fwm 2010 11 and 12

2010Familiesof the Year

� November & December, �010 www.familyworks.org

November & December, �010 �www.familyworks.org

November & December, 2010

APPLE FamilyWorks® 4 Joseph Court, San Rafael, CA 94903 email: [email protected]

Read FamilyWorks Magazine on-line at www.familyworks.org

Sponsorship Information: Doug Silberstein Phone: (415) 492-1022 FAX: (415) 492-1099 email: [email protected]

Editorial Information: Lew Tremaine Phone: (415) 492-0720 x231 FAX: (415) 492-1099 email: [email protected]: This major family magazine is published bi-monthly and widely distributed FREE throughout Marin and Sonoma Coun-ties: through home deliveries, distribution to over 200 community locations - stores, public and private schools, medical offices, hospitals, and family-related businesses – and direct mail to thousands of active participants and sponsors of FamilyWorks®. © 2010 APPLE FamilyWorks®, All rights reserved. APPLE FamilyWorks is a nonprofit agency serving families in the Bay Area. No portion of FamilyWorks Magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Appearance of articles, editorials, author’s point of view, advertisements or announcements for products and services in FamilyWorks Magazine does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by FamilyWorks® and FamilyWorks® is not responsible for its content or the reactions of readers to its content. FamilyWorks Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome and should e-mailed to: [email protected]

Executive Director: Mary Jane DeWolf-SmithEditor: Lew TremaineMarketing: Doug SilbersteinArt Director/Website: Christine M. AstinWeb Publisher: Art Severe

Printed by: S.F. Offset

FamilyWorks® Board of Directors:Anjana Berde, PresidentPaul Ricken, Vice PresidentMark Clark, SecretaryMaria Villani, TreasurerVicky SmirnoffAmy Whitelaw

4 Worried About Spoiling Your Kids During the Holidays? ByRichardBromfield,Ph.D.

6 Affirmation for a Peaceful Holiday ByMaryJaneDeWolf-SmithMA,RN,MFT

APPLE FamilyWorks 11 Parenting Programs

12Counseling Programs

13 Family Interactive Therapy

14 Support for Individuals

15 Making Friends Without Facebook ByRussHadle

16 Bye, Bye Sweety ByKimberleyClaytonBlaine

This seal of approval is a service mark of Independent Charities of America and is used under license.

Content is the responsibility of FamilyWorks.

awarded to

FamilyWorks Magazine is published by APPLE FamilyWorks®

18 The Hand A Story of Giving Thanks BySteveGoodlier

19 Kids with Special Needs and the Role of Early Childhood Educators ByGaryDirenfeld,LCSW

20 School Spotlight: The Mountain School

22 2010 School Directory

7 APPLE FamilyWorks

Families of the Year Gala


Hold Onto Your BudgetIf you’re in debt, don’t let this last week of Christmas

shopping dig your hole even deeper. There’s no good reason to let holiday gift-giving do you financial harm.

Remember Your PrioritiesRemind yourself of the other things you need money for,

maybe night school, or a bathroom remodeling, or just to keep up a small rainy day account for emergencies. Beware that the rush of the final shopping week doesn’t set you back or utterly derail your saving for things that matter more in your life and your family’s.

Hang ToughWhen the enthusiasm and fatigue of holiday shopping get

to you, it is all too easy to buy a little or a lot more. Stay mentally tough and keep asking yourself, “Do the children really need this? Will they really use this? Is it really worth all that money? Haven’t I already bought enough?”

Think Quality Not QuantityHow many gifts do children need to feel loved or re-

membered on the holidays? Probably far fewer than they will get. For example, stocking stuffers used to mean little curiosa and candies to decorate the mantel the night before Christmas. You know something is wrong when you can’t

By Richard Bromfield, Ph.D.

The winter holidays bring out a lot of good in people. It also brings out a lot of other things, like stress, desperation, and pocketbooks. Today’s parents are especially prone to showing their love for their children with a bonanza of presents that goes on and on. At best, they buy a lot of things that they can well afford but thattheir children don’t really need -- and at its bleakest? Justread the business section to see the latest figures forpersonal debt and bankruptcy.

Worried About Spoiling Your Kids During the Holidays?

What can a parent do when the holiday spirit grabs him/her and just won’t let go?


fit your stuffers in the stocking or when you need a credit card to pay for them. Are $59 videogames really what stocking stuffers are all about? Resist that nagging doubt to keep buying one more thing.

Look in the Parenting MirrorChildren who are over-indulged on

the holidays are often the same children who are overindulged the rest of the year. There’s no better time to readjust your parenting and get some good un-spoiling going than during the holidays. No child ever suffered from having a reasonable season of gifts. Getting too much, on the other hand, can spoil.

Keep the Spirit Away From Your Wallet

Watch that nostalgia for the holidays of your childhood doesn’t open your pocketbook as much as your heart. The holidays have limited religious mean-ing. Corporate forces have singlehand-edly turned them into industries.

Teach the True Meaning of GivingOur children tend to have learned

all too well how to get and take. En-gage your child in holiday baking for neighbors, helping to gather and de-liver clothing and food for shelters, inviting them to help you shoulder-to-shoulder do for others.

The holidays can sweep us all up and lead us to buy and give too much, especially in the whirlwind of the last week. For all of their wonder and joy, however, they are just days. Resist. See the holidays for what they are and what you, in your heart, would like them to be. Use this last week to reflect. Remind yourself of the true lessons and meanings you’d like your children to receive. Above all, holidays are a golden opportunity for you to person-ally transform, to move closer to the ways you want to live and parent. Oh, and don’t forget to

John T. Smith, DDS915 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo

(Across from Red Hill Shopping Center)

415-453-1666

Family Dental Care

give yourself a little gift from me - maybe some holiday sanity?

Richard Bromfield, Ph.D., psy-chologist, reveals strategies that have worked for other parents, creating a method of un-spoiling that’s simple, straightforward, and doable. A faculty member of Harvard Medical School, he is in private practice in Boston, Mas-sachusetts.

Children who are over-ndulged on the holidays are often the same children who are overin-dulged the rest of the year. There’s no better time to read-just your parenting and get some good un-spoiling going than during the holidays. No child ever suffered from having a reasonable season of gifts. Get-ting too much, on the other hand, can spoil.

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Often, the information we have stored in our brains predicts negative outcomes and is discouraging. We can however, store and access positive, self-affirming information by making positive statements out loud. (When we state affirmations outloud our brain “hears” them and records them as fact.) Just follow these simple instructions:

Sit in a quite peaceful place where you can relax and be comfortable. Decrease distractions. Put on some soft, pleasing music. Read the affirmations out loud calmly and slowly.

When you finish reading the last line:1. Close your eyes and then open them saying: “ I am peaceful and centered”.2. Then say, “Whenever I close my eyes and open them again I feel completely peaceful and centered.”3. Now, open and close your eyes again and notice the peaceful-ness in your body and the comfortable core of your being.During the day when you notice your body tensing or mind

racing, take a few deep breaths, opening your eyes wide when you inhale and then as you close your eyes, relaxing as you exhale. Over time you will learn to drop into a peace-ful and centered place when you open and close your eyes AND still stay alert and able to move com-fortably through your day.

I am Peaceful and CenteredMy body is relaxed and comfortable. My shoulders are soft and supple.My jaw is loose. My eyes are restedI am peaceful and centered.

My lungs fill with renewed energy. My eyes sparkle with clarity.I meet the new day with calm anticipation.I welcome challenges and change. I am peaceful and centered

I feel protected and safe. I feel joyful and playful.I am filled with hope. I feel at home in the world.I am peaceful and centered.

I absorb what I read and hear. I am understood when I speak. I am accepted and appreciated. I feel gentle and loving.I am peaceful and centered.

I see all people as fellow travelers. I respect and honor my feelings. I respect and honor other people’s feelings. I join others at their comfort level. I am peaceful and centered.

I see exciting possibilities. I have all the energy I need.I laugh and play with ease. I rest and sleep with ease. I am peaceful and centered.

I am safe and serene. I feel energized and alive. I am filled with thanksgiving and abundance. I feel at home in the world.I am peaceful and centered.

by Mary Jane DeWolf-Smith, RN, PHN, MA, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist


Families of the Year Honorees

Big Brother John Turnacliff and The Riviore Family

Marin Y Youth Court’s Don Carney

and The Roth-Fennell Family

The Beltran Family

Maria Arteaga and Leticia Jimenez of the

Explorando la Maternidad Juntas Program


Marin Y Executive Director Jennifer Smith and

Marin Y Board member Dean Heffelfinger.

APPLE FamilyWorks Board President Anjana Berde

And Family Friendly Business of the Year Honoree

Leslie Ruhland of Accuchex

APPLE FamilyWorks Developmental Disabilities

Program Coordinator Katherine Arnsbarger and Lisa

Rosene of the Golden Gate Regional Center

APPLE FamilyWorks Board Secretary Mark Clark

and Katie Smithers and Edward Kaufman E.D. of

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the North Bay.

APPLE FamilyWorks Board Treasurer Maria Villani, Jean Maki and Susan Wiebers of Marin Community Clinic, Maria Arteaga and Exploring Motherhood Together Facilitator Tonia Sassi.


APPLE FamilyWorks Director of Therapeutic

Programs and Families of the Year emcee.

Patricia Saunders.

APPLE FamilyWorks Volunteers Wanda McBade and Elaine Holmes and APPLE FamilyWorks Operations Manager Diana Wilkins

Oak and Mary Dowling, Dean Heffelfinger

and APPLE FamilyWorks Board Member Vicky

Smirnoff.

APPLE FamilyWorks Board of Directors

(bottom) Anjana Berde, Vicky Smirnoff and Maria

Villani, (top) Paul Ricken and Mark Clark.

The APPLE FamilyWorks staff.

10 November & December, �010 www.familyworks.org

Many Thanks to Families of the Year Sponsors

- Benefactors -

• Marin Sanitary Service • Marinscope Community Newspapers

• John T. Smith, D.D.S.- Leaders-

• Anna Chandler Photography • Good Earth Natural and Organic Foods

• Luther Burbank Savings • Marintellect Consulting • Summit State Bank

• Westamerica Bank • Union Bank- Patrons -

• Bank of Marin Community Fund • Montecito Plaza • PMB+Helin Donovan

November & December, �010 11www.familyworks.org

Child-Centered Co-ParentingParents who are living apart learn how to raise their children harmoniously, keep children “out of the middle” and safely in each of their lives. Parents attend separate classes and learn to:

• Deal with each other respectfully

• Increase cooperation

• Make co-parenting decisions calmly

• Divide child-rearing tasks equitably

• Manage constantly shifting schedules

• Stop tantrums and dawdling

• Design consequences that work

• End rudeness & backtalk

Seven Tuesday evenings: Jan. 11 - Feb. 22, 2011Earn a certificate of completion at graduation.

P o s i t i v e& P e a c e f u l ParentingLearn Keys to Increasing:• Cooperation • Self-esteem • Responsibilty• Communication • Respect • Discipline

Viewing Life Today• Being a Proactive Parent • Identifying Your Universal Principles

Growing Great Kids• Understanding How Kids Work • Ensuring Goodness of Fit• Making Work Fun

Listening and Talking• Listening Effectively• Decreasing Impulsive Behavior

Problem Solving that Gets Results• Using the Magical “When...Then”• Designing Charts that Get Results• Revamping “Time Out”

Feeling More Confident• Being Positive and Persistent• Sharing Successes• Setting Positive Consequences

Four Tuesday evenings:Jan. 11 - Feb. 1, 2011Earn a certificate of completion at graduation.

Parenting Programs

www.familyworks.org 415-492-0720

Therapy and Life Skills Center

ExploringMotherhoodFor Expectant & New Mothers (and infants birth to 9 months).Spanish speaking group: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon and English speaking goup Fridays from 10 a.m. until noon at Marin Community Clinic in Novato.Spanish speaking group Thursdays 10 AM to Noon at Marin Community Clinic in San Rafael. • Share experiences, ideas, and support

• Learn about pregnancy and new parenthood

• Learn how to increase infant health & happiness

• Learn ways to manage change and decrease stress

• Reduce anxiety and depression

Free!

1� November & December, �010 www.familyworks.org


Family Therapy and CouplesCounseling Concerns, hopes and dreams, as well as practical and effective relationship tools are explored. The result is increased understanding and empathy, more cooperation and more fun in family life through:

• Managing Child Behavior• Resolving Hurts and Conflicts• Dealing with Anxiety, Depression and Addictions• Sharing Child Rearing • Planning for Play• Managing Anger• Creating Cooperative Responsible Children

AssessmentUsing temperament profiles and developmental assessments, parents and children will learn positive skills and design behavior plans that maximize each child’s potential. Therapists consult with teachers and parents, developing behavioral interventions that work at home, play and school. Therapists are available to make home-visits, school observations and attend IEP meetings. Mental health screenings for anxiety, depression, AD/HD, etc. are available.

IndividualUtilizing a variety of theoretical approaches, FamilyWorks’ therapists help individuals to develop healthy life skills and increase their social-emotional well being. We are skilled in helping with a broad range of relationship and psychological issues, including:• Life Stage Transitions• Anxiety• Abuse• Depression• Anger & Conflict• Improved Self-Esteem• Grief & Loss• Stress

Therapy with ChildrenWith a wide variety of child-centered expressive arts, includingspecialized sand-tray materials, children bring their thoughts and emotions to the surface allowing the child to build self-esteem and enhance emotional regulation.

Therapy with TeensFamilyWorks’ skilled therapists work with adolescents to support their journey to adulthood. Using various forms of expressive arts therapy, interactive play/exercises and outdoor activities, teens find new ways to resolve problems, build greater self-esteem and enhance their social skills in ways that support their healthy growth and development.

www.familyworks.org 415-492-0720Adjustable Fees

Therapy Programs

November & December, �010 1�www.familyworks.org


Therapy and Life Skills CenterFamily Interactive Therapy

F. I.T Services:When Family members want to improve communication and learn problem solving skills, Family Interactive Therapy at FamilyWorks, offers a unique program.

Family Meeting

Individual Counseling

Initially the parents share concerns with their therapist, followed by an opportunity for the entire family to set and meet their goals. Then, individual family members may be interviewed. An action plan is designed to meet the needs of each individual and the entire family.

Families may choose to benefit from the one way mirror option, in which child development assessments are made and family members can practice the skills they are learning with the assistance of a FamilyWorks Therapist. Parents may receive guidance through an ear bud as the therapist observes interactions through the one-way mirror.

One-way Mirror Option


Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Independent Living Skills

Parenting Support Services



CPR & First Aid Classes

• Parenting and Co-Parenting

• Childbirth Education

• Child Development and Family Planning

• Behavior Management and Stress Reduction

• Early Intervention in Postpartum Depression

• Positive and Peaceful Discipline

• Family Health Promotion and Hygiene

• Injury Prevention, Nutrition, and Exercise

• Household Management, and Transportation

• Financial Management and Budgeting

• Development of Social Support Systems

• Linkage with Others Services

• Academic Growth

• Behavior Management

• Stress Reduction Skills

• Injury Prevention

• Nutrition

• Health Promotion and Exercise

• Hygiene and Self-care

• Housekeeping

• Transportation Skills

• Community Access

• Employment Readiness

• Financial Management and Budgeting

• Development of Social Support Systems

CPR - 9:30 AM to 1:00 PMFirst Aid - 1:15 to 4 PM

Learn infant, child and adult choke-saving and CPR and how to apply these skills in emergencies. You will have

hands-on practice, receive a CPR skill book and a National Safety Council Certification upon completion.


“It’s ironic to me how the existence of all these differ-ent communication technologies has actually managed to make us feel more distant from each other,” says author Marilyn Randall. “We all have multiple email ad-dresses, online profiles and cell phones, but somehow

By Russ Handler

Friendships Outside of Cyberspace

Balance Cyberspace with Real LifeIfyourkidsusesocialnet-works,makesuretheyactu-allygettogetherwiththeironlinefriendsonceaweektodosomething.Takethetime to make your homeavailable, even if theirfriends simply come overtoshareapizza.Helpyourkids balance cyberspacewiththerealworld.

Parentslikethis.Marilyn Randall has authored a series of children’s books on friendships including For Faithful Friends, The Best of Best Friends, and Share From the Heart www.marilynran-dall.com.

Share

we feel more far apart than ever before. Maybe what we need to do is teach our kids to put the computer down, and go outside and play with their friends.”

Randall’s tips for parents who want to help their kids better value their friendships include:

Limit Internet UseA generation ago, parents wouldlimit theamountof television theywouldallowtheirkidstowatch,andmonitor what they watched. Placetime limits on the time your kidsspendonline in the sameway,andmonitorwhichsitestheyusetochatwiththeirfriends.

Parentslikethis.

Set An Example Show your kids how you interactwith your friends, and show themthevaluethoselongtermfriendshipshaveinyourlife.Ifyourkidsseethatyouhavelong-term,closeandfulfill-ing friendships with others, they’llemulatethosekindsofrelationshipsintheirlives.

Parentslikethis.


It’s the moment every parent of a small child dreads: the good-bye. For parents of young children, it can be a gut-wrenching, heart-aching, guilt-rid-den moment full of tears, protests, and quick getaways. Separation anxiety can ruin your workday, put a damper on your (rare!) dinner out, and keep you trapped in your house (and chained to your toddler). But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Children can show signs of separation anxiety as early as six months, and young children can experience it at almost any age. One of the hardest sce-narios for parents to deal with is dropping their clingy and crying toddler off at daycare. It can tug at your heartstrings and make you doubt yourself and your decisions. But the good news is that separation anxiety will pass—and there are some simple solutions to help you get to that point.

“Toddlers,” she says, “understand about people leaving before they learn about people returning, and they can tell from your actions that you’re about to leave.” So, for most children (and their parents), anxiety begins to build even before you’ve stepped one foot out the door.

Separation anxiety can show up in many forms. Your child may cry when you leave the room or refuse to be put down if she knows you’ll be leaving. Some children will even go so far as to follow their parents into every room all day long. It can be both frustrating and sad for parents when they feel as though they are causing their children sadness. Read on for five tips that will help saying “bye-bye” be a little bit easier for you and your child:

Bring out the “Blankie”Transitional objects, such as a favorite blan-

ket or stuffed toy, can be reassuring to small children. In fact, to your child, these items are a symbol of you. They represent comfort, safety, and joy. Encouraging your child to attach to a transi-tional object early in infancy will allow him to be better at self-soothing later on. When you have to separate from your child, be sure that those

ByKimberleyClaytonBlaine,MFT

Five Ways toHelp You and Your ChildSurvive Separation Anxiety

Saying good-bye is hard to do, especially if you’re the parent of a small child who suffers from separation anxiety. There is a good reason behind your toddler’s tears and offers up helpful solutions for making your “so-longs” a little less stressful.


special objects are close at hand to provide comfort while you are away.

Babies Love Satin Rubbing the satin takes them back to the safety and security

of the womb. Offering a blanket, stuffed toy, or other soft object to your little one during your absence will give him something familiar that will help to comfort him. It will make the transition easier for the both of you.

Practice Makes Perfect It may seem silly for you to practice being apart from your

child, but it can really make a big difference in the long run. If you know you’re going to be away for a longer than normal period, help your child work up to that separation by taking a series of short breaks, such as running next door for a minute or going out on a brief errand.

Easing your child into separation is a great way to prepare her for being away from you. And you don’t even have to leave the house to get started. Tell your child that you’ll be going to another room and you’ll be back soon. This will help her to begin to make the connection that although you are gone now, you will come back.

Ask Your Sitter to Come EarlyWhether you’re leaving your child for a dinner date with

your spouse, or you have hired an in-home sitter to watch your little one while you are at work, leaving him in the hands of someone else can be stressful for both you and your baby. And even though you may not realize it, your child picks up on the anxiety you are feeling, and it will affect his reaction as well. To give you both peace of mind, be sure to spend some time with the sitter and your child together.

If someone is coming to watch your child, have him or her come early so that all of you can spend some time together before you leave. This will help your child to see that this person is someone they can trust and will help both the child and your sitter familiarize themselves with one another. If you are relaxed and happy about the situation, your child is much more likely to be as well.

Leave on a Happy NoteEvery parent has done the sneaky slip out the door in hopes

of making a tearless getaway. But this is actually doing more harm than good. Just because the child doesn’t see you leave,

doesn’t mean she won’t eventually notice your absence. And in order to alleviate separation anxiety, you want to make sure your child is associating happy thoughts with your coming and going. Let her see you leave, even if it triggers the water-works—and make sure there is a fun activity in place for her to take part in immediately following your departure.

It’s hard to see your child cry when you leave, but, if you continue to sneak off, she’ll become even more worried that you might disappear at any random time. Say your goodbyes and then help her become involved in a fun activity that will occupy her as you leave. It may take a few tries, but eventu-ally she’ll begin to associate your leaving with emotions other than anxiety and sadness.

Ditch the GuiltThere aren’t many things that pull at your heartstrings

more than having to leave a crying child who is reaching out for you. Situations of separation anxiety can create a sense of overwhelming guilt for parents. You want to be there for your child but there are times when you just can’t. And it’s not healthy for either of you if you constantly feel trapped in the situation. Remind yourself that this is a stage and you both will get through it. You aren’t a bad parent for leaving your child in tears. In fact, your efforts are working to raise a healthy, independent adult!

Don’t minimize your child’s experience by getting resentful or angry if he goes into a tirade when you leave. It’s quite normal to feel at peace with your child’s neediness at one moment and then to feel agitated and overwhelmed the next. Try to find ways to balance your need for his independence with his needs to expand his world and feel safe. You’ll both be the better for it.

Another important thing for parents to remember is that their anxiety can be contagious. The more anxious you are about leaving or about others caring for your little one, the more anxious she will be. Be calm, confident, and reassur-ing. And when you do return, take time to enjoy the warm welcome and extra hugs. Being apart makes reuniting that much sweeter.

Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT, is the executive pro-ducer of the online parenting show www.TheGoToMom.TV and author of The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children and The Internet Mommy.

There aren’t many things that pull at your heartstrings more than having

to leave a crying child who is reaching out for you...


The Hand A Story of Giving ThanksBy Steve Goodier

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment – to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered eco-nomically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other tradi-tional goodies of the season.

These, the teacher thought would be the subjects of most of her student’s art

And they were. But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Doug-

las was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher’s true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else, just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another sug-gested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God. And so the discussion went – until the teacher almost forgot

the young artist himself. When the children had gone on to other assignments,

she paused at Douglas’ desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.

The little boy looked away and murmured, “It’s yours, teacher.

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students.

How often she had said, “Take my hand, Douglas, we’ll go outside.”

Or, “Let me show you how to hold your pencil.” Or, “Let’s do this together.” Douglas was most thankful for his

teacher’s hand. Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thank-fulness.

It says something about teachers teaching, and parents parenting, and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglasses of the world.

They might not always say thanks. But they’ll remember the hand that

reaches. Steve Goodier is a professional

speaker, consultant, and author of nu-merous books. Visit his site for more informationLove and Laughter at http//LifeSupportSystem.com.

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Kids with Special Needs and the Role of Early Childhood Educators

Kids with special needs are the delight of many early childhood educators. These kids unique characters, traits and physical needs push staff to creatively adapt themselves, environments and

indeed entire communities in order to best facilitate healthy development.

Whole fields of work have emerged over the years, focusing attention on a multitude of aspects that contribute to

the positive growth of kids with special needs. It wasn’t so long ago that kids with special needs were shunted off behind closed doors, to be cared for in a kind of maintenance sort of way. Now there are movements afoot, such as integration, which seek to include kids in mainstream settings for social-ization. Other movements concentrate on environmental factors, such as re-ducing barriers or providing adaptive play equipment or the political arena to bring about change in social policy to facilitate better service.

Early childhood educators rise to the challenge posed by kids with special needs. Each child is like a unique jigsaw puzzle requiring an individualized ap-proach to unlock the door to the most fruitful advancement. The educators’ reward for their labor is measured in smiles, a few words spoken, eye con-tact, a newly achieved self-care skill and sometimes just a hug.

However, the single most important aspect of an early childhood educator’s role is pretty much never spoken. It is

by Gary Direnfeld, LCSW

Each child is like a unique jigsaw puzzle requiring an individualized approach to unlock the door to the most fruitful advancement. The educators’ reward for their labor is measured in smiles, a few words spoken, eye contact, a newly achieved self-care skill and sometimes just a hug.

continued on page 23

�0 November & December, �010 www.familyworks.org

Since 1990, The Mountain School has provided Marin County families with a quality, Waldorf-inspired experience for children two-years-and-nine-months to six years of age.

Drawing from a deep knowledge of childhood development, our program encourages children to grow as whole human beings with balanced capaci-ties to think, feel, and do. By nurtur-ing their creativity and self-reliance with our play-based curriculum, we lay the foundation for future academic learning and a desire to be fruitfully engaged in the world.

Based on the insights of Austrian educator Rudolph Steiner, Waldorf education recognizes that there are distinct developmental stages in the natural unfolding of a child’s personality. Our pro-gram is based on this philosophy and offers carefully determined, age-appropri-ate experiences that help prepare children for life as well as for future academic success.

In place of facts and figures, we engage in activities such as building, cooking, sewing, crafts, gardening and cleaning -- activities that stimulate problem-solving, nurture independent expression, and thoughtfully develop fine and gross motor skills. Whether they’re serving snack to their classmates, acting out a new play, or learning to button their coats, children are absorbing at an early age skills that

will serve them for the rest of their lives. These include: a love of learning gained through imagining and do-ing; a longer attention span as children create images through play and storytelling; a fuller understanding of abstract con-cepts as they interact with the natural world, rather than learn by rote; self-esteem and emo-tional maturity and a capacity for creative thinking.

What Else Makes The Mountain School Different?

As it nurtures life skills, The Mountain School also cultivates wonder. Here, children know not only the warmth and security of home, but also the magic of stories, songs, universal myths, and the natural world around them. Our materials and activities encourage play that comes from within, drawing first and foremost on the child’s own imagination. Through songs, classic stories, and puppetry, children develop a fertile store of imagery that helps them appreciate and under-stand real-life experiences.

. TheMountain School

“In a world where we often rush, it’s nice to know that children can come here and experience purpose and happiness in everyday pursuits of life.“

- Brenda Novick, The Mountain School Faculty

School Spotlight

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Gratitude is fostered with a mealtime verse before the children engage in lunch and conversation. Music is woven into the texture of the day, as singing songs together eases all transitions. At the day’s end, a classic fairy tale, puppet show, or play provides imagery that enlivens each child’s fantasies.

Our day also centers on a connection with nature and community in a way that helps children to appreciate and understand their place in the world. Always in tune with the magic that each season brings, we bake pumpkin muffins in autumn; we craft lanterns or orange and clove pomanders in winter. In springtime, the wind and budding flowers inspire us to fashion pinwheels or magic wands.

Inspired by the rhythms of nature, each day at The Mountain School is designed to help children cultivate imagination, individuality, compassion, and self-respect. As we prepare children to meet the challenges of the modern world, it is our intention that they leave The Mountain School grounded in their beings, full of courage and creativity, and equipped with a powerful belief that they can do for themselves.

If you would like to learn more about The Mountain School, please visit our website at www.themountainschool.org or call our director, Jody Meese at 415-924-4661. The Mountain School is located at 50 El Camino Drive in Corte Madera.

(Infant - 4.5 years)

®

Mill Valley Corte Madera San Anselmo

San Rafael

415.456.6630

Consider a Change of Pace...

Marin Country Day SchoolSixth Grade Information EveningFor current fifth grade students and their parents

Thursday, January 66:45–9:00 p.m. at MCDS5221 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera 94925

RSVP to [email protected]

�� November & December, �010 www.familyworks.org

The German Language School of Marin We provide students with affordable, yet highly qualified instruction about the language, customs, history and culture of German speaking countries. Classes are given on Saturdays from 9:30 am - 12:00 noon and are open to anyone interested in learning German. www.germanschoolmarin.com.

Lycée Français La PérouseThe only full French immersion school from PK through 12th grade in San Francisco and Marin (Corte Madera). A strong English program complements the authentic curriculum established by the French Ministry of Education. Our college preparatory school is ideal for engaged and active learners, ready to become multi-lingual world citizens. Open Houses: Nov 9 and Dec 8 in Corte Madera.www.lelycee.org.

Marin Country Day School is a warm, inclusive, diverse community guided by core values of respect, responsibility and compassion. Children develop into excellent learners and good people through a broad-based, highly participatory curriculum. The vibrant spirit of all involved engage to make MCDS a good place for children. Primary points of entry are at kindergarten and grade 6. www.mcds.org.

Marin Waldorf SchoolPre-K through 8th grade. Our curriculum provides a rigorous academic education including foreign languages, arts, music, movement, and community festivals. Our program fosters critical thinking, emotional and social intelligence, and physical activity. Marin County’s only accredited Waldorf School. Open House November 6th 10am – noon. (415) 479-8190 x 102. www.marinwaldorf.org.

The Mountain SchoolThe Mountain School provides quality, play-based care for preschoolers and Kindergartners in a cozy setting with dedicated, highly qualified teachers. Imaginative play, practical tasks, and rain-or-shine outdoor time alternate with stories, songs, and wholesome snacks. After these happy days “just being kids” our children, we’re told, go home singing! www.marinmountainschool.org.

San Domenico SchoolParents: Have you ever felt forced to choose between a competitive school and a supportive one? At San Domenico School we don’t see a necessary distinction between high-achieving students and happy, well-balanced children. Find out more by touring our beautiful San Anselmo campus. Call 415-298-1905 or go to www.sandomenico.org/visit

2010 School Directory

November & December, �010 ��www.familyworks.org

2010 School Directory

interweaved and critical to every aspect of their work, yet there remains no ref-erence to it anywhere.

What’s so special about working with kids with special needs and the work of the early childhood educator?

These children are unable to protect their own dignity and thus the most important aspect of an early childhood educator’s role is as the guardian of these kids’ dignity.

It is not just that these kids cannot protect and fend for themselves, for if this were all that mattered, solutions are easy. There is a more human and pressing concern for these kids.

Children with special needs must rely on the early childhood educator as guardians of their dignity.

It is not for independence sake that early childhood educators embark on multi-facetted lesson plans. Increased independence and autonomy are of-ten quite achievable. Early childhood educators do what they do with kids with special needs because of a more profound mission. They seek to develop the children’s sense of dignity, worth and value and if not in their eyes, then in the eyes of their community.

When early childhood educators teach life skills, when they improve behavior and when they develop social-ization abilities, it is in the pursuit of this dignity. At heart, this is why early childhood educators do what they do.

Early childhood educators recognize the inherent worth and value of all hu-man beings and seek to protect those who cannot protect themselves. With kids with special needs, they are pro-tecting their dignity and at heart, this is what parents entrust them to do.

Kids WithSpecialNeedscontinued from page 19

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Holiday MenuOur Kitchen is Offering Three

Thanksgiving Dinners and Four Yummy Pies!

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To place an order, stop by or call 454-0123Thanksgiving orders accepted through Monday, Nov. 22

Each 1.25 pound dinner is presented in a fully-recyclable and oven-heatable aluminum containerMarin’s largest selection of fine wines Made from Organic and Biodynamic Grapes

Organic Turkey DinnerHand-sliced Turkey Brest Garlic Green BeansTurkey Grravy Cranberry SauseSage Stuffing Single Dinner, $24Mashed Potatoes Dinner for 4, $92

Organic Pumpkin Lasagna DinnerVegeterian Pumpkin Lasagna Garlic Green BeansCranberry SauseSingle Dinner, $14 Dinner for 4, $52

Vegeterian Almond Loaf DinnerAlmond Loaf Garlic Green BeansWalnut Pecan Grravy Cranberry SauseSage Stuffing Single Dinner, $20Vegan Sashed Potatoes Dinner for 4, $76

Organic Homemade PiesPies Serve 6-8 Wheat free Almand Crust is available for an additional $2Pumpkin Pie $21.98 Apple Pie $17.98 Vegan Pumpkin Pie $15.98 Pecan Pie `$23.98

OPENEVERYDAY9AM-9PM

From the Good Earth Kitchen

Our Kitchen is Offering Three Thanksgiving Dinners and Four Yummy Pies!

To place an order, stop by or call 454-0123

Each 1.25 pound dinner is presented in a fully-recyclable and oven-heatable aluminum container

Marin’s largest selection of fi ne wines Made from Organic and Biodynamic Grapes

Organic Turkey DinnerOrganic Pumpkin Lasagna DinnerVegan Almond Loaf Dinner

Organic Homemade Pies: Pumpkin

Vegan Pumpkin

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