FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B1

Campbell River

FamiliesMAY 2012

A special supplement

presented by

B2 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

#5-2380 S. Island Hwy., Campbell RiverPh: (250) 923-1635 • Fax: (250) 923-1639

1-866-778-2020 (Campbell River)

www.coastal-eyecare.comWillow Point Optometry Clinic

WE CARE about your child’s success.about your child’s success.

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B3

Let’s face it; life can get pretty tricky some-times. We all have days where it’s harder to get out of bed than others and we all go through road bumps as we navigate life. Resilience is just a big word for what we use to make it through these times. We all have qualities of resilience that we use daily and, like with many things in life, we are better at using some more than others. A large part of resilience is having support and knowing who we can turn to when we are reaching our limits. Family can be a large part of this support system. Very often when we talk about resilience, we talk about the individual but families as a whole can be resilient too!

Family resilience is a path a family follows as it adapts and prospers in the face of stress. As with individual resilience, family resilience will change over time as families face different challenges and life events. Generally, there are 7 ways in which families can strengthen their resilience:

Communication – families interact with each other frequently and predominantly in an open, positive, and honest manner and use humour as a part of their communica-tion.

Togetherness – the “invisible glue” that bonds the family and gives the family mem-bers a sense of belonging. An important ingredient to this ‘glue’ is sharing similar val-ues, beliefs and morals.

Sharing activities – strong families like to share and do activities with each other – activities such as sports, camping, playing games, reading stories, socializing together and sharing hobbies and holidays.

Affection – is a strength when family mem-bers show love, care, concern and interest for each other on a regular basis through words, hugs, kisses and thoughtfulness. Expressions of affection are often ritualized

in families – for example, with greetings and farewells, bedtime story reading, and during celebrations such as birthdays and Christmas.

Support – is assisting, encouraging, reas-suring each other and looking out for each other. It is strengthened when family mem-bers feel equally comfortable to offer or ask for support.

Acceptance – means showing respect, appreciation, and understanding for each other’s individuality and uniqueness. Acceptance is a strength when family mem-bers acknowledge, value and tolerate each other’s differences, and when the members allow each other space.

Commitment – is showing dedication and loyalty toward the family as a whole. Strong families often view the wellbeing of the family as a first priority. Commitment is expressed in many ways, to the family, the partner relationship, children, the extended family and/or the community.

The above attributes are encompassed within the concept of family resilience. Resilient families are able to adapt to chang-ing circumstances and have a positive atti-tude towards the challenges of family life. They deal with these challenges by means of communication – talking things through with each other; supporting each other in times of need and/or seeking outside sup-port when it is beyond the families capability to deal with the situation; and togetherness – pulling together to form a united front and find solutions.

Here are ways local families in Campbell River have practiced their resilience:

“I have been reminded that all the little things, like smiling at or speaking to others in our community, can make a difference to that person and how they feel about their place in the world. I have also used the resiliency information to help support my daughter as she struggles with a very aca-demic honours degree program, and have reminded her of all her strengths and past successes, and cautioned her of the pitfalls of negative thinking.”

“At home I have made more of a concentrat-ed effort to identify/praise specific qualities and talents of my 13 year old son.”

“I think about resiliency for myself and my family and intentionally plan activities in our week that best meet and bolster us as a family. I talk about resiliency with families I work with too.”

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Stop and listen to your rosesOur children can be like the proverbial rose bush en route to our daily destinations – we remind ourselves to stop and listen, however kids can often become the background soundtracks in our busy lives.

Its Monday, that means my head is swirling with the schedules of each family member’s activities – judo, hockey, PAC, swimming and managing the routines necessary to get us where we need to be. My calendar is a cryptic, encoded mess of scribble that only I can decipher and my routine for after school to bedtime is a finely tuned machine with minimal room for error. Only one other day of the week comes close to the chaos of Monday and that’s Wednesday. Tuesday, a much needed breather day, the day we all just be. Without days like Tuesday, I could not have written this article. The beauty of it lies in the time we all have to appreciate a slow pace, our conversations find depth unexplored on the Mondays and Wednesdays of the week, it is when we can move beyond merely

hearing each other, to really listening.

When I hear my kids, I am taking in pretty much only what is delivered to my ears. Mondays and Wednesdays I always hear about their school day, their conversations to each other and their requests and their protests. However, when I am not distracted and limited to only my ears, and I can truly listen to my boys –whether directly or indirectly – I am using many senses to understand them. It’s like striking gold sometimes when I have been noticing a behaviour that needs attention and I begin to observe and listen to what my son is communicating in the many circumstances that surround him. Sometimes drawing the lines from behavior to needs is a long and winding process, but the satisfaction of relieving the pressure on that little guy by the needed response without negative approach, is a reward well worth it – the gift of a life long healthy relationship.

Rhonda Teramura, Early Childhood Development Supervisor

B4 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Campbell River Family NetworkFREE/LOW COST PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Sponsor MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS

GG

Community Kitchen for Parents

11 am - 12:30 pm @ Laichwiltach

Laichwiltach Family Life – 441 – 4th Ave.250 –286 – 3430 (to

attend you must have Aboriginal ancestry or be in a relationship with an Aboriginal

partner/child)

Parent & ChildDrop-in

11 am – 12:30 pm@ Laichwiltach

Health & Wellness Drop-in

For parents, grandparents and those expecting

(0 to 6yrs)

12:30 – 2 pm@ The Gathering Place

#49 – 300 Robron

Parents & ChildCultural Drop-in11 am –12:30 pm@ Laichwiltach

Family Services487 – 10th Ave.250 – 287 –2421

Postnatal Drop-in (0-9 months)

.11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Creating Healthy Families Drop-in

(for moms & 0-3 yrs olds)

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Interactive Play Group

(for moms and children 0 –6 yrs old)

11:30 am – 1 pm

StrongStart *School District 72Free Drop-in programs for children 0-6 yrs. and their caregivers

Updates available online @ sd72.bc.ca

Georgia Park Elm.11:45 – 2:30 pm

Sandowne Elm. 12- 2:30 pm.

Georgia Park Elm.8:30 am – 11:15 am

Cedar Elm.8:45 am-11:30 am

Sandowne Elm. 8:45 am - 11:30 am.

Cedar Elm.8:45 am –11:30 am

Georgia Park Elm.11:45 am – 2:30 pm

Geargia Park Elm.8:30 am – 11:15 am

Geargia Park Elm.8:30 am – 11:15 am

Sandowne Elm. 8:45 am - 11:30 am.

Sandowne Elm. 8:45 am - 11:30 am.

Dad’s Drop-in2 Thursday evenings/mon.

Phone for info.

C. R. Parks, Rec. & Culture see Rec. Guide

for full programs list & L.I.F.E. Prog. for help with fees

Family Gym – Downtown Com. Centre

10:30 am – 11:30 amFREE

Family Gym Sportsplex – S. Alder

10:30 am – 11:30 am

FREE

Pajama Ramma *Sportsplex – S. Alder

6:45 pm – 8 pm

* $3./1 child, $5./2+ sibs

Family Gym Downtown Com. Centre

10:30 am – 11:30 am*$3/1 child, $5/2+sibs

Gathering Place8:30 am – 11:15 am.

Sandowne Elm. 12- 2:30 pm.

Cedar Elm. 8:45 am –11:30 am

Gathering Place8:30 am – 11:15 am.

Cedar Elm.11:45 pm – 2:30 pm

Cedar Elm.11:45 am – 2:30 pm

Prenatal Drop-in 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Spring 2012

Willow Point

Neighbourhood Morn.@ W.P. Out of Sch. Prog.

corner Larwood & Eardley

8:30 am – 11 am

Family Place(C.R. Family Services)

funded by the

Min. of Children and

Family Development

with partnerships

with VIHA, CR Child

Care Society, Parks,

Rec. & Culture,

Sch.Dist.72., MISA,

Sunrise Resources,

Success by 6,

Literacy Now

Discovery Passage

Family Place@ Discovery Pass. Elm.

8:30 am – 11 am

Hemlock Family Place1048 A Hemlock Street

9 am – 11:30 am

Family Gym –

@Downtown Com. Centre

10:30 am – 11:30 am Family Place@ Downtown Community C

1 pm – 3 pm

Multicultural Family

Place (Sept – April)

@ Robron Centre

6:30 pm – 8 pm

Creepin’ Crawlers(crawling –2 yrs.)

1048 A Hemlock Street

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Toddler Time(1 – 3 yrs)

@ Downtown Community C

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Family Place@ Downtown Community C

1 pm – 3 pm

Teen Centre Family

Night@ Downtown Community C

7 pm – 10:30 pm

Super Saturdays

C.R. Art Gallery

Drop-in art activities

By donation

For information about

specific activities call

250-287-2261

VIHA (Vancouver Island Health Authority – north)

Prenatal Classes Healthy Pregnancy – book as early in pregnancy as possible – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Labour and Delivery – birthing process – 4 – 6 weeks prior to due date – Saturday classes 9 am – 4 pm

Breastfeeding – to be attended prior to birth of baby – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

All classes are held at the Health Unit, upstairs, Tyee Plaza

Registration required. Phone the Public Health Unit for dates 250–850-2110 (ext.0)

Campbell River

Public LibraryToddler & Preschool

Story TimesPhone

250 287-3655

to pre-register

Robron Family Place740 Robron Rd

1 pm – 3 pm

Baby Time(Birth – crawling)

@ Downtown Community C

10 am – 11:30 am

Begin. Jan. 19

Oyster River Family

Place@ Oyster River Elm.

10 – 11:30 am

Cedar Grove Family

Place@ Cedar Grove Multipurpose

Room

1 – 3 pm

Campbell River Family Network – “Building family friendly communities”

A wealth of local information is yours at www.crfamilynetwork.ca

NEW . . . face book. . Helping-Children-in-Campbell-River

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B5

www.uwcnvi.ca

United Way Central andUnited Way Central andNorthern Vancouver IslandNorthern Vancouver Island

PPPPPPrrrrr

ooooouuuuudddddd SSSSSuuuuuuppppppppppppoooooorrrrrrtttttteeeeeerrrrrr oooooofffff

(250) 729 7400(250)))) 777722229999-77774444000000250 2999- 4440000000(250) 729-74003156 Barons Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 4B53156 Barons Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 4B5

SWIM

MING

SWIMMING ISSWIMMING ISGOOD FOR KIDS!GOOD FOR KIDS!

Swimming produces a wide array of health andsocial benefi ts for kids of all ages.

It provides children with a fun aquatic activity that also promotes good health and

social development skills.

Dave Healy 250-830-4429www.crkw.ca

listen early, listen oftenbecause the first 6 years

are so important

Early & Often Listen

Listen Together !!!

Listen and respond when your baby looks at you, cries or smiles.

Listen by giving your child more time to speak.

Listen with interest to what your child is saying.

Listen and respond to your child at eye level.

Listening builds your child's confidence.

B6 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

TM THE MUSIC HOUSETeaching Music to Beginners of All Ages

Empowering Children,

Enriching Families!

Call Lynda 250.923.6103

DISCOVERY THE JOY OF MYC!

Continuing Registration for:PIANO CLASSES

MYC Sunshine (3/4 yrs)MYC Sunbeam (5/6 yrs)

MYC Moonbeam (7/8 yrs)

PRE-PIANO CLASSES

MYC Sunrise(3/4 yrs)

MUSIC & MOVEMENT CLASSES

tmc Music Pups(birth - 4 yrs)

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL!

980 Alder Street, Campbell River250-286-0744

www.channowosadboates.ca

Erica Chan-Lafrance, CA andShelly Boates, CA of CNB are both members of

the Success by Six Community Council of Partners.

Children who experience stimulating and nuturingenviroments during their fi rst six years have

better outcomes throughout their lives.

CHILDRENdeserve a good start in life.

ListenListen to your children at bedtime. You will hear them talkabout the events of the day and their dreams fortomorrow. Moments like this make a child feelcherished.

Listen to the feelings behind children’s words and actions anddiscuss them by name. Children will learn a languageknown the world over - the language of feelings.

Listen to children and they will feel understood and learn tounderstand others. This is one way empathy develops.

Listen to babies’ babble and respond in “baby talk.” Babiesmight not understand your words but they willunderstand the feelings behind them.

Listen to children with all your attention - with your ears, eyes,body and heart. They will feel your respect.

Mary Gordon, The Early Years: The Precious Years

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B7

Strong Communitiesmeans supporting

kids and theirfamilies.

908 Island Highway Phone: 250.287.5100Campbell River, V9W 2C3 Toll-Free: 866.387.5100claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca Fax: 250.287.5105

www.clairetrevena.ca

9999999999000000888888888 IIIIIIIssssssllllllaaaaaaannnnnndddddddddddddddddddddd HHHHHHHHHHiiigghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhwwwwwwwaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooonnnnneeeeeeee::::::::: 2222222255550000000...222222222888888877777777777777777....555555551111111100000000000000000000CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCamppppppppppppbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeelllllllll RRRRRRiivvvveeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr,,,,,,,,,, VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV999999WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW 2222222CCCCCCC3333 TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTToolllllllllll--FFFFFFFFFFFrrrrreeeeeeee:::::::: 888888866666666666666.333333333888777777777777......55555555111111100000000000lll iiiii ttttt lllll @@@@@@@@@@@@lll bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb FFFFF 2222222550000000000 222222222228877 5555511111111111000000005555

Claire Trevena, MLANorth Island

C

A world exists, outsideof your home,

where your child is precious.Your child will spend valuable time with adults who truly

enjoy their company...with adults who listen to your child’s ideas and stories...with adults who turn and look your child in the eyes

when they are speaking.We believe this is how children grow.

The Campbell River Child Care Society believes in the power of child care programs to

support and enrich the lives of families and the development of children.

We are proud of our practices and live our motto:Child Care - We Care ...... for over 45 years.

Campbell River Child Care Society394 Leishman Road

Campbell River, BC V9W 3V6250-286-6443

Offering several programs at 3 centres:Hemlock Early Learning and Care Centre, Leishman Early Learning

and Care Centre and Willow Point Children's Centre

Do you desire a Christ-centred, biblically-based education for your children? Have you considered enrolment at CRCS?

Campbell River Christian School exists to assist Christian parents to fulfi ll their God-given mandate to raise, educate and train their children to live vital and active Christian lives.

We Offer:

• Computer Studies• Concert Band & Jazz Band Programs• Scholarship Opportunities• School Bus Service• Sports Programs

There are still spaces available for the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications are available at the CRCS offi ce or by email request.

For more information, contact CRCS at 250-287-4266

Time for a change?

Campbell River Christian School

Established 1983

Providing education for Grades K-12

250 S. Dogwood StreetCampbell River, BC

V9W 6Y7

offi ce@crcs.bc.ca

www.crcs.bc.ca

#110 1180 Ironwood Road, Campbell River, BC V9W 5P7Tel: 250.286.0955 email: childdevelopment@cradacl.bc.ca

Every Child BelongsCampbell River is an inclusive community where children of diverse abilities are welcomed, valued

and supported. The Supported Child Development Program supports children so that they may actively

participate in licensed child care settings.

Campbell River Supported Child Development Program is a program of the Campbell River and District Association for Community Living,

and funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

May is speech and hearing monthDo you know a child who is two years old and only using a few words? Do you know a child who is three years old and very difficult to understand? If so, you might know a child with speech and/or language difficulties. Now is the time to get more information, since May is Speech and Hearing Month.

As adults, we often take the precious gift of communication for granted. An estimated 4% of Canadian preschoolers have significant speech and/or language difficulties. Research shows that early detection of speech, lan-guage and hearing difficulties can make an important difference in a child’s life. If you have any questions or concerns about a preschooler’s speech and language abilities, don’t wait. Contact the Speech and Language Program at Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development.

Does your child:- rarely attempt to speak or imitate others?- seem uninterested in playing with other children?- play with toys in an unusual way?- have difficulty following directions?- seem to answer questions in an odd way?- repeat sounds and/or parts of words?- have a harsh, nasal or wet/gurgly sounding voice?- choke and gag a lot when eating or drinking?- have trouble being understood –especially by those outside the family?- talk as if he/she were younger than he/she really is?

May Month has been celebrated across North America since 1927 as an annual event that promotes and celebrates members of the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (www.casl-pa.ca) and the impact that they make on the health of our country. Early identification and treatment is important.

Anyone can call the Speech and Language Program at Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development (250) 286-0955 to make a referral for a child or to get more information. This program provides assessment, ther-apy, consultation, and public education services free of charge to children aged birth to school entry. Early referral is recommended due to a waitlist for services. Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development is locat-ed at #110-1180 Ironwood Street in Campbell River.

B8 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex

Water safety starts with you!Please WATCH children around water at all times. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Canadian children

aged one to four. Swimming skills alone aren’t always enough to save a life.

Swim Lesson Session DatesMonday & Wednesdays - June 4-25Tuesday & Thursday – June 5-26Fridays – May 25-June 22Saturdays – May 26 – June 23

Daily Summer Swim LessonsMonday - FridaySession A - July 3- 13 Session B - July 16-27

1260 Greenwood St., Campbell River

(Between Ricky’s and ICBC)

• Year Round Preschool and Daycare

• American Sign Language

• Pre-Literacy and Phonics

• Pre-Mathematics

Ph. (250) 286-6580 or (250) 830-3971

Email: cmartin31@shaw.ca

Discovery PlanetChild-Care Centre

Monday through Friday... 7:30 am to 6:00 pmLicensed Childcare Facility

for children 2 1/2 to 11 years

Government Subsidies Available“Caring for children for community’s sake”

250- 285-3511

The job of a fatherThe job of a father is this : to help his children develop, to teach them to express and master their emotions; to avoid physiological distress, to provide a context for their experiences; to help them per-severe, reach their goals and take on responsibilities; and to instill the roles of citizen, partner and parent. In short, it is to fill their bel-

lies with bread, their brains with wisdom and their hearts with

love and courage.” ~ Camil Bouchard, “On Father’s Ground” 2002.

Children and adults in our community shared their thoughts about why Dads matter.“My Daddy matters because……. ….. I love him.” (7 year old daughter) ..… he loves me.” (4 year old son) ….. he loves and cares for me.” (14 year old daughter) ….. he’s there for me. h (13 year old son) ….. he helps me in life.” (12 year old son) ….. he’s caring and supportive.” (16 year old son) ….. he’s there for us.” (14 year old daughter) ….. he plays with me.” (4 year old son)

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B9

When it comes to teaching kids the value of money, it’s important to remove the guesswork.

According to a recent study by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), 78 per cent of Canadian parents surveyed have tried to teach their children financial management skills, but the majority (60 per cent) do not believe they have been very suc-cessful.

“Parents can give their children an important advantage in life by starting in-home discussions about money matters at an early age,” says Cairine Wilson, vice-president, Member Services, CICA. “The majority realizes this, but many Canadian parents are unsure about how to proceed.”

In a bid to help parents prepare their children for successful finan-cial future, the CICA is releasing a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for teaching financial skills at home.

A Parent’s Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids is designed to put parents at ease when it comes to preparing their children for life’s important financial decisions.

The practical guide allows parents to quickly zero in on the informa-tion they need. Each chapter describes how to approach money management with a specific age group and discusses the essentials of financial literacy - earning, saving, spending, sharing and invest-ment. Age groups covered include, children aged five to eight, pre-teens, teenagers and young adults.

The guide’s author is Robin Taub, a chartered accountant and highly experienced financial consultant who is a passionate advocate for

financial literacy and life-long learning. Taub firmly believes that to be effective teachers, parents must first be good financial role mod-els.

“How parents manage their money greatly influences their children,” says Taub. “The first chapter of the book outlines 10 healthy financial

habits parents can use to keep their affairs in order and model responsible financial decision making for their children.”

A mother of two, Taub also believes it is essential for kids to gain not only financial knowledge, but also the values and discipline needed to ensure they put the skills they learn into action.

“Having money management skills alone is no guarantee of financial success,” says Taub. “Without values to navigate by, even a financially knowledgeable person can pile up bad debt or fall victim to impulse spending. True financial capability is powered by strong, life-long values in combi-

nation with financial knowledge and skills.”

The CICA guide pays particular attention to those all-important teachable moments in everyday life, such as grocery shopping that allow parents to teach valuable money lessons. Another highlight is a series of light-hearted yet insightful quotes from parents describ-ing how they have approached the topic of financial literacy with their children.

The CICA publication is available in e-book and hard copy formats and can be obtained by visiting www.castore.ca/moneysmartkids.Source: Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

Teaching kids the value of money – Removing the guesswork

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When educators talk about parents being involved at an early age in helping children build literacy skills most people assume that means moms.

Research shows that children’s literacy lev-els improve greatly when Dads get involved with reading. Dads and other males in a child’s world are every bit as important as moms in helping children learn to enjoy reading. It is important for boys to see dads read and to be read to by dads as read-ing is sometimes seen as a “girly” thing to do. Dads can be role models by letting

their boys see them read and enjoy reading. There are lots of dad things to read besides story books, magazines, newspapers, man-uals, books about nature, are all materials that show boys they can find the right thing to read.

Children who are read to and have many favourite books tend to do better in school. Regular reading of a wide range of materi-als can be the foundation for a lifelong read-ing habit.

Do your part dad, read with your kids!Anne Boyd, Campbell River Literacy Now

Why dads should readto their children!

Reading to young children promotes language acquisitionand literacy development and, later on, achievement inreading comprehension and overall success in school.

B10 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Families across BC and Canada are facing a crisis in childcare, things are going from bad to worse. There is a shortage of regu-lated spaces, fees are high and the early childhood workforce is underpaid with many Early Childhood Educators leaving the field to earn a living wage elsewhere.

In BC there are licensed child care spaces for only about 20 per cent of children. That is only 1 in 5 regulated spaces!

The cost of childcare is high often being the second highest cost for a family after hous-ing. The provincial median monthly cost for infant/toddler care is $875; for preschool care, ages 2.5-5 years is $665; and for school-age care is $300. Unlike other com-munity services, childcare is primarily a user fee system. The fees families pay account for 70-80% of a child care centre’s revenue. The remaining revenues come from small government grants and fundraising. It can cost a family as much or more to pay for childcare from birth to school-age entry as it does to pay for university degree program. There are no RESPs (registered education savings plan) for childcare!

Early Childhood Educators who generally have 2 years of college- training are under-paid and typically have no health or pen-sion benefits. After 5 years of working in the field approximately 50 per cent leave the field to find better paying jobs.

Here in BC two non-profit grassroots orga-nizations, the Early Childhood Educators of BC and the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC have come together to pro-pose to our government an innovative and ambitious way forward in terms of the child-care crisis.

The Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning is

in response to BC’s implementation of full school day kindergarten for 5 year olds as well as to the promise made by our gov-

ernment of some form of pre-kindergarten programming for children age 3 and 4 along with the crises facing childcare as mentioned above.

The Plan is built upon well-established research that clearly shows that:

• Public spending on the early years is a wise social and economic investment;

• Quality child care is early learning;

• High quality early years programs promote healthy development;

• Children and families need, and have the right to, quality care and learning; and

• Current policies and approaches are not working.

The highlights of the Plan include:

• New legislation….a BC Early Care and Learning Act

• A new home for child care in the Ministry of Education

• A new role for Boards of Education

• The development of Early Years Centre Networks

• Enhancing Kindergarten and Grade one

• Strengthening School-age Care and Family Child Care

• Developing the Early Childhood Educators’ workforce

• Lower fees - $10 per full day/ $7 for half day and free for families with a yearly income of less than $40,000

The majority of Early Childhood Educators support this plan and we are asking the Campbell River and area community mem-bers for their support too. Yes, this plan is ambitious and it may take a generation to come to fruition. We need to start now so future families can have a system which supports them.

Childcare has been affected by full school day kindergarten. We know that if the BC government rolls out a plan for 3 and 4 year olds without taking the existing fragile childcare centres across BC into consider-ation, we may have no option but to close our doors. Please take a few minutes and endorse the Plan at www.ecebc.ca

Early Childhood Educators of BCCampbell River Branch

The Continued Child Care Crisis in BC

CONTINUED ON B11

Summer Travel Survival – Nutritionally Speaking

Summer vacation time often means family trips. Eating well and keeping children happy on the road can be a challenge! Here are some ideas

to help you meet the challenge.

For the LONG car ride – keep quick snacks on

hand to handle the “hungries”.

Fresh fruits and veggies make easy

snacks on the road. Try apples,

plums, berries, grapes, baby carrots, sugar snap

peas, pepper strips, cucum-

ber slices or cherry tomatoes.

Small cans of fruit in its own juice or applesauce.

Crackers, rice cakes, bagels, and muffins are easy to carry

Nut (or pea) butters or individual pull-top tins of tuna provide the makings for sandwiches, spreads or dips.

Nuts, seeds and dried fruits are easy to pack and keep in the car.

Water for thirst. Give everyone their own water bottle and make sure they use it. Thirst makes everyone a little edgy.

The Convenience Store stop – time to refuel?

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | B11

Campbell River Literacy Now

is a proud supporter of:

• Books for Babies• Children’s Health Fairs• Literacy Backpacks• Family Literacy Day

www.literacyforall.ca

Celebrating decades of quality early care and learning in Campbell River

Forest Circle Society for Familiesthanks families for being

a part of our circle of caring!

CARI’S INFANT AND

TODDLER CENTRE

250-286-1193 250-923-4440forestcirclesociety.com

20 Year Anniversary! 10 Year Anniversary!

Children age 1 – 12Early Care & Learning

School Age Care

250-287-7436 | clcc.cr@telus.net | www.clcccr.com

Offers Programs For:

SunriseResources For Early ChildhoodDevelopment

#110-1180 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 5P7 » Fax: 250-287-2676

• Speech & Language Services• Infant Development Program • Physical Therapy Services• Occupational Therapy Services • Family Resource Program

Are you worried about your preschooler’s development?

Did you know you can call us with questions?Call 250-286-0955

Sunrise Resourcesis administered by Campbell River &

District Association for Community Living

Humpty Dumpty Nursery School

415 Pinecrest Road, Campbell RiverCall for more info or to register your child:

250-287-4074

Humpty Dumpty is a non-pro t, licensed cooperative preschool facility for children three & four years old. It is a co-operative pre-school owned and operated by a group of families on a non-pro t, non-sectarian

and inter-racial basis. Together with Professional Early Childhood Educators, parents provide

their children with a safe, happy and stimulating environment in which to grow and develop.

Enriching C.R. Preschoolers since 1973.Special thanks to the United Church for renting the

facilities to Humpty Dumpty Preschool and to BC Gaming for providing much needed funding.

TUTORINGfor all grade levels

FREEASSESSMENTwith summer programbooking ($140 value!)

SUMMER PROGRAMSrun July 12-23 and August 9-20Summer theme: “Ocean Life”

SUMMERTUITION FEES

with summer progbooking ($140 va

SUMMER PROGRrun July 12-23 and AugSummer theme: “Ocea20% OFF

www.sunriselearningcentre.com

Courtenay:106-1742 Cliffe Ave.

250-897-1010

Campbell River:102-250 Dogwood Ave.

250-287-9090

www.sunriselearningcw

106-1995 Cliffe Ave.

run July 16 – August 24Summer theme: “Outer Space”

Summer TravelChoose individual packs of dry roasted nuts or seeds or dried fruits rather than chips or a choc-olate bar (they melt in the car anyway).

Replenish fluids – water quench-es thirst better than sweetened beverages or juice.

A small grocery store or farm stand will have fruits and vegeta-bles to replenish your stocks.

Lunch or dinner in the fast food lane – smart choices are avail-able.

Try the grilled chicken breast sandwich or a veggie or chicken wrap.

Baked potatoes with broccoli, chili or salsa are a great quick meal.

Look for sandwich places that make to order. Try the turkey or vegetarian choice (go light on the sauce) and lots of veggies.

Pizza is a good choice. Try the veggie pizza with half the cheese and lots of veggies.

Choose milk or 100% fruit or veg-etable juices for your beverage.

Include activities in your stops. Don’t fall into the trap of stopping only for meals – this means you are just sitting somewhere other than the car.

Instead plan stops where you can walk or swim or play ball. Everyone will feel better.

Meet the nutrition challenge – have a safe, happy, healthy sum-mer trip!

Submitted by Anthea Kennelly RD, Community Nutritionist, VIHA

CONTINUED FROM B10

B12 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

StrongStartA FREE, school-based early learning program for children from 0 to 6.

Cedar StrongStartCedar Elementary School261 Cedar StreetTel: (250) 287-8335For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Cedar School office.

Georgia Park StrongStartGeorgia Park Elementary School678 Hudson StreetTel: (250) 923-0735For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Georgia Park School office.

Sandowne & Gathering Place StrongStartSandowne Elementary School699 Sandowne DriveTel: (250) 923-4248For program hours and locations, pick-up a calendar from the Sandowne School office.

Sayward StrongStartSayward Elementary / Jr. Secondary School690 Kelsey Way, SaywardTel: (250) 282-3314For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Sayward School office.

The Campbell River StrongStart Centres are supported by the Ministry of Education and School District 72.

Open to all. Just drop-in!

StrongStart

Giving children the best for their education and future.

Under the direction of licensed early childhood educators, parents and children participate in early learning activities, such as story time, music, singing, art and puzzles. Children gain problem-solving skills, and build self-esteem and the social skills that will help them when they enter school. Parents learn activities that they can do at home to further support their child’s learning, nutrition, and make valuable connections with other parents or caregivers.