Skip the navigation and go directly to the content.
Discoveries for those caring for children…
Subscribe to the E-Newsletter today for monthly inspiration and relevant news!
Notable Quote
“The most important thing is to make children feel loved and accepted for who they are, rather than rejected for what they are not.” — Anonymous
Feature Article
Heavy Hearts: When Children Experience Loss
By Christine Belinda, Early Childhood Program Specialist
As early educators, nothing pulls at our heart strings more than to see a child experiencing loss. Unfortunately, children may face many significant losses and traumas in their young lives. How can we begin to understand how to help children experiencing loss?
“From the loss of a child’s tooth to the death of a parent, we grieve what we miss and want back – whether it be a mom, a pet, a toy, or our dignity and respect.” ~ Linda Goldman
Understanding our own feelings and ideas about loss will help us better work with children. A few questions to reflect on are: How do you personally handle loss, sadness, and grief? How was death (and loss) explained, or not explained, to you as a child? What are your concerns in exploring loss and grief with children? What has prepared you to help children through loss?
Distance Education Highlights
Giving Your Best: Making Secure Attachments (Includes new On Demand Review)
Are you aware that Better Kid Care provides comprehensive curricula in early childhood development?
The Better Kid Care curriculum follows the Pennsylvania Core Body of Knowledge and offers multiple course titles to choose from. Each course offers numerous Distance Education lessons, providing a well-rounded approach to meet your professional development needs. View the entire Better Kid Care Distance Education curriculum on line at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu and choose your course of study today!
Giving Your Best: Making Secure Attachments
If you make a list of qualities of successful adults it will likely include: confidence, independence, strong social skills, resilience, cooperation, etc. The foundation for these traits is built on the relationships that infants and toddlers form with the adults in their world. Learn what you can provide for children today to help prepare them to be successful adults tomorrow. Preview the lesson here.
Available as a two-hour Web lesson. To complete this lesson online and receive credit and comments, you will need to register.
NEW! On Demand Review: The assignment questions for this lesson provide On Demand Review. You will receive immediate feedback as you complete each question. When you have successfully completed all questions, click the submit button. Better Kid Care will process your certificate and mail it to you within one week of completion.
View Better Kid Care's comprehensive list of web based and mail based professional development lessons here.
Research Collections:
Birth–to-College Education Approach, Parent-Child Talks for Mathematics
Working Together to Build Birth-to-College Approach Education – The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute and Ounce of Prevention Fund explore ideas for building strong partnerships. In 2009, the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute1 (UEI) and the Ounce of Prevention Fund2 (the Ounce) embarked on an effort to form a partnership whose vision is to “…build a model of public education for children and their families that begins at birth and creates success in school, college, and life.” Read the Teaching Case Study: Working Together to Build a Birth-to-College Approach to Public Education: Forming a Partnership between the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute and the Ounce of Prevention Fund
Parent-Child Talks about Numbers Count Toward Mathematics Achievement – A report from the University of Chicago has determined that an important period for developing math knowledge is before preschool. According to the findings, children whose parents talk more about numbers are more likely to show mathematical knowledge upon entering preschool. Since other studies have shown that the level of mathematics knowledge students exhibit upon entering school predicts future success, these findings "suggest that encouraging parents to talk about numbers with their children, and providing them with effective ways to do so, may positively impact children's school achievement," says Susan Levine, leader of the study and University of Chicago psychologist. Watch a video of Susan Levine describing her report's findings here. To read a news release on the report, click here.
Inspirations
String Bowls
Gather yarn or string, glue, scissors, and balloons to help in creating interesting string bowls. Directions here.
Turn the Page
Love and Loss
Here's a list to take to the library.
Special Note: It is recommended that you preview each of the suggested books before sharing with children, especially on sensitive topics such as death, loss, and sadness. A preview reading will help in deciding if it fits the particular group of children or child, depending on their circumstances and development. It is also recommended to discuss this with the parents/caregivers of the children.
Family Time / Work Time
Are you looking for articles to share with your families? Do you need information for your parent/family bulletin board? Family Time / Work Time shares easy-to-read articles for busy parents and caretakers with a focus on Building Strong Families.
You are welcome to print and share these publications with your friends, family, and other childcare providers.
When No News is Good News
By Nancy Wilson, Early Childhood Program Specialist
Do you like to watch or listen to the news regularly? You might want to consider listening to news when your child is not around because some news reports can be scary for a child. It's easy to forget that your child might be nearby listening. When there is a large national disaster or a crime that gets lots of coverage, it usually gets repeated over and over again, sometimes for days. A child does not understand that it only happened once and may think that something awful is happening again and again. This can be frightening for a child. So, turn off the news when your child is around. Make home a safe place for your child without bringing in fears from the outside world. Read more.
View archived Family Time/Work Time articles here.
NEW! Caring I.D.E.A.S. for Children from Military-Connected Families:
Information,
Developmental understanding,
Educational resources,
Action ideas, and
Supportive practices
Caring for children from military-connected families requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs and strengths. Each month, Caring I.D.E.A.S for Children from Military-Connected Families will feature research-based information to support and increase the quality of caring for children from military-connected families. This month’s highlight: What Play Provides
What Play Provides
“Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.” ~ Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, and the Committee on Communications and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, American Academy of Pediatrics,
The importance of play is a theme that arises repeatedly. There are even organizations whose single purpose is to advocate the importance of play and play based practices. Play is essential to all young children in learning and making sense of their world. It connects and establishes all areas of development for young children. Play gives voice, tools, and understanding for children’s capabilities, ideas, feelings, frustrations, questions, challenges, and joys. Play, for children, is the primary basis for understanding.
Caring for children from military connected families means keeping a pulse on how military experiences are affecting children. Although most children do quite well, they still need caring, thoughtful support through all the changes they may encounter. Play can provide perspective and understanding into the child’s world, helping to monitor and enrich development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a clinical report titled “The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds.” This report offers guidelines on how to advocate for children by helping families, school systems, and communities consider how best to ensure play is protected as they seek to create the optimal developmental setting for children. View the report.
Read more about play from Better Kid Care:
Remember: April 2011 is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the Armed Forces Community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. Read ideas about Month of the Military Child from the Real Warriors campaign.
Call for artists – Each year military-connected children are asked to submit work that can be utilized in the MCEC's (Military childcare Education Coalition) publications, conferences, and other activities. Included in the request for work from military-connected children, kindergarten through high school, are artwork, film, and writing (essays, poetry, and short stories). Artwork in the visual arts is featured at the MCEC's national conference each year. It is utilized in the On The Move magazine, the annual calendar, the conference program, and other MCEC publications. Click here for information on the 2011 Call for the Arts
School Age childcare
Engaging Older Youth
Engaging Older Youth: Program and City-level Strategies to Support Sustained Participation in Out-of-School Time
Read about key strategies to promote OST program participation among older youth. The Wallace Foundation commissioned this report as part of its effort to help develop lessons relevant to cities on how to build systems that support high-quality out-of-school time programs.
In addition to identifying key characteristics of OST programs, this study also compares and contrasts the practices that are effective for middle school- versus high school-aged youth, noting that a “one-size-fits-all” strategy does not work well. Engaging Older Youth also details the influence of city-level OST initiatives on programs and identifies the types of city-level services that are likely to support participation. Together, these findings can help OST leaders and city initiatives alike to improve their existing recruitment and retention strategies for older youth.More School Age Resources!
Visit the Better Kid Care School Age link here.
CDA Notions
NEWS from the CDA Council
Meet Valora Washington, New CEO for the CDA Council
The CDA Council announced Valora Washington as the new Chief Executive Officer. Washington has had a career focused on advancing the early care and education field in both practice and advocacy. In the CDA CounciLink January 2011 e-newsletter, Washington states, “As the new CEO of the CDA Council, I will be working to expand our services to meet the times. The opportunity to earn a CDA must become available to even more people – that is our goal.” Read more from Washington here.
More CDA Information: CEUs for CDA Renewal
One of the requirements for renewing your CDA credential is documented proof of at least 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or a three-credit college course in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult learning, mental health counseling, etc. Did you know Better Kid Care offers CEUs? To receive one (1) CEU, ten (10) hours of Better Kid Care Professional Development must be completed. Any combination of 2-hour or 1-hour Better Kid Care Distance Education lessons can combine to earn CEUs. Visit the Better Kid Care CEU page to find out more and access the CEU request form.
CDA Help
Penn State Better Kid Care and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs are teaming up to bring you "Go Green for Kids," a monthly tip to help you provide a healthier and safer environment for the children in your care. This month focuses on rodents.
Got Mice?
Winter is the time when furry little creatures, such as mice, are looking for a warm place to eat and sleep. Mice are small gray, black or brown rodents with a light colored belly and large ears. They usually measure five to eight inches in length including their long, hairless tail. Amazingly, mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime and can squeeze through gaps under doors. Mice are active at night, but evidence of their activity can be seen during the day. Look for gnaw marks, nesting material, and mouse droppings, which are about the size of rice grains. Mice can contaminate food, transmit disease, and chew on electrical wires causing fires. Use integrated pest management (IPM) practices to address mice problems in less risky, more effective ways. Here are a few helpful hints:
For more information, download Is There A Mouse In The House? and visit the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management program at www.paipm.org.
Professional Development Highlights
The following information highlights upcoming professional development opportunities available for early childhood practitioners:
PA Keys to Quality - Professional Development Training Calendar
Are you looking for training specifically in your area? Visit the PA Keys to Quality web site to locate and search the professional development training calendar. Go to PAKEYS.ORG and Log in, Click on Calendar, Search the Calendar, and Contact the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality office with any questions at 800-284-6031.
February 3 - Designing Your School Yard Habitat, webinar 4:00 PM EST, National Wildlife Federation www.nwf.org/schoolyardevents
February 5 - The Power of Light as a Language for Exploration: Children, Science and Creativity, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, ted.coe.wayne.edu/reggio
February 5 - Lullabies to Literacy, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
February 6-9 – The Value of Play, Clemson University Madren Center, South Carolina, http://usplaycoalition.clemson.edu/conf2011.php
February 10 –Webinar 1:00 – 2:00 : TEACH 101 for Directors, Pennsylvania childcare Associations, 717-657-9000
February 19 - Story Time and Beyond, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
February 26 - Classroom Management Techniques & Ways to Work with Personality Plus Kids!, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 2-4- Early Education and Technology for Children™ (EETC), Salt Lake City, Utah, http://www.eetcconference.org/
March 5 – Families in Society: Handling Stress, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 13-14 – PA Early Childhood Public Policy Forum, PACCA, Harrisburg, Hershey, PA
March 15-19 – National Association of childcare Resource and Referral Agency, Making Connections: All Children, All Families, All Settings, Washington, D. C. http://www.naccrra.org/conferences/symposium/2010-nps.php
March 19 – Across the Curriculum with Nursery Rhymes, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 30-April 2 – Addressing Challenging Behavior: National Training Institute of Effective Practice/Supporting Young Children's Social Development, Clearwater Beach, Florida
April 2 – 1-2-3 Magic Part 1, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
April 7-10 – National Association for Elementary School Principals, Tampa, FL, http://s15.a2zinc.net/clients/naesp/naesp11/public/enter.aspx
April 16 - 1-2-3 Magic Part 2, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
April 16 - A Child’s Right to Invent, Imagine and Observe: Constructing and Deconstructing the Language of Drawing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, ted.coe.wayne.edu/reggio
May 2, 2011 - May 5, 2011– Greensboro, NC – The National Smart Start Conference is hailed as the nation's largest conference devoted to early education systems and strategies.
May 4-5 – Pennsylvania Head Start Spring Conference, Harrisburg, PA
May 5-7 – DVAEYC (Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children) Conference, Philadelphia, PA http://www.dvaeyc.org/events/annual-conference
May 22-24 – Building Quality: Educational Leadership for a Changing World, State College, PA, contact jneben@berksiu.org
June 4 – Save the Date! Behavior Symposium, Beaver Falls, PA
June 12, 2011 – NAEYC National Institute for Professional Development, Providence, Rhode Island
July 10-13 – National Principals Conference: Strengthening Communities through Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Young Learners, Orlando FL
July 19-21, 2011– Save the Date! PA Infant-Toddler Symposium, Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA contact Karen at 717-526-4646 or karen@paheadstart.org
July 21-23 – Save the Date - The 19th Annual Children and Youth Garden Symposium "Digging into the Art & Science of Gardening", Lansing, Michigan, 4-H Children's Garden and the Frederik Meijer Botanic Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Great Resources
By topic: Early Education, Families, Nature, Health and Well Being, Grants, Funding, and OpportunityNational Parks Service for Teachers: Interpretation and Education - If you are a teacher searching for classroom materials, a student doing research, or a person looking for a place to spend some time, have some fun and learn in the process, LearnNPS is for you. Here you'll find curriculum, fun and games, a guide to park Junior Ranger programs and a host of other fun and educational media created by the National Park Service and our partners.
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks - The National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011 and encourages all Americans to visit a national park this year. Many national park concessions will also offer discounts on fee free days, saving visitors money on food, lodging, tours, and souvenirs. More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. Start Planning Your Visit!
What Is Shout? Shout, from the Smithsonian Institution, invites educators and students to take an active role in global environmental issues. Connect online with experts in the field, share ideas, and collaborate with people around the world committed to solving environmental challenges.
National Wildlife Week – In 2011, National Wildlife Federation celebrates its 75th anniversary. To mark this milestone, National Wildlife Week will be all about wildlife—the wildlife we’ve protected for 75 years and the wildlife we are still working to protect today. Get ready for free downloadable posters, fun activities and project ideas for every day of the week.
New Rules for Cribs – The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted December 15, 2010 to approve a new Rule for Cribs, adopting the most rigorous standards in the world. The Rule is an outcome of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Visit the Crib Information Center.
Reduce Risks of Choking – The risk for choking remains significant until the age of 5. The January 2011 Healthy childcare America Health and Safety E News for Caregivers and Teachers is dedicated to reducing the risk of choking in early childhood settings.
Grants, Funding, & Opportunity
2011 Welch’s Harvest Grant – Deadline: February 11, 2011
As a family farmer owned company that is proud to grow and nurture grapes, Welch's values the importance of healthy eating. In partnership with Scholastic and the National Gardening Association, Welch's will award 95 garden packages worth $500 and 5 packages worth $1,000. Recipients may choose between indoor or outdoor gardening supplies. Visit http://www.scholastic.com/harvest to complete the online application.
Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program – Register by March 1, 2011
Each year, Bonnie Plants distributes free cabbage plants to third graders across the country to foster an interest in gardening and the environment. Cabbages are delivered to students whose teachers have signed up to participate. Students in these third grade classrooms each get their very own cabbage to plant, take care of and harvest. The cabbages produce oversized heads, making the process even more exciting for kids. As part of the program, Bonnie gives a $1,000 award to one student in each state. Find out more.
The got breakfast? Silent Hero Grant program was launched to encourage schools and nxonprofit organizations to expand the reach of under-utilized child nutrition programs, most notably the National School Breakfast Program. Award: Multiple awards of $5,000 each are available. Eligibility: Public schools, nonprofit private schools and nonprofits that participate in the National School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply.
Thinkfinity: Free Online Educational Resources (deadline Rolling; K-12 lesson plans, student materials, reference materials, and professional development opportunities for teachers and afterschool programs)
Subscribe to the BKC E-Newsletter
New subscribers can join by clicking this link: http://eepurl.com/dRhWg..
View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters here.
Reflections…
Let's hear from you! Email your ideas to crb16@psu.edu or call 814-865-7894.
References
Books
Life and Loss: A guide to help grieving children , 2nd edition, by Linda Goldman, published by Taylor & Frances Group, 2000
Talking With Children About Loss: Words, Strategies, and Wisdom to Help
Children Cope with Death, Divorce, and other Difficult Tmes by Maria Trozzi with Kathy Massimini, published by The Berkeley Publishing Group, 1999
Articles
When Families Grieve, Sesame Street, A special guide for parents and caregivers
When Children Mourn, A Resource on Early Learning Tip Sheet from Illinois Early Learning Project
Web sites:
The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children and Families
Sesame Street Workshop, Talk, Listen, and Connect
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Children’s Grief Education Association
Disclaimer: Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.
