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Welcome to this month's issue of the Better Kid Care E-Newsletter - A newsletter for those caring for children.
Notable Quote:
"If you value perseverance, attention span, and stick-to-itiveness, be sure not to interrupt a busily absorbed toddler or two-year-old unless you absolutely have to." ~ Polly Greenburg
"October is a great time of year to measure the children. We like to use string or yarn, since the children can manipulate this well. Those who want to be measured find a partner or ask an adult to see how tall they are using string. We lie down on the floor and have one or two friends stretch the string from the tip of the head to the very bottom of the feet. We then put masking tape on the string with the child’s name and hang them on the wall. We like to have a measurement chart with numbers and measurements in inches and feet for comparison. We come back to this activity every few months, or whenever the children are interested to see growth. The children often end up measuring many things in our room, outside, etc. We hang these measurements up, too. |
Do you have a great tip or good thing? Send us your best tips in writing and your tip may end up in our newsletter! Email Christine at crb16@psu.edu or contact the Better Kid Care Program at 814-865-7894 or 800-452-9108 (within PA).
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Self-Regulation: Searching intentional practices - Part 1by Christine Belinda |
The following is Part 1 of Self regulation: Searching intentional practice. Part 2 will be in the BKC 2007 November E-Newsletter.
Researchers believe that most children are born with the ability to acquire self regulation skills. Self regulation has many definitions for children: ability to gain control of their body and its functions, ability to manage emotions, ability to focus and pay attention, and ability to control impulses. As early educators know, this is one of the most complex skills to develop and is individual to each child.
The stages of infancy through early childhood have proven to be critical in developing self regulation. Although most children acquire self regulation through positive early experiences, experts suggests that self regulation is a skill that needs guidance or to be taught. With these concepts in mind, what intentional practices can support self regulation?
Searching intentional practices
With a basic understanding of what self regulation is, early educators can begin to look at each child’s overall development to determine what practices may work.
Intentional practice: Along with meeting basic needs, try singing soothing songs to 
infants and very young children. Spend snuggle time reading with toddlers and preschoolers. Incorporate eye contact, gentle touch, conversation, and listening. When you cannot get to a child's need right away, let her know that you hear her and will help her soon. "I hear you calling to me, Josie. I am changing Daria's diaper right now, but I will come to you as soon as I'm done. Let's sing our turtle song while we wait."
Intentional practice: Consider adjusting yourself, the environment, or the experience to best help the child. For example, a very shy, quiet child my not like a lot of attention drawn to them with big "hellos" for the start of the day. Soften your voice and show a warm smile; key into their signals. Parents are a great resource to help you understand their child's temperament and what might help.
Intentional practice: Prompt self talk by asking open-ended and problem solving questions such as, "I need to have the color turquoise for my painting, but we don't have it. What should I do?" Also, talk out loud about what you are doing: "I’m going to have to stop playing and go wash the apples for snack. Then I'll have to cut them. I'll need to think how many apples I will need. One, two, three..."
Searching intentional practices that guide and encourage self regulation adds not only to quality care, but to helping each child learn to take care of herself. As with most development, gaining self regulation skills takes time. We all need self regulation in being part of a family, community, or society. How wonderful (and powerful) it is that early educators can contribute to a child’s development of self regulation by being well attuned to the child, meeting his needs, and planning thoughtful, intentional practices.
We've added more new one-hour Web-Based Distance Education lessons! Click on the title links below to preview lessons before registering.
Supporting Children's Families
Powerful Communication with Parents
To view a complete listing of all distance education lessons and additional information and resources, visit the Better Kid Care Distance Education page.
Children and the Flu Vaccine
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The Center for Disease Control recommends that healthy children age six months up through their fifth birthday, their close contacts (people who live with them), and out-of-home caregivers (nannies, child care providers, etc.) should get a flu vaccine. This expands last year's recommendation to now include vaccination for children two years old up to their fifth birthday this flu season. In addition, CDC also recommends influenza vaccination for any child from six months to eighteen years of age with chronic health problems.
The best time to get vaccinated is October or November. Children six months to nine years of age getting a flu shot for the first time will need two doses of vaccine the first year they are vaccinated, with the first dose ideally in September. The second dose should be given twenty-eight or more days after the first dose. The first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Keep this in mind if your child needs the two doses—begin the process early! It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin.
There are two types of vaccines. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than six months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is approved for use in healthy people two through forty-nine years of age who are not pregnant.
For more information about influenza, including links to fact sheets in many languages, go to www.cdc.gov/flu/
Great Books to Read with Children
How do you feel today?
The Quarreling Book, by Charlotte Zolotow, published by HarperTrophy, ISBN 0064430340. Did you ever have one of those days where the whole family seems to be quarreling? Read and find out what changes this family’s bad mood.
Tickle, Tickle, by Helen Oxenberry, published by Little Simon, ISBN 0027690202. Many faces of happy babies enjoying playing in the mud and with each other.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems, published by Walker Books Ltd, ISBN 1844280594. Trixie is enjoying a grand day with her dad until she discovers she’s left her beloved Knuffle Bunny behind.
Noisy Nora, by Rosemary Wells, published by Puffin, ISBN 01405677283. Nora is feeling ignored. Hmmm…what will she do to get her parents’ undivided attention?
The Big Orange Splot, by M. Daniel Pinkwater, published by Scholastic paperback, ISBN 0590445103. Did you ever see a seagull spill a can of orange paint on a house? Well, in this story, it really happens. Find out what happens with Mr. Plumbean and all his neighbors and the big orange splot.
Matthew and Tilly, by Rebecca Jones, published by Puffin, ISBN 0140556400. Good friends do a lot together; play, ride bikes, share treats, and even have disagreements. Matthew and Tilly have a disagreement over a broken purple crayon. Will they still be friends?
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 child care providers.
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Preparing Your Child To read more about preparing your child, click on the picture icon. |
Better Kid Care Satellite Season 2007-08:
October 11 -- Problem Solving with Children
Welcome to the 2007-08 satellite season! Satellite workshops offer opportunities for child care providers to learn form experts and to share their experiences with other child care providers nationwide. Professional development hours are available. Mark your calendars now with the following dates and topics:
October 11, 2007
Problem Solving with Children
Professional Development Code K2C1 / Topic Code 21 / CDA 3
Hitting, grabbing, pushing, and biting: how do children learn to play nicely? Children can learn to solve their own problems, but they need adults to teach them how to do it.
More 2007-08 Satellite Dates and Topics!
December 13, 2007
Math for Every Age
Professional Development Code K2C1 / Topic Code 17 / CDA 2
If you're able to add 1 + 1 and get 2, you can do math with children. Learn what young children understand about math at each age and simple math activities to do with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.March 13, 2008
Science for Young Thinkers
Professional Development Code K2C1/ Topic Code18 / CDA 2
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to help future scientists learn the basics. Find out how to make science activities really fun for children and adults.May 15, 2008
Improving Transition Times
Professional Development Code K2C2 / Topic Code 13 / CDA 1
Moving from place to place, activity to activity, is often filled with tears, screaming, and tantrums. Learn how you can smooth transitions to make them productive, fun times for children and stress free for adults.
Visit the Satellite Workshop link for more information.
Missed a show? Visit the Past Satellite Workshop page to view video online. If you live in Pennsylvania, contact your local extension educator for information to attend a workshop in your area. Outside Pennsylvania view Out-of-State Information link.
Interested in professional development opportunities? Take a look at the following professional development training available for early childhood practitioners:
For more professional development opportunities, visit the PA Keys online calendar.
CDA News! (Child Development Associate credential)
Get CDA Support!
Call Better Kid Care today at 800-452-9108. Talk with someone who can help you get started in the CDA credential process.
E-mail your CDA questions to Christine at crb16@psu.edu.
Visit the Better Kid Care What is the CDA? link for more information
Coming soon from the Council for Professional Recognition! To keep pace with the accelerated demand for teacher qualifications, the Council will launch a new online CDA assessment option that will facilitate candidate assessments. This option will mirror the existing CDA assessment system and allow candidates to submit applications and complete assessments using personal computers.
To access this option, candidates must meet all eligibility and documentation collection requirements as outlined in the CDA Assessment System and Competency Standards book specific for their credential types. Candidates will gain access to the online application screen vial the Council’s Web site. Upon approval, candidates will complete the Early Childhood Studies Review and CDA Situational Assessment. The Council will then review the results to issue credentialing based on competence in meeting the CDA Competency Goals and Functional Areas.
This streamlined process will offer an alternative to the existing paper-based assessment system. Stay tuned for more to come about this new exciting option. Visit the Council’s Web site at www.cdacouncil.org and look for the Council at the NAEYC annual conference in Chicago this November (www.naeyc.org).
CDA assessment scholarships are available! Scholarships to help practitioners pay for the CDA assessment fee are available through the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program. The CDA assessment scholarship pays for most of the cost of the CDA assessment fee, and provides a $200 bonus upon earning the credential. It requires a six-month commitment from the recipient to either the employer or child care field, depending on the model selected. Practitioners can apply for this scholarship regardless of how they earned their CDA Professional Development Hours (credit or non-credit) and do not have to be sponsored by their employer.
Notebook Contains: Tip Sheets, Activities Pages & Lunch and Snack Ideas
All publications are available online to print and share with your friends, family, and other childcare providers. Select issues are also available in Spanish.
New Staff Orientation curriculum is specifically designed for new staff members in child care centers. Meets the Keystone STARS Performance Standards. Order at no cost by calling 800-452-9108. Prepayment for review of each Orientation is $5.00. If you received materials before November 1, 2006, please download new Instructions and REQUIRED Forms.
Home-Based Caregiver Orientation - Meets the Keystone STARS Core Series Training Requirements. Order at no cost by calling 800-452-9108. Prepayment for review of each Orientation is $5.00. If you received materials before November 1, 2006, please download new Instructions & REQUIRED Forms.
Do you have questions about caring for other people's children, such as:
Call the Better Kid Care Mentoring Line at 800-859-8340 or e-mail your questions to betterkidcare@psu.edu for information about child care and children's issues.
PA Pre-K Counts programs offer free quality pre-kindergarten throughout the Commonwealth - Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a state initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide children at risk of academic failure with a high quality pre-kindergarten experience.
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts offers half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten. A Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts classroom will provide a qualified teacher and teacher's aide, small class sizes, a curriculum that is aligned with the PA Early Learning Standards, regular assessment of the children's progress, and reporting of the program's performance. To enroll your child in a Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, visit the PDE Web site for a listing of programs and contact the programs in your area directly for enrollment information. Go to www.pde.state.pa.us and click on "Pre K-12," "Early Childhood," and "Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts."
Family Involvement in Early Childhood Education
This research brief synthesizes the latest research that demonstrates how family involvement contributes to young children's learning and development. The brief summarizes the latest evidence base on effective involvement—specifically, the research studies that link family involvement in early childhood to outcomes and programs that have been evaluated to show what works.
Parents Guide from Green Hour: If you’re new to the outdoors, or you just don’t know how to help your child play outside, the Green Hour Parents’ Guide is a useful resource. Find new ways to make Green Hour work for your family.
2008 Pennsylvania One Book Ready – “Up, Down, and Around”
Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child 2008 will kick-off next year on April 1, 2008. The featured book will be Up, Down, and Around, written by Pittsburgh author Kathryn Ayres and illustrated by Nadine Wescott. Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child is a statewide effort to promote early literacy and get our children excited about reading. For more information, visit www.paonebook.org.
Free DVD - An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Original date of presentation: October 6, 2006. This six-hour presentation provides a basic overview of autism spectrum disorder, including family issues. Presented as a collaboration between the PA Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Autism Services and the PA Department of Education, it is appropriate for behavioral health and school support personnel unfamiliar with autism spectrum disorder. Presenters included Claire Choutka, M.Ed., BCBA, clinical director, Autism Affairs. To request a copy, e-mail the title and date the DVD was filmed, name, and shipping address to DPW-AutismOffice@state.pa.us. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
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View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters
Upcoming November E-Newsletter:
Look for information on Self-Regulation: Searching intentional practices (Part 2)
Reflections…
We would love to hear from you! E-mail your ideas to crb16@psu.edu or call 814-865-7894.
Disclaimer: Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.
