Early childhood education is economic issue | SouthCoastToday.com
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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.
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!
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