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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: "It is important that children be allowed to find out the nature of things by themselves. Everything should not be explained, demystified, beforehand." ~ Helle Nebelong
| Summer Resources! . . . Plan for summer now! Better Kid Care has pulled together resources to help early educators plan for summer. You'll find activities, lunch and snack ideas, tip pages, newsletters, distance education, and more! Visit the Summer Resource page for topics on: |
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 Outdoor Style Snacks that Are Fun Summer Spaces Sun Safety Don’t "Bug" Me Rainy Day Ideas And LOTS MORE! |
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).
by Christine Belinda
Because you work so closely with children, you observe the different ways children develop and their unique learning styles. While all children grow and develop in their own way, you may notice changes in some children that are different than those in most, or that are different in comparison to general developmental milestones. Early recognition of a child’s unique learning needs requires that you know about Early Intervention.
Early Intervention is a collaborative process designed to help children and their families with developmental delays. It is a collection of services and supports designed to help families enhance their child's development. Early Intervention involves a cohesive effort of parents, child care providers, Early Intervention providers, and others involved with the child.
Early Intervention services can include information on how children develop, therapies helping movement, information and plans designed for families to enhance their child’s development, and ideas for how you can help the child in your program.Be informed
Early Intervention services provide a window of opportunities for all involved, but it takes some looking into. Whether or not you have a child needing support, it is wise to be informed of Early Intervention services.
Each state provides information and services for Early Intervention. In Pennsylvania, Early Intervention is funded by federal, state, and county funds, public insurance, and many other community resources. County mental health/mental retardation programs administer Early Intervention programs locally for children from birth through age two (infants and toddlers).
The PA Department of Education, OCDEL; Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Bureau of Early Intervention Services--through local intermediate units, school districts, or other agencies–administers Early Intervention programs for children from three years to the start of school (preschoolers).Know and use your contacts
Contact the local mental health/mental retardation program or Department of Education serving your area and request information regarding the referral process for Early Intervention (brochures and contact information). Also inquire about other services and information available for those who may not qualify for Early Intervention. Having this information on file allows you to be prepared for families in need. *PA contacts listed below
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Document your ideas Written observations are always important in understanding each child’s developmental needs. If you have concerns about a child, be sure to document these by collecting samples of work, written observations that occurred over a period of time, and written examples of the ways you have adapted your work to meet the child’s needs. This will be supportive when sharing information with families and possibly the Early Intervention team. |
Support families
Parents are the experts on their child. Take time to reflect on the families’ needs and dreams for their child. It may be difficult for the family to hear concerns about their child. Often parents are frightened and unaware of where to go for help. Use active listening and share resources you have gathered from other agencies that offer support.
| And remember, special concerns should be discussed at special meeting times, not at busy transition times. This meeting will be an important time for the family to share their ideas, concerns, and questions. Give them time to plan for the meeting as well as time to absorb what was discussed. Families will look to you for direction. It is not your role to label or diagnose the problem. Your role will be in working with the family to identify needs, show support, and help contact the designated referral agency. |  |
Determine eligibility
The first step to accessing Early Intervention services is to determine if the child is eligible (by the Early Intervention program). With parental permission, preliminary information is gathered, and evaluations (and possibly screenings) are done to determine eligibility by the Early Intervention program.
If services are suggested by the Early Intervention specialists and accepted by the family, speak with both the family and the Early Intervention specialists about being part of the team. Early Intervention specialists are trained to share knowledge and skills to support the child, family, and others working with the child.
Programs that collaborate have better success: Children see the relationship and effort of adults working together and feel the emotional comfort of collaborating. Everyone working with the child incorporates comparable ideas and plans so that the child receives consistent support.
The Early Intervention program will assist the team in developing written plans for services. For birth to three years of age, the plan is called Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP). For children ages three to school age, written plans are called Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
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Every child is competent Because you know the children in your care so well, you are an important person to identify their unique qualities and strengths. Becoming aware of Early Intervention can have a profound impact on children, their families, and you. |
*Early Intervention Information in PA:
A Child Care Provider’s Guide to Early Intervention Services in Pennsylvania - call 800-360-7288 or go to http://www.pattan.net/files/EI/CC-Guide.pdf
A Family’s Introduction to Early Intervention in Pennsylvania - call 800-692-7288 or go to http://www.pattan.k12.pa.us/files/EI/EarlyInt-guide-OUT.pdf
CONNECT Information Services – 800-692-7288
DPW – Early Intervention http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/PartnersProviders/ChildCareEarlyEd/003670909.htm
Caring for a special needs child can be very rewarding. Learn how to balance your days and plan a program that meets the needs of all the children in your care. Discover how you can support special needs children by working as a team with their family, therapists, and doctors.
Preview and register for the distance education lesson: Are You Ready for a Special Needs Child?
View a complete listing of all distance education lessons and information about how to register by visiting the Better Kid Care Distance Education page.
Neighborhood Safety Network Posters
Neighborhood Safety Network Posters are available on many topics, including those important to the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Examples are bicycle safety, bicycle helmets, playground safety, pool safety, and firework safety. View or print Neighborhood Safety Network Posters by visiting: http://www.cpsc.gov/nsn/nsnposter.html
By going to the Consumer Product Safety Commission home page www.cpsc.gov , you can sign up for reminders when the NSN publishes new items.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - View Child Abuse Prevention Materials at www.safestartcenter.org/month.htm
Turn the PageGreat Books to Read with Children: All Kinds of Friends |
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! by Ellen B. Sensi, published by Woodbine House, ISBN 1890627356. With this beautifully photographed and engaging story, children discover that living with disability and facing its challenges can be seen as interesting, even positive.
Friends at School, by Rochelle Bunnett, published by Star Bright Books, ISBN 1595720405. A story about acceptance and diversity; children of mixed abilities working and playing at school.
My Friend Isabelle, by Eliza Woloson, published by Woodine House, ISBN 189062750X. Isabel and Charlie are friends. Some things they do the same; some things they do different. They discover this is exactly what makes the world a great place!
How Willy Got His Wheels, by Deborah Turner, published by Doral Publishing, ISBN 0944875548. This is a real-life story based on a family who adopted a dog who could not walk. Discover the many humorous ways they attempt to help him walk (balloons, skateboards) until he is fitted to a wheelchair. Inspirational!
Susan Laughs, by Jeanne Willis, published by Henry Hold and Company, ISBN 0805066016. Children identify with the many things Susan does: Susan throws, Susan swims, Susan sulks, Susan gets mad, Susan laughs, etc. Near the end of the story, we discover Susan is in a wheelchair.
More books about "All Kinds of Friends":
I Can, Can You? by Marjorie Pitzer, published by Woodbine House, ISBN 1890627577
Someone Special Like You, by Tricia Brown, published by Henry Hold and Co., ISBN 0805042687
In Jesse's Shoes, by Beverly Lewis, published by Bethany House, ISBN 0764203134
Victoria's Day, by Maria de Fatima Campos, published by Francis Lincoln, ISBN 1845075714
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.
Reading Times Are Special Times Get the reading habit early. Your child will benefit from hearing you read to her from the time she is born. Reading times are one-on-one times with your child. It only takes a few minutes to read a book to you child, but the special bond you build lasts a lifetime. |
Better Kid Care Satellite Season 2007-08
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 date and topic:
Next up! 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.
Visit the Better Kid Care "What is the CDA?" newly revised link and get answers to your CDA questions! Call Christine at 800-452-9108 or e-mail your CDA questions to crb16@psu.edu.
History of CDA
The concept for the CDA credential was initiated in 1971 as a national movement to improve the quality of child care and was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF). Following three years of development work, the first CDA credentials were awarded in July 1975. Learn more about the history of the CDA by visiting http://www.cdacouncil.org/ab_his.htm
Interested in professional development opportunities? Take a look at the following professional development training available for early childhood practitioners.
In Pennsylvania:
Other:
Outside Pennsylvania:
The beauty of the One Book, Every Young Child program goes far beyond just giving parents and caregivers a book to read to preschoolers. It emphasizes ways that adults can engage children in activities such as talking about a book's cover and illustrations, discussing the action in the book and favorite parts, and making up pretend play games related to the story. http://www.paonebook.org/
ECE Student Advocacy Toolkit - ECE students and teachers, learn how to become a children's champion with the PA Keys Student Advocacy Toolkit. This toolkit includes a PowerPoint presentation, discussion guide, and activities to help college teachers discuss public policy and our role as children's champions. Visit http://www.pakeys.org/student_advocacy_toolkit.aspx
FBI Clearances - As of July 1, 2008, new staff in new early childhood facilities including Centers, Group Homes and Family Child Care Homes, must obtain a fingerprint-based FBI Clearance (this also includes new staff in existing programs). This is also in addition to the already required Child Abuse and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record. Visit www.pa.cogentid.com/dpw *Family Child Care Homes are now required to have Child Abuse Clearance, Police Criminal History Checks, and FBI Clearance for every person over 18 years of age who live in the home for over 30 days. http://www.pa.cogentid.com/dpw/DPW_DOCS_html/PA_DPW_FAQs.htm
PLACES for PLAY - Play Link and the Free Play Network have created PLACES for PLAY: Exhibition to illustrate some of the many imaginative ways of creating play environments.
Plan Ahead for National Environmental Education Week - April 13-19, 2008
National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) is the nation's largest organized environmental education event. It increases the educational impact of Earth Day (April 22) by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning, and activities for K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums. http://www.eeweek.org/
Child Care Trends; Early Childhood Research Briefs -We study the features of high-quality environments, professional development for the early care and education workforce, and effective strategies for improving the quality of children’s early experiences, both at home and in child care. Visit http://www.childtrends.org/_portalcat.cfm?LID=51F75FAD-F095-4351-AEB50DFBAC4A2EA0
Children and Nature Network - As part of ongoing efforts to build movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels: http://www.cnaturenet.org/news/detail/trail_guides_for_the_ipod_generation Children and Nature 2008: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World Download PDF [2.2MB] C&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
[>] Download PDF [1.4MB]
2009 Youth Garden Grants ~ Deadline: November 1
NGA is happy to announce that The Home Depot has returned to sponsor the Youth Garden Grants for 2009. For the 2009 grant cycle, 125 grants are available. http://www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp
Earth Day is April 22, 2008! Thousands of groups and individuals are planning events all around the world. http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday/
Saucony Run for Good Program encourages active and healthy lifestyles in children and offers grants to communities and non-profit organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids. Deadline: June 13, 2008.Child Abuse Prevention Begins at Home - In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, CYFERnet (Children Youth and Families Education Research Network) focuses on helping parents learn positive ways to guide and discipline their children, manage stress and improve family communication. View the myriad of resources available through CYFERnetsome of them in Spanish as well as English at: http://www.cyfernet.org/hottopic/april08.html
Child Welfare League of America on-line radio - All this month, the Child Welfare League of America's new online radio channel will feature topics related to child abuse and neglect prevention. Don't miss the April 9 coverage of the upcoming Child Abuse and Prevention Act reauthorization. To listen to On the Line with CWLA, go to www.blogtalkradio.com/CWLA-Radio.
Record the Ribbit 2008 - Saturday, May 3 - Looking for a fun activity for you, your family or friends? Why not help FrogWatch USA by monitoring frogs and toads in your area? Join hundreds of FrogWatchers across the country on Saturday, May 3rd, and in as little as twenty minutes, you can help create a "snapshot" of the environmental health status of amphibians. For more information about FrogWatch USA or to become a regular FrogWatch USA monitor, click here: www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa
National Wildlife Week April 19 - 27 - Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of National Wildlife Week. Visit www.nwf.org/watch to download wildlife watch list for your state, share your sightings online and even talk to other Wildlife Watchers.
Better Kid Care Kit
Need ideas in your work caring for children? When you enroll in the Better Kid Care Program and sign up for the Better Kid Care Kit, child care providers will receive several free publications in the mail. Family home child care providers will also receive The Basics of Caring for Children in Your Home notebook to organize and store your Better Kid Care publications. Have you signed up to receive a Better Kid Care Kit yet? Complete our online registration form or call 800-452-9108 to order.
Preview notebook contents: Tip Sheets, Activities Pages and 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.
Home-Based Caregiver Orientation - Meets the Keystone STARS Core Series Training Requirements. Order at no cost by calling 800-452-9108.
Do you have questions about caring for other people's children, such as:
How do I get a child to eat?Why won't a child share?How do I stop a child from biting other children?
What should I do when a parent doesn't pay on time?
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.
New subscribers can join by sending an email to:
BetterKidCareNews-subscribe-request@lists.psu.edu.
View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters
Upcoming Feature Article in
May E-Newsletter:
Look for information on Creating Structures Big and Small
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.
