New Insights on SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the biggest killer of babies over one month old in developed nations. What SIDS actually is, though, is a mystery. Recently, some chance observations may shed light on causes. According to The Economist (July 5, 2008), post mortem data from SIDS victims has revealed that nerve cells which regulate basic bodily functions, including breathing and body temperature, are more numerous and less mature than they are in other babies. Those cells communicate using a messenger molecule called serotonin. Recently, Italian researchers who were investigating serotonin's role in aggression found that changes in serotonin levels frequently resulted in death from abnormally low heart rate and hypothermia. This research suggests that genetics may explain some cases of SIDS. In the past explanations have concentrated on environmental factors such as smoking habits of parents and babies' sleeping positions. These conditions certainly are involved in SIDS deaths. However, research on possible genetic factors may make it possible for babies to be screened for those at risk, giving parents a alert to take suitable precautions.

Leadership Connections- May 14-16, 2009

Start the new year out right with a professional development plan! Join us at the luxurious Westin Chicago North Shore for the highly acclaimed Leadership Connections. The conference is designed for center directors, lead teachers and supervisors, trainers and consultants, technical assistance specialists, and family child care providers. Participants will experience three stimulating days of training, exhibits, networking, and fun. Total conference package is only $375 before February 1, 2009. Register online now »
A full-day of great preconference activities is also available on Wednesday, May 13. For more information including sponsorship opportunities, download a brochure or contact Donna Jonas at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5058 or donna.jonas@nl.edu.

Family Child Care Institute- February 28 and May 16, 2009

Meeting the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children is one of the biggest challenges faced by family child care providers. This institute will help practitioners create indoor and outdoor environments that align with the criteria in the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-Revised (FCCERS-R) and family child care accreditation. The institute will be conducted over two days, The first day will focus on indoor environments and will be held at the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership in Wheeling, Illinois. The second day will be held in conjunction with the Center's Leadership Connections conference at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling.
Funding is provided by IDHS. Participant's portion of the training cost is only $75 for one day or $120 for both days. For more information, download a brochure or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

2009 Training Calendars are available!

Check out our Newsletters page at childcareanswers.com - you can download the entire newsletter there, or go to the Training page and see what is in store for the coming quarter!

Guidelines for outside play in inclement weather - BRRRRR!

Hi everyone! You know that as I am writing this blog entry it is all of 6°F the wind is blowing from the NW at 9-10 MPH and the wind chill is -7°. All this information just by going to weather.com and typing in my zip code. For parents and providers it is important to know when the conditions are safe for little ones to be outside playing.

Here is what the state guidlines say:

"■ 470 IAC 3-1.1-38 Activities for healthy development
Authority: IC 12-13-5-3
Affected: IC 12-17.2
■ (b) Opportunity shall be provided for children to play outdoors daily except when:
(1) the severity of the weather poses a safety or health hazard; or
(2) when there is a health related reason documented by a parent, legal guardian, or
physician for a child to remain indoors.
♦ Intent:
To meet the developmental needs of children for vigorous outdoor play. (Caring
for Our Children) Children shall play outdoors daily when weather and air quality
conditions do not pose a significant health risk. Outdoor play for infants may
include riding in a carriage or stroller; however, infants shall be offered
opportunities for gross motor play outdoors, as well.
Weather that poses a significant health risk shall include wind chill at or below 25
degrees F and heat index as identified by the National Weather Service.
Air quality conditions that pose a significant health risk shall be identified by
announcements from local health authorities or through ozone (smog) alerts.
Such air quality conditions shall require that children remain indoors where air
conditioners ventilate indoor air to the outdoors. Children with respiratory health
problems such as asthma shall not play outdoors when local health authorities
announce that the air quality is approaching unhealthy levels.
○ Assessment Method:
Observe to see if children play outside. Interview the caregiver to determine
when and how often children are outside for play. Review the home’s daily
schedule for outside play."

Or to put it another way - today is TOO COLD for children to playing outside. The Iowa Dept. of Public Health has a great chart on their webiste to help determine if conditions outside are right for play.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us and we will get you the answers you need.