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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: None of the new communication technologies involve human touch... many of us can go through an average day and not have more than a handshake. - Nancy Dess, taken from Last Child in the Wood ~ R. Louv
Problem Solving and PuppetsReasearch-Based Information
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
Research demonstrates that children need responsive care and opportunities to build healthy attachments to their caregivers. It's difficult to imagine responsive care without holding an infant, rocking a toddler, or graciously accepting the good-morning hug from a happy three-year-old. Physical contact with others is valuable and a critical component of healthy development, but may be missing or misunderstood in many early childhood programs.
Touch: Do we even need to discuss it?
Touch may be a challenging topic to discuss. There are strong concerns and issues to consider, such as inappropriate touch and abuse, as well as each person's individual feelings and history regarding touch.
To avoid any confusion or misjudgment, many adults in early care programs simply avoid touch altogether. Without proper training, policies, and researched-based information, early educators may simply be confused as to what touch means in their work. But understanding the meaning of touch in regards to healthy child development is important for early educators. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):
Warm, responsive touches convey regard and concern for children of any age. |
Touch research
Touch has been shown to reduce stress and support brain development. High stress hormone levels in the brain have been found to delay cognitive development as well as other developmental areas. Positive, appropriate touch, then, may lead to greater mental and physical development in children.
The Touch Research Institute (TRI), a team of researchers representing Duke, Harvard, Maryland, and other universities, has been studying touch and its role in promoting health and well-being since 1982. The TRI (at the University of Miami School of Medicine), through more than 100 studies, found evidence of the power of touch. Among the significant research findings are enhanced growth in preterm infants when touch therapy was incorporated.
From the research publication titled Touch Communicates Distinct Emotion:
Touch is central to human social life. It is the most developed sensory modality at birth, and it contributes to cognitive, brain, and socio-emotional development throughout infancy and childhood (Field, 2001; Hertenstein, 2002; Stack, 2001).
Many experts agree that early childhood has changed. Young children today are bombarded with media, electronics, and commercialism. They often have busy schedules that consist of many out-of-home activities and care. Results of such a lifestyle may add to the disconnect of nurturing experiences, where comforting relationships are formed and positive physical interactions occur, such as slowing down and reading a book in the lap of a caring adult or holding hands and going on a walk.
Touch policies
In a Position Statement included in Prevention of Child Abuse in Early Childhood Programs and the Responsibilities of Early Childhood Professionals to Prevent Child Abuse, NAEYC states (guideline 6):
Programs should not institute "no-touch policies" to reduce the risk of abuse. In the wake of well-publicized allegations of child abuse in out-of-home settings and increased concerns regarding liability, some programs have instituted such policies, either explicitly or implicitly. No-touch policies are misguided efforts that fail to recognize the importance of touch to children's healthy development. Warm, responsive touches convey regard and concern for children of any age. Adults should be sensitive to ensuring that their touches (such as pats on the back, hugs, or ruffling the child's hair) are welcomed by the children and appropriate to their individual characteristics and cultural experience. Careful, open communication between the program and families about the value of touch in children's development can help to achieve consensus as to acceptable ways for adults to show their respect and support for children in the program.
Bringing healthy touch to early childhood programs
Early educators and child care programs have a legal and ethical mandate to protect children in their care and also are expected to have an understanding of the benefits of appropriate, respectful touch and its critical role in healthy child development.
There are many professional development opportunities, as well as research-based information, that can help in laying the foundation to incorporating healthy, appropriate touch and clearly outlined touch policies. Training should meet the needs for the program, the director, the staff, the children, and the families. Good professional development regarding touch will help:
References (found at the end of the newsletter)
Distance Education Highlights
Problem Solving and Puppets
Preschoolers often have problems with sharing and playing together. These problems are great opportunities for children ages three to five to learn to communicate with others. Conflict resolution is a way to teach children these important social skills, which they will need throughout their lives.
Puppets are a great way to teach conflict resolution. When you use puppets to model conflict resolution, the children have fun, but more importantly, they can learn when they are calm and relaxed rather than when they are feeling stressed. Learn how to guide children through conflict resolution and how to help children learn problem-solving skills. To register for the Problem Solving and Puppets lesson, visit http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/AngelUnits/OneHour/Puppets/PuppetsLessonA.html
View a complete listing of all distance education lessons and information about how to register by visiting the Better Kid Care Distance Education page.
Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people and communities need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The following resources outline important steps that can be taken to respond to excessive heat events:
http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/naturaldisasters/heat/index.html
http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/index.htm#itdhpfehe
Are We There Yet? by Dandi Daley Mackall, published by Dutton Juvenile, ISBN 0525470956. The family car trip story told in rhyme. Funny!Emma's Vacation, by David McPhail, published by Dutton Juvenile, ISBN 0525471081. Emma is on vacation with her parents, but it seems not everyone has the same idea about what to do on the vacation. Will they sightsee? Will they picnic? Read and find out!
The Relatives Came, by Cynthia Rylant, published by Aladdin, ISBN 0689717385. The car coming up the road is packed with relatives who are coming for a visit. The house will be crowded and filled with laughter. Will it remind you of your relatives?
Gaspard on Vacation, by Anne Guttman, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, ISBN 037581115X. A vacationing dog? In Venice? Yes!
The Cat's Vacation, by Irene Schoch, published by Seuil, ISBN 2020618842. Have you ever wondered what your cat does while you are on vacation? Do you think cats take their own vacation? Hmmm...
More books about family vacation:
The Night before Summer Vacation, by Natasha Wing, published by Grosset & Dunlap, ISBN 044842830X
How I Spent My Summer Vacation, by Mark Teague, published by Dragonfly Books, ISBN 0517885565
Rusty's Red Vacation, by Kelly Adam Asbury, published by Henry Holt & Co., ISBN 0805040
Miffy Loves New York, by Dick Brunna, published by Big Tent Entertainment, ISBN 1592261795
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.
Busy Kids are Happy Kids! School's out and most kids are eager for a different routine from the busy school year. When at home, make sure your children have plenty to do. It's good for school-age kids to have choices of activities. Make sure all the choices are OK with you! Have your child help you plan some fun family activities. Have picnics outdoors when the weather cooperates. Be sure your child gets some exercise every day. Summer is a good time for bike rides and hikes. Swimming keeps kids healthy and active. This is a good time to find and schedule some swimming lessons if your child does not know how to swim.
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Better Kid Care Satellite Season 2007-08 THANK YOU! |
Satellite workshops offer opportunities for child care providers to learn from experts and to share their experiences with other child care providers nationwide. Professional development hours are available.
Want to share your ideas from past satellite sessions or ideas for future satellite sessions? Contact Better Kid Care by e-mailing us at betterkidcare@psu.edu or by phoning 800-452-9108 to share your comments.
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. Live outside of Pennsylvania? Visit the Out-of-State Information link.
Do you have CDA questions for the Council of Professional Recognition? - The Council offers CDA online support where Web site guests can ask questions and send messages. This online support feature is offered to enable Web site guests to seek clarification and answers for questions that arise regarding the CDA credential.
Operators respond through live text-messaging during regular business hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday. An Online Support icon appears on each page of the Web site (except the home page). Clicking this icon takes the user to a private message window where they fill in information fields, add a question, and click on the "Start Chat" button.
Messages are sent and received in private space seen only by the Council operator and the person who originated the message. Visit the Council's Web site at www.cdacouncil.org or go to the Council's contact page at http://www.cdacouncil.org/ab_contact.htm
Need more CDA help? Visit Better Kid Care's "What is the CDA?" newly revised link and get answers to your CDA questions! Get CDA support! Call Christine at 800-452-9108. E-mail your CDA questions to Christine at crb16@psu.edu.
The following information highlights upcoming professional development opportunities available for early childhood practitioners:
In Pennsylvania:
Other:
Outside Pennsylvania:
or Download PDF More professional development resources:
The PA child care regulations are available on the Web at the following links:
Contact your Regional Child Development Office with questions
Chapter 49-2: Pre-K - 4th Grade Guidelines Published
The new pre-K through 4th grade guidelines have been approved. These guidelines reflect the best characteristics of early childhood and elementary education and are the result of guidance from experts in both areas. Access the guidelines on the PDE Web site.
Tuition Reimbursement is available for practitioners working in a Keystone STARS facility, STAR 1 or higher, and pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Please share the attached flyer with staff and friends. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.pakeys.org/profdev/FinancialSupport.aspx
PA Capital Watch for Children is an update on state and federal policies affecting PA's children.' Find out information on changes and approval of child care regulations and much more. Download PDF
Pennsylvania's groundbreaking work in early childhood education has been recognized by the National Governors Association, which has awarded the commonwealth a $10,000 grant to continue its efforts, Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak and Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman announced. For more information on Pennsylvania's early childhood education initiatives, please visit www.pde.state.pa.us.
Latino families who are interested in enrolling their children in pre-kindergarten programs: Download PDF
Helping children reach their promise - Pennsylvania supports quality early learning by certifying the health and safety of child care programs, setting the foundation of quality early learning through the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, and supporting quality early learning programs through Head Start Supplemental Assistance, Early Intervention, Keystone STARS, and the Accountability Block Grants. To learn more about individual programs, visit http://www.papromiseforchildren.com/PA/children.htm
Social Security Administration Multilanguage Gateway Opens Doors
On the Internet, Social Security offers information to the public in 15 languages besides English. At the Multilanguage Gateway, you can find key Social Security publications in the following languages: Arabic; Armenian; Chinese; Farsi; French; Greek; Haitian-Creole; Italian; Korean; Polish; Portuguese; Spanish; Russian; Tagalog; and Vietnamese. Open doors by referring people who speak other languages to the Social Security Multilanguage Gateway at www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage.
Great American Backyard Camp Out, June 28 - National Wildlife Federation invites you to be part of this nationwide event! Add your campsite today and NWF will help you make the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips, and more.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised an earlier report on preventing allergies in infants with new recommendations on maternal diet, duration of breastfeeding, and the introduction of complementary foods. For information visit USA Today and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Planting a Bee Garden - Learn all you need to know about planting a bee-friendly garden to give young gardeners the opportunity to learn about these important insects and foster an understanding of the role they play in our nature and agricultural production. For more details check out http://nature.berkeley.edu/urbanbeegardens/
Research Based InformationBuilding the Future of Family Involvement - Examining family involvement in policy, practice, and research, this issue explores where the field is today and where it needs to go in the future. Visit http://www.hfrp.org/, for more information.
Pennsylvania's Best Investment: The Social and Economic Benefits of Public Education, was prepared by Dr. David Baker, Professor of Education at Penn State, and Dr. Eric Cummings, Assistant Professor of Education at Cumberland University. Go to http://www.paschoolfunding.org/learn_more_resources.shtml
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Committee (newly published report) - Download PDF
Designing Quality Rating Systems Conducive to Infants and Toddlers - This publication from the National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative offers suggestions for the intentional inclusion of quality indicators for infants and toddlers within state and tribal child care Quality Rating Systems. http://nccic.org/itcc/publications/qrsdesignelements.htm
Trends in Infancy/Early Childhood and Middle Childhood Well Being (1994-2006) - A special report from the Foundation for Child Development looks at hon agesw childre 0-10 are faring in the U.S. http://www.fcd-us.org/resources/resources_show.htm?doc_id=679234
Children and Electronic Media - The latest issue of Princeton's Future of Children publication focuses on teaching and parenting -- as well as learning and growing up -- in the digital age.
National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force: Taking Stock: Assessing and Improving Early Childhood Learning and Program Quality Download PDF
Playing numerical board games boosts number skills of low-income preschoolers -
Playing numerical board games can improve low-income preschoolers' number skills, offering a promising way to reduce the discrepancies in numerical knowledge between children from poor families and those from middle-income families. That's the main finding of a study that appears in the March/April 2008 issue of the journal Child Development. The study was carried out by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. To learn more, visit
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-03/sfri-pnb031908.php
Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse and Reducing Crime in Pennsylvania: Coaching Parents Through Intensive Home Visiting http://www.fightcrime.org/pa/research.php
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:
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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.
Subscribe to the BKC E-Newsletter!
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View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters
Upcoming Feature Article in
July E-Newsletter:
Teaching Children About Appropriate Touch
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.
References from feature Touch article
