child care chronicles spring 2012 - mthtwv.com · the basic concept has been around in a variety of...

Child Care Chronicles Phone: 1‐800‐834‐7082

IN THIS ISSUE Reflections from MY Desk....... 1

Week of the Young Child Celebration ....... 1

Mind In The Making ................ 1

Recent Changes To The WV STARS Professional Development Record ............ 2

Spotlight: Monroe Early Childhood Association Shines ................ 2

Did You Know? ........................ 3

List of Upcoming Conferences ......... 3

Save The Date ......................... 3

FACTS WVDHHR BCF 1099 Issues ........................... 3

Roma’s Real World What is Family Involvement .............. 4

Infant Massage ....................... 4

TRAILS Mix What Makes A Strong Family? .................. 5

Cooking With Kids Awesome Applesauce ........... 5

Kool‐Aid Painting .................... 5

Let’s Move! Child Care ............ 6

What’s The Most Important Thing You Own? .................... 7

Medication Administration Training ................................. 8

Training Schedule ............ Inside

PUBLISHED BY

Earl D. Smith, Executive Director Margaret Younce, Program Director & Editor

Mike Stafford, Publisher Articles Submitted by:

MountainHeart Professional Development Team MountainHeart Staff

Reflections From MY Desk What’s Trending Now!

What’s the newest buzz word, hot topic or trend of the day? If you like to stay current on what’s going on in the world or if you just want to be able to communicate with your children, you are probably

interested in what the newest trends are in fashion, social media, sports, music and even coffee!

The world of early care and education is no different. Trending now is the phrase “Strengthening Families”. The basic concept has been around in a variety of formats for many years but is now gaining public awareness through a more streamlined focus. Strengthening families is an approach to working with children and families to build protective factors that can prevent child abuse and neglect, support the whole family, and promote the well being of the child, the family and the community.

John Bowlby said, “If a community values its children, it must cherish their parents.”

The Spring edition of the newsletter is dedicated to strengthening families. Together we can.

A Newsletter of MountainHeart South for all providers of child care

Vol. IX Issue 2 SPRING 2012 Come visit us at: http://ccsouth.mountainheartwv.org

Child Care Chronicles

Margaret Younce Program Director

Mind In The Making

Please contact Dianna Thompson at 1‐866‐872‐9204 or Sara Mathes at 1‐888‐799‐9217 for the next Mind In The Making class.

“About 40 percent of the American labor force now works some form of nonstandard hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and early mornings,”

according to Harriet B. Presser, a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland. “That share

is expected to grow with the projected expansion of jobs in industries like nursing, retail, and food

service, which tend to require after-hours work.” Excerpted from the article: Day Care Centers Adapt to Round‐the‐Clock Demand by Sabrina Tavern is in the New York Times, January 16, 2012, page A12

Week of the Young Child Celebration

MountainHeart CCR&R will be celebrating the “Week of the Young Child” during April 22nd through the 28th.

Submitted by Angela J. Scott, WOYC Chairperson Lewisburg Office ‐ 304‐647‐3800

Come visit us at: http://ccsouth.mountainheartwv.org

page 2 page 2 Child Care Chronicles Child Care Chronicles

Congratulations are in order for Monroe Early Childhood Association (Monroe Co.) in Union WV. Last year, this

child care center was awarded the “Strengthening Families” grant for Region 6 Child Care Resource and Referral. Because families are closely connected with their child care center, research suggests that this setting is perfect for assisting all families in becoming strong and healthy. Strong families create strong communities as well as reduce child abuse and neglect.

This center is using the Strengthening Families approach and philosophy. They have also used the five protective factors ‐ parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parent ing/ch i ld development, and social emotional competence of children ‐ to guide their efforts. Michelle McFall, center director, staff, and parents have created a wonderful parent resource room for families. This welcoming space for parents includes: a cozy area to sit,

parent bulletin board area, magazines, coffee pot, computer, a library of resources that are free or can be checked out, and a request box for suggestions. It is a space for parents to meet and greet in a casual way or find a moment to just be alone. One single parent with 4 children in the center was thrilled, stating she would “just come in and sit on the couch!”

Michelle reports that they have an active parent committee that is planning activities based on the parent interest survey completed in December. One fun activity they are hoping to start soon is a “Stroller Walk” – walking for pleasure with others while pushing strollers. When families and child care providers become partners, everyone benefits!

For more information about West Virginia’s Strengthening Families Through Early Care and Education, please contact any member of MountainHeart’s training team.

Recent Changes to the WV STARS Professional Development Record

Natalie Snider, WV STARS State Coordinator

WV STARS has made some changes to the Professional Development Record to improve the service to participants. Career Pathway participants now have three different options to view the Professional Development sessions tracked by WV STARS. Depending on your needs, you may want to access any one of the three record options available to you. The Professional Development Record titled “Complete Record” provides a complete list of WV STARS Registered Trainings tracked for an individual. The record shows the training title, the training date, and the number of hours of the training. If you would like a print out of all of the trainings WV STARS has tracked for you in date order, access this record. The “Core Knowledge Area Record” is the Professional Development Record that provides a complete

list of WV STARS Registered Trainings tracked for an individual organized by the WV Core Knowledge Content Areas. The record shows the training title, the training tier level, the training date, and the number of training hours in each Core Knowledge Content Area. If you would like a print out of all of the trainings WV STARS has tracked for you including information on the level of training and general content, access this record.

For those applying to become a Tier II center, facility or home, the Core Knowledge Area Record must be submitted with the application to verify professional development requirements. Other types of records will not be accepted and will result in a request for submission of the correct record for documentation, which may delay the approval process.

The “Current Certificate Period Record” option provides a list of WV STARS Registered Trainings tracked for an individual that were completed during the current Career Pathway Certificate Period. The record shows the individual’s Career Pathway Certificate active and renewal date as well as a list of the training title, training date and the number of hours of the training. These trainings can be used for the next Career Pathway Certificate renewal. If you would like a print out of only training WV STARS has tracked for you towards your Career Pathway Certificate renewal, access this record.

You can access your Professional Development Record online at www.wvearlychildhood.org; just click on the WV STARS tab at the top and the tab for the Professional Development Record on the left. Please note that all of the Professional Development Records show only WV STARS Registered Trainings attended while an individual possessed an active Career Pathway Certificate. The records do not show trainings attended that are not registered with WV STARS or trainings taken while the individual did not possess an active Career Pathway Certificate. The records also do not show trainings an individual has presented. If you believe that you have completed WV STARS Registered Training sessions that are not listed on the Professional Development Records, you are welcome to submit copies of the WV STARS Certificate of Training Attendance to be reviewed.

Monroe Early

Childhood Association

Shines

Enjoying the Parent Resource Room


Child Care Chronicles Child Care Chronicles page 3 page 3 Did You Know?

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:

Effective September 1, 2012 15‐Passenger Vans will not be permitted for use by child care centers. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration)

WV Child Care Licensing regulation for Centers states:

19.3.b. Immediately upon unloading the last child from a vehicle, or before parking the vehicle, the driver or the designated staff member shall physically search the vehicle to ensure that all children have been unloaded. The transportation log shall then be reviewed either by the driver or the designated staff member to check that the information is correct. (WV Child Care Center Licensing Regulations Transportation Log 19.3)

The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy states:

4. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.

a. Soft objects, such as pillows and pillow‐like toys, quilts, comforters, and sheepskins, should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment.

b. Loose bedding, such as blankets and sheets, might be hazardous and should not be used in the infant’s sleeping environment.

c. Because there is no evidence that bumper pads or similar products that attach to crib slats or sides prevent injury in young infants and because there is the potential for suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation, these products are not recommended.

d. Infant sleep clothing that is designed to keep the infant warm without the possible hazard of head covering or entrapment can be used.

Excerpt from AAP Policy Statement on SIDS and other Sleep Related Infant Deaths: Expansion of Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. To read more about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/10/12/

List of Upcoming Conferences

National Afterschool Association Conference April 2‐4, 2012 Dallas, Texas

NAEYC National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development

June 10‐13, 2012 Indianapolis, Indiana

National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Conference July 26‐28, 2012 Atlanta, Georgia

2012 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo November 7‐10, 2012

Atlanta, GA

SAVE THE DATE

Dr. Jean Feldman will be at the Days Inn in Flatwoods on August 3, 2012 8:30‐ 3:00. The cost for attending the session will be $65 for WVAEYC members and $75 dollars for non‐members. Registration needs to be postmarked no later than July 20, 2012. Contact a MountainHeart Trainer for more information.

FACTS WVDHHR BCF 1099 Issues

Please use the telephone numbers listed below for inquires concerning FACTS WVDHHR BCF 1099 issues.

Thanks. Patricia A. Nelson Division of Payments and Vendor Maintenance

Issue Contact Name Contact Telephone

Client Accounts Cindy Jordan 304 558 3688

Staci Jones 304 558 0214

BCF FACTS Provider Issues

Ed Walker 304 356 4550

Juan Haynes 304 356 4552

Patricia Nelson 304 356 4541

Shannon Alexander 304 356 4516


Roma’s Real World

What is Family Involvement?

Family involvement is any activity that empowers parents and children to participate in the educational/caregiving process, either in home or in center settings. Every family involvement program is based on a philosophy of child‐adult and adult‐adult interaction that assigns roles to both parents and educator/caregivers. Educating and caring for children has become a shared responsibility among families, child care programs and schools. Early childhood educators recognize the need for communication and collaboration with parents and families of children.

The family meeting format has proven to be an excellent strategy for establishing a reciprocal relationship between home and early childhood settings/schools. This relationship, once established, enhances a program’s positive impact on child development. Family meetings can establish a connection from the home to the early childhood setting that allows families to have a valued and meaningful presence in the program.

Family members’ time, skills, and experiences are shared at the meetings. Don’t hesitate to ask parents or family member to provide presentations or do activities with children in your center/school. Inviting parents to be involved in a hands‐on manner will help to establish a sense of community and allow parents to develop new friendships with other families.

Commitment is the key to successful parent involvement programs. Without the dedication and persistence of early childhood administrators, educators, and the families they serve, early education would lose one of the most valuable factors in effective programming‐‐ family involvement.

Resource: Partnering with Parents written by Bob Rockwell and Janet Rockwell Kniepkamp. This is a good resource to give you guidelines for planning family meetings.

Submitted by Roma Lester, Behavior Consultant For more information, please call 1‐800‐834‐7082


Infant Massage

Hello MountainHeart Caregivers!

I would like to share with you a bit of information from a professional development workshop I had the opportunity to attend. It was one of those workshops that you come back from excited and really inspired to share what you learned with others! We were introduced to infant massage as a way to support parental attachments, which we all recognize as a very important part of the social and emotional development of the babies we care for.

Infant massage is a parenting technique that when practiced is one way to provide our babies with a relaxing, joyful experience through purposeful times of interaction with their parents or persons responsible for their care. It teaches babies how to relax their bodies in response to stimulation. By informing parents and supporting their interest in providing infant message, we will promote healthy, happier children.

Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine suggests that massage can stimulate nerves in the brain that facilitates food absorption, resulting in faster weight gain. Massage can lower stress hormones, resulting in improved immune function. Touch therapy can also help premature infants gain weight faster, asthmatic children improve breathing function, diabetic children comply with treatment, and sleepless babies fall asleep more easily. Other research indicates that touch therapy can benefit infants and children with eczema and can improve parent‐baby interactions.

If this bit of information has sparked your interest, I invite you to contact me in the Summersville office (304‐872‐9200) or get your hands on this book: “Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents” by Vilala McClure.

As always, I look forward to your responses and feel honored and privileged to be of service to you in your most important job – teaching the infants and toddlers in WV.

Sincerely, Tricia

For more information about Infants and Toddlers contact Tricia Smith, Infant/ Toddler Specialist at 304‐ 872‐9200.

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Professional Development Session on Positive Interactions and Relationships Title: Simple Steps: How to Provide a Sensory Diet for Young Children Description: The participants will learn the direct connections between sensory experiences and child development. Participants will investigate the connection between sensory integration and challenging behavior in young children. The participants will explore a variety of activities and strategies to help children function in the classroom with a focus on sensory integration. Registration: Please call Reba or Missie at 1-866-872-9204 to Pre-Register.

Date: May 15, 2012 from 10:00 am– 12:00 pm WV Workforce in Princeton

Core Competency: 2 hr. Positive Interactions and Relationships (Tier II)

Target Audience: Infant/Toddlers and Preschool

West Virginia Infant/Toddler (WVIT)

Professional Development Program For Caregivers

The WVIT Professional Development Program is a 50-hour training focusing on the child care professional working with children from birth to 35 months, the caregivers relationship with families, child development, and quality programming. Caregivers must complete all 10 sessions to complete the program. WVIT PDP offers:

♥ Hands-on activities ♥ Interaction with other caregivers in this profession ♥ FREE resources available to eligible participants

The program is open to centers, facilities, and home providers who are registered on the WV STARS Career Pathway. For more information, please contact your Infant/Toddler Specialist, Tricia Smith at 1-866-872-9204 or 304-872-9200.

Raleigh County Area April 2012

Sessions 5-10 will be held at MountainHeart Child Care Office in Beckley * (Please note Participants

must have completed Sessions 1-4 in order to take Session 5-10)

Session 5–April117, 2012 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Session 6– April 19, 2012 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Session 7-May 1, 2012 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Session 8-May 8, 2012 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm Session 9-May 15, 2012 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Session 10-May 17, 2012 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Coming to Mercer County in September 2012

Anyone Wishing To Attend Professional Development Sessions Must Be Pre-Registered In Order To Attend.

Please call Missie or Reba @ 1-866-872-9204 to reserve your seat today! If you are registered for a session, you will be notified by telephone if the session is canceled.

MountainHeart CCR&R is funded through a grant from DHHR, Bureau for Children and Families, Division of early Care and Education. MHCCR&R was established in 1992.

SLEEPING SAFE Core Competency - 2 Hrs. of Health, Safety

and Nutrition (Tier II) Target Audience: Infant/Toddler

Summary - Participants of this professional development session will discuss the latest SIDS

(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) research and best practices for keeping children healthy and safe while

sleeping.

May 7, 2012 10:30 am– 12:30 pm McClintic Library

In Marlinton

West Virginia Infant/Toddler (WVIT) Professional Development Program

For Caregiver Administrators Thanks to all the dedicated directors in our region as we have very few of you left who still need to take this profes-sional development session. It will now be offered one last time this year, so please note the date and plan to take these sessions. Remember policy still states you must attend this training before sending caregivers through West Virginia Infant/Toddler (WVIT) Professional Development Program, so plan accordingly.

Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville April 11, 2012 9:00 am– 4:00 pm

Beckley MountainHeart Office Conference Room

September 19, 2012 9:00 am-4: 00 pm

Please call Tricia Smith @ 1-866-872-9204 to reserve your spot.

*Please note that you MUST be fully registered on the

WV STARS Career Pathway to attend this session.

MountainHeart South Professional Development Schedule WV STARS Certified Trainers: Dianna Thompson and Sara Mathes

April Topics Topic 1 – What am I Going to Do with These School Agers? Core Competency –2 hr. Curriculum ( Tier II) Target Audience-School Age Children Summary: “I’m bored! You don’t have anything for me to do!” Anyone who works with school age children have heard these complaints. This professional development will provide participants will learn ideas and strategies to help beat the boredom blues. Topic 2– Getting Families Involved in Their Child’s Care Core Competency– 2 hr. Family and Community (Tier Level I) Target Audience– Adults Summary: This professional development session will provide ideas and strategies for getting parents involved in their child’s care.

The West Virginia Early Learning Standards for Infants and Toddlers Core Competency - 2 hr. Professionalism (Tier II) Target Audience - Adults Summary - This professional development session provides an opportunity to explore WVELSF for Infants and Toddlers. Participants will be introduced to the document and will discuss how to implement it into their daily routines. April 2, 2012 10:00 am– 12:00 pm Braxton County DHHR in Flatwoods June 4, 2012 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm Little Lambs Child Care in Hinton

Braxton See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Fayette (Fayette County DHHR in Oak Hill) April 17, 2012 10:00 am– 12:00 pm Topic 1 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Topic 2 Greenbrier (Greenbrier County Workforce in Lewisburg) April 17, 2012 11:00 am– 1:00 pm Topic 1 2:00 pm– 4:00 pm Topic 2 McDowell (McDowell County Workforce in Welch) April 24, 2012 10:00 am– 12:00 pm Topic 1 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Topic 2 Mercer (Mercer County Workforce in Princeton) April 10, 2012 10:00 am– 12:00 pm Topic 1 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Topic 2 April 24, 2012 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Topic 2 3:30 pm-5:30 pm Topic 1 Monroe See sessions listed for Greenbrier or Mercer Counties

Nicholas (Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville) April 4, 2012 10:00 am– 12:00 pm Topic 1 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Topic 2 Pocahontas See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Raleigh ( MountainHeart Office in Beckley) April 26, 2012 11:00 am –1:00 pm Topic 1 2:00 pm– 4:00 pm Topic 2 Summers See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Webster See sessions listed for Braxton and Nicholas Counties Wyoming ( MountainHeart Community Services in Kopperston) April 30, 2012 10:00 am-12:00 pm Topic 1 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Topic 2

It’s Time for What?: The Importance of Schedules and Activities Core Competency - 2 hr. Curriculum (Tier II) Target Audience - Infant/Toddlers Summary - Participants will learn how to use observations to create purposeful activities and individualized schedules to meet the needs of infants and toddlers in group care. April 4, 2012 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm Braxton County DHHR in Flatwoods June 4, 2012 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Little Lambs Child Care in Hinton

Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities

Understanding Shaken Baby Syndrome Core Competency– 2 hr. Health, Safety and Nutrition (Tier Level III) Target Audience– Infant/Toddlers Summary-This professional development session will present the clinical symptoms of a severe shaking, and discuss situations that can lead to a caregiver’s loss of control. Participants will learn ways to anticipate and ease frustration, anger, and stress that can occur when caring for a baby or young child. May 7, 2012 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm McClintic Public Library in Marlinton

*PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING* THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE TOPIC OFFERED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY. THE PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THIS

SESSION MUST STAY FOR THE ENTIRE 4 HOURS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE. MountainHeart South Professional Development Schedule

WV STARS Certified Trainers: Dianna Thompson and Sara Mathes

May Topic

Topic 1: April Showers Bring May Flowers and Gardening and Outside Activities and FUN! Core Competency –2hr. Curriculum and 2 hr. Family and Community( Tier II) WVELSF: Social Emotional Development: Standard 3 and Science: Standards 1 & 2 Target Audience –All Summary - Child care doesn’t always have to be inside! This professional development session will focus on the many learning opportunities available just outside your door. Information will be provided on a number of topics such as gardening with young children, Earth Day celebrations, recycling and setting up a leaning environment outside.

Braxton See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Fayette (Fayette County DHHR in Oak Hill) May 7, 2012 10:00 am –2:30 pm Topic 1 Greenbrier (Greenbrier County Workforce in Lewisburg) May 10, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 McDowell (McDowell County Workforce in Welch) May 14, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 Mercer (Mercer County Workforce in Princeton) May 8, 2012 10:00 am- 2:30 pm Topic 1 May 30, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 Monroe See sessions listed for Greenbrier and /or Mercer counties

Nicholas (Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville) May 19, 2012 2:00 pm– 6:00 pm Topic 1 Pocahontas See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Raleigh ( MountainHeart Child Care Office in Beckley) May 2, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 May 24, 2012 10:00 am- 2:30 pm Topic 1 Summers See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Webster See sessions listed for Braxton and/or Nicholas Counties Wyoming See sessions listed for McDowell, Mercer and/ or Raleigh counties

****WV Elements of Family Child Care Series (WV EFCC)*** MountainHeart will be offering specialized family and facility series. This series provides family and facility child care providers a com-prehensive overview of The Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care and the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale Revised.

Participants of these sessions must complete all seven sessions and two 1hour visits to be eligible for a certificate.

♥The modules will be divided into seven sessions and will begin in April, 2012 at Workforce Building in Princeton.

♥Sessions are open to family child care providers and facilities. These sessions will be held in Mercer County and open for registration to surrounding counties.

If you have questions about this exciting opportunity please contact Dianna Thompson,

1-866-872-9204. Registration limited to 14 participants with a minimum of 4 people to hold the class.

Mercer County Dates and Times

Session 1 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm April 5, 2012 Session 2 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm April 19, 2012 Session 3 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm April 26, 2012 Session 4 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm May10, 2012 Session 5 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm May 17, 2012 Session 6 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm May 24, 2012 Session 7 5:00 pm– 9:00 pm June 7, 2012 WV Workforce Building in Princeton

Saturday Professional Development Session Title: Protecting Our Precious Cargo

Core Competency: 3 hr Health, Safety and Nutrition (Tier Level III) Summary: Participants of this professional development session will gain knowledge on car seat safety and proper installation of car seats and booster seats. Participants can bring a car or booster seat with them. Location: Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville Date and Time: May 19, 2012 10:00 am –1:00 pm Space is limited to 20 participants.

Anyone Wishing To Attend Professional Development Sessions Must Be Pre-Registered In Order To Attend.

Please call Missie or Reba @ 1-866-872-9204 to reserve your seat today! If you are registered for a session, you will be notified by telephone if the session is canceled.

MountainHeart CCR&R is funded through a grant from DHHR, Bureau for Children and Families, Division of early Care and Education. MHCCR&R was established in 1992.

Braxton See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Fayette (Fayette County DHHR in Oak Hill) June 12, 2012 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Topic 1 Greenbrier (Greenbrier County Workforce in Lewisburg ) June 12, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 McDowell (McDowell County Workforce in Welch) June 19, 2012 10:00 am-2:30 pm Topic 1 Mercer (Mercer County Workforce in Princeton) June 5, 2012 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Topic 1 June 26, 2012 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Topic 1 Monroe ( Monroe County DHHR in Union) June 28, 2012 10:30 am – 2:30 pm Topic 1

Nicholas (Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville) June 18, 2012 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Topic 1 Pocahontas See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Raleigh (MountainHeart Child Care Office in Beckley) June 4, 2012 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Topic 1 June 25, 2012 10:00 am– 2:30 pm Topic 1 Summers See Infant and Toddler Professional Development Opportunities Webster (Webster County DHHR in Webster Springs) June 15, 2012 10:30 am –3:00 pm Topic 1 Wyoming See sessions listed for McDowell, Mercer or Raleigh Counties

*PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING* THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE TOPIC OFFERED FOR THE MONTH JUNE. THE PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THIS

SESSION MUST STAY FOR THE ENTIRE 4 HOURS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE MountainHeart South Professional Development Schedule

WV STARS Certified Trainers: Dianna Thompson and Sara Mathes

June Topic Topic 1 - Curriculum– A Blueprint for Learning Core Competency –1hr. Child Growth and Development, 1 hr. Positive Interactions and Relationships, and 2 hr. of Curriculum (Tier II)WVELSF: Social and Emotional: Standard 4 Target Audience-School Age Summary - This professional development session will explore curriculum and how to implement a curriculum in an early childhood setting. Participants will review a variety of theories of child development and their link to developing a quality early childhood curricu-lum.

Things to Remember about

Professional Development Sessions… ♥ Please remember to pre-register for all professional development sessions

by calling Missie or Reba at 1-866-872-9204. ♥ If you register for a class and are unable to attend, please contact Moun-

tainHeart and let them know, there may be a waiting list for that class. ♥ Infants and children are not to attend professional development sessions.

Alternate child care arrangements need to be made prior to the class. ♥ All sessions will begin at the scheduled time. If you miss 15 or more min-

utes during the course of the session, you will not receive credit for the session.

♥ Upon arriving for the professional development session all cell phones and electronic devices need to be set to vibrate or meeting. Please no texting during the sessions.

♥ Remember if public schools are canceled in your county due to inclement weather, there will be no professional development sessions that day.

Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Sessions

Nurse Health Consultants, Glenna Bailey, RN, MSN and Sarah Hicks, RN, BSN, CLS will be offering several session on this

professional development topic in the following locations:

April 10, 2012 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Mercer County Workforce in Princeton

April 27, 2012 5:30pm-7:30pm Kingdom Kids Child Development Center in Lewisburg

May 16, 2012 5:00 pm– 7:00 pm MountainHeart Child Care Office in Beckley

May 17, 2012 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Nicholas County Workforce in Summersville

June 20, 2012 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Robbin’s Nest Child Care in Sutton

June 21, 2012 6:00 pm– 8:00 pm Pineville Presbyterian Child Development Center in Pineville


TRAILS Mix Child Care Chronicles Child Care Chronicles page 5 page 5

What Makes a Strong Family?

Take a moment to consider the families whose children are in your care or even your own family. Answer the following questions: Are they able to cope and bounce back from stresses and know where to find help when needed? Do they seem to be lonely or do they have others in their life? Are the children socially and emotionally happy, getting along well with others? Do parents need a little assistance broadening their

understanding of child development? Is it important for families to be strong? Why?

All families need support to become and remain strong and healthy. Unfortunately, many families today often have few lifelines. Your child care setting can have a huge impact in this area. Research shows that as families become strong and healthy, so do our communities; child abuse and neglect decreases.

Using research, The “Strengthening Families” approach was developed by The Center for the Study of Social Policy. They identified “Five Protective Factors” for all families:

1. Being socially connected with others 2. Concrete support in times of need 3. Knowledge of child development and parenting 4. Children who are socially and emotionally competent 5. Parents who are resilient‐ who can bounce back from stress

You can incorporate this approach and the five protective factors in your childcare setting. Here are a few simple ideas to think about:

♥ Develop a newsletter to share ideas and upcoming event with families ♥ Post a simple bulletin board so parents can see pictures and special information ♥ Host a family fun/game night, organize a family “swap event” to exchange toys or clothes ♥ Know community resources in your area so you can give specific referral information when needed ♥ Have a family book week where parents are encouraged to volunteer a few minutes to read a story to all the children

Contact any member of MountainHeart’s team of early childhood specialists for more information on using a Strengthening Families approach. Remember, any step forward with these five protective factors – no matter how small – will assist families on their journey to becoming healthy and strong.

Submitted by Janet Thompson, TRAILS Early Childhood Specialist

COOKING WITH KIDS

Awesome Applesauce

Involving children in the kitchen can be a wonderful experience for them and for you!

Ingredients: ♥ 2 small red apples ♥ 2 tbsp lemon juice ♥ 2 tsp sugar (optional) ♥ 2 pinches cinnamon

(optional)

Directions:

Adults peel and core apples and cut into small pieces. Under adult supervision, let children put apple pieces and lemon juice into a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth. Then pour into bowls and stir in sugar and cinnamon.

Submitted by Sandra Cox, TRAILS Associate‐‐Lewisburg

All families need support to become and remain strong and healthy

KOOL-AID PAINTING

Sprinkle unsweetened Kool‐Aid on a piece a paper. Have the children move a piece of ice over the Kool‐Aid. Watch as the Kool‐Aid turns to liquid and makes a yummy smelling picture.

Submitted by Sara Mathes, Early Childhood Specialist

Resource: http://www.kidactivities.net/category/Seasonal‐Everything‐Summer.aspx


Child Care Chronicles Child Care Chronicles page 7 page 7

What’s the Most Important Thing You Own?

In today’s mad world we are often struggling by all of the things we have to accomplish, from our homework, to our children’s homework, to returning phone calls. From time to time we tend to try and make up for the lack of time we spend with our children by taking them to special places, buying them toys, candy, etc. But the truth of the matter is the only thing children want is our time.

The Webster’s dictionary defines "quantity," As a property of anything that can be determined by measurement, an exact amount of a particular thing.” "Quality," is defined “As any character or characteristic which may make an object good or bad, commendable or reprehensible, or a degree of excellence.”

Spending time with the children doesn't always mean you have to do something spectacular all the time. All it means is that you give your interest and attention to your children. What’s not a better way in doing so by turning an evening at home into “family night” . Here is a list of ideas:

Indoor Activities: ♥ Have a center slumber party ♥ Build a fort ♥ Get out the family photo albums ♥ Research your family history ♥ Make a collage out of pictures from old/unused magazines ♥ Draw pictures of members of your family (and possibly hang them up!) ♥ Write letters to grandparents or a pen‐pal ♥ Tell scary stories (with the lights out) ♥ Learn to play the guitar together ♥ Organize a 72 hour kit ♥ Learn sign language ♥ Learn about a different culture and make a meal based on it ♥ Create a family budget and plan for a vacation ♥ Start a family collection (coins, stories, rocks, treasures) ♥ Have a craft night – sewing, painting, etc

Outdoor Activities: ♥ Play stickball ♥ Play hopscotch (and you’re never too old to play) ♥ Fly kites ♥ Set up a lemonade stand on a warm day ♥ Shoot hoops together (Play H.O.R.S.E or Around the world) ♥ Tell stories around a campfire (Or a BBQ?) ♥ Organize a game of capture the flag ♥ Play freeze‐tag ♥ Go for a hike ♥ Go for a bike ride (or roller blade) together ♥ Organize a community clean‐up ♥ Learn how to use a compass ♥ Plant a tree or some flowers or a garden ♥ Go swimming – and learn a new stroke ♥ Go on a long drive – explore your city/outdoors ♥ Get some sleeping bags and have a star gazing evening ♥ Go fishing ♥ Make some s’mores around a campfire

You can find more ideas like these about center night at http://www.family‐night.com/family‐night‐activities/ .

So are you still asking yourself “What’s the Most Important Thing You Own? Time is the most precious thing you own...” ‐ Laura Ramirez

Resources: http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/537614/Spending‐time‐with‐your‐young‐children.html?nav=5003 http://www.thechildrensinitiative.org/games.htm

Submitted by Sara Mathes, Early Childhood Specialist

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page 8 Child Care Chronicles Child Care Chronicles

MHCCR&R is funded through a grant from DHHR, Bureau for Children and Families, Division of Early Care and Education.

MHCCR&R was established in 1992.

P.O. Box 966 • Beckley, WV 25801

Children are our future... and our future looks promising!

Important Information Professional Development

Schedule Inside!

Medication Administration Training

MountainHeart Child Care Resource & Referral is pleased to announce they will be sponsoring more Medication Administration Trainings. The following are the dates and times:

♥ March 6, 2012 at the Greenbrier County Workforce Building (Lewisburg/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. ♥ March 9, 2012 at the Nicholas County Workforce Building (Summersville/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. ♥ April 12, 2012 at the Mercer County Workforce Building (Princeton/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm ♥ April 24, 2012 at the MountainHeart Child Care Office Conference Room at 228 Ragland Road in Beckley from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. ♥ May 8, 2012 at the Greenbrier County Workforce Building (Lewisburg/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. ♥ May 10, 2012 at the Nicholas County Workforce Building (Summersville/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. ♥ June 12, 2012 at the Mercer County Workforce Building (Princeton/MountainHeart Office) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm ♥ June 26, 2012 at the MountainHeart Child Care Office Conference Room at 228 Ragland Road in Beckley from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Call Reba or Missy at 1‐866‐872‐9204 to register. Class size is limited to 15 and there will be a wait list. If, for

some reason after you register, an emergency arises and you are unable to attend, please call and let us know so we can put someone from wait list in your place.

Additional Requirements: ♥ Be registered on the WV STARS Career Pathway. The class is WV STARS approved. ♥ You need to bring a small baby doll with you. ♥ You need to bring a pair of non latex gloves. ♥ You need to bring your WV STARS Bar Code ID’s.

Due to the intensity of the material to be covered you must be there at the scheduled start time of training. If you have any questions feel free to contact MountainHeart Child Care Resource & Referral.

Training Materials Needed

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child care chronicles spring 2012 - mthtwv.com · the basic concept has been around in a variety of...

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