Friday, May 29, 2009
Did you know that there is a certain type of bamboo in Japan that only flowers once every 100 years? It's certainly puzzling how this plant can keep track of time, but everything 99 years before it germinates will determine how much the bamboo will bloom. And that's a long time to wait to see the results.
In the same way, children don't always blossom on your timetable. The love, discipline and instruction you pour into their lives cannot be immediately seen. Your job as a caregiver is to prune and nourish the children in anticipation of their blooming. And once they do, you'll see them grow rapidly into patient, loving and consistent people. The latest bloomers often have the most striking and beautiful flowers.
...Have a good weekend. Talk to you next month.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Here is a free resouce that you should be aware of:
The Child Welfare Information Gateway recently posted a manual entitled “The Role of Professional Child Care Providers in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect.” The manual provides information on the roles and responsibilities of child care providers in preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect within and outside early childhood programs. The manual also presents an overview of prevention efforts, reporting laws, caring for maltreated children, and ways to support parents and professionals who work with families. To download the manual go to: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/childcare/
While you are there, take a look around the website. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. Visit often for the latest on a wide range of topics from prevention to permanency, including child welfare, child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption and more...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The 2009 legislative session concluded, as required by law, on May 18. The House and Senate submitted a balanced budget to the Governor, however, the Governor’s veto of their tax bill has created a $2.8 billion deficit for the next biennium, which starts July 1. To balance the budget, the Governor has indicated he will not call a special legislative session, but will instead use his unallotment authority to make spending cuts starting July 1. At this point, we do not know what cuts the Governor intends to make. I'll try to share information as it becomes available about the unallotment and the Governor’s plans. This is an unusual outcome for a legislative session.
Several early education and child care bills were passed and signed this session. The Health and Human Services omnibus bill made no cuts to the Child Care Assistance Program and allocated $8 million in federal stimulus funds to help shorten the waiting list for Basic Sliding Fee funds that help working families afford child care.
The Health and Human Services bill also included funding specifically for improving the qualtiy of child care services. $1.6 million was allocated to continue the School Readiness Connections pilot program and language that links the pilot to the Quality Rating System. $3.4 million will be used to continue the Family, Friend and Neighbor pilot program; the Parent Aware Quality Rating System Pilot Program; and fund quality improvements for providers to prepare for participating in the Quality Rating System.
It is disappointing that the Health and Human Services bill used $5.2 million in Basic Sliding Fee funds waiting for re-allocation to Minnesota counties to help solve the state’s budget deficit (i.e., the funds went back to the state’s general fund and will not be used specifically for child care), but overall, the bill was a strong outcome and signals that legislators recognize that affordable, high-quality child care is a critical investment for Minnesota, especially in a difficult economy.
The Governor also signed the E-12 Education bill, leaving intact all of the early childhood provisions. Unfortunately he line-item vetoed several items when he signed other major omnibus spending bills. Specifically:
- He signed the Higher Ed bill, but line-item vetoed all state funding for TEACH early childhood provider scholarships ($500,000);
- He signed the Bonding bill, but line-item vetoed $85 million worth of projects, including $2 million for Early Childhood Facility Grants.
Again, I'll keep you informed as more details become known.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Whether you are looking for family child care or a center or an in-home option such as a nanny, here are a few tips for you to consider during the selection process:
- Always take your child with you when interviewing a possible day care provider. Alternatively, make sure to evaluate how your in-home care provider interacts with your child. Select the care provider that seems to offer services that best fits the needs for your child.
- Ask friends, co-workers and relatives for referrals to qualified care givers. Start early in your pregnancy as it can be difficult to find good, affordable child care. Sometimes "word of mouth" is the best way to find the best child care provider.
- Use on licensed providers. No matter what type of care you choose, using a licensed provider will provide some degree of assurance that minimum guidelines for operation have at least been met.
- Use a referral agency. Some areas offer a free referral service such as Minnesota's Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies for licensed child care providers.
- Inspect the day care facility before signing a contract or agreeing to your selected care giver's services. Licensed facilities should have a safety plan including an evacuation plan posted, depending on state requirements. Check for cleanliness and nap facilities. See how other children interact with care givers and other children in attendance.
- Discuss sick policies. Does the caregiver have a back-up care giver, if he/she should become ill? Are you responsible for finding alternate care while your care provider is ill? Will your child care giver take care of your sick child?
- Discuss discipline. What actions will the care giver take to discipline a child who misbehaves? Does this fit within your views of how your child should be disciplined?
- Discuss vacation policies. Will you need to pay any portion of your child care fee while you are on vacation?
- Discuss work schedules. Will your care provider be willing to care for your child outside of his/her normal work hours? Does the care facility offer night and week end hours? Will there be extra fees charged if you are late for picking up your child?
- Consider if the day care facility provides meals and snacks for your child. Licensed child care providers, whether in the family care home or large day care facility, can participate in a federal nutrition program. Child care providers follow much the same guidelines as the federal school lunch program and are reimbursed by the federal government for food costs. Finding a child care facility that offers meals using the federal guidelines ensures your child will receive nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. As a parent, you are not required to provide meals which can be a bonus as it's one less thing to worry about before heading to work.
- Always review the contract with the day care facility or home. Care givers usually have facility rules which must be complied with.
- Try to hire care givers that have had a security check done. Most, if not all, licensed care givers will have a security check done as part of the licensing process. The best ones will also have had finger prints taken and checked.
- Perform an unannounced visit after placing your child in a day care facility. Allow your child to adjust to the new day care setting before dropping by unannounced. The unannounced visit will allow you to see what a typical day is like for your child. During the visit observe how happy the children are, how clean the facility is, and look to see if the care giver is operating what you consider a good facility for your child.
- Finally... always pay your bill on time. Realize your care giver's job is important and deserves respect.
Monday, May 25, 2009
I hope you are having a great Memorial Day weekend. I just wanted to share a favorite Memorial Day story with you...
EAGLE BASE, Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Army News Service, May 22, 2002) --It was raining "cats and dogs," and I was late for physical training. Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was moving way too slowly. I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.
The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.
My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time. All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove.
I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late.
He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame. I watched as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again. Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures.
That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier."
I thank God for examples like that. And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.
(Note: The author, Capt. John Rasmussen, is now a chaplain with Multinational Division North in Bosnia. Story courtesy of Army News Service.)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday may be Memorial Day, but May 25th is also National Missing Children's Day.
It's one of the worst possible nightmares for parents: having a child go missing. Measures to keep children safe continue to increase, yet it only takes seconds to have a loved one go missing--almost literally before your eyes. Many innocent children continue to be abducted by strangers each year, often with parents nearby.
National Missing Children's Day was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan 27 years ago and observed by every administration since. May 25th is the anniversary of the day in 1979 when 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school.
His story captivated the nation. His photo, taken by his father, a professional photographer, was circulated nationwide and appeared in media across the nation and around the world. Etan became the poster-child for a movement. The powerful image came to symbolize the anguish and trauma of thousands of searching families.
For nearly three decades, the search for Etan has continued. Just as that day when President Reagan proclaimed the first National Missing Children's Day, Etan is still missing. The widespread attention brought to his case and those of others eventually led to a nationwide commitment to help locate and recover missing children.
National Missing Children's Day honors this commitment by reminding parents, guardians, and other trusted-adult role models to make child safety a priority.
What can you do to help?
- Even though most children are taken by people they know, it can help to teach your children about "Stranger Danger." Take the quiz to see how their knowledge rates.
- Take 25 minutes to talk to your children about safety. NCMEC's (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) national campaign encourages parents, guardians, and other trusted-adult role models to spend time talking to kids and teaching them ways to be safer.
- Donate to support NCMEC programs and services.
- Add a banner or link to www.missingkids.com.
- Opt to receive posters of missing children via e-mail.
- Search and view posters from our database of missing children.
- Sign up to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts.
- Use your NetSmartz! NCMEC’s award-winning, interactive, educational safety program that teaches children how to be safer on- and offline.
- Promote National Missing Children's Day
- www.childquest.org/cqvideo.php
- www.got2bsafe.com
- www.icactraining.org/Resources.htm
- www.kidsintheknow.ca/app/en/resource_library
- www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm
- www.pollyklaas.com www.radkids.org
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Next Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at National Cemeteries. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other family members who have died.
Though the three day weekend is great, I think it is important to educate the children about the meaning behind Memorial Day. It's also appropriate to make the day not just about remembering those who have fought for and died for out country in the past, but also about those who are currently serving.
Here are a few Memorial Day resources for you to try:
- Many activities at Apples 4 The Teacher.
- More activites and resources at Family Education.
- Recipes, crafts, and more at Annies.
- Lots of printables and teacher resources at Teacher Vision.
- More craft ideas at Suite 101.
- Lots of great things at Kaboose.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Question: What are your thoughts on pre-school? Are very young children better off constantly interacting with a dedicated adult parent to stimulate their brain growth, or is there a benefit to socializing them with their peers at an early age? What's the optimum balance of this for raising an intelligent yet independent and socially adept child?
An excellent response by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton (of the Brazelton Institute) that talks about quality child care and what constitutes quality care.
My favorite quote from the article is this:
The reality is that while the human brain never grows and develops more rapidly and dramatically than in the first three years of life, children's most important learning experience will not come from videos or computer programs but from interactions with those who care about them most - parents, teachers, siblings and peers.
I think that Dr. Brazelton hits the bullseye. Early education is important and the age old fight on whether child care is better or worse for the child is not important. What is important is quality of care... if that come from the parents or other caregivers does not matter. What counts is that the foundations for lifelong learning are instilled early in life.
I hope that you read the article. Let me know your opinion...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Yep, you heard right. Today - Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 - is Frog Jumping Jubilee Day. On this date, in 1928, the first jumping frog contest was held in Calaveras County, California. You may be familiear with the original Mark Twain tale of the event. Here is some commentary on the event.
This may be a strange holiday... but hey another reason to celebrate with the kids! And they will have fun with this one. So Jump around. Jump around. Jump up, jump up and get down. JUMP! Play a game of leap frog... sing Froggie Went A-Courtin'... make a few frog crafts... eat some green foods (instead of flies)... Kermit would be proud!
Monday, May 18, 2009
So how was your weekend? I hope you had a good one... Today I'd like to share a free resource from the internet with you...
Did you know that parents and caregivers are child’s most important teachers? Research shows that spending even a few minutes each day to read, write, and talk with children helps them develop the language skills they need for future success. You’re probably already working on
developing these skills every day because grown-ups and children practice literacy skills just by reading, writing, talking, and listening.
You can have fun reading and writing with preschool-age children with Our Book By Us!/Nuestro Libro iHecho Por Nostros! from Reading Is Fundamental. This free downloadable book can be used to encourage children to read, write, listen, and talk.
The back of the book also includes some great additional activities to do with the children to promote early literacy. Check it out!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Well we finally made it to Friday again. I hope your week has been a good one. Tomorrow morning, my husband and I (and the kids) leave for Jamaica... Yep, Jamaica, Iowa. Population around 225 people plus a few dogs. I don't think there is any possibility of getting in some snorkeling... We are going down for the weekend to attend my niece's high school graduation. Yes, it is that time of year when the graduation invitations start coming.
What I really enjoy is getting graduation announcements from children that I used to care for in child care. I've been doing this for a few years now, so I get a some every year. I have a couple of these invitations for graduation parties this year and while it is a vivid reminder that I am not getting any younger, it is a joy to visit with the parents again and talk to the children who are now young adults but still have memories of life at child care. It's one of those satisfying intangibles that make this job worthwhile.
People may not remember who was President when they were a toddler or who won the NBA MVP when they were in preschool, but they remember the special people who cared for them, taught them, and helped them grow. I think that this is important for us to think about on those days when nothing seems to go right and the children have you at wit's end. (Yes, those days do occasionally happen to us all.) When you're not sure what to do next, think about how the child may remember this the rest of their lives and it will help influence what you do.
Brings to mind a poem that I really enjoy titled The Dash...
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning... to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of
all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents
all the time that she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved
her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we
own;the cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and
love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much
time is left,that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real;
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
might only last a while.
So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?
Hey, have a good weekend and I'll talk to you on Monday!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
For today, I thought that I would share a differnt type of reasource with you... This recently realeased report is the sixth in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States. This latest Yearbook presents data on state-funded prekindergarten during the 2007-2008 school year. The first report in this series focused on programs for the 2001- 2002 school year and established a baseline against which we may now measure progress over seven years.
Tracking these trends is essential, since changes in states' policies on preschool education will influence how successfully America's next generation will compete in the knowledge economy.
The 2008 Yearbook is organized into three major sections.
- The first section offers a summary of the data, and describes national trends for enrollment in, quality of, and spending on preschool.
- The second section presents detailed profiles outlining each state's policies with respect to preschool access, quality standards, and resources for the 2007-2008 program year. In addition to providing basic program descriptions, these state profiles describe unique features of a state's program and recent changes that can be expected to alter the future Yearbook statistics on a program. Profile pages are again included for states without state-funded programs. A description of our methodology follows the state profiles.
- The last section of the report contains appendices, which are available online only. The appendices include tables that provide the complete 2007-2008 survey data obtained from every state, as well as Head Start, child care, U.S. Census, and special education data.
While parents strive to guide children's growth and development in the home, state and local governments bear primary responsibility for classroom-based education in the United States. Programs that serve young children operate under a variety of names and auspices, including the federal Head Start program as well as privately and publicly funded child care. State prekindergarten programs will play an increasingly important role as part of this larger array of programs.
The Yearbook seeks to improve the public's knowledge and understanding of state efforts to expand the availability of high-quality education to young children in the 21st century. Though this is not a resource that all of you will use, this can be interesting in seeing how the states differ in their approach, assessablility, and quality of preschool.
Limited time offer: Receive a free printed copy of the Yearbook:
To receive a free printed copy of the 2008 State Preschool Yearbook, please e-mail your name and mailing address to yearbook@nieer.org. Complimentary copies of some previous editions are also available. Or you can download the complete report.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
We haven't talked about MELF in a while, but the organization dedicated to inproving schoold readiness is still in action, though perhaps not quite as visible as it once was. The following is an article published last week in the MinnPost...
Major early childhood experiment hits money woes, still aims high
MELF – that's the sound a tire makes when it runs over a nail.
The Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) has hit a nail of its own, a down economy and lower-than-expected fundraising. Its 2009 budget has been deflated by 36 percent, from $7.8 million to $5 million.
It is suspending support for 500 Under 5, an early childhood initiative in north Minneapolis, and for the Wayzata-based Caring for Kids Initiative,) until additional funds are secured. St. Paul's Early Childhood Scholarship Program — MELF's flagship — is losing funding, too, and will eliminate its parent mentoring support to keep more children enrolled.MELF's successes and funding challenges are explained in its recently released 2008 annual report. (pdf) Things could change as fundraising efforts and state early childhood funding decisions evolve.
MELF's mission is to recommend cost-effective strategies for preparing children to succeed in school. The project was always time-limited, running through 2011. MELF is forging ahead with the St. Paul early childhood scholarship program, program evaluations and Parent Aware, a rating system that helps parents judge early childhood program quality.MELF is trying to put some air back in its tires, too, says board member Art Rolnick, senior vice president and director of research for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank. True, MELF had hoped to raise $30 million and it has raised $14 million so far, he said. On the optimistic side, the MELF board unanimously agreed at its last meeting to increase funding by another $5 million — and it will come from the board members. (For the 2008 board members list, click here.)
Pilot programs see varying impact
The city of Minneapolis' 500 Under 5 program targeted services to 1,000 young children and their families in two northside neighborhoods. It included parent education and connecting families to high-quality early childhood programs. It had created an expectation with the families and targeted neighborhoods that the program would run through 2011.The MELF cuts sent staff scrambling. A letter for the 500 Under 5 leadership team
called it "a significant setback."Maureen Seiwert, a member of the leadership team, said with belt tightening, more in-kind support from partners and other changes, the budget is almost balanced for 2009. "We have no guarantee after that," said Seiwert, executive director for early childhood education for Minneapolis Public Schools.
It does not appear that the new infusion of MELF money will help 500 Under 5 or Wayzata's Caring for Kids Initiative. They both plan to seek funding from other foundations.MELF also cut innovation grants, ending five projects earlier than scheduled. They included Anoka Community Action' s home visiting program and Joyce Preschool's program to expand supports for Spanish-speaking families.
The early childhood rollercoaster
There is a long history of early childhood research, starting with Perry Preschool, that suggests early childhood education pays for itself in the long run. Rolnick has written about it, too.There have been many initiatives to bolster early childhood programs. United Way first started working on Success by Six in the late 1980s. In 1991 the Minnesota Business Partnership issued an Education Agenda for Minnesota stating: "A strong and effective early childhood development program must be included as a part of the mission of the state's education system." Later in the 1990s Minneapolis tried Neighborhood Early
Learning Centers (never quite lived up to expectations). In 2002 Hennepin County
issued its "Ready to Read and Succeed" report (never got traction).The list goes on. State data (reported by MELF) says that only about half the kids who entered kindergarten in 2007 were ready for school.
Is MELF just one more example of early childhood education's roller coaster of money and initiatives?
Rolnick remains optimistic. "We will show such incredible results that as the economy improves this will be a high priority," he said. "We are going to bring a proposal to create a permanent $1.5 billion endowment that would permanently fund these kinds of programs."
As Rolnick sees it, Minnesota is still a wealthy state, producing more than $220 billion annually in gross state product. He suggests a 5-year capital campaign. The state kicks a half billion. The Obama administration has proposed Early Learning Challenge Grants; that should be good for another half billion. And he's almost sure the private sector will
contribute matching money."We can easily afford an endowment like this," Rolnick said. "We found $400 million for the Twins. … Let's talk about priorities well before we consider funding another stadium.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A while back I mentioned that May seems to be the National "Month of Something" Month. May is National Hamburger Month. It is also National Barbecue Month (did you know that there was a National Barbecue Association?), National Salad Month (sponsored, of course, by the Association for Sauces and Dressings), National Egg Month (the incredible edible egg), National Strawberry Month (yummy!), and even National Asparagus Month.
I think to only way to go is to get out the grill, make some salads and deviled eggs and get outside to enjoy a picnic! The kids will have a blast and it's a great time to be outdoors. If you're feeling ambitious, it is a great time to have a family event where you invite all the kids and their parents and make a fun day of it. It is a great way to build relationships between your families. AND after your meal is done, don't forget about National Chocolate Custard Month.
If you're a little worried about all this food because May is National Stroke Awareness Month and National High Blood Pressure Month... There is a solution... May is also National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and National Bike Month so you can work off those extra calories.
Whew, now I'm about all celebrated out...
Monday, May 11, 2009
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a Happy Mother's Day yesterday. It was an enjoyable weekend here in Minnesota... and for the Minnesota people reading this... the following notice is from Ready 4 K and Child Care Works...
Now is the time to take ACTION!
You are needed NOW to participate and influence.
The conference committee deadline is approaching. The work of the Conference Committees is dependent on leadership and the Governor reaching consensus on budget targets. As the final decisions are being made at the Capitol we need leadership on our side! We need their support to keep early childhood care and education a priority. Please call the House and Senate leadership and tell them:
"Thanks for making early childhood care and education a top priority. Please continue to invest in our youngest Minnesotans."
Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson-Kelliher - 651-296-0171
Senate Majority Leader Lawrence Pogemiller - 651-296-7809
Other opportunities to participate:
Watch this video from Invest in Minnesota. This video features St Matthew's Child Care Center on the West Side of St Paul. http://www.investinmn.org/video.html
Also, consider joining Invest in Minnesota's Rally today, Monday, May 11, at Noon. Invest in Minnesota's non-profit, faith and labor communities will gather at the State Capitol Rotunda for a rally that demonstrates organizational and citizen commitment to raising revenues fairly to maintain adequate funding for jobs, dignity, and public services that meet essential needs in communities.
Deadline for responding: Please take action ASAP!
Thanks for your help!
Friday, May 08, 2009
We've already talked about how today is Provider Appreciation Day. I just want to say thanks for all the hard work that you do in caring for the children and I hope you have a great day!
Forever In My Heart
Although I'm not their mother
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, sing and read to them
and watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment,
I help them grow and learn.
I understand their language.
I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
and I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I am not their mother,
but my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time may come
when I will have to part,
but I know each child I cared for
is forever in my heart!
~Author Unknown
P.S. And as long as we are celebrating... today is "No Socks Day".
Thursday, May 07, 2009
This is a great time of year here in Minnesota. Nice enough for the kids to spend most of the day outdoors without being too hot or too cold and it's too early for the annual onslaught of mosquitos. The kids I care for, love to be outdoors and be able to run and play. It is great to promote physical development and a healthy, fit lifestyle.
Kids need exercise just as much as they need books. In fact, teaching physical skills helps kids learn better throughout their school day. Many studies suggest a link between a child's overall health and learning. Physical fitness can affect everything from a child's behavior to his ability to focus on tasks. Movement is a basic fact of a young child's makeup. Early childhood expert Mimi Chenfeld says it best: "Moving is as natural to learning as breathing is to living."
However, just like you do with older kids, you may need to encourage preschoolers to get enough physical play. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education suggests the following fitness guidelines for young children.
- Toddlers should accumulate 30 minutes of structured physical activity daily.
- Preschoolers should accumulate 60 minutes of structured physical activity daily.
- Both preschoolers and toddlers should engage in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours of unstructured physical activity daily.
- Young children should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at time, except when sleeping.
The best way to get a child up and moving is to do it with them. It's great fun, and not that hard to incorporate exercise into the time you spend with your child. You don't need to enroll her in lots of classes and sports to encourage a healthy lifestyle. So what should you do to promote physical development?
Provide structured play... Small children need help learning motor skills. They must go through several developmental steps to learn how to coordinate their movements into efficient running, throwing, catching, and the like. "There is a common misconception that if you kick kids out to play, they will learn" on their own, says Jackie Goodway, Ph.D., an associate professor of motor development and elementary physical education pedagogy at Ohio State University. "But it's like reading–if you don't teach them, provide feedback, and offer them appropriate opportunities to practice and learn," they won't become proficient at those skills.
Provide age-appropriate toys and equipment, such as a wiffle ball and a fat plastic bat instead of a heavy wooden one. If you do enroll your child in a movement class, make sure it is appropriate for his developmental level. Kids this age are not ready for team sports, and they should not spend time waiting for their turn on the sidelines–instead of one ball and 10 kids, for example, each child should have her own ball.
Actively play with the kids... try some of the following:
- Tag or chase: For variety, hop, waddle, or dance instead of running
- Catch or kickball (experiment with balls of different sizes and textures)
- Swimming or other water play, such as running in a sprinkler or washing the car
- Crawling through a cardboard-box tunnel
- Use music to inspire movement, Dancing: Add scarves or ribbons to make it more exciting
- Balancing: Have your child walk on a piece of string or tape, a low beam or plank at the playground, or a homemade balance beam.
- Playing pretend: Kids boost gross motor skills when they use their bodies to become waddling ducks, stiff-legged robots, galloping horses, soaring planes—whatever their imagination conceives!
- Riding tricycles, scooters, and other ride-on toys; pulling wagons or pushing large trucks or shopping carts.
- Building and navigating obstacle courses–indoors with furniture, pillows, boxes, blankets; outdoors with rocks, logs, or playground equipment.
- Swinging, sliding, and climbing at a playground or indoor play space
Physical fitness equipment doesn't need to be expensive. Here are some great ideas on things that you can make yourself. So get those kids moving! They will have fun and you might enjoy it as well.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
This Sunday (May 10th) is Mother's Day. Though it is celebrated at different times in different countries, Mother's Day is celebrated around the world.
As child care providers, we certainly want to acknowledge mothers. They are one of, if not the most, influential person in a child's life. Mothers are often your main contact for the families you provide care for and quite simply, without mothers we would be out of business...
Here are some favorite links and reaources for you to use:
- Probably more information about Mother's Day than you could imagine as Day For Mothers.com.
- Find crafts, receipes, coloring pages, gift ideas and more at Holidays.net.
- Lots of cards, crafts, gift ideas, receipes and more at the Holiday Spot.
- Poems, art ideas, crafts, activities and more at Kaboose.
- You will find the history of mothers day, poems and quotes to the event, fun facts, wallpapers, screensavers, easy recipes to cook for your mom, and even certificates that say " Mom, You are the best!" at Kidsgen.com.
- Lots of free e-cards at Deepest Feelings.
- Lots of games for kids at Primary Games.
- Of course, Everything Mother's Day has everything about Mother's Day.
- Can't forget some more of my favorite craft sites that include: Danielle's Place, Billy Bear 4 Kids, Black Dog, Perpetual Preschool, Annies, Alphabet Soup, DLTK Crafts, Family Fun, Michaels, Apples 4 The Teacher, and Amazing Moms.
That should keep us busy for a couple days... Have some fun getting your kids ready for Mother's Day!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
May 3rd through 9th is Teacher Apprecation Week. It is a week in the academic calendar which is dedicated to all of our teachers around the world. It is a time to say thank you to our teachers for all of their help and show our gratitude for all the time and effort that they have put in our education.
Along with Teacher Appreaciation Week, today (May 5th) is National Teacher Day. On National Teacher Day, we take time out to honor local educators and acknowledge the contributions they make to our lives. The Teacher Day annual theme has been replaced with a standing tagline, "Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools," and draws attention to the crucial role teachers play in making sure every child receives a quality public education and conveys the hard work they do each day to make public schools great for every child.
Some links for craft and gift ideas:
Thanks to all you dedicated people who help to educate the children! I hope that this week you can get some of the appreciation that you deserve.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo (which is Spanish for 5th of May). It is is a regional holiday in Mexico that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, Cinco de Mayo is not an obligatory federal holiday in Mexico. While Cinco de Mayo has limited or no significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.
Some things to do:
- Games, songs, crafts and more at Kiddyhouse.
- Make red, white, and green paper chains to decorate the room.
- Look at About.com to check out many fun Cinco de Mayo crafts.
- Print out one or more of these Cinco de Mayo coloring pages.
- Learn more about Cinco De Mayo.
- Make costumes and have a fancy parade.
- Try some of these Cinco De Mayo Recipes.
- Find Mexico on a map.
- Have a Cinco De Mayo party.
- Jump around and pretend you are a Mexican jumping bean.
- Apples 4 the Teacher has some great info and ideas.
- Many more resources at the Holiday Zone.
Have a great 5th of May!
P.S. Today (May 4th) is National Weather Observer's Day. Our thanks to the more than 11,000 Cooperative Weather Observers across the United States, who donate more than one million hours each year to collect the weather data that becomes our national climate records. Observers also add to the stream of information that the National Weather Service (NWS) uses to forecast weather, water and climate conditions, issue severe weather and flood warnings, and record the climates of the United States.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Thought I would share some more information about the Influenza A (H1N1) and what you should consider preparing for as a child care provider...
You may be receiving questions from the families you work with regarding your plans or thoughts on managing flu in your program. The following guidelines are good, general health guidelines. They may also be helpful as you create a plan for managing this new illness and/or managing the concerns of parents. It is very likely you will never need to put this plan into action. It still may be reassuring to have such information on hand.You can help protect the health of yourself and the children and families you serve by calling attention to the every day preventive actions that parents can initiate to protect their children.
Please consider posting or distributing the following message in your child care facility:
Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs (Fact Sheet)
For child care providers, it would be prudent to:
- First and most importantly, remind parents and enforce policies for having ill children stay at home during their illness.
- In addition, remind and inform workers not to come to work while ill.
- A child may be infectious for up to 10 days after illness onset with influenza while adults are generally infectious for 5-7 days.
- Review your plans for responding to a pandemic and make sure they are up to date.
- Know local/state plans for child care in the event of a mild or severe pandemic.
- This information may be available from state or local health authorities, child care licensing agencies or resource and referral agencies.
- Develop and implement a system to track illness and absence due to illness among children and staff if one is not already in place. The system should be simple and easy to maintain but should record the number of persons with various illnesses (e.g. respiratory, diarrhea, rash) by day or at least by week (see Caring for Our Children Standards 3.001 and 3.002 for information on how to do this).
- Review and implement CDC Guidelines and Recommendations for Preventing the Spread of Influenza (the Flu) in Child Care Settings: Guidance for Administrators, Care Providers, and Other Staff Make sure staff are familiar with the above guidelines and that they are being followed in your program. Remind child care staff to clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces within the facility. Provide information to parents on steps that they could take to prevent flu. (This fact sheet could be distributed to each parent or posted on a door to the facility).
- Monitor the postings on the CDC web site about this virus to see if child care facilities should begin preparing for possible closure or changes in operation.
- Contact your local public health department if you have questions or suspected cases. Review your facilities emergency preparedness plans and consult with state and/or local health department’s pandemic plans, particularly if the number of cases escalates dramatically.
- Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
- Preparing for Disaster: The Parent View
- Planning information for schools, including examples of state and local plans, can be found on the Department of Education's website
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) has developed guidelines for how child care providers in all settings can help prevent the spread of swine flu (78 KB). Note: Conditions and situations are changing rapidly and the recommendations could change over time.
- The CDC has also developed a fact sheet entitled Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs (25 KB) that can be posted in child care settings or distributed to parents.
- The CDC has developed a Q&A for caregivers that addresses the most commonly asked questions regarding swine flu such as: What is swine flu; What are the symptoms; How can one keep from getting it; etc.
- The CDC has also developed a publication entitled Getting Prepared for a Flu Pandemic: A Planning Kit for Child Care Providers, which gives providers the tools and resources to plan, prepare and respond to a flu pandemic. Coming soon!
- NACCRRA has developed a resource for child care providers entitled Nurturing Children After Disasters: A Booklet for Child Care Providers to help them plan and prepare for general disasters.
- The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) has developed a checklist entitled Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (PDF) to help child care programs prepare for the effects of a flu pandemic.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a document entitled Preventing the Flu in 2008-2009: Strategies and Resources for Child Care Providers and Out-of-Home Caregivers of Children (PDF) that provides practical advice on how to prevent the flu in child care settings.
- The U.S. Department of Education has developed a document entitled H1N1 Flu & U.S. Schools: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). This document provides information for school leaders on appropriate measures to take to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.
Information for Parents - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a Q&A for parents that addresses the most commonly asked questions regarding swine flu such as: What is swine flu; What are the Symptoms; How can one keep from getting it; etc.
- NACCRRA has developed a brochure for parents entitled What's the Plan that provides parents with the proper questions to ask to a child care provider to ensure children are safe during disasters.
- The U.S. Department of Education has developed a video for parents entitled Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Family Checklist Video that defines the four flu variations and suggests things parents can do to prepare for it. (Note: to see this video, your computer must have Real Player, which is free from Real)
I will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Good morning, I wish you a Happy May Day. But, did you know that today is also Mother Goose Day? Mother Goose Day was founded in 1987, as a day to appreciate nursery rhymes and stories. They are a favorite of children and their parents.
The term "Mother Goose" dates back to the 1650's. It refered to stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. It does not appear to represent a particular person, as many of "Mother Goose" stories were written both before and after this term was first used. And, the stories were written by numerous authors.
Children are taught basic skills through rhythm and rhyme. Children love nursery rhymes: they are delighted by mastering the familiar rhymes, many of which have been set to simple melodies.
Nursery rhymes can be used to teach important information in an entertaining way:
- counting
- abc's
- body parts
- vocabulary - word lists
Each nursery rhyme is a little story unto itself. In many ways they function as simple parables. Traditionally, nursery rhymes have been a vehicle for children to safely explore age appropriate questions about identity and their emotions. Many of these rhymes help children to confront their fears about losing things, getting in trouble or getting hurt.
There are many ways to use Mother Goose rhymes in the curriculum. Art work projects include making humpty dumpty mobiles, cotton ball lambs, decorated mittens and bright aluminum stars.
- To learn everything you ever wanted to know about Mother Goose, go to the Mother Goose Society webpage.
- Some great ideas to celebrate Mother Goose Day at eHow.
- I'm not sure why this is on a police department website, but this is a great collection of Mother Goose rhymes.
- Even more at this website and here and here.
- Some good ideas for Mother Goose Day at Alphabet Soup.
- These and many, many more links at the Nursery Rhyme page.
By the way... today is also Space Day. The first day of May and we already have 3 things to celebrate... What a great month May is turning out to be!
