 24 minutes in centers. Toddlers watched an average of 1.6 hours in home care and about 6 minutes in centers. Only home-based day cares admitted putting infants in front of the TV, for an average of 12 minutes a day.
"It's alarming to find that so many children in the United States are watching essentially twice as much television as we previously thought," he said.
Other research has connected excessive TV watching during the preschool years with language delay, obesity, attention problems and aggression.
Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children's Hospital Boston, wasn't surprised by the findings in this study but he was forgiving of the parents and child care providers who put kids in front of the TV.
"In general, we still have a culture that sees television as benign," said Rich, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard University. "This is an area where we're learning more and more all the time."
He compared society's growing knowledge of the impact of TV on child development to the early days of seat belt use. Today's parents and child care providers grew up on TV, Rich said, so it's understandable that they do not recognize the problem.
"We can always do better," he said.
Christakis said one of the main problems with TV for young children is that it takes away time that could otherwise be spent playing outside, being read to, playing with blocks and talking with adults and other children.
The study did not include passive TV time, when the TV is on in the background but no one is actively watching it. Christakis said any time a TV is on, children speak less and adults interact with them less frequently.
Instead of urging parents to turn off the TV, President Barack Obama might want to start sending the same message to child care providers, Christakis said.
"Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call," he said.
____
On the Web:
Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org
Center on Media and Child Health: http://www.cmch.tv
Seattle Children's Hospital: http://www.seattlechildrens.org
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, November 20, 2009
12 Free Days
The holidays are the season of giving. Twelve Indianapolis-area attractions and a collection of local restaurants are in the spirit of the season. That’s why they’ve come together to give you the gift of something FREE during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. So, take advantage of this unique and FREE (there’s that word again) opportunity for you and your family to share in the joy of the season.
Sunday, Dec. 13
On the first FREE day of Christmas in Indy, Downtown gives to you …
Music & lights in Indy with the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 and several free concerts
•Scottish Rite Cathedral will offer free building tours of this architectural landmark at noon, followed by a 3 p.m. free concert featuring the Scottish Rite Chorus, Orchestra and Cathedral Organ. Following the concert, free cookies, coffee and milk will be provided. Free parking is available in the lot west of the Cathedral, off North Street. www.aasr-indy.org
•A holiday concert by Logansport Children's Choir will take place at the Indianapolis Artsgarden at 2:30 p.m.
•The New World Youth Orchestra will perform at the Indianapolis Artsgarden at 7 p.m.
•Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481. The decorations on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument will boast 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights, strung from the top of the monument to its base. The larger-than-life toy soldiers and candy canes will again be on display around Monument Circle. The scene is complete with 90,000 twinkle lights in trees that shimmer along the area’s walkways.
Monday, Dec. 14
On the second FREE day of Christmas in Indy, Rhythm! Discovery Center gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Indianapolis’ newest Downtown attraction invites you to discover the role of rhythm and percussion in music and culture through dynamic educational experiences, participatory opportunities and interactive exhibits. Put what you learn to the test in the hands-on area that features a variety of instruments. www.RhythmDiscoveryCenter.org
Tuesday, Dec. 15
On the third FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indy Wine Trail & Downtown restaurants give to you ...
Free tastings at each of the wineries on Indy’s Wine Trail and a free desert with the purchase of an entrée at select restaurants. www.indywinetrail.com
Wednesday, Dec. 16
On the fourth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Morris Butler House and James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home give to you …
Enjoy free admission to the Morris-Butler House (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) This beautifully restored 1865 home showcases the architecture, history, culture and society of Indianapolis during the 19th century. A museum property of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and accredited by the American Association of Museums, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. www.historiclandmarks.org
James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Experience a Victorian Christmas in historic Lockerbie Square with festive Christmas greenery and wreathes. Riley spent the last 23 years of his life in the late Victorian preserved home that was built in 1872. The home itself features simple, elegant decorations and small gifts and party favors that would be typical of the period. The Christmas tree is special because it includes actual Christmas postcards that citizens from across the country sent to Riley after he was recovering from a stroke in 1911. http://www.rileykids.org/about/riley_museum/
Thursday, Dec. 17
On the fifth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the historic Lilly House give to you …
Enjoy art, the Lilly home and wonderful winter festivities from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The IMA is the 7th largest general art museum in the USA. At JK Lilly Jr.’s home, see how yuletide evergreens, fruiting plants and lights were incorporated into 1930s and ‘40s home décor to minimize the feel of Depression frugality and wartime shortages. And of course, it’s all topped off with ice carving, food and fun during the Winter Solstice celebration. www.imamuseum.org
Friday, Dec. 18
On the sixth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, NCAA Hall of Champions gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., get your hands on 23 sports and experience the heart and dedication it takes to be an NCAA student-athlete at the newly renovated NCAA Hall of Champions. There are several new things to see and do such as the kick-off theater video featuring prospective, current and former student-athletes. You can learn about all 23 of the NCAA sports through kiosks that give you up to the minute rankings, sport-specific trivia, past champions and much more. The popular 1930s-style gymnasium still remains, allowing visitors to shoot free throws. This college sports attraction offers something for everyone. www.ncaahallofchampions.org
Saturday, Dec. 19
On the seventh FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indiana Medical History Museum gives to you …
The nation’s oldest surviving pathology laboratory, the building originally provided physicians in the late 1800s - early 1900s with state-of-the-art facilities to study mental and nervous disorders. Today, the museum uses its more than 15,000 artifacts to educate visitors about the developments which made today’s advanced medical treatments possible, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.imhm.org
Sunday, Dec. 20
On the eighth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the President Benjamin Harrison Home gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy the holiday season at the authentically-restored 1875 Italianate home of President Benjamin Harrison, our 23rd President, featuring Victorian holiday adornment. The decor includes feather trees, Harrison family toys and ornaments, plus a replica of the first decorated White House Christmas tree – a tradition begun in 1889 by Harrison. www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org
Monday, Dec. 21
On the ninth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indiana State Museum gives to you …
Nostalgia reigns supreme at holiday time and Celebration Crossing, the museum’s holiday exhibit, delivers on all fronts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The annual exhibit opens on November 27 with all of the much-loved traditional events, plus some new activities sure to please visitors of all ages. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visits from children of all ages while just outside their house the Santa Claus Express train is open for business throughout the exhibit from Nov. 27 – Dec. 31. Details and reservations at www.indianamuseum.org
Tuesday, Dec. 22
On the 10th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art gives to you …
The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work by artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay Walkingstick. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.eiteljorg.org
Wednesday, Dec. 23
On the 11th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum gives to you …
More than 75 automobiles and motorcycles, representing the Indianapolis 500, stock car racing, sports car racing, and vintage luxury passenger models, are on display at the Hall of Fame Museum at all times from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. A fascinating collection of motorcycles is on display at the Museum, along with numerous examples of motor racing trophies, art and other attractions. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
Thursday, Dec. 24
On the 12th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis gives to you …
The unforgettable experience of Jolly Days. Enjoy traditional holiday favorites such as the Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear and visits with Santa (and since this is Christmas Eve, it’s a chance to have Santa fill those last-minute orders). The Snow Castle provides a toddler-size version of the Yule Slide. Try your ice-fishing skills or visit the Cookie Café to warm up your imagination with lots of cookie fun! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Just a reminder that the offices of Child Care Answers will be closed on Thursday November 26th and Friday November 27th. We will re-open Monday November 30th at 8:00 AM.
We hope that all of our friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
We hope that all of our friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Stroller Recall
The CPSC reports that Maclaren USA is recalling all of their single and double umbrella strollers sold from 1999 through November 2009 – about one million strollers, in all. The models affected are Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
Reports that the hinge mechanism in the back of the stroller can cut (or cut off) children's fingertips has prompted the recall. If you own one of these strollers, you can contact Maclaren USA (877-688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. www.maclaren.us/recall) for a repair kit.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Preschool Thanksgiving
Teaching young children the meaning of Thanksgiving and importance of being thankful for people and non-material things in their life is fun and explorative in this lesson plan.
Suggested Thanksgiving Books
On the Mayflower by Kate Waters [Scholastic, 1999]
My First Thanksgiving by Tomie dePaola [Tien Wah Press, 1992]
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut [Grosset and Dunlap, 2000]
Thanksgiving Reading Center
Providing Thanksgiving related books in the reading center is a must, but you can go beyond that and offer a CD or tape of sounds: Ocean sounds to correspond with the days you talk about the Pilgrim’s journey on the Mayflower.
For a felt board activity, collect various Thanksgiving themed clip art, laminate and velcro, and place at the felt board. The children can reenact the story of Thanksgiving or you can use the pieces as you read along one of the suggested books.
Thanksgiving Science Center
After reading My First Thanksgiving, have the children help to make a special Thanksgiving themed snack. Have a large can of pumpkin and large box of vanilla instant pudding ready to put in two separate bowls. Provide small bowls for each child and let them scoop equal amounts of each in their bowl and mix together for a special pumpkin pudding treat. Let them top with cinnamon if preferred!
The sensory table is a great way for preschoolers to explore with their tactile senses. Dried Indian corn kernels or regular corn kernels are great sensory objects along with plastic fruits and vegetables. A sink/float table is a companion to the On the Mayflower story. Provide several objects that sink or float like corncobs, apples, seeds, sticks, beads, feathers, gourds, etc.
Thanksgiving Math Center
Focus on shapes one day with Native American teepee’s. Design or find a pattern of a teepee and provide triangle cutouts for the children to glue over the pattern. Let them decorate with circle buttons and rectangle pieces of cloth or construction paper. They can add colorful yarn at the top for the sapling poles.
This Math File Folder Game can be transformed into the Thanksgiving theme by using turkeys, feathers or pilgrim hats.
Read more: http://kids-educational-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/preschool_thanksgiving_lesson_plan#ixzz0WN1aIrXT
Suggested Thanksgiving Books
On the Mayflower by Kate Waters [Scholastic, 1999]
My First Thanksgiving by Tomie dePaola [Tien Wah Press, 1992]
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut [Grosset and Dunlap, 2000]
Thanksgiving Reading Center
Providing Thanksgiving related books in the reading center is a must, but you can go beyond that and offer a CD or tape of sounds: Ocean sounds to correspond with the days you talk about the Pilgrim’s journey on the Mayflower.
For a felt board activity, collect various Thanksgiving themed clip art, laminate and velcro, and place at the felt board. The children can reenact the story of Thanksgiving or you can use the pieces as you read along one of the suggested books.
Thanksgiving Science Center
After reading My First Thanksgiving, have the children help to make a special Thanksgiving themed snack. Have a large can of pumpkin and large box of vanilla instant pudding ready to put in two separate bowls. Provide small bowls for each child and let them scoop equal amounts of each in their bowl and mix together for a special pumpkin pudding treat. Let them top with cinnamon if preferred!
The sensory table is a great way for preschoolers to explore with their tactile senses. Dried Indian corn kernels or regular corn kernels are great sensory objects along with plastic fruits and vegetables. A sink/float table is a companion to the On the Mayflower story. Provide several objects that sink or float like corncobs, apples, seeds, sticks, beads, feathers, gourds, etc.
Thanksgiving Math Center
Focus on shapes one day with Native American teepee’s. Design or find a pattern of a teepee and provide triangle cutouts for the children to glue over the pattern. Let them decorate with circle buttons and rectangle pieces of cloth or construction paper. They can add colorful yarn at the top for the sapling poles.
This Math File Folder Game can be transformed into the Thanksgiving theme by using turkeys, feathers or pilgrim hats.
Read more: http://kids-educational-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/preschool_thanksgiving_lesson_plan#ixzz0WN1aIrXT
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tips on How to Find a Free Turkey in Your Area
This article offers tips on what organizations, grocery stores, or services provide Turkeys for the less fortunate or those folks who just need a helping hand because of a financial setback due to a loss of job or illness.
Read More
This article offers tips on what organizations, grocery stores, or services provide Turkeys for the less fortunate or those folks who just need a helping hand because of a financial setback due to a loss of job or illness.
Read More
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Free Webinar is Next Monday Evening! What Every Parent Needs To Know About Child Care
Next Monday Night's Free Webinar: November 9, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. EDTWhat Every Parent Needs To Know About Child Care In America (But Might Be Afraid To Ask)
Every year, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) conducts research on the state of child care in America, as well as surveys about the perceptions of parents who purchase that care. Looking at the same system through these two lenses reveals a fractured picture of disparity between what parents believe is being done to protect their children while they are in child care and the reality of child care regulations and oversight in our country. Join NACCRRA’s Executive Director, Linda Smith to connect the dots between child care funding, legislation, licensing, regulation, and the ultimate impact on your child’s child care setting. Learn more about how you can begin new dialog about child care quality.
Learn more about this session here!https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/366176394
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Self-esteem—a person's sense of worth—is important for success. When children feel confident and secure, they're more likely to succeed in school and achieve personal goals. As they get older, they learn to confront problems and resist peer pressure. More important, having a positive self-image helps a child feel happy and capable of maintaining personal relationships.
Building children's self-esteem is an ongoing part of parenting. Letting children do things for themselves helps them acquire needed skills. When parents respect their children, the children learn to respect themselves. And when parents show affection, kids learn how to share their feelings with others.
Parents' actions influence the way children feel about themselves. When a parent holds a child, the child can feel how important he or she is. Parents who can't be with their kids on a daily basis can call them, write them notes or send e-mails. Parents should talk to their kids, listen to what they have to say and show them that their opinions count.
Children need their parents' unconditional love and support. The love of a parent should not depend on the good behavior of a child. Even as they set limits and enforce discipline, parents should reassure their kids that they love them. Withholding love from kids when they misbehave will make them feel bad about themselves. Parents sometimes tell a misbehaving child, “You're a bad boy (or girl)!” This tells the child that he or she is bad, not the behavior. Instead, parents should explain to the child what he or she did was wrong and then impose a consequence. For example, if the child hit someone, explain that hitting hurts and remove the child from the room.
Praising children when they behave well makes them feel good and motivates them to continue the good behavior—a win-win situation for parents and children! Parents should praise kids' efforts and their successes. If a child's team loses a game, for example, a parent could say, “You tried hard. You should feel proud of yourself!”
Some people worry that praising kids too much will spoil them. Yet as a child's self-esteem grows, so does his or her sense of responsibility and competence. Assigning chores and praising accomplishments makes children feel valued. Their self-confidence and independence grow, and their increasing sense of security helps them confront the many challenges that are a natural part of growing up. Studies show that children who feel confident are better able to stand up to bullies.
Parents should give kids the tools they need to stand up for themselves and help them learn to solve problems. As they get older, they will be able to handle difficult situations on their own.
The way parents interact with their children influences the type of people they become. Nurturing parents who share their love help increase their children's sense of self-worth. Kids learn to feel good about themselves and to care about others. When parents build their Children’s self-esteem, a foundation for a strong, loving relationship is laid.
Article obtained from: http://integratedcare4kids.blogspot.com/2009/11/building-your-childs-self-esteem.html
Building children's self-esteem is an ongoing part of parenting. Letting children do things for themselves helps them acquire needed skills. When parents respect their children, the children learn to respect themselves. And when parents show affection, kids learn how to share their feelings with others.
Parents' actions influence the way children feel about themselves. When a parent holds a child, the child can feel how important he or she is. Parents who can't be with their kids on a daily basis can call them, write them notes or send e-mails. Parents should talk to their kids, listen to what they have to say and show them that their opinions count.
Children need their parents' unconditional love and support. The love of a parent should not depend on the good behavior of a child. Even as they set limits and enforce discipline, parents should reassure their kids that they love them. Withholding love from kids when they misbehave will make them feel bad about themselves. Parents sometimes tell a misbehaving child, “You're a bad boy (or girl)!” This tells the child that he or she is bad, not the behavior. Instead, parents should explain to the child what he or she did was wrong and then impose a consequence. For example, if the child hit someone, explain that hitting hurts and remove the child from the room.
Praising children when they behave well makes them feel good and motivates them to continue the good behavior—a win-win situation for parents and children! Parents should praise kids' efforts and their successes. If a child's team loses a game, for example, a parent could say, “You tried hard. You should feel proud of yourself!”
Some people worry that praising kids too much will spoil them. Yet as a child's self-esteem grows, so does his or her sense of responsibility and competence. Assigning chores and praising accomplishments makes children feel valued. Their self-confidence and independence grow, and their increasing sense of security helps them confront the many challenges that are a natural part of growing up. Studies show that children who feel confident are better able to stand up to bullies.
Parents should give kids the tools they need to stand up for themselves and help them learn to solve problems. As they get older, they will be able to handle difficult situations on their own.
The way parents interact with their children influences the type of people they become. Nurturing parents who share their love help increase their children's sense of self-worth. Kids learn to feel good about themselves and to care about others. When parents build their Children’s self-esteem, a foundation for a strong, loving relationship is laid.
Article obtained from: http://integratedcare4kids.blogspot.com/2009/11/building-your-childs-self-esteem.html
News on todays election from the Indianapolis Star
Today's special election is all about ballot questions, not candidates.
All registered voters in Marion County can vote today on whether to give the Marion County Health and Hospital Corp. -- which owns Wishard Memorial Hospital -- the authority to issue taxpayer-backed bonds to build a new $754 million hospital complex on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus.
The Wishard question: The three-part ballot question, which was crafted by Health and Hospital Corp. officials, has no references to plans to build a new hospital. It focuses on whether Wishard will be able to continue its mission of providing indigent care and specialized care and serving as a teaching hospital.
Other ballot questions: Voters in the Franklin Township, Beech Grove and Perry Township school districts have referendum questions.
Franklin Township school district
Voters going to 25 of the 590 precincts will answer “yes” or “no” to two separate questions:
Voters going to 25 of the 590 precincts will answer “yes” or “no” to two separate questions:
Question 1 reads, “For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Franklin Township Community School Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed thirty-three and one third cents ($0.333) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”
Question 2 reads, “For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Franklin Township Community School Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed sixteen and sixty-seven /one-thousandth cents ($0.1667) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”
Beech Grove school district
Voters going to 10 of the 590 precincts will be asked “yes” or “no” to this question:
“For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Beech Grove City Schools impose a property tax rate that does not exceed thirty-five cents ($0.35) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”
Perry Township school district
Voters going to 60 of the 590 precincts will be asked “yes” or “no” to this question:
“Shall the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana, issue bonds or enter into a lease to finance the Building Futures Project—Initial Phase, which is estimated to cost not more than $98,885,000 and is estimated to increase the property tax rate for debt service by a maximum of $0.2641?”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Autism Workshop
INDATA Project Sponsors Free Assistive Technology Workshop on Autism
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Autism affects more than one million Americans and is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. It will be the highlighted topic for a free assistive technology workshop.
Sponsored by the INDATA Project, this quarterly workshop will take place Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive, 5th Floor Conference Room, in Indianapolis.
People with autism benefit from assistive technology in areas such as social interaction skills, expressive communication and overall understanding of the environment. In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.
Several assistive technology vendors will be present with information on their products and services. There will also be a tour of the Autism Family Resource Center and INDATA Loan Library.
Admission to the workshop is free but, because seating is limited, registration is requested. To register, visit http://assistivetechnologyandautism.eventbrite.com/ or contact Sara Croft, 317-466-2013 or 888-466-1314. Online registration is encouraged.
The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads provides information and access to assistive technology, at no charge, for Hoosiers with disabilities. These statewide services are derived through the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) state/federal grant and include: device demonstrations, device loans, recycled computers, reutilized assistive technology equipment, alternative financing resources, and educational trainings and conferences.
Easter Seals Crossroads is a community resource working in partnership with children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families to promote growth, independence and dignity.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Autism affects more than one million Americans and is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. It will be the highlighted topic for a free assistive technology workshop.
Sponsored by the INDATA Project, this quarterly workshop will take place Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive, 5th Floor Conference Room, in Indianapolis.
People with autism benefit from assistive technology in areas such as social interaction skills, expressive communication and overall understanding of the environment. In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.
Several assistive technology vendors will be present with information on their products and services. There will also be a tour of the Autism Family Resource Center and INDATA Loan Library.
Admission to the workshop is free but, because seating is limited, registration is requested. To register, visit http://assistivetechnologyandautism.eventbrite.com/ or contact Sara Croft, 317-466-2013 or 888-466-1314. Online registration is encouraged.
The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads provides information and access to assistive technology, at no charge, for Hoosiers with disabilities. These statewide services are derived through the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) state/federal grant and include: device demonstrations, device loans, recycled computers, reutilized assistive technology equipment, alternative financing resources, and educational trainings and conferences.
Easter Seals Crossroads is a community resource working in partnership with children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families to promote growth, independence and dignity.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Second Ministry In Central Indiana signs onto Paths to QUALITY
Congratulations goes out to Little Duckling Day Care III for being the second Registered Ministry in Central Indiana to meet the state Voluntary Certification Program and sign onto Paths to QUALITY. Little Duckling has been participating in a mentoring program for Registered Ministries to help them improve their environment and quality of care made possible by the United Way of Central Indiana.
Child Care Answers is so proud of all of Little Duckling's efforts!
WAY TO GO!!
In January the United Way of Central Indiana and Child Care Answers will begin working with many more Registered Ministries in a six county region. Look for more information to come about how your Registered Ministry can participate.
5 ways to keep kids safe while trick-or-treating | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Congratulations to Little Duckling Day Care for becoming the second ministry in our service delivery area to sign on to the Paths to QUALITY program!
Coping with Anxiety
I just came across this article from Child Care Exchange and thought that it might be useful to you.
Early childhood professionals confront, on a daily basis, a wide range of anxiety inducing situations: Will our program survive?, How can I make ends meet on such a low salary?, Will more teachers call in sick tomorrow?, Will swine flu force us to close?, Will state funding be slashed?, etc. In Real Simple Magazine (October, 2009), Robert Leahy described "10 Ways to Cope with Anxiety." Here are two examples...
Set aside worry time. Try setting aside 20 minutes every day — let's say at 4:30 pm — just for worries. If you are fretting at 10 a.m., jot down the reason and resolve to think it through later. By the time 4:30 comes around, many of your troubles won't even matter anymore. And, you will have spent almost an entire day anxiety-free.
Breathe it out. You may notice that when your body is tense, you hold your breath. Focusing on breathing is a common but effective technique for calming your nerves. Where is your breath now and where is your mind? Bring them together. Listen to the movement of your breath. Concentrate only on breathing in and out, beginning and ending, breath to breath, moment to moment.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween Candy Buy Back Program
A Sweet Way to Make Everyone Smile!
Cavities, or dental caries, is the most prevalent childhood disease today. Each year across the world, kids consume 2% more sugar than the year before – that's 50 million tons of sugar annually! Sugar also contributes to hyperactivity and some candies can harm teeth or braces.
But every kid loves Halloween! So do adults. As responsible dentists, community members, and US citizens, Halloween Candy Buy Back dentists have found a way to keep the fun, while helping kids and our overseas troops.
How does the program work?
•Participating dentists buy back kids' Halloween candy
•The candy will be shipped to US soldiers serving overseas
•To find a dentist in your area visit http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/
Cavities, or dental caries, is the most prevalent childhood disease today. Each year across the world, kids consume 2% more sugar than the year before – that's 50 million tons of sugar annually! Sugar also contributes to hyperactivity and some candies can harm teeth or braces.
But every kid loves Halloween! So do adults. As responsible dentists, community members, and US citizens, Halloween Candy Buy Back dentists have found a way to keep the fun, while helping kids and our overseas troops.
How does the program work?
•Participating dentists buy back kids' Halloween candy
•The candy will be shipped to US soldiers serving overseas
•To find a dentist in your area visit http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
We all understand that reading books is one of the most important things you can do to help kids become readers themselves. Since many times you are caring for kids at different developmental levels, today’s activity will demonstrate the best way to be able to adapt a book for kids of different ages.
What We Learn
Literacy skills Listening skillsTaking turns
Supply List
Books
How-To
The first step is to identify a book that is interactive and interesting to the group of children under your care. Choose books about people, places and things that are familiar to your children – ones that are culturally relevant and related to the interests of the children. Books that have pop-ups or lift-up flaps are really great since a child can interact with the book. Begin by introducing the book to the group. Talk a little bit about what the book is about so children will know what to expect from it. Next, set limits on how the kids will participate. Allow kids to participate one at a time. For example, the older kids can walk up to the book when it’s their turn and participate by lifting up a flap or turning the page to the next pop-up. Even if the book doesn’t have pop-ups or flaps to lift up, you can still make the book interactive. If some of your kids are old enough, perhaps they can take turns reading a sentence or two from the book. If they can’t read, maybe they can take turns making sounds relating to the characters and noises in the book. For a book such as “The Wheels on the Bus” by Paul O. Zelinsky, you can add interactive elements to the story by making simple traffic signs, such as “Stop” or “Go” which the kids can use during story time. Remember, making reading time fun will help kids want to learn to read on their own, so repeat the interactive book-reading experience as often as possible.
November 3-Little Red Door Cancer Agency "Face of Hope Breakfast Celebration"
Little Red Door Cancer Agency is pleased to invite you to attend the 2nd annual Face of Hope Breakfast Celebration on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Join others passionate about providing quality health care options to the uninsured and under-insured within our community by attending this FREE event! The Face of Hope Breakfast Celebration will be held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral. This is your opportunity to learn more about Little Red Door Cancer Agency’s programs, including prevention screenings, patient services and education, serving those in our community.
Halloween Candy, buyback!
November 1-Halloween Cash for Candy Buyback:
WHAT: Trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to McDonald Family Dentistry in McCordsville and receive $1 per pound, up to 5 pounds per child.WHERE: McDonald Family Dentistry. 5842 West Broadway. McCordsville. Across from the town hall. Phone # (317) 336-7788.
WHEN: Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
WHY: All candy must be unopened. Please no bites! All collected candy will then be shipped to American troops stationed overseas!
Little Duckling Daycare
Little Duckling Day Care is now the second registered ministry in Indianapolis to achieve voluntary certification. Many thanks to our partners at Little Duckling, Halstead Architects, The Hagerman Group, Day Nursery/Child Care Answers, and United Way. Way to go!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What Works Virtual Conference
What Works! is designed to shine a spotlight on strengths-based approaches to preschool teacher-driven change in early childhood learning environments. What Works! is a three-week Virtual Conference sponsered by the Institue for Teaching
Because the conference will be conducted entirely online, participants may attend whenever their schedules permit, without the burden of travel costs, loss of classroom time, or the inconvenience of being away from home. In this conference, some of the country's foremost thought leaders, practitioners, researchers, and educators in strengths-based strategies will join participants in an online learning community... go to http//www.whatworksconference.org
Because the conference will be conducted entirely online, participants may attend whenever their schedules permit, without the burden of travel costs, loss of classroom time, or the inconvenience of being away from home. In this conference, some of the country's foremost thought leaders, practitioners, researchers, and educators in strengths-based strategies will join participants in an online learning community... go to http//www.whatworksconference.org
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Autism Famliy Resource Center
Grandparents' Support Group
( For grandparents of children with autism )
Monthly support and educational meetings
November 11, 2009 focus is "Medicaid Waivers"
December 9, 2009 focus is Complimentary dinner and social
From 5:30-7:30pm RSVP to Diane at (317) 882-1914 or Linda (317) 816-1381
Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month
TIME: 5:30-7:30pm (The speaker begins at 6:00pm)
LOCATION: Autism Family Resource Center at Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive,Indianpolis, IN 46205
Autism Resources
Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Supporting individuals with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
For more information or resources contact the: Indiana Resource Center for Autism
2853 east Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408-2696
Phone: (812) 855-6508
TT: (812) 855-9396
Fax: (812) 855-9630
email: prattc@indiana.edu
website: www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca
"Helping Service Providers Cope With Stress"
The Latino Coalition is pleased to offer a FREE half day training on stress management and domestic violence in the workplace. This training is designed to help ensure that service providers learn how to cope with stress, especially when dealing with victims of domestic violence & sexual abuse. Learn how to understand the safety issues to protect a co-worker who has been a victom of abuse.
WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:30pm
WHERE: Julia Carson Building 300 E. Fall Creek N. Parkway Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46205 On the 2nd floor
The Speakers:
WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 9:00am - 12:30pm
WHERE: Julia Carson Building 300 E. Fall Creek N. Parkway Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46205 On the 2nd floor
The Speakers:
- Steven P. Rossetti, Director of training & Development at the Synergy Companies Inc. in Chicago, IL
- Mark King, Adjunct Faculty, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology. Manager of D.C. Human Resources at Home goods.
Please call, or email to RSVP at (317) 926-4673 or (317) 926-5551 , afigueroa@indianalatinocoalition.org
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Baby Food Recall
http://www.plumorganics.com/pdfs/AppleCarrotBabyPouch.pdf
Please visit the above link for more information regarding this important recall!
Please visit the above link for more information regarding this important recall!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Disney on Ice
Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! is coming to Conseco Fieldhouse, Dec. 2-6, 2009. The school performance is Thursday, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m. with ALL TICKETS $10 when purchased through the group sales office or by using the school link listed below through Ticketmaster. Education has never been so fun when experiencing Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! This event offers the educational components of athleticism (physical education), skating in motion (science), live action performance (art and drama), celebrations throughout the world (history/geography) - just to name a few. Students will walk away remembering to celebrate the everyday joys and successes in their lives.
Make an ordinary day extraordinary when Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! brings more than 50 Disney characters to Indianapolis! This action-packed, all-new show features a magical montage of celebrations and is set to a blend of contemporary music and favorite Disney songs. There is something to celebrate for everyone as audiences join in some of the world’s most popular festivities, including a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party and more in the celebration of the century. Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! will be a memorable and uplifting experience for the entire classroom!
TWO WAYS TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW:
1.) ON-LINE and print an order form at http://www.indygroupsales.webs.com/ Follow instructions on order form to mail (with check or credit card) or fax (credit card only) completed orders. Orders prioritized by date received with payment. When using this option, there is no TicketMaster fee, the deadline to submit is Friday, November 20 and tickets are mailed out before the performance. Email questions to:
2.) LOG-ON to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/1un4v2 Use the school discount code: SCHOOL. Orders processed without the code will not receive the discount. There is an additional TicketMaster fee (10%), although discounted tickets are accessible until the day before the performance when using this process.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, at 8:00pm EDT, Webinar For the Love of Literacy: Six Critical Pre-Reading Skill
"For the Love of Literacy: Six Critical Pre-Reading Skills for Preschool Children,"
Free web training for all:
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/231825906
Highlights High Five Editor Kathleen Hayes will help you learn how to maximize your “reading together time” and set your preschool child on a joyous path to reading success. You’ll learn what you can do to nurture your child’s natural interest in sounds, letters, and words so he or she will love reading. Kathleen will explain simple steps you can take, beginning when your child is an infant, to stimulate six critical early research-proven reading skills. The session will explore:• why rhymes and rhyming stories are so important;• why talking together is key to reading success; • what children can learn about print and books when you read aloud, and;• how to make learning about letters interactive, fun, and meaningful.
Free web training for all:
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/231825906
Highlights High Five Editor Kathleen Hayes will help you learn how to maximize your “reading together time” and set your preschool child on a joyous path to reading success. You’ll learn what you can do to nurture your child’s natural interest in sounds, letters, and words so he or she will love reading. Kathleen will explain simple steps you can take, beginning when your child is an infant, to stimulate six critical early research-proven reading skills. The session will explore:• why rhymes and rhyming stories are so important;• why talking together is key to reading success; • what children can learn about print and books when you read aloud, and;• how to make learning about letters interactive, fun, and meaningful.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday's adventures in Washington DC
I started my day today by attending a Congressional Briefing titled Children in the Federal Budget which was sponsored by First Focus. At the briefing they released the newest edition of their comprehensive guide to all federal spending on children. The guide includes information for past years as well all the way back to fiscal year 2005 to the present proposal by President Obama for fiscal year 2010. If you would like to check out their data you can find it by going to www.childrensbudget.org. The report for the most part includes spending for children birth to 18. It is very interesting. Congressman Danny Davis was in attendance and spoke about the bill that he plans to re-introduce later this week that will require the President to submit a children's budget to help direct greater attention ton the needs of our youngest citizens. The "Children's budget Act" would require a detailed account of all the federal funding for children and children's programs, including a detailed breakdown of spending by agency.
I then attended a the Children's Leadership Council meeting in the National Association of Education for Young Children's building. This is the second time I have been in their building and I love visiting it! They have statues of children in fun poises right outside their front door. The Children's Leadership Council is VERY exciting! It is a group of over 50 children's organizations that have come together with the purpose of having the early childhood community speak with one voice to the powers that be in the Federal Government. Today they were talking about a meeting that they have coming up in October where they will be meeting with an individual from the Presidents office. This is exciting because for many years the legislatures and senators have been saying that the early childhood community needed to come together and decide what they wanted. The Children's Leadership Council is helping these agency develop a consistent message that all of the agencies can share when they visit the hill.
Next I attended a CLASP meeting that was held in the office of the National Women's Law Center. CLASP's mission is to develop and advocate for policies at the federal, state and local levels that improve the lives of low income people. In particular, we seek policies that work to strengthen families and create pathways to education and work. Today they were talking about possible options for increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant. The Child Care and Development Block Grant is the money that is used for multiple programs in Indiana. It is the money for Voucher dollars, Paths to QUALITY and many training opportunities for Child Care Providers among other things.
The meetings that I attended today were also attended by agencies such as Zero to Three, NAEYC and Head Start. It was exciting to see the national organizations all work together. It makes me feel good to know that these wonderful individuals are in Washington DC working for polices that support children and families.
Tomorrow is my last day of work before returning home on Friday. I hope that you have enjoyed hearing about my adventures. I will post again tomorrow.
Have a great night!
Mindy
I then attended a the Children's Leadership Council meeting in the National Association of Education for Young Children's building. This is the second time I have been in their building and I love visiting it! They have statues of children in fun poises right outside their front door. The Children's Leadership Council is VERY exciting! It is a group of over 50 children's organizations that have come together with the purpose of having the early childhood community speak with one voice to the powers that be in the Federal Government. Today they were talking about a meeting that they have coming up in October where they will be meeting with an individual from the Presidents office. This is exciting because for many years the legislatures and senators have been saying that the early childhood community needed to come together and decide what they wanted. The Children's Leadership Council is helping these agency develop a consistent message that all of the agencies can share when they visit the hill.
Next I attended a CLASP meeting that was held in the office of the National Women's Law Center. CLASP's mission is to develop and advocate for policies at the federal, state and local levels that improve the lives of low income people. In particular, we seek policies that work to strengthen families and create pathways to education and work. Today they were talking about possible options for increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant. The Child Care and Development Block Grant is the money that is used for multiple programs in Indiana. It is the money for Voucher dollars, Paths to QUALITY and many training opportunities for Child Care Providers among other things.
The meetings that I attended today were also attended by agencies such as Zero to Three, NAEYC and Head Start. It was exciting to see the national organizations all work together. It makes me feel good to know that these wonderful individuals are in Washington DC working for polices that support children and families.
Tomorrow is my last day of work before returning home on Friday. I hope that you have enjoyed hearing about my adventures. I will post again tomorrow.
Have a great night!
Mindy
Long and productive day on the Hill
What a busy day on Capitol Hill today. I started with a tour of the Capitol building. Wow, what a beautiful place! Did you know that each state gets to send two statues to be on display in the Capitol Building? Indiana has Oliver Hazard Perry Morton and Lewis Wallace. My favorite statue was Ronald Reagan from California. He really stood out amongst all of the older statue designs. What was great about it is they actually used pieces of the Berlin Wall in the base of the statue. What an experience!
I was lucky enough to have gotten Gallery passes from Representative Burton's office yesterday. With these passes I was able to visit both the House and the Senate Floor. With the Gallery passes they let you go into the balcony while congress is in session. It is really cool to see it all in action! If you ever visit Washington DC make sure to get Gallery passes from your Congressperson's office. All you have to do is walk into their office and ask for them. You do have to go through a great deal of security to get in but it is worth it.
I then visited Representative Carson's office. I met with his staff person Amirah Salaam. She was very nice and interested in the field of early childhood. She asked me to send her further information on some of NACCRRA's agenda. It is always a good sign when they ask for more information to be sent to them. I shared with her about a scandal that is occurring in the Wisconsin's CCDF voucher system. Among other things they have discovered that they have been paying voucher dollars to at least 4 child care sites that have registered sex offenders living at them. They have also discovered that the program has been paying almost 500 child care providers who have a criminal history. I shared this information with Representative Carson's office in hope that they may be able to use it to get Representatives from Wisconsin to co-sponsor his recent bill to require all licensed child care providers and any provider who receives CCDF vouchers to have comprehensive background checks.
By the time I got back to NACCRRA's office Amirah had already emailed me about an event that is occurring tomorrow on the Hill that she thought that I might like to attend. So.... Tomorrow I will be attending the Congressional briefing on Children in the Federal Budget being sponsored by First Focus. I will let you know how it goes. Have a good night everyone, I am off to attend the Parent Webinar that is being sponsored by NACCRRA tonight. This isn't the first NACCRRA webinar I have participated in but it is the first one I have attended in person.
By the way... did you know that the Cannon House Office Building has a beauty shop in it? I found that to be very interesting.
I was lucky enough to have gotten Gallery passes from Representative Burton's office yesterday. With these passes I was able to visit both the House and the Senate Floor. With the Gallery passes they let you go into the balcony while congress is in session. It is really cool to see it all in action! If you ever visit Washington DC make sure to get Gallery passes from your Congressperson's office. All you have to do is walk into their office and ask for them. You do have to go through a great deal of security to get in but it is worth it.
I then visited Representative Carson's office. I met with his staff person Amirah Salaam. She was very nice and interested in the field of early childhood. She asked me to send her further information on some of NACCRRA's agenda. It is always a good sign when they ask for more information to be sent to them. I shared with her about a scandal that is occurring in the Wisconsin's CCDF voucher system. Among other things they have discovered that they have been paying voucher dollars to at least 4 child care sites that have registered sex offenders living at them. They have also discovered that the program has been paying almost 500 child care providers who have a criminal history. I shared this information with Representative Carson's office in hope that they may be able to use it to get Representatives from Wisconsin to co-sponsor his recent bill to require all licensed child care providers and any provider who receives CCDF vouchers to have comprehensive background checks.
By the time I got back to NACCRRA's office Amirah had already emailed me about an event that is occurring tomorrow on the Hill that she thought that I might like to attend. So.... Tomorrow I will be attending the Congressional briefing on Children in the Federal Budget being sponsored by First Focus. I will let you know how it goes. Have a good night everyone, I am off to attend the Parent Webinar that is being sponsored by NACCRRA tonight. This isn't the first NACCRRA webinar I have participated in but it is the first one I have attended in person.
By the way... did you know that the Cannon House Office Building has a beauty shop in it? I found that to be very interesting.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hand Sanitizer Danger
With flu season upon us, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the dangers associated with alcohol based hand sanitizers. One of our staff members got an email from her mother today and we wanted to find out if these horror stories were in fact true. According to snopes.com they are. Although the specific anecdotes in the email were not verified, snopes reports that there are documented cases of alcohol poisoning and intoxication associated with hand sanitizer. Remember that this is a form of alcohol (ethyl alchol) that causes intoxication, not isopropyl alcohol commonly used for sanitizing injection areas.
Snopes goes on to say that ingesting as little as an ounce or two could be fatal to a toddler. So please remember to keep these products out of the reach of the little ones this fall and winter, and if you allow them to use it, do not let them ingest any and keep an eye on them until they have rubbed it in and the alcohol has evaportated.
Voluntary Tylenol Recall
You may have heard that McNeil Consumer Healthcare (the makers of TYLENOL®) is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products that were manufactured between April, 2008 and June, 2008. All products manufactured met internal specifications. However, the company is implementing this recall because during this period, an unused portion of one inactive ingredient did not meet all quality standards. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to recall all Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products listed below, which were made during this time.
Parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns should contact their child's health care provider or our consumer call center at 1-800-962-5357 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the liquid product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle. The lot numbers of the affected products are listed below.
These actions do not apply to Children's TYLENOL® Meltaways and Junior Strength TYLENOL® Meltaways. The voluntary recall applies only to select lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products.
Recalled Products - Full List
Lot #
Product Description
SBM041, SBM067, SCM037, SDM027, SEM109
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold MS Suspension 4 oz. Grape
SBM042, SCM015, SCM036, SDM034
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Grape
SBM043, SBM044, SCM029
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Bubble Gum
SBM045, SCM011, SCM030, SDM035
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Strawberry
SBM064, SCM033, SDM020
Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops 1/4oz.
SBM065, SCM005, SCM006, SDM032
Infant's Tylenol Suspension 1/2oz. Cherry
SBM066, SCM068
Children's Dye Free Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SBM068, SCM035, SCM070, SCM080, SDM005
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SBM069, SBM070, SCM081, SDM006
Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose 4oz. Cherry
SCM012, SCM067, SDM007, SDM068
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1/2oz. Grape
SCM013, SCM014, SCM069
Children's Tylenol Plus Flu 4oz. Bubble Gum
SCM016, SFM024
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold Suspension 4oz. Grape
SCM017
Children's Tylenol Plus Cough/ST Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SCM082, SDM039, SDM040
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Grape
SCM083, SCM084, SDM008
Infant's Tylenol Dye Free Suspension 1oz. Cherry
SDM064
Children’s Tylenol Pediatric Suspension 1oz. Cherry
SDM038, SDM009
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Cherry
SDM033
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold/Allergy 4oz. Bubble Gum
SDM078
Infant's Tylenol Drops 1oz. Grape
SCM034
Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops H/G 1/2oz.
SDM028
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry, Hospital Govt.
Consumers with questions should call (800) 962-5357.
Parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns should contact their child's health care provider or our consumer call center at 1-800-962-5357 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the liquid product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle. The lot numbers of the affected products are listed below.
These actions do not apply to Children's TYLENOL® Meltaways and Junior Strength TYLENOL® Meltaways. The voluntary recall applies only to select lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products.
Recalled Products - Full List
Lot #
Product Description
SBM041, SBM067, SCM037, SDM027, SEM109
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold MS Suspension 4 oz. Grape
SBM042, SCM015, SCM036, SDM034
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Grape
SBM043, SBM044, SCM029
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Bubble Gum
SBM045, SCM011, SCM030, SDM035
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Strawberry
SBM064, SCM033, SDM020
Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops 1/4oz.
SBM065, SCM005, SCM006, SDM032
Infant's Tylenol Suspension 1/2oz. Cherry
SBM066, SCM068
Children's Dye Free Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SBM068, SCM035, SCM070, SCM080, SDM005
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SBM069, SBM070, SCM081, SDM006
Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose 4oz. Cherry
SCM012, SCM067, SDM007, SDM068
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1/2oz. Grape
SCM013, SCM014, SCM069
Children's Tylenol Plus Flu 4oz. Bubble Gum
SCM016, SFM024
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold Suspension 4oz. Grape
SCM017
Children's Tylenol Plus Cough/ST Suspension 4oz. Cherry
SCM082, SDM039, SDM040
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Grape
SCM083, SCM084, SDM008
Infant's Tylenol Dye Free Suspension 1oz. Cherry
SDM064
Children’s Tylenol Pediatric Suspension 1oz. Cherry
SDM038, SDM009
Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Cherry
SDM033
Children's Tylenol Plus Cold/Allergy 4oz. Bubble Gum
SDM078
Infant's Tylenol Drops 1oz. Grape
SCM034
Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops H/G 1/2oz.
SDM028
Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry, Hospital Govt.
Consumers with questions should call (800) 962-5357.
Visit to Dan Burton's office (Indiana's 5th district)
I visited Dan Burton's office yesterday. He was not in town because there were no votes for the day but I was able to visit with his Legislative Assistant Mary Valentino. This was at least the third time I have visited with her and I was encouraged to realize that she remembered my last visit and what I had talked about with her. My first trip to his office was about 6 years ago and what I remember about that trip was that I got the feeling that the staff person was not at all interested in my visit. I can't say that about Mary. She was interested in what I had to say. She didn't seem as if she agreed with all of it but at least she was interested and seemed to understand what I had to say. The piece that she found to be most interesting was the chart that shows the different regulations for the different types of child care in Indiana. You can find that char here http://www.childcareanswers.com/facilityregulations.html. This was the first time I had taken that document with me and I am glad that I did. I am hopeful that Representative Burton will consider becoming a co-sponsor for the new bill that Representative Carson has put forth to require Comprehensive back ground checks for all child care providers who accept the CCDF vouchers dollars.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Want to find out about a bill
I want to share this website with you. http://www.thomas.gov It is a wonderfully helpful site that helps you find out all the information you could want to know on proposed bills. Want to find out how your congressman has voted on a particular bill or what bills they have introduced or cosponsored? This is the site for you.
Mindy's first time at a congressional hearing
On September 24th I attended a hearing on "The Future of Newspapers: The Impact on the Economy and Democracy. It was a hearing of the Joint Economic Committee that is Chaired by Congresswoman Carolyn Malony, a democrat from New York's 14 district. In attendance was 3 other congressmen. Four individuals testified on the issue.
The Internet has had a large impact on the newspaper industry. There print readership has gone down as individuals have begun to read the paper on the Internet. They are also having problems because their largest source of revenue, advertising, has gone down in favor of advertising on the Internet.
What I found to be very interesting is that the bill that Congresswoman Malony had just introduced was not really what the newspaper industry wanted. Her bill proposes to make it possible for newspapers to become non-profit industries. The Newspaper industry is concerned about that because they do not want their papers to be censored by the federal government. They want to continue to have freedom of the press.
If you are ever in Washington D.C. you should try to attend a hearing. The one that I attended lasted about 2 hours because it was interrupted when the congressman had to go and vote. Most hearings are open to the public. You just walk in and find a seat. You will see many congressman's staff members but not always the congressman themselves. The staffers job is to take notes for their boss and to fill them in later. The hearing that I attended had the chairwoman and one other congressman in the hearing the whole time. One congressman kept coming and going and one came in towards the end. I hear that their schedules are so packed that they are not always able to stay long.
The Internet has had a large impact on the newspaper industry. There print readership has gone down as individuals have begun to read the paper on the Internet. They are also having problems because their largest source of revenue, advertising, has gone down in favor of advertising on the Internet.
What I found to be very interesting is that the bill that Congresswoman Malony had just introduced was not really what the newspaper industry wanted. Her bill proposes to make it possible for newspapers to become non-profit industries. The Newspaper industry is concerned about that because they do not want their papers to be censored by the federal government. They want to continue to have freedom of the press.
If you are ever in Washington D.C. you should try to attend a hearing. The one that I attended lasted about 2 hours because it was interrupted when the congressman had to go and vote. Most hearings are open to the public. You just walk in and find a seat. You will see many congressman's staff members but not always the congressman themselves. The staffers job is to take notes for their boss and to fill them in later. The hearing that I attended had the chairwoman and one other congressman in the hearing the whole time. One congressman kept coming and going and one came in towards the end. I hear that their schedules are so packed that they are not always able to stay long.
Imagine & Explore Kids Day 2009
Saturday, October 3rd 10am - 4pm
North End of the Downtown Canal at 11th Street
Free Event
- A sports area, including the Indians, Colts, Pacers and Ice
- Indianapolis Symphony Petting Zoo
- The Imagination Station, where kids can win Imagination Movers prizes, including tickets to their upcoming concert in Indy
- The UL Safety Game Show
- The Children's Museum Haunted House friendly Ghosts and Goblins
- Free Kid IDs
- Arni's Restaurants kids activities area
- Bouncertown will have inflatable bounce houses
- Indymomslikeme.com activity area
- Performances throughout the day by the Indianapolis Children's Choir, and the Radio Disney Road Crew, on the 5th 3rd Bank Entertainment Stage
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Visits to the Hill
I will be visiting Representatives Carson and Burtan as well as Senator Lugar next Monday and Tuesday. I would love to be able to take your stories with me when I visit. Send your stories about your families experience with child care to my email. mindyb@childcareanswers.com. I would also like to hear from all of you providers. Have you benefited from a Teach scholarship? Have you enjoyed having a mentor work with you to improve the quality of care that you provide? Have you lost enrollment due to the economy? Send me your stories.
I told you last night that I am going to my first hearing tomorrow. It should be interesting. It is about the future of News Papers. I would have preferred to attending a hearing related to a child care issue but we can't influence the hearing schedule.
I have always wanted Indianapolis to expand their public transportation systems. After spending two days trying to get back and forth to work by using a shuttle and the subway I have decided that there might be a downside to using public transportation. :-) I guess that there are ups an downs to everything.
Have a great evening,
Mindy
I told you last night that I am going to my first hearing tomorrow. It should be interesting. It is about the future of News Papers. I would have preferred to attending a hearing related to a child care issue but we can't influence the hearing schedule.
I have always wanted Indianapolis to expand their public transportation systems. After spending two days trying to get back and forth to work by using a shuttle and the subway I have decided that there might be a downside to using public transportation. :-) I guess that there are ups an downs to everything.
Have a great evening,
Mindy
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Two Weeks in Washington DC
2 1/2 years ago I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) inaugural leadership development program with 5 other wonderful women from across the country. I have learned a lot about child care resource and referral in these two years and have made many changes in my agency as a result. I am nearing the end of this wonderful program and I am lucky enough to spend two weeks interning at the NACCRRA office in their public policy division. I will spend the next two weeks updating you on what I learn. For an example did you know that Representative Andre' Carson has introduced a bill to require comprehensive back ground checks for all child care providers that care for children who are on the CCDF voucher program? On Thursday I am going to attend my first hearing. I will let you know how that goes. Check back for updates.
Have a wonderful evening!
Mindy Bennett
Computer Training Classes!
Do you wish you knew more about Word, Excel, and PowerPoint? Would you like to send out a jazzy newsletter to your parents every month? How about an attractive flyer that showcases your skills as a professional child care provider? Would you like to create spreadsheets to help you run your business? When I call you for updates are you at a loss to tell me the ages of all your children and how many of each? Would you like to create financial spreadsheets for you and your parent's records? How about a nifty little powerpoint animation to keep your children occupied and teach them somthing at the same time?
Well you can do all of this! It is really easier than you think and fun! I will be teaching a "101" level class for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Look in your upcoming Training Calendar, or you can call Joslyn Sullivan at 636-5727 ext. 257 to get in on this fun and exciting computer training opportunity! The cost for each class is $10.00.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Indy Kids Consignment Sale
Indy Kids Consignment will be having their Fall sale on SEPTEMBER 18-19 from 9am-5pm at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Expo Hall A Indy Kids Consignment started in 2005and has had two sales a year since then. They have grown from a sale in the front yard to offering 4,000 square feet of high quality, new and gently used children's clothing, gear and furniture, as well as maternity clothing. Register now to sell your items at a sale with experience that draws over a thousand shoppers and over 100consignors at each sale. For complete details visit our website at www.ikcsale.com. 9am-5pm. Free. Hamilton County 4H Fairgrounds. 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville. WWW.IKCSALE.COM.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Paths to QUALITY - Super Saturday Introduction Sessions
What is Paths to QUALITY?
Paths to QUALITY is a voluntary program that gives child care providers the opportunity to enhance their businesses by providing knowledge, training, and guidance in providing higher quality child care.
�� It identifies four levels of high quality care and provides resources and incentives to advance to the next level of care
�� It provides a referral system that helps parents locate participating Paths to QUALITY providers like you
Best of all, Paths to QUALITY is a free resource, and it’s easy to do! You can participate using the easy, self-guided workbook, or
Child Care Answers your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency can provide a mentor to help you through the process.
Saturday September 19, 2009
Choose from:
10am—12pm
Or
1pm—3pm
Contact Crystal Coleman to Reserve your Spot today!
317-926-3401 opt. 1 or crystalc@childcareanswers.com
**** Snacks will be provided ****
Choose from:
10am—12pm
Or
1pm—3pm
Contact Crystal Coleman to Reserve your Spot today!
317-926-3401 opt. 1 or crystalc@childcareanswers.com
**** Snacks will be provided ****
What are other providers saying about Paths to QUALITY?
“Dedication to quality is always exciting. I love the work we do in PTQ overlaps into other programs we are participating in. My staff does a better job maintaining quality indicators not just using them & forgetting them. Thank you!”
“We now learn while we play. The children really enjoy all the centers and so do I even in idle time they are playing and learning.”
“My mentor, x, has made it worth my time and effort for this training. When I thought my daycare didn’t have anything else to offer, X has helped me to see that it’s great to help others when they need you. Good childcaring is very important to parents and I have the power to be a great child care provider. Thank you for “Paths to QUALITY”!”
If you are unable to attend Super Saturday please contact Crystal for other opportunities to sign on to Paths to QUALITY.
“We now learn while we play. The children really enjoy all the centers and so do I even in idle time they are playing and learning.”
“My mentor, x, has made it worth my time and effort for this training. When I thought my daycare didn’t have anything else to offer, X has helped me to see that it’s great to help others when they need you. Good childcaring is very important to parents and I have the power to be a great child care provider. Thank you for “Paths to QUALITY”!”
If you are unable to attend Super Saturday please contact Crystal for other opportunities to sign on to Paths to QUALITY.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Play and Learn
Our first week of the fall session of Play and Learn is over. We had a great first week!! We had groups at 6 different locations with a total of 17 families attending. This included 6 new families. We also have a wonderful group of 6 Ivy Tech students helping us this semester. We played with Ooeey Goeey, painted, and learned new uses for shaving cream! Come see how much fun we have!!
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