M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

Partners Newslette , Octobre 2013 1

Sommary : It’s happennig right here!

- The key word is.... ! ! 2- An 8th plan for the 0-5 ans 3- The 2014-2017 Plan.... 4- Summer camps ... 5- Municipalities are committed 5

Did you know that?- The developing brain 6

Links and infos- Promoting physically active lifestyles 7- Young and nature 7- «My school is getting active» 7

Éditorial I had planned on opening this newsletter with a discussion of some of the big thoughts on change, the prevaling social norm, holistic approaches, etc. However, given current developments, this issue will address the topic of change in a different manner. How fitting too, since this season is also one of change: fluctuating temperatures, changing colors, starting a new school, reworking organizational structures...And organizations, much like natural ecosystems, often have to readjust their common objectives. In addition, these changes often require preliminary meetings in which each party’s expectations and values are validated. In our particular case, we will be discussing the coordination between two partner groups working toward the same goal: to bring about a change in behavior as well as in the social norm using an inclusive approach centered on the person, his/her environment, and the organizations in the territory (holistic thinking?!). So, we leave our two groups of partners with plenty to reflect on in terms of future planning. As for the change of season, do you enjoy autumn, do you take leisurely walks in the woods, and relish the first sparks in the fireplace?... Mmmm... Isn’t it wonderful?!!!

Denis Delbois

Issue n°15- October 2013

Editorial Staff

Denis Delbois — coordonator-assistantIsabelle Mercieca — coordonator MeMJoël Bolduc — coordonator PPEMMarie-Josée Cotnoir — consultant ressources

Contact

Memphré en Mouvement120, rue BellevueMagog J1X 3H2Tél. : 819 446 5005 Memphre@regroupement.quebecenforme.org Deniscoordoadjoint@me.comTwitter : @MemenMouvementwww.facebook.com/MemphreEnMouvement

Partenaires pour la Petite Enfance Memphrémagog55, rue CabanaMagog J1X 2C4Tél. : 819 847 3034Coordo.cal@gmail.comwwww.granddemain.com

Partners Newsletter

M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

2 Partners Newslette, Octobre 2013

The key word is...CONSOLIDATION!As many of you know, the various MRC “youth” partners are involved in the consolidation process between the Memphré en Mouvement group (MEM - healthy lifestyle habits of 0-17 year olds) and the Partenaires pour la Petite Enfance de Magog (PPEM - overall development of children 0-5 years of age). This step was undertaken in the fall of 2012 in order to better serve young people between the ages of 0 and 17 and their families in the entire MRC. The process aims to help the partners reach these four objectives:

1) Improve the governing style;2) Put into place a new integrative

concertation model;3) Work toward better integration of

actions;4) Simplify and improve management

of the groups.

When the Forum was held on May 31, 2013, the partners adopted a model that reflected the merger of the two groups.Since then, the two coordinating committees have met in a joint work format in order to draft a proposal on

the operating rules and the governing style of this new merged group.

The new joint coordinating committee is made up of partners from different sectors and different territories:

Christine Meunier, CSSSMMarie-Lou Laramée, EastmanMarise Cotnoir, Sainte-Marguerite SchoolNathalie Bélanger, Maison de la FamilleValérie Groulx, CPE Jardin de FanfanTrish Wood, Potton

This committee is joined by two coordinators and two representatives:

Joël Bolduc, PPEM coord.

Isabelle Mercieca, MEM coord.Céline Landreville, Avenir d’Enfants representativeMartine Auray, Québec en Forme representative

It’s a meeting none of the partners should miss if they want to help build their advisory committee and share their opinion as to the operating rules and the governing style they would like to see put into place to facilitate their work.

« ...on May 31, 2013, the partners adopted a model that reflected the merger..»

It’s happening right here!It’s happening right here!

M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

Partners Newslette , October 2013 3

An 8th Action Plan for 0-5 year oldsAlthough it contains a few novelties, the Partenaires pour la Petite Enfance 2013-2014 Plan is a continuation of last year’s. This decision will allow us to focus on the two major challenges facing us this year: the merger with Memphré en Mouvement, and the 2014-2017 three-year plan for children 0-5 years old and their families in our MRC.

This year, three projects are being submitted to organizations in the MRC that work outside the Magog area. A first in seven years of exixtence. The first provides training to educators in early childhood centers (CPEs) in how to implement the Brindami program, which is designed to develop a child’s social skills and emotional maturity. The second collaboration is meant to support the use of “My Profile”, a tool that facilitates communication between CPE

educators, parents, and the child’s future school. Finally, resource staff who work with young children and families will be invited to join Réseau Enfance. This child network already brings together more than a hundred resource workers on its interactive website (reseauenfance.ning.com), and once a year, it holds a day of discussion and training on a theme selected by the resource workers.

Another first for the group of partners - parents in the MRC will work on a project of their own choosing. This initiative sprang from the “Parent Voice” project, and is intended to boost support in the home for new parents. One of the goals is to allow parents to take a break and to perform different tasks. This type of service is already being offered by Marraine Tendresse, a community organization, but its volunteer bank is too small to ensure that everyone in the MRC has access to the service.

Also of note is the new partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke to evaluate the Brindami project. The latter is a universal program designed to enhance social behavior in children. Besides offering the program to children three years of age and under in CPEs, we are conducting a home-based family support pilot project on a volunteer basis for some families whose child presents significant challenges. This evaluation will examine how the project’s universal component is implemented, and how effective its family support component is. It should also make it easier to find financial partners in order to ensure the project’s sustainability.The complete action plan can be downloaded at the following address:HYPERLINK "http://www.granddemain.com/plan-0-5-ans.html"http://www.granddemain.com/plan-0-5-ans.html

It’s happening right here!It’s happening right here!

M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

4 Partners Newslette, Octobre 2013

The 2014-2017 Plan for 0-5 year olds and their families gets underwayThe planning process for 0-5 year olds and their families has begun. A few preliminary consultations have already taken place in various sectors of the MRC. There are two major steps in the process.

In November and December, all the territory players will be invited to discuss their findings regarding young children and families in their area. Following this collective exercise, some findings will be prioritised by the group of partners. These priority findings will then serve as the basis for the entire three-year plan, which will combine strategies and actions to promote overall development in children 0-5 years of age as well as family support over the next three years.

The second step in the process will take place between January and March 2014. This is when each of the local committees will determine how

they want to address the priority findings, in keeping with their particular reality and their ability to act.

The three-year plan, as adopted by all the partners, will be submitted on April 15, 2014, to the community organization Avenir d’enfants, our main financial backer.

The following is a list of important dates to remember:

November 14, 12 to 4:30 p.m.: MRC meeting to discuss the findings

December 19, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: MRC meeting to prioritize the findings and set common objectivesJanuary to March: two meetings in each MRC sector (Magog, Eastman, Potton, and Stanstead) in order to develop an action planEarly April: MRC meeting to adopt the three-year plan and the budget

Throughout the process, you will be able to view the documents that will inform your thinking and decision-making on the following web page: HYPERLINK "http://www.granddemain.com/plan-0-5-ans.html"http://www.granddemain.com/plan-0-5-ans.html .

« A few preliminary consultations have already taken place in various sectors of the MRC.»

It’s happening right here!It’s happening right here!

Ça se passe chez nous!M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

Partners Newslette , October 2013 5

Summer camps are really shaping up!

Once again this summer, hundreds of kids had fun in one of 11 municipal day camps offered in our MRC!

All the counselors had been trained and received their Diplôme d’Aptitude aux Fonctions d’Animateur (DAFA), to certify their proficiency. The training was provided by three City of Magog managers and three Memphré en Mouvement workers, thanks to the partnership between the City of Magog, the Conseil Sport Loisir de l’Estrie, Memphré en Mouvement, and participating municipalities.

Therefore, many camps provided a secure setting and quality programs to more than 800 children ages 5 to 12. And, of course, healthy lifestyle habits were on the agenda in many of the camps! They offfered an array of outdoor games, as well as cooking and tasting workshops, gardening activities, sports, and plenty of outdoor recreation!

I would like to underscore the fact that these small steps are possible thanks to:

the involvement of municipal recreational development agents, who believe in the camps and want to move them forward;the professionalism of camp coordinators, who accept the support of our advisors in an effort to continually improve services;the creativity, dynamic attitude and love of learning shown by the 80 counselors in our territory!

This experience will be repeated next summer because the City of Magog has decided to move forward with the DAFA certification and has agreed to continue the joint training partnership with all the other municipalities!

Municipalities are committed to promoting healthy lifestyle habits!

Several municipalities in our MRC are innovating by adopting policies that enhance and encourage healthy lifestyle habits among their citizens!

The town of Potton introduced its “Intergenerational Family Policy” in August, and in September, the town of Saint-Etienne-de-Bolton launched its “Global Family Policy for Infants to Seniors” initiative.Where these two municipalities are concerned, healthy lifestyle habits are part of the game plan! Whether the aim is to

attract or keep families, showcase an area conducive to outdoor recreation, promote the natural environment, highlight active means of travel, or increase physical and leisure activities, these municipalities are committed to taking concrete actions that will make it easier for young people and their families to adopt a physically active lifestyle!

The City of Magog is also working on some exciting actions as part of its strategic plan. Healthy lifestyle habits were on the agenda of several working committees, but were the primary focus of the Steering Committee 2, with the following objective: “to contribute to the health and well-being of Magogers by encouraging them to practice physical and outdoor activities”. A number of partners

« Whether the aim is to attract or keep families, (...), these municipalities are committed to taking concrete actions..!»

It’s happening right here!It’s happening right here!

M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

6 Partners Newslette, October 2013

Did you know that?Did you know that?

worked on an action plan to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and enhance the health of citizens (active transportation, walking and cycling networks, sports events, infrastructures, global health programs...)We can’t wait to see the final action plan!

It is important to stress that these local initiatives are very encouraging to the partner group and are a tremendous support in the pursuit of our first two strategic objectives:-Improving the quality of - and access to - services that promote healthy lifestyle habits by adapting them to today’s youth and families; -Encouraging positive shifts in the social norm when it comes to healthy lifestyle habits.

Therefore, congratulations to our municipal partners for taking to heart their role and contributing to a change in habits!

The developing brain

We have heard time and again that the period between 0 and 5 years of age is a crucial one in a child’s development and will have repercussions in adulthood. But why is that?

The reason has to do with the brain’s development. By the third year of life, a child’s brain has reached 80% of its adult weight. More specifically, the neurological system (made up of neurons) is developing. The neurons interconnect thanks to synapses that can do their job only if they are active. And for them to be active, a child needs an environment that stimulates his/her motor, cognitive, emotional, social and language skills and meets his/her physiological needs (sleep, nourishment).

Therefore, early childhood care and affection are of upmost importance, especially in the first year.

The challenge facing parents and resource workers who help families is to offer each child optimal conditions for stimulation according to his/her level of development. It should be noted that overstimulation does not lead to greater development, especially if a child’s nervous system is not ready.

As the child makes new discoveries, explores his/her environment, and acquires new skills, he/she is in effect creating or reinforcing connections between neurons that will make up his/her neurological system.

Marie-Josée Cotnoir, PsychoeducatorResource Counselor in Child DevelopmentPartenaires pour la Petite Enfance Memphrémagog

References:

Book: Le développement global de l’enfant en contexte éducatif, 2008Website: Naître et Grandir

« Therefore, early childhood care and affection are of upmost importance, especially in the first year..»

M E M P R É E N M O U V E M E N T & L E S P A R T E N A I R E S P O U R L A P E T I T E E N F A N C E

Partners Newslette , October 2013 7

Links and infosShort guide to links that seem interesting. Enjoy your visit!

Editorial StaffDenis Delbois — coordonator-assistantIsabelle Mercieca — coordonator MeMJoël Bolduc — coordonator PPEMMarie-Josée Cotnoir — consultant ressources

ContactMemphré en Mouvement120, rue BellevueMagog J1X 3H2Tél. : 819 446 5005 Memphre@regroupement.quebecenforme.org Deniscoordoadjoint@me.comTwitter : @MemenMouvementwww.facebook.com/MemphreEnMouvement

Partenaires pour la Petite Enfance Memphrémagog55, rue CabanaMagog J1X 2C4Tél. : 819 847 3034Coordo.cal@gmail.comwwww.granddemain.com

Briefs!

Interesting links:

Promoting physically active lifestyles by making room for everyone in the street: http://www.veilleaction.org/les-fiches-pratiques/amenagement-urbain-rural/amenager-les-quartiers-pour-encourager-le-jeu-libre-des-enfants-a-l-exterieur.html"

Municipal election campaign: an ideal opportunity to speak with your mayor about healthy lifestyle habits!

http://www.veilleaction.org/veille-action-blogue/1518-campagne-

electorale-municipale-profitez-en-pour-parler-a-votre-maire.html

Young people are out of touch with nature! This handbook provides resource workers in school, municipal, and community settings with tools that will help them inspire young people to get back to nature...and to be more active! http://www.veilleaction.org/la-veille/publications-veille-action/1535-le-plein-air-c-est-dans-ma-nature.html

Projects such as “My School is Getting Active” really do help kids perform better in school. This short article explains how teachers went

about helping their students do better academically:http://www.wmag.ca/articles/mieux-reussir-a-l-ecole-grace-au-projet-mon-ecole-s-active?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Infolettre+-+25+septembre&utm_content=Infolettre+-+25+septembre+CID_7534c9fc278f51e12e1cbde9e4d20b72&utm_source=Infolettre&utm_term=Mieux%20russir%20%20lcole%20grce%20au%20projet%20Mon%20cole%20sactive"

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