Thursday, April 30, 2009
May Day...
Tomorrow is the first of May, otherwise known as May Day. May Day marks the end of the half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. The Puritans frowned on May Day, so the day has never been celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the United States as in Great Britain. But the tradition of celebrating May Day by dancing and singing around a maypole, tied with colorful streamers or ribbons, survived as a part of the English tradition. The kids celebrating the day by moving back and forth around the pole with the the streamers, choosing of May queen, and hanging of May baskets on the doorknobs of folks -- are all the leftovers of the old European traditions.
Traditional May baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
But enough history, lets look for some resources and fun things to do with the children...
Tomorrow is the first of May, otherwise known as May Day. May Day marks the end of the half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. The Puritans frowned on May Day, so the day has never been celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the United States as in Great Britain. But the tradition of celebrating May Day by dancing and singing around a maypole, tied with colorful streamers or ribbons, survived as a part of the English tradition. The kids celebrating the day by moving back and forth around the pole with the the streamers, choosing of May queen, and hanging of May baskets on the doorknobs of folks -- are all the leftovers of the old European traditions.
Traditional May baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
But enough history, lets look for some resources and fun things to do with the children...
- As always, DLTK has lots of craft ideas and activities.
- Kaboose also has some great craft ideas.
- Preschool Education has some fun song ideas to share with the children.
- About.com has some more May Day crafts and info.
- Perpetual Preschool has snacks, games, art, and more.
- First School is another site to check for May Day activities.
- Preschool Express has games, songs, and more.
- Don't forget to check out Crayola.com for coloring and craft ideas.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Update on the Swine Flu....
In light of recent news, I thought I shold put out this update...
One of the greatest concerns for many Americans today is the swine flu. The World Health Organization today said the first pandemic since 1968 is imminent after the outbreak spread to at least nine nations. Infections have been identified in 11 states in the U.S. The WHO raised its six-step pandemic alert to 5 from 4, the second jump in three days.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been considering the implications of the flu pandemic for early childcare. With the recent outbreak of the swine influenza, the Center for Disease Control has requested that NAEYC inform our community of the following precautions to prevent the potential spread of swine influenza.
The CDC has identified cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in people in California, Texas and Kansas with possible cases in New York. CDC is working with local and state health agencies to investigate these cases. It has been determined that this virus is spreading from human to human.
Mexico has reported increased levels of respiratory disease including reports of severe pneumonia cases and deaths. In Mexico, where the toll is highest, 159 people may have died of the disease, according to officials there. U.S. cases jumped to 94, from 64 yesterday, and included a 22-month-old boy from Mexico who died in a Houston hospital. The swine influenza viruses identified by CDC from cases in Mexico are similar to swine influenza viruses from patients in the United States, however the limited number of patients identified thus far in the US have not been severe, with only one hospitalized person. However, the CDC is concerned about these cases in the United States and the World Health Organization are concerned about continued spread of this new virus. Right now, there is no vaccine for this new virus and the current seasonal influenza is thought to be unlikely to provide protection against this new strain.
For more detailed information about what child care providers should be doing to prevent the potential infection or spread of this disease, please click here.
For up-to-date information, please see the CDC's Web site or view their swine influenza specific site here.
For a printable flyer to distribute to your staff and colleagues, please click here
In light of recent news, I thought I shold put out this update...
One of the greatest concerns for many Americans today is the swine flu. The World Health Organization today said the first pandemic since 1968 is imminent after the outbreak spread to at least nine nations. Infections have been identified in 11 states in the U.S. The WHO raised its six-step pandemic alert to 5 from 4, the second jump in three days.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been considering the implications of the flu pandemic for early childcare. With the recent outbreak of the swine influenza, the Center for Disease Control has requested that NAEYC inform our community of the following precautions to prevent the potential spread of swine influenza.
The CDC has identified cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in people in California, Texas and Kansas with possible cases in New York. CDC is working with local and state health agencies to investigate these cases. It has been determined that this virus is spreading from human to human.
Mexico has reported increased levels of respiratory disease including reports of severe pneumonia cases and deaths. In Mexico, where the toll is highest, 159 people may have died of the disease, according to officials there. U.S. cases jumped to 94, from 64 yesterday, and included a 22-month-old boy from Mexico who died in a Houston hospital. The swine influenza viruses identified by CDC from cases in Mexico are similar to swine influenza viruses from patients in the United States, however the limited number of patients identified thus far in the US have not been severe, with only one hospitalized person. However, the CDC is concerned about these cases in the United States and the World Health Organization are concerned about continued spread of this new virus. Right now, there is no vaccine for this new virus and the current seasonal influenza is thought to be unlikely to provide protection against this new strain.
For more detailed information about what child care providers should be doing to prevent the potential infection or spread of this disease, please click here.
For up-to-date information, please see the CDC's Web site or view their swine influenza specific site here.
For a printable flyer to distribute to your staff and colleagues, please click here
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week...
Next week - May 3rd through 9th, the first full week in May, has been declared National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to increase the public awareness of well-being and human development of our nation’s children and youth. And May 7th has been declared National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Awareness Day raises awareness of effective programs for children's mental health needs; demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience; and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities.
The theme for this year's national event is Thriving in the Community, with a special emphasis on how high school youth who receive the services they need are more likely to have positive outcomes, such as better grades, and less likely to have negative outcomes, such as involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health invites everyone to take this week to promote positive mental health, well-being and social development for all children and youth. Join the National Federation in sending out the following messages:
If you are interesting in learning more about the importance of mental health in young children, I encourage you to take the classes on The Six Keys: Strategies for Promoting Children’s Mental Health in Early Childhood Programs. These are an excellent series of workshops about promoting positive mental health in young children begins in infancy with responsive caregiving by the important people in a baby's life and proceeds through early childhood with consistent and quality nurturing and caregiving.
Next week - May 3rd through 9th, the first full week in May, has been declared National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to increase the public awareness of well-being and human development of our nation’s children and youth. And May 7th has been declared National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Awareness Day raises awareness of effective programs for children's mental health needs; demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience; and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities.The theme for this year's national event is Thriving in the Community, with a special emphasis on how high school youth who receive the services they need are more likely to have positive outcomes, such as better grades, and less likely to have negative outcomes, such as involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health invites everyone to take this week to promote positive mental health, well-being and social development for all children and youth. Join the National Federation in sending out the following messages:
- Mental health is essential to overall health and well being.
- Serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable.
- Children and youth with mental health challenges and their families deserve access to services and supports that are family driven, youth guided and culturally appropriate.
- Stigma associated with mental illness should no longer exist.
If you are interesting in learning more about the importance of mental health in young children, I encourage you to take the classes on The Six Keys: Strategies for Promoting Children’s Mental Health in Early Childhood Programs. These are an excellent series of workshops about promoting positive mental health in young children begins in infancy with responsive caregiving by the important people in a baby's life and proceeds through early childhood with consistent and quality nurturing and caregiving.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Bit of History...
I was thinking that with the upcoming Provider Appreciation Day, that maybe we should mention a little bit about the history of early childhood education...
Early childhood education has been gaining ground since the 1800's. As researchers publish more and more findings that critical learning and developmental skills are formed years before kindergarten, the push for educating children earlier has grown.Here's a timeline of some of the key events that has brought the early childhood education movement to where it is today.
- 1837: German Friedrich Froebel develops the first kindergarten. The classroom is centered on the idea that play was needed for children to learn.
- 1856: Margarethe Meyer Schurz, a German immigrant, introduces the first American kindergarten in Watertown, Wis. The children learn through arts and crafts, music and play. The model quickly spreads.
- 1940s: During War World II, women flood the workplace, filling roles left vacant by men fighting overseas. The federal government creates more than 3,000 child care centers.
GA_googleFillSlotWithSize("ca-pub-5440138744487553", "News_Main_300x250", 300, 250); - 1960: David Weikart opens Perry Elementary School, which focuses on children "learning by doing." The school is interested in reaching students that the system had traditionally failed.
- 1965: The federally funded Head Start program begins. Focusing on low-income families, the program provides education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to preschool-aged children.
- 1970s: The feminist movement and a poor economy combined to see a boom of mothers entering the work force.
- 1980s and 1990s: Advances in research points to the importance of critical brain development between the ages of birth and 3. Early childhood education gains momentum.
- 1990: Oklahoma voters pass an education reform bill that provides state funding for any school district that offers preschool to 4-year-olds qualifying under Head Start. Children who didn't meet the low-income guidelines also could attend, but they had to pay. In 1998, a bill is passed providing funding for all 4-year-olds regardless of income.
Early childhood education programs require caregivers who can provide quality early childhood learning. These teachers must possess skills required to deal with children with love and affection. Early childhood caegivers should have the following qualities:
1. Good early-childhood teachers must be able to easily relate to children and their parents. This helps them to understand the problems faced by children as well as their parents.
2. Early childhood programs who require teachers must keep themselves updated and should continuously enhance their knowledge. They must know about innovative teaching techniques and how to make teaching and learning a great experience.
3. They must know how to deal with various situations while teaching young kids. They must know how to solve problems of the kids with patience and skill. An experienced teacher will be efficient in finding solution to the problems faced by children and their parents.
4. Early childhood teachers who are enthusiastic and ready to go out of the way to help the child learn and understand are just perfect. They are always ready to help children and infuse in them the skills required to have a successful future.
In recent years there has been a lot of discussion about the importance of early childhood education and the crucial role it plays in the development of a child. But where do we go from here? What is the future of early childhood education?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Provider Appreciation Day...
... is May 8th, 2009. Provider Appreciation Day is 
a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. A national study, The National Economic Impacts of the Child Care Sector, sponsored by the National Child Care Association, found that there are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs. As the demand for child care continues to increase, who's minding the kids is crucial.
a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. A national study, The National Economic Impacts of the Child Care Sector, sponsored by the National Child Care Association, found that there are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs. As the demand for child care continues to increase, who's minding the kids is crucial. Today's child care professionals are the world's unsung heroes. This profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country; yet research shows that early childhood is the most critical developmental period in a child's life. It takes a special person to work in this field and the contribution these individuals make to the quality of children's and families' lives too frequently goes unnoticed. Provider Appreciation Day offers a unique opportunity to recognize and commend the unselfish dedication, commitment and compassion that child care providers demonstrate every day.
Provider Appreciation Day needs your support to continue to be successful. Individuals and community leaders can network with child care groups to plan events, schedule media coverage and issue proclamations. Begin now to contact parents, community groups, child care agencies, government leaders and others so that everyone who wants to support child care providers has the opportunity to participate in this important recognition event in your community. Even the smallest of efforts mean so much to those who have your children in their care.
So spread the word and help make providers feel appreciated! Know that I applaud your dedication and appreciate the hard work and the crucial service that you provide...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Early Learning Guidelines...
I know that I have talked about this resource before, but this may be a good reminder... Do you know if your state has implemented (or in process of developing) Early Learning Guidelines? Early Learning Guidelines identify outcomes in language, literacy, mathematics, and other academic and developmental domains for young children. This information is important to see if you are helping the children in your care acquire the skills necessary for their stage of development.
You can check out your state at the NCCIC website.
Here in Minnesota we have 2 documents: The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to 3 (2007) and Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards (2005) for children from 3 to 5 years of age.
The goals for these documents are to help parents and other caregivers understand...
I know that I have talked about this resource before, but this may be a good reminder... Do you know if your state has implemented (or in process of developing) Early Learning Guidelines? Early Learning Guidelines identify outcomes in language, literacy, mathematics, and other academic and developmental domains for young children. This information is important to see if you are helping the children in your care acquire the skills necessary for their stage of development.
You can check out your state at the NCCIC website.
Here in Minnesota we have 2 documents: The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to 3 (2007) and Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards (2005) for children from 3 to 5 years of age.
The goals for these documents are to help parents and other caregivers understand...
- developmentally appropriate expectations for young children. To promote healthy child growth and development,
- high quality child care and early childhood education. To develop comprehensive and coordinated services
- to benefit families with young children based on the Early Learning Guidelines framework.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Did You Know?
A quick quiz for family child care providers in Minnesota... Do you know what records and paperwork you are required to maintain for your business by the Department of Human Services? (Note that some counties may have additional requirements.)
The Answer....
Policies and Procedures...
You must have the following written information available for the parents of children in care and for the county licensing agency:
One last bit of info... The specific requirements to be licensed to provide child care in Minnesota is found in the Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0300 to 9502.0445 (commonly called Rule 2) and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A. It is helpful to be familiar with these documents. You can access Rule 2 here and the Statutes here.
A quick quiz for family child care providers in Minnesota... Do you know what records and paperwork you are required to maintain for your business by the Department of Human Services? (Note that some counties may have additional requirements.)
The Answer....
Policies and Procedures...
You must have the following written information available for the parents of children in care and for the county licensing agency:
- Ages and numbers of children in care
- Hours and days of operation
- Meals and snacks to be served
- Labeling requirements for food brought from the child’s home
- Sleeping and rest arrangements
- Nondiscrimination practices
- Policies for the care of ill children, disease notification, immunizations and medication permission policies
- Emergency, fire and storm plans and monthly fire drills
- Seat belt and transportation plans, field trip and transportation permission requirements
- Fees
- Termination and notice procedures
- Grievance policy
- Alcohol and drug policy for caregivers
- Helper and substitute plans
- Pets in the residence
- Insurance coverage
- A copy of Rule 2
- Disclosure to parents if smoking is permitted in the home outside child care hours.
Records...
Before admitting a child, you must obtain from the parents the following information:
- Admission and arrangements form
- Special instructions in writing about toilet training, eating, sleeping, napping, allergies and any health problems
- Immunization records
- Signed written consent to obtain emergency medical care
- Written permission to transport children
- Signed authorization to release the child from care to person(s) authorized by the parent.
One last bit of info... The specific requirements to be licensed to provide child care in Minnesota is found in the Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0300 to 9502.0445 (commonly called Rule 2) and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A. It is helpful to be familiar with these documents. You can access Rule 2 here and the Statutes here.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How Sanitary is Your Child Care Facility?
Sanitation is an important issue in today’s child care facilities. Parents have a real fear of sending a healthy child to day care and picking him or her up at the end of the day with a cold or worse. Young children are at increased risk for contracting infectious diseases because they:
Surfaces at most child care facilities are riddled with germs, bacteria, and viruses; and proper sanitation is critical in a day care center environment, since so many children congregating in such close proximity can become a breeding ground for germs. Although there are guidelines and regulations, it is sometimes difficult to keep everything spic and span all the time.
One of the easiest ways to ensure proper sanitation is by frequent hand washing with anti-bacterial soap. This is absolutely essential! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, more than 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold; and many of those could have been avoided if children had washed their hands correctly. It is important to teach children aqbout germs and the importance of stress the importance of proper handwashing. In my child care the children are taught that they need to wash threir hands while singing the Alphabet song to ensure that they are washing and rinsing the proper amount of time.
You should be able to discuss your hand washing and infection control policies with parents and discuss other methods that you use to keep toys, utensils and play areas germ free. You should also have standard procedures in place dealing with diaper changing and disposal, food preparation and clean up, bathroom cleaning and sanitizing, and what happens when a child gets ill.
Sanitizing regularly with a solution of bleach and water is the most effective way to get rid of the organisms. But the bleach-water solution must be used properly to rid surfaces of germs.
A few more resouces:
Sanitation is an important issue in today’s child care facilities. Parents have a real fear of sending a healthy child to day care and picking him or her up at the end of the day with a cold or worse. Young children are at increased risk for contracting infectious diseases because they:
- are grouped together, are exposed to many new germs
- have immune systems that are not fully developed to fight germs
- do not have complete control of body fluids that contain germs
- have personal habits that spread germs like thumb sucking, rubbing eyes, and putting things in their mouths
Surfaces at most child care facilities are riddled with germs, bacteria, and viruses; and proper sanitation is critical in a day care center environment, since so many children congregating in such close proximity can become a breeding ground for germs. Although there are guidelines and regulations, it is sometimes difficult to keep everything spic and span all the time.
One of the easiest ways to ensure proper sanitation is by frequent hand washing with anti-bacterial soap. This is absolutely essential! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, more than 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold; and many of those could have been avoided if children had washed their hands correctly. It is important to teach children aqbout germs and the importance of stress the importance of proper handwashing. In my child care the children are taught that they need to wash threir hands while singing the Alphabet song to ensure that they are washing and rinsing the proper amount of time.
You should be able to discuss your hand washing and infection control policies with parents and discuss other methods that you use to keep toys, utensils and play areas germ free. You should also have standard procedures in place dealing with diaper changing and disposal, food preparation and clean up, bathroom cleaning and sanitizing, and what happens when a child gets ill.
Sanitizing regularly with a solution of bleach and water is the most effective way to get rid of the organisms. But the bleach-water solution must be used properly to rid surfaces of germs.
- Mix one tablespoon of bleach to one quart of water in a plastic spray bottle.
- The bleach-water solution should be mixed fresh everyday, otherwise it won’t kill germs.
- Spray the surfaces you want to disinfect with the fresh bleach-water mixture, let it sit for two minutes, and then dry the surfaces with clean paper towels.
- You can use bleach-water solution on tables, chairs, sinks, plastic toys, counter tops, changing tables, trash cans, and toilets.
- Remember to store the bleach-water solution in a locked area out of the reach of children.
A few more resouces:
- Some good handwashing resources at Healthy Child Care.
- Use Henry the Hand to help teach young children.
- WebMD gives 12 tips on how to prevent the spreading of cold germs.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Week of the Young Child...
This week, April 19th through the 25th, 2009 is the Week of the Young Child. This year's theme is Bring Communities Together for Children—Children Bring Communities Together.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing.
The Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning.
NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we--as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation--will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
Help celebrate and advocate for young children during this week... Check out some suggested activities to celebrate this year's event, find some resources for sale to help celebrate, or download the Week of the Young Child 2009 Event Planning Handbook and plan your own event.
This week, April 19th through the 25th, 2009 is the Week of the Young Child. This year's theme is Bring Communities Together for Children—Children Bring Communities Together.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing.
The Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning.
NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we--as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation--will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
Help celebrate and advocate for young children during this week... Check out some suggested activities to celebrate this year's event, find some resources for sale to help celebrate, or download the Week of the Young Child 2009 Event Planning Handbook and plan your own event.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Arbor Day 2009...
Earth Day is coming up in a couple days, but that is not the only eco-friendly day this week. Arbor Day is on April 24th. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. It was the brainchild of Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902), a Nebraska journalist and politician. Throughout his long and productive career, Morton worked to improve agricultural techniques in his adopted state and throughout the United States when he served as President Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture. But his most important legacy is Arbor Day. He proposed that a special day be set aside dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. Nebraska's first Arbor Day was an amazing success. More than one million trees were planted. A second Arbor Day took place in 1884 and the young state made it an annual legal holiday in 1885. Morton was probably the most well-known advocate for planting trees except possibly for Johnny Appleseed. (Yes Virginia, there really was a Johnny Appleseed.)
My husband is originally from a small town not far away from Nebraska City, Nebraska and well familiar with J Sterling Morton and the Arbor Day traditions in Nebraska. I have been to Nebraska City and even the Arbor Lodge State Park.
How could we celebrate a holiday without activities and crafts for the kids...
Earth Day is coming up in a couple days, but that is not the only eco-friendly day this week. Arbor Day is on April 24th. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. It was the brainchild of Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902), a Nebraska journalist and politician. Throughout his long and productive career, Morton worked to improve agricultural techniques in his adopted state and throughout the United States when he served as President Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture. But his most important legacy is Arbor Day. He proposed that a special day be set aside dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. Nebraska's first Arbor Day was an amazing success. More than one million trees were planted. A second Arbor Day took place in 1884 and the young state made it an annual legal holiday in 1885. Morton was probably the most well-known advocate for planting trees except possibly for Johnny Appleseed. (Yes Virginia, there really was a Johnny Appleseed.)
My husband is originally from a small town not far away from Nebraska City, Nebraska and well familiar with J Sterling Morton and the Arbor Day traditions in Nebraska. I have been to Nebraska City and even the Arbor Lodge State Park.
How could we celebrate a holiday without activities and crafts for the kids...
- Kaboose is always a favorite site.
- Nor could we forget DLTK Kids.
- Apples 4 the Teacher is an excellent resource site.
- The Teacher's Guide has quite a bit of useful information.
- Lots of resources at Teacher Planet.
- Of course there are activities at the official Arbor Day Foundation website.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April is National Poetry Month...
I'm beginning to think that we should have April declared the "National Month of Something" Month. This certainly seems to be a month of celebrations and awareness. In addition to the things we have already talked about, April is National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. The concept is to bring attention and appreciation to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage and to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture.
Whether you are a fan of Elliot, or Frost, or Poe... or like me, your taste runs more towards Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss . We all enjoy poetry. You may not even recognize that some of your favorite songs are poems put to music. Young children love the rhymes of many children's books, songs, and nursery rhymes. So it seems appropriate to celebrate poetry and especially poetry for young children.
Looking for some ways to celebrate? Check out...
I'm beginning to think that we should have April declared the "National Month of Something" Month. This certainly seems to be a month of celebrations and awareness. In addition to the things we have already talked about, April is National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. The concept is to bring attention and appreciation to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage and to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture.
Whether you are a fan of Elliot, or Frost, or Poe... or like me, your taste runs more towards Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss . We all enjoy poetry. You may not even recognize that some of your favorite songs are poems put to music. Young children love the rhymes of many children's books, songs, and nursery rhymes. So it seems appropriate to celebrate poetry and especially poetry for young children.
Looking for some ways to celebrate? Check out...
- Scholastic has lots of ideas on how to celebrate National Poetry Month.
- Find some fill in the blank or rhyming games at Family Education. (Make sure to take the Dr. Seuss quiz.)
- Also plenty of ideas for a variety of ages at Education World and Education Place.
- Find the greatest children's poems ever written.
- DLTK Kids also has a great list of poetry for children.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Earth Day 2009...
Earth Day will be on April 22nd this year. What is Earth Day? Earth Day was created to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world. Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of the Green Generation CampaignTM! This two-year initiative will culminate with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.
How about some ideas to celebrate Earth Day?
- Both
Besides, I've always believed that despite what Kermit says , it is easy being "green" in child care. Where else can you use things that most people throw away to make craft "treasures" that parents will feel obligated to keep pinned to their refrigerators for years?
There are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Day. I'd love to hear about some of your ideas and resources.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month...
Today I will talk about something even more depressing and upsetting than taxes... child abuse. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. What makes this even more pertinent is the sad fact that during times of economic stress like we are currently experiencing, rates of child abuse and neglect go up.
Child abuse is defined as any act to harm or to threaten harm to a child’s health or welfare which can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation.
Four Basic Types of Child Abuse:
There are more than two million reported cases of physical abuse or neglect in the United States each year (National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect). The National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse in the United States indicates that approximately 2,000 children per year die of child abuse and/or neglect. At least one in three girls (Russell, 1984) and one in seven boys (Finkelhor, 1985) are sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 18. In the vast majority of cases, sexual abusers are known to their victims. More than half of all sexual abuse occurs within the family. Offenders come from all economic, ethnic, racial, and educational backgrounds and religious traditions. They may be respected members of the community or church.
Studies show that child abuse occurs in 30 to 60 percent of family violence cases among families with children. A 1989 survey of 6,000 families found that 50 percent of men who assault their wives also abuse their children. Another frightening statistic, the Children’s Defense Fund estimates that 30 percent of abused children will abuse their own children, perpetuating the cycle of violence into the next generation.
Child abuse, like any type of family violence, does not discriminate. It occurs within every ethnic, religious and socio-economic background. It is most likely to happen when parents lack parenting knowledge and skills, are cut off from friends and family, have unmet emotional needs, abuse drugs or alcohol, were abused themselves or are going through a crisis.
Abused children tend to lack development in social, cognitive, physical and emotional skills. Many become dependent on drugs, get into legal trouble or become runaways. Girls tend to get into serious relationships at very early ages to escape their family life and often find themselves in abusive relationships all over again.
There are characteristics that are common to many abused children. If you notice one or more of these symptoms in a child, it is possible that the child has been abused in some way. They include mood swings, withdrawal or depression, bed wetting, eating problems, fear of adults, sleeping problems or nightmares, self-destructive behavior, frequent school absences or tardiness, bullying or aggressive behavior, and strange bruises, burns or bites
What should you do if you suspect child abuse?
Learn the warning signs of child abuse and how to report it. If you are a child care provider you are a mandated reporter. This means that you are obligated by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Even if abuse is only suspected, you must report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately. Learn more about mandated reporting in Minnesota.
Some other resources to learn more about child abuse:
Its not just our legal obligation to be aware of and try to prevent child abuse... its the right thing to do for the children!
Today I will talk about something even more depressing and upsetting than taxes... child abuse. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. What makes this even more pertinent is the sad fact that during times of economic stress like we are currently experiencing, rates of child abuse and neglect go up.
Child abuse is defined as any act to harm or to threaten harm to a child’s health or welfare which can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation.
Four Basic Types of Child Abuse:
- Physical abuse is the non-accidental harm of a child, including excessive corporal punishment, assault – shaking - slapping – burning or scalding – kicking – strangling
- Neglect is maltreatment or negligence that harms a child’s health, welfare or safety, physical, emotional, or educational neglect through such actions as: abandonment – refusal to seek treatment for illness – inadequate supervision – health hazards in the home – ignoring child’s need for contact, affirmation and stimulation – providing inadequate emotional nurturance – knowingly permitting chronic truancy – keeping a child home from school repeatedly without cause (depriving a child of education).
- Emotional abuse is the verbal assault or emotional cruelty, as well as: close confinement, such as being shut in a closet – inadequate nurturance – extreme discipline.
- Sexual abuse is defined as sexual contact between a child or teenager and an adult or significantly older, more powerful person. In addition to sexual contact, abuse can include: inappropriate verbal stimulation of a child or teenager – taking or showing sexually explicit photographs of or to a child or teenager – exposing a child or teenager to pornography or adult sexual activity.
There are more than two million reported cases of physical abuse or neglect in the United States each year (National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect). The National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse in the United States indicates that approximately 2,000 children per year die of child abuse and/or neglect. At least one in three girls (Russell, 1984) and one in seven boys (Finkelhor, 1985) are sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 18. In the vast majority of cases, sexual abusers are known to their victims. More than half of all sexual abuse occurs within the family. Offenders come from all economic, ethnic, racial, and educational backgrounds and religious traditions. They may be respected members of the community or church.
Studies show that child abuse occurs in 30 to 60 percent of family violence cases among families with children. A 1989 survey of 6,000 families found that 50 percent of men who assault their wives also abuse their children. Another frightening statistic, the Children’s Defense Fund estimates that 30 percent of abused children will abuse their own children, perpetuating the cycle of violence into the next generation.
Child abuse, like any type of family violence, does not discriminate. It occurs within every ethnic, religious and socio-economic background. It is most likely to happen when parents lack parenting knowledge and skills, are cut off from friends and family, have unmet emotional needs, abuse drugs or alcohol, were abused themselves or are going through a crisis.
Abused children tend to lack development in social, cognitive, physical and emotional skills. Many become dependent on drugs, get into legal trouble or become runaways. Girls tend to get into serious relationships at very early ages to escape their family life and often find themselves in abusive relationships all over again.
There are characteristics that are common to many abused children. If you notice one or more of these symptoms in a child, it is possible that the child has been abused in some way. They include mood swings, withdrawal or depression, bed wetting, eating problems, fear of adults, sleeping problems or nightmares, self-destructive behavior, frequent school absences or tardiness, bullying or aggressive behavior, and strange bruises, burns or bites
What should you do if you suspect child abuse?
Learn the warning signs of child abuse and how to report it. If you are a child care provider you are a mandated reporter. This means that you are obligated by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Even if abuse is only suspected, you must report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately. Learn more about mandated reporting in Minnesota.
Some other resources to learn more about child abuse:
Its not just our legal obligation to be aware of and try to prevent child abuse... its the right thing to do for the children!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April is Month of the Military Child...
For many years, April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child. In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger designated April as Month of the Military Child, a time when each branch of the military service recognizes the sacrifices made by the children of parents who are serving our country. During April, military bases around the world will honor these young American heroes with special events just for them.
In Minnesota...
Governor Tim Pawlenty has issued a Proclamation to the State of Minnesota declaring April as Month of the Military Child. The Governor's Proclamation states "It is only fitting that we recognize and honor their sacrifices, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children."
In recognition of the Military Child's heroism, Governor and Mrs. Pawlenty will send a letter of gratitude to each child nominated by their military parent who serves in Minnesota National Guard, Reserves and Active Duty residents. Nominations will be collected on the Department of Veteran Affairs website through 30 April 2009:
www.minnesotaveteran.org/child/index2009.htm
In related news...
Sesame Street has been teaching kids to count, read and eat cookies in moderation for decades. Now the producers behind the show are branching into a different territory, with a primetime special called “Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.” The show, premiering April 1st (check local listings), is part of Sesame Workshop’s “Talk, Listen, Connect” initiative to help families and children dealing with military deployments and combat-related injuries. You can watch a preview here.
More resources...
To discover more resources, activities and support systems for Military Children and their Families, please visit www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org, http://www.militarychild.org/, or www.operationmilitarykids.org.
We need to remember, when a parent is serving their country, their children are serving, too. Over 1 million children currently have at least one parent serving in the military on active duty. These families endure long separations and often are required to move multiple times during their parent's service. This is a time to pay tribute to these kids and recognize the commitment, sacrifice and support they show as they face the special challenges of being a military child. To those children, and their parents, I would like to say thank you!
If you are a child care provider and want to find out how you can help, I urge you to inquire about the Minnesota SURGE project.
For many years, April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child. In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger designated April as Month of the Military Child, a time when each branch of the military service recognizes the sacrifices made by the children of parents who are serving our country. During April, military bases around the world will honor these young American heroes with special events just for them.
In Minnesota...
Governor Tim Pawlenty has issued a Proclamation to the State of Minnesota declaring April as Month of the Military Child. The Governor's Proclamation states "It is only fitting that we recognize and honor their sacrifices, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children."
In recognition of the Military Child's heroism, Governor and Mrs. Pawlenty will send a letter of gratitude to each child nominated by their military parent who serves in Minnesota National Guard, Reserves and Active Duty residents. Nominations will be collected on the Department of Veteran Affairs website through 30 April 2009:
www.minnesotaveteran.org/child/index2009.htm
In related news...
Sesame Street has been teaching kids to count, read and eat cookies in moderation for decades. Now the producers behind the show are branching into a different territory, with a primetime special called “Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.” The show, premiering April 1st (check local listings), is part of Sesame Workshop’s “Talk, Listen, Connect” initiative to help families and children dealing with military deployments and combat-related injuries. You can watch a preview here.
More resources...
To discover more resources, activities and support systems for Military Children and their Families, please visit www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org, http://www.militarychild.org/, or www.operationmilitarykids.org.
We need to remember, when a parent is serving their country, their children are serving, too. Over 1 million children currently have at least one parent serving in the military on active duty. These families endure long separations and often are required to move multiple times during their parent's service. This is a time to pay tribute to these kids and recognize the commitment, sacrifice and support they show as they face the special challenges of being a military child. To those children, and their parents, I would like to say thank you!
If you are a child care provider and want to find out how you can help, I urge you to inquire about the Minnesota SURGE project.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Child Care Prevents Leukemia?
It seems like nearly every day some sort of childhood affliction has either been credited to or blamed on childcare. Whether emotional, social or physical, the "caused by child care theory" always seems to be mentioned. Seems that every time a child sniffles the parent blames the child care for the spread of disease. You may have already heard this, but childcare can prevent Leukemia!
A study presented at the Causes and Prevention of Childhood Leukemia conference in London last year, suggests that children who attend day care or play groups decrease their risk of developing the most common type of childhood leukemia by 30 percent. The study researched 3,800 children with cancer. Some of the kids had leukemia -- either ALL or another type -- and some had other forms of cancer. They were between 2 and 5 years old when they were diagnosed. Social activity and day care habits were compared with 7,600 children without cancer.
When the results were looked at more closely, the researchers discovered that the protection from social activity mostly stemmed from formal child care. This included kids who attended child care for any amount of time, a playgroup at least two half-days a week, or at least two half-days a week in a smaller childcare setting with at least four children.
The more social activity or child care the child was exposed to, the lower the risk. The effect was most pronounced when the child attended day care within the first three months of life.
I'm not sure if I completely believe this research or not. But then I certainly don't believe that child care spreads illnesses to any greater extent than the typical trip to the grocery store. If nothing else, this theory holds a calming incentive—that germs and bacteria aren't always bad. Maybe I'll market my child care as cancer preventative...
P.S. I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Easter weekend!
It seems like nearly every day some sort of childhood affliction has either been credited to or blamed on childcare. Whether emotional, social or physical, the "caused by child care theory" always seems to be mentioned. Seems that every time a child sniffles the parent blames the child care for the spread of disease. You may have already heard this, but childcare can prevent Leukemia!
A study presented at the Causes and Prevention of Childhood Leukemia conference in London last year, suggests that children who attend day care or play groups decrease their risk of developing the most common type of childhood leukemia by 30 percent. The study researched 3,800 children with cancer. Some of the kids had leukemia -- either ALL or another type -- and some had other forms of cancer. They were between 2 and 5 years old when they were diagnosed. Social activity and day care habits were compared with 7,600 children without cancer.
When the results were looked at more closely, the researchers discovered that the protection from social activity mostly stemmed from formal child care. This included kids who attended child care for any amount of time, a playgroup at least two half-days a week, or at least two half-days a week in a smaller childcare setting with at least four children.
The more social activity or child care the child was exposed to, the lower the risk. The effect was most pronounced when the child attended day care within the first three months of life.
I'm not sure if I completely believe this research or not. But then I certainly don't believe that child care spreads illnesses to any greater extent than the typical trip to the grocery store. If nothing else, this theory holds a calming incentive—that germs and bacteria aren't always bad. Maybe I'll market my child care as cancer preventative...
P.S. I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Easter weekend!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday...
I've thought that most Fridays are good , but this is Good Friday. My own children are all home from college for Easter weekend, but with no weekend trainings to attend, I'm really looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
For a bit of lighter fare than I normally write about, I thought that I would share my 12 "Golden Rules" to teach children. (These are also important for husbands and most other adults to learn.)
I've thought that most Fridays are good , but this is Good Friday. My own children are all home from college for Easter weekend, but with no weekend trainings to attend, I'm really looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
For a bit of lighter fare than I normally write about, I thought that I would share my 12 "Golden Rules" to teach children. (These are also important for husbands and most other adults to learn.)
- If you open it, close it.
- If you turn it on, turn it off.
- If you unlock it, lock it.
- If you break it, admit it.
- If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
- If you borrow it, return it
- If you value it, take care of it.
- If you make a mess, clean it up.
- If you move it, put it back.
- If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.
- If you don't know how to use it, leave it alone.
- If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Family Daycare Background Checks Bill...
I would like to share the following information that I received from the Scott County provider's association about the current status of the proposed bill on provider background checks in Minnesota that is currently being debated in legislature...
The bill has been introduced and is titled Family day care background checks required, and criminal history data access allowed. The link below will take you to the text of the bill. The bill number in the house is HF1543. In the senate the bill number is SF1413.
While many of you may be aware that the national union headquarters that both SEIU and AFSME have divided the providers in this state up by counties as to which union could organize providers, we have experienced a vast difference in how each union works with or on behalf of providers. SEIU has been at the capitol in the presence of Denise Welti and has been fighting hard for us to get this bill passed. AFSME has been at the capitol and is opposed to the bill. Their reasoning is that it would cost county social workers their job. We believe they are misinformed. Jobs will be created by DHS equivalent to the FTE of county social workers job responsibilities being removed. In some counties doing background checks may be as little as 10% of a persons job (.1FTE).
A hearing has been held in both a house and senate committees. At this time the bill may be jeopardy. Due to opposition by ASFME (A Union that represents both family child care providers and County Employees), the bill is in danger of being pulled. We (Scott County Licensed Family Child Care Association, Beth Mork and Deloris Friske) have been concerned about the conflict of interest a Union may have when it represents both County Employees, such as licensors and social workers, and child care providers. What is currently happening is a good example of that.
While many licensors have expressed support of this bill because it could speed up the background check process and licensing, ASFME has stated that there may be a job loss when Back Ground Checks become a state responsibility and not the county responsibility. We believe the net job loss would be zero. Some jobs will be created at the state level. Most counties will have no significant effect to their jobs as background checks are just a small part of one persons job in counties having fewer licensed providers.
Representative Nora Slawik (Maplewood) is the author of the bill in the House with Jim Abler (Anoka), Kim Norton (Rochester), Patti Fritz (Faribault), Carolyn Laine ( Columbia Heights), Jeanne Poppe (Austin), Ryan Winkler (Golden Valley) and Andy Welti (Plainview) as co-authors. Senator Claire Robling (Prior Lake) is the author of the bill in the Senate with Sharon Erickson-Ropes (Winona), Tony Lourey (Kerrick), and Tarryl Clark (St. Cloud) as co-authors.
Action: If you are a constituent of any of the authors, it is important to let them know how much you appreciate their support. You could e-mail or call your Representative and Senator who is NOT on the list above know the bill has been introduced and it is of interest to you.
Summary of the Bill:
1. Background checks will be transferred FROM the responsibility of a county to perform to the responsibility of the State via DHS (Department of Human Services).
2. As of the effective dates of the bill, providers will pay for the background checks the first time they are required and not again after that. We are looking at the language with July 1, 2009 effective date of the state fiscal year (or January 1, 2010) as the starting date for new providers coming into the system and January 1, 2010 as the starting date for those renewing family child care licenses. We guess this has to do with the fact that counties have this anticipated income in their budget.
3. Background checks will use an on-line system with DHS with family child care providers applicants collecting the information needed under subdivision 1 and forward it to the county agency using the commissioners online system.
4. The fee PER background check required will be $20.00 per study. This is a one-time fee to get into the state database. It does not state it in the bill but this fee is payable using credit card or debit card on-line. Concerns have been raised that this one time fee is not clear enough in the bill. We will be addressing that.
5. Section 8 addresses that probation officers and correction agents report to DHS any disqualified person. Violations of 245.C will be immediately kicked back to DHS for action rather than not detected until the next background check in our current system. Some licensors are adamantly concerned that local background checks need to be performed. We are looking at how this can be addressed in the bill.
The link to find the actual wording of the bill is below. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.phpbill=H1543.0.html&session=ls86
Any action you might be willing to take to push this bill through needs to happen immediately. Our window opportunity for getting this bill passed this legislative session is coming to an end this week.
If you need more information or have a viewpoint or suggestion you wish to discuss with us, please contact us as soon as possible.
Deloris Friske
friske@frontiernet.net
952-492-3827
Beth Mork
Bethmork@comcast.net
763-427-3775
I would like to share the following information that I received from the Scott County provider's association about the current status of the proposed bill on provider background checks in Minnesota that is currently being debated in legislature...
The bill has been introduced and is titled Family day care background checks required, and criminal history data access allowed. The link below will take you to the text of the bill. The bill number in the house is HF1543. In the senate the bill number is SF1413.
While many of you may be aware that the national union headquarters that both SEIU and AFSME have divided the providers in this state up by counties as to which union could organize providers, we have experienced a vast difference in how each union works with or on behalf of providers. SEIU has been at the capitol in the presence of Denise Welti and has been fighting hard for us to get this bill passed. AFSME has been at the capitol and is opposed to the bill. Their reasoning is that it would cost county social workers their job. We believe they are misinformed. Jobs will be created by DHS equivalent to the FTE of county social workers job responsibilities being removed. In some counties doing background checks may be as little as 10% of a persons job (.1FTE).
A hearing has been held in both a house and senate committees. At this time the bill may be jeopardy. Due to opposition by ASFME (A Union that represents both family child care providers and County Employees), the bill is in danger of being pulled. We (Scott County Licensed Family Child Care Association, Beth Mork and Deloris Friske) have been concerned about the conflict of interest a Union may have when it represents both County Employees, such as licensors and social workers, and child care providers. What is currently happening is a good example of that.
While many licensors have expressed support of this bill because it could speed up the background check process and licensing, ASFME has stated that there may be a job loss when Back Ground Checks become a state responsibility and not the county responsibility. We believe the net job loss would be zero. Some jobs will be created at the state level. Most counties will have no significant effect to their jobs as background checks are just a small part of one persons job in counties having fewer licensed providers.
Representative Nora Slawik (Maplewood) is the author of the bill in the House with Jim Abler (Anoka), Kim Norton (Rochester), Patti Fritz (Faribault), Carolyn Laine ( Columbia Heights), Jeanne Poppe (Austin), Ryan Winkler (Golden Valley) and Andy Welti (Plainview) as co-authors. Senator Claire Robling (Prior Lake) is the author of the bill in the Senate with Sharon Erickson-Ropes (Winona), Tony Lourey (Kerrick), and Tarryl Clark (St. Cloud) as co-authors.
Action: If you are a constituent of any of the authors, it is important to let them know how much you appreciate their support. You could e-mail or call your Representative and Senator who is NOT on the list above know the bill has been introduced and it is of interest to you.
Summary of the Bill:
1. Background checks will be transferred FROM the responsibility of a county to perform to the responsibility of the State via DHS (Department of Human Services).
2. As of the effective dates of the bill, providers will pay for the background checks the first time they are required and not again after that. We are looking at the language with July 1, 2009 effective date of the state fiscal year (or January 1, 2010) as the starting date for new providers coming into the system and January 1, 2010 as the starting date for those renewing family child care licenses. We guess this has to do with the fact that counties have this anticipated income in their budget.
3. Background checks will use an on-line system with DHS with family child care providers applicants collecting the information needed under subdivision 1 and forward it to the county agency using the commissioners online system.
4. The fee PER background check required will be $20.00 per study. This is a one-time fee to get into the state database. It does not state it in the bill but this fee is payable using credit card or debit card on-line. Concerns have been raised that this one time fee is not clear enough in the bill. We will be addressing that.
5. Section 8 addresses that probation officers and correction agents report to DHS any disqualified person. Violations of 245.C will be immediately kicked back to DHS for action rather than not detected until the next background check in our current system. Some licensors are adamantly concerned that local background checks need to be performed. We are looking at how this can be addressed in the bill.
The link to find the actual wording of the bill is below. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.phpbill=H1543.0.html&session=ls86
Any action you might be willing to take to push this bill through needs to happen immediately. Our window opportunity for getting this bill passed this legislative session is coming to an end this week.
If you need more information or have a viewpoint or suggestion you wish to discuss with us, please contact us as soon as possible.
Deloris Friske
friske@frontiernet.net
952-492-3827
Beth Mork
Bethmork@comcast.net
763-427-3775
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
National Autism Awareness Month...
Yesterday I mentioned that April is National Autism Awareness Month. After I thought about it, I realized that this is important and worth more than just a mention.
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, The Austism Society of America has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism is a baffling, life-long disorder. And while there is no cause or cure, nor a known singular effective treatment, it is treatable. People with autism -- at any age -- can make significant progress through therapy and treatments, and can lead meaningful and productive lives.
Did you know?
Yesterday I mentioned that April is National Autism Awareness Month. After I thought about it, I realized that this is important and worth more than just a mention.
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, The Austism Society of America has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism is a baffling, life-long disorder. And while there is no cause or cure, nor a known singular effective treatment, it is treatable. People with autism -- at any age -- can make significant progress through therapy and treatments, and can lead meaningful and productive lives.
Did you know?
- Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism affects over 1.5 million Americans and their families.
- Every 20 minutes, another child is diagnosed with autism.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report (PDF) stating that 560,000 children in the county have some form of autism.
- Autism may affect as many as 1 in every 150 children, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
- Learn the Signs. Act Early. website provides information about childhood developmental milestones and delays. You'll be able to track the developmental milestones a child should be reaching, see how milestones change as a child grows, and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years, along with information on developmental screening and developmental disabilities. http://www.cdc.gov/actearly
- Autism Information Center from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides resources for families and professionals. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/
- The Center for Inclusive Child Care has lots of resources and I encourage Minnesota providers to attend some of their Project Exceptional trainings to increase their awareness of the special needs of children.
- Also, if you live in or near Minnesota, Frazer is the largest provider of autism services in Minnesota and has a wealth of information.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Easter...
We're less than a week away from Easter. Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It is a blessed time for the faithful to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Savior... and a magical time for children to enjoy Easter baskets with chocolate bunnies , jellybeans , Easter eggs ... and best of all marshmallow peeps! (Oh, by the way, did you know that April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day?)
Easter is April 12th and though its not as early as last year , it sure has seemed to sneak up on me. Wow! We better get busy with some things to do for Easter...
We're less than a week away from Easter. Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It is a blessed time for the faithful to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Savior... and a magical time for children to enjoy Easter baskets with chocolate bunnies , jellybeans , Easter eggs ... and best of all marshmallow peeps! (Oh, by the way, did you know that April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day?)
Easter is April 12th and though its not as early as last year , it sure has seemed to sneak up on me. Wow! We better get busy with some things to do for Easter...
- Where else would you expect expert advice on dying eggs other than from Amazing Moms?
- Maybe from these guys , who were even around when I was a kids.
- I've never had a MeddyBemps, but how can you resist Easter egg-tivities?
- A great source for Easter activities is DLTK Kids. Don't forget the coloring pages.
- Lots of resources and information at Holidays.net.
- Easter crafts, recipes, and more at Kaboose.
- Billy Bear has lots of fun Easter activities, crafts, puzzles, and more.
- All crafts, always free at AllFreeCrafts. What more would you expect?
- Apples4theTeacher always has fun activities.
- Want to learn an Easter greeting in other languages?
- We're always looking for a reason to party in child care... Family Fun has Easter party ideas, crafts, and recipes.
- Black Dog has lots of game ideas for you to play at your party.
- Learn more facts about Easter than you probably ever cared to know.
- This is the "least messy" way of coloring (and then getting rid of) Easter eggs.
Monday, April 06, 2009
It's Monday...
I hope you had a good weekend. I spent Saturday training a great group of ladies in Farimont, Minnesota . I had fun and even got home before the snow storm started.
I often get asked why I travel around the state and do workshops and trainings for child care providers... Did you know that nearly 12 million of the 18.5 million children under age five in the United States in some type of regular child care or early education setting? It's been proven that children’s experiences in the first five years of life greatly influence brain architecture and chemistry in ways that can have lifelong impacts on learning, behavior, and health. For these 12 million children in child care, the care givers have a huge impact on their development, safety, and education. A quality early education is one of the most important opportunities we can give our children. It will ensure future generations’ success in school and beyond. A solid early learning foundation helps children succeed later in school and gives them a better opportunity to succeed in life. It has been said that those who start earlier, do better, and stay in school longer.
That is why I train... to help improve the standards and quality of care for the children. If you are a child care professional, I encourage you to continue to seek training and knowledge to make our profession better. For yourself and for the children in your care.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox... I should quickly mention that tomorrow (April 7th) is my favorite holiday of the year... No Housework Day. At least, for tomorrow, I have an excuse! And if you're actually looking for ways to celebrate ...
