North Shore Child Care Resource & Referral Program

North Shore Community Resources - Capilano Mall, 201 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S3 604-985-7138 website: www.nscr.bc.ca

Funded by: Province of BC, District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver, United Way of the Lower Mainland

Fall 2010

Inserts NSCCRR - Workshop & •Drop-in Calendar

“Workshops in Farsi” Fly• er

• Key Elements of School-Age Care Flyer

2010 Child Care Fee •Schedule

• 2010 Child Care Wage Schedule

• VCH - Active Play flyer

I hope everyone had a great summer. We certainly can’t complain about the weather this year! This probably gave lots of opportunities for outside activities and field trips and hopefully a little rest and relaxation too.

Even though we may be back to a more regular routine, there are always changes. I am happy to welcome Cindy Hambrook to our CCRR Team. Cindy is doing maternity leave coverage for Tunde Getaneh until next June. Tunde and her husband welcomed a lovely little girl, Bliss, into the world in June. Tunde and Bliss are doing very well. Cindy has taken over the consultations for child care subsidy applications and coordinating our workshops. Cindy brings great skills and experience to this position and we know you will welcome her to our program.

The implementation of All Day Kindergarten this fall may have a significant impact on child care centres and clients. This first year will be the test to discover the far reaching implications of this program. School districts and government too, will be dealing with unanticipated outcomes from this initiative that will determine how it goes forward.

North Shore Community Resources and the Child Care Resource Program appreciated the municipal recognition of the child care providers of the North Shore with the ads and certificates issued for May is Child Care Month on behalf of the three Mayors and Council members. We certainly know that child care is on the Municipal agenda.

There is a rumor of a Federal election and that always holds the promise that child care could, once again, be a topic of discussion as a federal system. We came very close once and I must be the eternal child care optimist to think that the plan could once again be revived.

Sara and Cindy plan to schedule some additional workshop presentations on Saturdays this fall. We tried this last spring for the first time and it was very successful so are budgeting more to come. You will see that as of January, 2011, we are going to be charging for workshops and will require pre-registration. This is due to a number of reasons including managing attendance, administration costs and generating much needed revenue.

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Our Staff:Li Boesen, Executive Director

June Maynard, Manager, Child Care Resource Program

Fariba Aghdassi, Information & Resource Consultant

Cindy Hambrook, Community Access Consultant

Christine Mann, Support & Outreach Consultant (Child Care Providers)

Maria Morisseau, Vancouver Coastal Health Regional CCRR Coordinator, CAP-C Coordinator

Virginia Pateman, Information & Resource Consultant (parents & families)

Sara Sutherland, Community Support Consultant

Sara Montazemi, Community Support Consultant

Hossein Ebrahimi, Catherine Janusz, Elaine Smith, Program Support

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Do you have an email address?

To keep you informed and up-to-date with our program and with current events in child care please let us know your email address.

Family Child Care Providers: Christine.Mann@nscr.bc.ca

Group Child Care Providers:Sara. Sutherland@nscr.bc.ca

All others (parents, agencies, etc.):June.Maynard@nscr.bc.ca

Fall is also a time to look forward to the North Shore Early Childhood Conference, “To Learn, To Wonder”. This year the Conference is on Saturday, September 25th at Capilano University. Even though the full day is sold out, there are still plenty of spaces for the half day key note and workshop. This is a great opportunity to get valuable and up to date professional development hours, connect with other child care professionals, and browse for equipment and ideas in the market. It is always a great event. Check the website and download registration at www.nsececonference.com.

We look forward to a busy year and to working with all of you to serve the families and children of the North Shore.

June Maynard, Manager, Child Care Resource Program

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National Child Day - November 20th National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centered on children’s rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989.

National Child Day is a day to increase awareness of the CRC and a day to celebrate and stand up for our children. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we nurture the lives, growth, and development of children and youth.

Protection: Children have the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

Provision: Children have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care and to play.

Participation: Children have the right to express their views about things that affect them and to participate in communities, programs and services.

Welcome Baby Bliss!

Congratulations to our Community Access Consultant, Tunde Getaneh and her husband Avi on the birth of their daughter, Bliss.

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“SummerStart” at Capilano Littlest OnesThis July, for the second year, nine sessions of “SummerStart” were held for preschoolers, parents and caregivers at Squamish Nation’s Capilano Littlest Ones School. Built on the model of the BC StrongStart program, early childhood educators Carol Lundrigan and Chantal Newman provided an

exciting medley of early learning activities for children that encouraged the support and engagement of parents and caregivers.

As a special treat, the facilitators organized a field trip to Bowen Island. Children and parents searched for eagle feathers and other treasures on the beach, and shared a delightful picnic lunch prepared by Carol. It was a first visit to Bowen Island for many of the families.

“SummerStart” is a partnership between Capilano Littlest Ones School, Soh-Sa-Latch, the North Vancouver School District, and North Shore Community Resources’ WHEELS and WECAN programs. Funding came from the Lower Capilano Enhancement Fund and Success by 6 , with the support of Capilano Littlest Ones staff. Many thanks to school Principal Kirsten Baker-Williams for sharing the facilities and staff, and to the North Vancouver School District for sharing their StrongStart equipment and teaching expertise.

We look forward to seeing many of these families at the Norgate and Westview StrongStarts in September.

A Family Friendly Community is Everybody’s Business!

Are you a family friendly business?

Let the community know!

Here are some excellent reasons to participate in WECAN’s “Family Friendly Communities” Project.

In a Family Friendly Workplace,Flexible work hours• for parents lead to fewer absences and higher productivity Supported working parents• are more likely to stay with your organization

In a Family Friendly Public Place, Families will be • more likely to returnThey will be more likely to • encourage their friends to visit your facilityThey will be more likely to • support your program

For more information about the program and how to become involved visit www.connectforkids.ca

Good for business!Great for families!

“Whether it’s big business or small business, kids are everybody’s business”

E. Colby

Substitute List

North Shore Child Care Resource Program keeps a list of individuals who would like to substitute in child care centres.

Substitutes complete an information sheet and are expected to have the necessary documentation to work in a child care centre. Our office does not check or keep screening documents on file. Individuals are contacted on a regular basis to see if they wish to remain on the list but we cannot guarantee their availability. At the moment we have 28 individuals registered.

Child care centres needing to employ a substitute can contact our office and receive the names and basic information for the substitutes by phone, email or via fax. Centres should conduct their own screening on substitute staff as required.

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Child Care Resource Program Library NewsWe do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. ~ Native American Proverb

There may be no better way to ensure the well-being of the natural world tomorrow than to introduce children to its many small wonders today. ~Todd Christopher, National Wildlife Federation’s Green Hour.

We at North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral have been busy adding new resources that will complement any discussion with children on how to protect our planet. Here are a few of our exciting new titles….

101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You’re 12! by Joanne O’Sullivan. You can make a big impact on the earth’s future in small ways. This book has 101 ideas for simple things you (and everyone you know) can do to make our world a greener, better place.

I Love Dirt! by Jennifer Ward. With 52 activities to help you and your kids discover the wonders of nature, this is a perfect book for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about children and nature.

1001 Ways to Save the Earth by Joanna Yarrow. It’s your planet, take good care of it! This helpful book gathers hundreds of simple ideas to conserve resources and protect the environment. Small changes can lead to big results!

Nature in a Nutshell for Kids by Jean Potter. The 112 activities in this book cover every aspect of the natural world. Discover the beauty and wonder of nature all year round with these quick, easy experiments.

Good Earth Art by MaryAnn Kohl and Cindy Gainer. This earth-friendly collection offers a creative collection of art projects that develop an awareness of the environment and encourage a caring attitude towards the earth.

The Green Hour: A Daily Dose of Nature for Happier, Healthier, Smarter Kids by Todd Christopher. Parents and caregivers who want to encourage a love of nature in their children won’t go wrong with this book as its easy-to-do projects will have everyone racing for the door!

Living Simply With Children: A voluntary simplicity guide for moms, dads, and kids who want to reclaim the bliss of childhood and the joy of parenting by Marie Sherlock. This book includes sections on limiting television, environmentally friendly practices, raising kids who care about people and the planet, and so much more.

Simplicity Parenting: Using the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier, and more secure kids by Kim John Payne. This book teaches parents how to worry and hover less-and how to enjoy more. For those who want to slow their children’s lives down but don’t know where to start, Payne offers both inspiration and a blueprint for change.

* Kim Payne is the keynote speaker for our annual North Shore ECE Conference being held Saturday, September 25th. See the website for more details…www.nsececonference.com

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In keeping with our “Mother Nature” theme we have added new felt stories based on First Nations stories.

Thanks to the Animals gives us a wonderful example of the deep awareness to the natural world that characterizes traditional First Nations storytelling.

A Salmon for Simon tells the story of a Native boy living along the Pacific Northwest Coast and is an excellent way for teachers to introduce discussions about the environment and First Nations culture.

Just A Walk tells the story of a young boy who takes a walk in the forest and encounters birds, fish and even a bear, and is sure to have you and the children laughing out loud!

Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle, What Do You See is based on Eric Carle’s ever popular Brown Bear, Brown Bear has been converted here to showcase some of the amazing wildlife found on the West Coast.

And don’t forget! We have activity boxes in our equipment lending library designed to compliment a variety of topics. Our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle box would be a great addition to any conversation with children on the importance of protecting the environment.

Come into our office and check out these great resources. We are open on Thursday evenings until 8:00 pm!

Useful Websiteswww.zonein.ca To grow and succeed children need to engage in activities that promote healthy development. Overuse of technology is resulting in physical, mental, social, and academic problems. Balancing healthy activities with technology use ensures a sustainable future for all children of the new millennium.

www.caringforkids.cps.ca Parents hear a lot about the negative effects of television. Because there are hundreds of stations available with many types of programs, it can be hard to control your child’s viewing. Find tips on how to promote good TV habits in the home and how to protect your child from the negative influences of television.

www.child-encyclopedia.com The Centres of Excellence for Children’s Wellbeing on Early Childhood Development has several new resources available in their online encyclopedia, including articles on play, sleeping behaviour, and a parents’ practices brochure titled “When responsiveness and beliefs enter the picture.” Search the encyclopedia on their website.

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Do Bugs Need Drugs Program Provided by BCIT Nursing Students

Under the guidance of the North Shore Child Care Resource program, a group of BCIT nursing students will again be offering teaching on the “Do Bugs Need Drugs” program during September 2010 to Mar 2011. The educational sessions may be geared to preschool and daycare staff, parents, and/or children. The program focuses on the importance of handwashing, and ways to prevent antibacterial resistance. We have had many rewarding and fun sessions in the past. If interested, please contact Ling Lai, BCIT Nursing Instructor, at 778-928-2364, or at ling_lai@bcit.ca to arrange a time which is convenient for you.

West Vancouver Child and Family Hub Updates!Ambleside Park Child Care Centre at 1093 Argyle Avenue opened on August 3, 2010. The centre is licensed for eight infant/toddler spaces and eight multi-age spaces and is located on the new Spirit Trail between the Adventure Playground and the Par 3 Golf Course. The District of West Vancouver received funding in the amount of $100,000 from the Province to renovate the existing municipal building to meet licensing standards. In addition, the municipality received Federal RiNC funding ($56,850) for a new enhanced outdoor playground at the Ambleside Park site. The extensive renovations at Ambleside have created an open, bright and inviting play space for children both inside and out with a view to the beach and ocean.

Sabrina Fairbrother of Bellabee Child Care Ltd. is the operator of Ambleside Park Child Care Centre as well as Gordon House Child Care Centre (opened January 2010). Both centres are part of the West Vancouver Child and Family Hub. In keeping with the Hub’s objective to encourage more effective use of community resources, both centres and their playgrounds will be made available to community partners in the evening and on weekends.

For information on Ambleside Park Child Care Centre and Gordon House Child Care Centre please contact Sabrina Fairbrother by phone 604-926-2577.

For information on community use of Ambleside Park Child Care Centre or Gordon House Child Care Centre please contact Laura Lee Kent, Child Care Hub Coordinator, District of West Vancouver by email: llkent@westvancouver.ca or phone: 604-921-3403.

Submitted by Laura Lee Kent, Child Care Hub Coordinator, DWV

Health Link BC – Health Files The Health Link BC website and Health Files is a wonderful resource for parents and child care providers. These are plain language, one page resources on a wide variety of health and healthy living issues such as Allergies, Baby’s First Foods, Growth Milestones, Safe Sleeping for Babies, and over one hundred more. These can be accessed on line or we have hard copies in our Resource Library that can be photocopied. Many of the Health Files are also available in Chinese, Farsi, French, Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese in addition to English. You are welcome to come to the CCRR Library and review this resource (reference only) or go on line at www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles.

“Active Play - To Promote Healthy Weights in Children 2 - 5 years Old”Included in this newsletter is a fact sheet from ActNowBC and the Centre for Healthy Weights with strategies to promote healthy eating and activity. For more information, contact Margaret Broughton, Nutritionist, Vancouver Coastal Health, 604-983-6700.

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SportsDance

TheatreMusic

RecreationClubs

Get information about after-school activitiesLearn about the many NS activities and opportunities

“Something Cool for After School”

Capilano Mall

Saturday, September 12, 200912 Noon - 4:00 pm

SportsDance

TheatreMusic

RecreationClubs

Get information about after-school activitiesLearn about North Shore activities and opportunities

“Something Cool for After School”

Capilano Mall

Saturday, September 18, 201012 Noon - 4:00 pm

WHEELS Program Continues to Grow

Summer in the ParksThe WHEELS program visited a number of North Shore parks over the summer months, making a range of early development materials available to families and caregivers with young children. WHEELS coordinator April Accola, CCRR’s Sara Sutherland and NSCR summer student Samantha Smith accompanied the van to John Lawson, St. Andrews, Mahon and Cates Parks a number of times during July and August. The wonderful summer weather was a distinct bonus, making this summer’s program a great success.

“Off to a Good Start” in the Fall The WHEELS program has many projects organized for the Fall of 2010. The theme for September and October is “Off to a Good Start”, with a focus on providing parents and caregivers with information and resources that encourage successful early learning. The importance of intentional play, good nutrition and established routines in the development of young children is emphasized.

In collaboration with Family Services of the North Shore and Vancouver Coastal Health, WHEELS participated in four Woodcroft sessions in June. WHEELS will continue to provide a series of drop-in sessions at Woodcroft Towers on Tuesday afternoons, September through November, primarily targeting newcomers to Canada with infants and toddlers.

As in past years, the WHEELS van will make scheduled visits to a variety of programs and facilities, with the goal of providing support, resources and information to parents and caregivers who are frequently hard to reach, due to lack of transportation, time, facilities or awareness of services.

The WHEELS schedule may be accessed through www.connectforkids.ca.

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Community NewsEarly Childhood Vision Screening Program

The VCH Early Childhood Vision Screening Program screens 3 year olds for treatable vision problems. In 2010, 1160 three – four year olds had their vision screened on the North Shore (approx. 77% of the three year old population).

Thanks to all of the facilities and families who participated in the screening program in the spring this year. We are planning to

resume screening in licensed childcare facilities in February 2011. Your local vision screening team will contact facilities to arrange screening. Contact will be made via email or telephone. There is also a vision screening clinic by appointment on Thursday afternoons.

Vision is very important to a child’s learning. Some vision

problems like lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus) can be treated most effectively in young children. Screening usually takes place at licensed childcare facilities or Strong Starts while the child is attending the program. No special space is needed, but a quiet area does help the child to concentrate on the screening activities. A hand held vision screener that the child looks at will measure the child’s vision in each eye. Depth perception is checked using a matching game that the child plays wearing special glasses.

For more information contact the local public health office at 604-983-6700

Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Childcare FacilitiesLearn about…

What to expect during any disaster•How to respond before, during and after an earthquake•Identify and reduce hazards inside your facility•When and when NOT to evacuate•

Date: October 18, 2010

Place: North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) 147 East 14th Street (2nd floor) North Vancouver (604) 983-7440

Please pre-register online at www.nsemo.org or call NESMO if you have questions.

Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”) Outbreaks in Childcare FacilitiesIt’s that time of year again!!!

If you suspect a gastroenteritis outbreak in your facility (i.e. 3 or more children in a group care facility OR 2 or more children in a family/multi-age child care setting with symptoms of unexplained vomiting or diarrhea, within a 3 day period), please call Sam Sew, Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at 604-983-6802 or your Licensing Officer immediately.

EHO will review illness information and discuss required infection control measures to prevent further spread of illness to the children, staff and families.

Submission of incident report to Licensing Officer is required for gastroenteritis outbreaks.

Power outages can occur anytime or anywhere.

Be prepared! Have the 1888POWERON (1-888-769-3766) number accessible for calling from

home and *HYDRO (*49376) stored on your cell phone.

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Notes from Child Care Licensing Child Care Licensing must let you know that Lori Klepachek-Wu is now on her leave and Lori’s files are being redistributed amongst our current Child Care Licensing Team. At this time there is no plan to fill Lori’s part time position. Lori’s licensees will be assigned another Licensing Officer who will be covering her leave for the next twelve months or so.

A reminder that our staff are as follows:

Christine Broatch 604-983-6830

Cindy Devlin 604-983-6795

Shelley Esau 604-983-6713

Heather Nash will join our team on Mondays. Your newly assigned Licensing Officer will contact you shortly if they have not already done so.

You can reach our office by contacting Sabrina Sheppard at 604-983-6787. I am available in the office most days and you are welcome to contact me at 604-983-6803.

Submitted by Glenda Burrows

Food Safety for Child Care Facilities WorkshopAs a child care provider, do you know….

the do’s and don’ts of •handling, preparing, storing and serving food safely?

how to prevent food poisoning •in your child care facility and avoid it as a consumer?

2010 Workshop Dates: Thursday, September 23, 2010 6:30 to 9:00 pm•Tuesday, November 16, 2010 6:30 to 9:00 pm•

Location: Daycare Room at North Shore Neighbourhood House 225 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver

Fee: $10.00

Cheque payable to “Vancouver Coastal Health Authority”All participants MUST PRE-REGISTER at least 3 days in advance of the workshop date by calling Sam Sew, Public Health Inspector at 604-983-6802Please be advised that seating is limited and that workshops may be cancelled due to insufficient attendance.

Online Food Safety Course for Childcare ProvidersThere is a new food safety course for childcare providers on Ministry of Healthy Living & Sport’s website (www.foodsafety.gov.bc.ca)

‘Caring about Food Safety’ is a short, self-guided course about the safe and healthy preparation and handling of food. The course is designed to raise awareness about protecting public health by preventing the spread of food-borne illness.

The course is designed for anybody who prepares, handles or serves food to people beyond their immediate friends and family. It will be particularly useful for people whose clients are typically more susceptible to food-borne illness, and for whom there are no mandated food-safety training requirements - such as operators of child daycares or small, residential-care facilities.

The course is comprised of six major, interactive sections, which take about 1.5 hours in total: Why Learn about Food Safety; Buying Food; Storing Food; Preparing Food; Cooking Food; Cleaning Up; and Test Your Knowledge. Test Your Knowledge is a multiple-choice quiz participants take once they have worked through the other sections.

‘Caring about Food Safety’ is presented as an alternative to the Food Safety for Childcare Facilities Workshop with Sam Sew, Public Health Inspector, Vancouver Coastal Health/North Shore.

Dawn Patterson 604-983-6795

Kitty Roberts 604-983-6845

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CCRR Workshop ScheduleAll workshops will take place in the Community Room at Capilano Mall, #203 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. As of January 1st, 2011, there will be a charge for workshops. Please see article and more details to come. Registration for our fall workshops will begin September 14th. Please call Cindy Hambrook at 604-982-3324 to reserve your space. “No Show” Fee: $10

Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic ViolencePresenter: Sharon HoylandDate & Time: Thursday, September 30, 2010 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmThis 2 hour workshop will examine the effects of witnessing abuse on children and their early development, the behavioural consequences & coping styles, & strategies for supporting children & non-offending parent.

Manage Your Stress before It Manages YouPresenter: Nasrin Ebadypour, RCC, EFT Expert Date & Time: Thursday, October 21, 2010 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmCome join us for this fun, interactive workshop where we will learn to tackle and eliminate stress from its root by:

Making a distinction between stress and stressor•Understanding the impact of stress•Having the ability to manage emotion and motivate oneself•Learning effective new tools, such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to remove and •neutralize negative emotions that burden you and reset your energy system almost immediately with long lasting results. The ability to recognize the emotions in children and others and connect with them to provide a •nurturing environment for growth and improved behavior

Including Children of Gay and Lesbian FamiliesPresenter: Christine Hibbert, Executive Director, Jericho Kids’ Club Child Care SocietyDate & Time: Thursday, November 18, 2010 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmYoung children’s sense of self is inextricably tied to their sense of family. In order for a child to feel valued, included, respected and welcomed, they need to know and feel that their family is also valued, included, respected and welcomed. There are a variety of reasons why we may find ourselves challenged in reflecting this for children of gay and lesbian families. Join us to examine this issue and explore ways to ensure that we are inclusive and welcoming for all children and families.

Celebration Evening & Workshop - “An Intro to Storyoga™ & some of its playful elements!” A special night to celebrate you! The first hour we can enjoy some food and conversation; Then the second hour will be the workshop. We will provide a 1 hour certificate for the workshop.Presenter: Vanessa Braun, Early Childhood Educator, & Storyoga™ InstructorDate & Time: Thursday, December 9, 2010 7:30 pm - 8:30 pmStoryoga™ is a self-designed program for young children that combines children’s literature and the joyous movement of yoga. During this one-hour interactive presentation, participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the key elements of what makes Storyoga™ - story, linking story to yoga, a child friendly sun salutation, fun floor poses, games/gross motor movements, relaxation & breathing techniques, as well as Vanessa’s top Storyoga™ books!

The CCRR program presents workshops based on client requests and identified need. We cannot guarantee that our workshops will meet the requirements of the ECE Registry. It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure they have sufficient and acceptable professional development hours for ECE renewal.

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This Fall we are pleased to announce two Saturday morning workshops. All workshops will be held in the Community Room at Capilano Mall, #203 - 935 Marine Drive, North

Vancouver. Registration will begin September 14th. Please call Sara Sutherland at 604-982-3325 to reserve your space.

Professional Boundaries Matter Presenter: Elaine S. Stoll, B.A., RTC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 25 years in the helping professions. Date & Time: Saturday October 2nd, 2010 10:00 – 12 noonWhen working with families and children it is really important that you have good professional boundaries and are able to work behind them and role-model them for others. While we sometimes have the urge to work outside boundaries, it is generally NOT a good idea. This two-hour workshop will focus on: the role emotions play in boundary violations and how to make and keep your boundaries strong by understanding behaviours through the lens of meeting our four psychological needs.

Move and Grow 3: Language PlayPresenter: Barbara Karmazyn is an expressive arts educator who has worked with preschoolers and their caregivers for many years.

Date & Time: Saturday November 6th, 2010 10:00 – 12:30 pmMovement plays a vital and crucial role in learning and brain development. As caregivers, we can provide many opportunities for children to move their bodies. This workshop provides a variety of ways to combine movement with language to enhance the learning environment. Discover how to take simple nursery rhymes, short phrases and stories into movement. Emphasis is placed on developing language and listening skills, through linguistic, kinesthetic and musical intelligence.

CCRR Saturday Workshops

NOTE!!! Changes Coming for Workshops in January 2011 There are changes coming for our workshop presentations. We are one of the few CCRR programs that have not charged for workshops for subscribers but as of January 1, 2011, that is going to change.

As of January 1st, a fee is being introduced in order to manage attendance – both over booking and participants not showing – as well as balancing administrative costs and a need for revenue to maintain the Program. We will be introducing a charge of $10.00 per person per workshop for CCRR subscribers. The charge for non-subscribers will remain at $20.00. For Group Child Care subscriptions, three staff will be able to attend for $10.00 each and additional staff for $15.00 each. Enhanced Group subscriptions will permit unlimited staff to attend for $10.00 each. Subscription rates will remain the same. Please refer to the Subscriber Registration Form on our website: www.nscr.bc.ca

As a result, there will be some changes to the Workshop Policies. All participants will need to pre-pay in full to register prior to the workshop. As now, there will be a registration start date. We will require registration and payment on-line (details to come); however, there will still be options for those unable to do this.

The “No Show” fee will no longer be charged but there will be NO refund for those who do not attend. At least 48 hours before the workshop, if a participant needs to cancel, they can transfer the registration to another person (we must have the person’s name for our attendance list) or receive a credit for a future workshop.

We wanted to give plenty of notice for this change. All our current subscribers will receive a written notice and as subscriptions are renewed, a further reminder will be attached to the renewal forms. Revised Workshop Policies will also be circulated.Thank you and we look forward to continue serving you with our variety of workshops.

June Maynard, Manager, North Shore CCRR

Back by popular demand!

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Professional Development

Mark your calendars! ADMINISTRATOR’S NETWORK MEETINGS bring together administrators from group child care programs across the North Shore to network, share issues and brainstorm solutions on a variety of topics. From time to time, guest speakers are brought in to speak and provide information and resources. Vancouver Coastal Health CCFL North Shore and the North Shore Child Care Resource Program work in

partnership to bring this opportunity to you.

Please contact Sara at 604-985-7138 local 325 or by email sara.sutherland@nscr.bc.ca for further details.

Dates: Wednesday October 20th 2010; Wednesday February 9th, 2011; Wednesday May 11th, 2011Time: 11:45 am – 1:00 pmLocation: Community Room #203, Capilano Mall

PLEASE RSVP. We wish to thank you for your continued attendance and hope that new members join us!

Workshops in FarsiThis fall, North Shore Child Care Resource & Referral Program is pleased to offer three educational workshops in Farsi. Please see the flyer insert for full details. To register, you may call our office at 604-985-7138. If you would like to register with a Farsi-speaking consultant please ask for Fariba Aghdassi or call her direct line at 604-982-3314.

We welcome feedback on this new initiative.

First Aid Training St. John’s Ambulance: Check the website for local courses at www.sja.ca

Safe & Sound First Aid Training Ltd. Canadian Red Cross Delivery Partner – Courses offered on the North Shore.

Check the website at: www.learnfirstaid.ca

Key Elements of School Age Child Care Training – Sign Up for September!North Shore Community Resources is going to run the Key Elements of School Age Child Care course again this fall. The course will run Tuesday evenings, beginning September 28th to November 16th, 2010. Classes are 6:30 to 9:30 pm held in the Community Room at Capilano Mall - #203, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. In addition to the 24 hours of classroom time, there is a 3 hour centre observation and 3 hour take home exam.

This is a 30 hour introduction and refresher course with a balance of information and skills appropriate for anyone working, or wishing to work with School Age children, including family child care providers and parents. This course meets the Licensing requirements for the Responsible Adult qualification.

Unfortunately, the course in the spring was cancelled due to insufficient registration by the deadline. We are offering this again and need to have sufficient numbers by the registration deadline to have it go ahead.

The registration form will be circulated and available on our website at www.nscr.bc.ca in the Child Care Workshops & Training section. Please contact June Maynard at 604-985-7138 or June.Maynard@nscr.bc.ca for more information.

New!

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Professional DevelopmentDiscussing Sensitive Topics with ParentsPresented by the B.C. Centre for Ability and North Shore Supported Child Development

Date: Wed. November 17, 2010

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Location: Community Room, 2nd floor, Capilano Mall, #203 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver

Overview:

This workshop provides an overview of communication skills that anyone in the field of early childhood can use when discussing challenging and/or sensitive topics with families. Based on the principles of Family Centred practice, the workshop teaches active listening skills and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, as well as conflict resolution strategies.

Format includes: power point presentation, audience participation through dialogue, role playing and question and answer.

This workshop has been designed for early childhood educators and previous participants have included staff from preschools, daycares, out-of-school care, and family daycares. A certificate of attendance will be provided.

Please register by contacting Holly Vipond at holly.vipond@nsscdp.com

Responsible Adult in Child Care SettingsThis 20 hour course has 8 sessions on Tuesday evenings beginning October 19 – December 7, 2010 (6:45 – 9:15 pm)

Course Fee: $160

Location: Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre 2772 East Broadway, VancouverThis course covers:

Child development from birth to 12 years of age1. Child guidance2. Health and safety3. Nutrition4. Basic programming with health and safety in mind.5.

Register by mail, in person or phone 604-709-5661.

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre Check website for details of the Westcoast fall workshop line up and registration information. www.wstcoast.org

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Drop-ins for Child Care Providers!

Welcome to our Newest Family Child Care Providers ! Registered License Not

Required (RLNR):

Pauline’s FCC

Yassamin’s FCC

Jasmine’s FCC

Twinkle FCC

Licensed (LFCC):

Kids Club House

Changes in License:

Little Tykes LFCC is now Multi

Age Child Care

Bright LNR FCC is now

Licensed Family Child Care

Kid’s at Cliffwood LFCC is now

School Age Care

Arco Iris FCC is now In Home

Multi Age Child Care

Are you able to take the children of your care out and about?

How about checking out these fantastic drop-ins:

Circle of Care is a 2 hour drop-in very much like a parent drop-in, but here you will share the floor with other child care providers.

The children of your care will have the opportunity to be in a different environment, play with different toys, meet other children and you will have the joy of taking the children out of your house, have less clean-up to do, and to meet other child care providers.

Our Circle of Care is facilitated by one of our staff members. There will be free play (it’s ok to be late or to have to leave early too), free

snack for all, and circle time with songs, story and dancing.

Come join us from 9:30 am - 11:30 am at any one of our 3 locations!

Tuesday @ John Braithwaite Community Centre, Family Resource Room, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver. Starts September 14th. (No drop-in October 12th)

Wednesday @ Hollyburn Elementary School, 1329 Duchess Avenue, West Vancouver ** (Holly House entrance outside by staircase) Starts September 15th.

Friday @ Parkgate Community Center, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver ** Starts September 17th. (No drop-in October 22nd)

** Sponsored through WECAN and UNITED WAY

Mother Goose is a 1 hour drop-in with no toys or props. Here we sing songs, do finger plays, do rhymes, storytelling and dance

with the children. This is to encourage early language/literacy development for the children and at the same time giving you, the child care provider, a greater repertoire of songs and rhymes to help you put the fun and confidence back into storytelling. Anybody has the capacity to tell a story, even the children! Of course a great snack is provided!

Come on out and mingle with others!

Fridays 9:45 to 10:45 am @ St. John’s the Evangelist Anglican Church, 220 West 8th Street, North Vancouver. Starts September 10th. (No drop-in October 8th, November 12th)

To inquire about other FREE Mother Goose Programs on the North Shore, phone Christine at 604-985-7138.

Would you like to preserve your children’s beautiful artwork?

Have the items laminated.

Drop off your items during the week - our Friday morning volunteer, Margaret, will laminate them for you. We can laminate items up to 24 inches wide at a very reasonable price.

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Helping Children Connect with Natureby Angela George

Tsleil-Waututh Child & Family Development Center

Teaching children to appreciate nature begins by taking them for a walk and engaging them in conversation about what they see. We identify the plants children show an interest in and point out any unusual features to help them to recognize it in the future. We share any legends connected to the plant and the area and tell the children how the plant was used traditionally. We encourage the children to collect materials to bring back to school. Children then use these items in a variety of ways to explore the sensory aspect of nature in a safe environment, as well as giving them a familiarity with the materials.

Finally, learning to recognize the plants of the region helps the children feel a connection to the land and leads to a healthy appreciation of nature. Having a healthy appreciation for nature develops caring members of their community.

Family Child Care Network Evenings Many Child Care providers do NOT have the opportunity to network with other child care providers during operation. They may care for a larger group and cannot take the many children to a drop-in or it may be simply not the right time or/and location.

Regardless of whether you network at drop-ins or not we invite you to meet at our Family Child Care Providers Network evenings. Besides enjoying each other’s company, tea and cookies, we explore challenging situations that arise while running a Family Child Care business.

We discuss and share resources for issues such as:

Fee Increases•

Challenging behavior in children•

Communication with parents•

Changes in contracts•

Hiring substitutes•

And more.•

At request we organize speakers or watch short educational videos for discussion.

Come and join us on Thursday September 23rd and Thursday November 25th at 7 pm in the Community Room at Capilano Mall.

BC's Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport launched a comprehensive new website full of information for both new and expectant parents. The Best Chance website features information on healthy pregnancy, early child care and self care for parents. The site was designed as an interactive, online alternative to the popular Baby's Best Chance books, which offer practical and easy-to-understand information on nutrition, safety, child development, and parenting.

In addition the Ministry has announced that "a newly-revised version of Baby's Best Chance: Parent's Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care, funded by a one-time grant provided by Child Health BC, will be available through local health authorities to accompany information found on the Best Chance website."

For more information, visit the Best Chance website at www.bestchance.gov.bc.ca.

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SCIENCE For Kids Science is everywhere and ongoing. Rather than make science an ‘occasional experiment’, try to recognize the wonders of discovery in our everyday life.

Here are some examples:

Biological ScienceObserving ant farms, spider webs, other animal homes

Collecting and observing tadpoles

Life cycles of the butterfly

Examine textures found in natural items

Sprouting sweet potatoes, carrot tops, orange seeds, etc.

Seed collections

Class gardens

Hatching eggs

Collecting natural materials

Discuss insects and how they protect themselves

Observing animals and plants Caring for plants and exploring their growth

Observing characteristics, movement and feeding of various animals and insects

Discussing ways we care for animals and the way they help us

Learning about the different parts of the body and the functions they play

Talking about the roles of family members

Discussing various community helpers

Discussing things children can do now that they couldn’t do when they were younger and the things they can do when they get older

Learning the names of animal babies Imitating sounds made by various animals

Watching and feeding birds and observing bird nests

Providing care for class pets Discussing uses of plants for food, clothing and shelter

Discussing the cycle of a tree and its uses

Preparing vegetables and fruits for eatingDiscussing the different tastes of food (sour, sweet, bitter, salty, etc.)

Discussing and making butter, ice cream, soup, pudding, jello and applesauce

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Physical SciencePlaying with water; floating and sinking, moving objects, etc.

Blowing bubbles

Sound vibrations

Creating elevators

Weighing objects

Physical changes of water

Gears, clamps and vicesPainting

Manipulating clay

Paper airplanesMoving toys with or without wheels

Rolling balls

Light and shadows

Listening to sounds of the city

Familiarizing children with gravity

Discovering the uses of magnets

Performing simple experiments

Siphoning from one container to another

Washing and drying doll clothesInvestigating water (evaporation, cleaning things, changes things, in different forms and purposes it serves).

Floating and sinking in water

Observing reflections in water.

Freezing ice and watching it melt

Providing dishes of things that look alike but are different (salt, refined sugar, powdered sugar, soap flakes, flour, corn starch, starch, baking powder, etc.) and discussing the uses of each

Feeling various textures (fabrics, screen, wood, glass, metal, sandpaper, egg shells, rocks, nails, etc.).

Smelling various odors

Blowing activities using straws (blowing a cotton ball across the table, blow painting, etc.)

Observing machines at work

Earth Science Investigating the characteristics of snow

Talking about things in the sky Discussing different kinds of weather and the apparel for different types of weather

Exploring air: movement made by a fan, use paper bags, balloons, pinwheels, whistles, parachute, etc.

Discussing fog, sun and rain

Classifying rocks by size, shape, color, density and hardness (children can scrape them, drop vinegar on them, weighing them, etc.).

Making simple maps of the school property that show all the different surface coverings

Comparing sand and soil

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Self Care TipsYou can’t always control the circumstances that life throws your way, but you can control how well you take care of yourself. Taking proper care of your body, soul and mind can keep you in optimum shape for handling stress. The following are some important basic self care strategies that can keep you functioning well and ready for life’s challenges.

1. Get enough sleepSleep is very important for your emotional and physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your ability to handle stress, be patient with the children and to communicate appropriate with children and parents. Unfortunately, busy schedules and stress can make

sleep more elusive. Keeping a regular bed-time routine and 7 to 8 hours of sleep a priority is one important way you can make sleep come more easy. And if you really aren’t able to get enough sleep at night, don’t underestimate the value of a power nap! As a family child care provider you often get the opportunity to nap with the child/ren.

2. Maintain proper nutritionMany people aren’t aware of this, but a poor diet can actually make you more vulnerable to stress! While hectic schedules can make it harder to get proper nutrition, a poor diet is not inevitable! You are already planning for a healthy snack or menu for the children in your care – transfer this habit for your own health. When tired or stressed and in need for a pick-up think about fruit, and Vitamin B rich foods, instead of coffee and sugar. As a family child care provider you get the opportunity to garden and cook with the children.

3. Exercise regularlyExercise can be great for you physically and mentally. It provides a stress release and keeps your body healthy. It also helps your body release endorphins, which increase your feelings of overall

wellbeing. A brisk walk in the evening can do a lot for you. You may also want to check Sports clothing –shoe or – equipment stores. Many of them offer free exercise classes, or walking groups free of charge. As a family child care provider you have the opportunity to schedule an exercise program at home with the children. Consider using a 10 – 15 minutes workout DVD.

4. Maintain a social support network Social support can keep you healthier and happier, creating a buffer against stress. Friends can pick you up when you’re sad; provide insights when you’re confused, and help you have fun when you need to blow off steam. Keep in contact with friends and co-workers. The CCRR invites family child care providers every other month to a network meeting.

5. Have the right attitudeMuch of what you experience in life can feel ‘more’ stressful or ‘less’ so depending on your point of view. Looking at things from an optimistic frame of mind can not only decrease your stress level, but bring you more success in life. You can become more of an optimist by finding the silver lining of every situation. You can even change ingrained negative thought patterns to more positive ones by using positive affirmations. (Just imagine the domino effect you’ll have if you teach children in your care positive affirmations and they in return help to reduce stress in their parent’s life!)

Give your child a head start with

‘Fun is French’ Playing, acting, and singing while having lots of fun. Family memories are created with home videos of your child’s first French phrases. Be amazed at how quickly your child will develop an ear for French with this new approach. Light the fire of excitement and curiosity in your child. Don’t delay, start today! For more information: janmcleish@hotmail.com and/or ceaird@shaw.ca

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Advertisement

Back to School - Tips for Parents Back to school can be tough. Here are some tips to help manage the stress.Routines: Going to school means getting into new routines with no more late nights or late mornings.

Find a set bed-time that lets •your kids feel well-rested in the morningPractice the back to school •routine a few times before the first dayHave your child help prepare what you can the night before (pick •out clothes, pack a healthy lunch your child likes, pack school bag, etc.)Talk to your child’s school and find out what the routines are. •Help your child to understand what is expected - practice new or difficult skills at home before school starts

Performance anxiety and other worries: Kids can have real worries about starting school. Attending school may be the first time your child experiences clear pressure to do well.

Respond to signs of anxiety by talking to your child about school •concernsMake time to listen when kids want to talk - review your child’s •worries one at a time and help them problem solve so they don’t become overwhelmedTry not to add to your child’s pressures unnecessarily•Help your child to understand that no one is good at everything - •both parents and kids do better at some things than othersBe involved with school related activities or events - praise your •child for positive efforts even if you don’t see the results yet 1

1 Excerpt from BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information “Tips for Parents”

Social Networking? Online ..... Careful!Social networking sites on the computer (Facebook, etc.) have become a major past time. Individuals as well as businesses now have pages updated regularly with events, news, and discussions. These can have a wide audience and can be accessed sometimes by unknown people that get connected through friends of friends.

There have been some incidents that serve as reminders that as child care professionals we need to be sure that we are not putting any information or pictures on these sites that might break the confidentiality of families and children using our care. Photos of families and children require the parent’s consent and they need to know exactly how and where the photo is being used. It is important to be respectful of the privacy of families and be very careful of any communication regarding your child care business and clients. We have no idea how some of these sites and technology can be used.

I once received some very good advice: never put anything on a voice mail or e-mail that you are not prepared to hear or see on the 6 O’clock news. Now it is even more important to add Facebook and other social network sites to that list.

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Help us serve you better ...Please call if there are any changes to your program (if you have a vacancy, changed your days, hours, or type of care). We will then make the changes to our database.

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Thursdays: CCRR is open until 8:00 pm

We will be closed:

Monday September 6th

Monday October 11th

Thursday November 11th

Monday December 27th

Tuesday December 28th

Check our website for up-to-date information: www.nscr.bc.ca

The Key Elements of Professional Nanny Care is a 16 hour course, in addition to First Aid certification, developed and delivered by North Shore Community Resources. Learning modules include child development, guidance, nutrition, health & safety, parent communication, professionalism and the very important self care! The vision of the course is to provide education to nanny child care providers, to link them to their community, and to enhance the quality of care for children and families. Providing a space for nannies to connect with each other and a community resource are key goals of this course. I have just completed teaching this exciting course for the second time and am yet again proud and inspired by the 16 dedicated graduates. Their energy and passion for children shines through and I feel fortunate to have connected with them. I wish them success in their careers and know that their knowledge, laughter, and love will positively impact the children and families they work for. Congratulations to you all!

Sue Irwin, Curriculum Author & Facilitator

Child Care Referrals From March 1 – July 31, 2010 child care spaces were requested for 430 children. Of those 430, 36 % of the requests came from families in the District of North Vancouver, 36 % from the City of North Vancouver, 10 % from West Vancouver, and 18 % from families living outside of the North Shore. Over the five month period noted above, families were provided with a total of 18,825 facility names located in 64 different neighbourhoods.

Fee and Wage Survey ResultsOn behalf of the North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral Program we would like to thank all of the participants who completed our annual fee survey and group child care wage surveys this summer. These surveys are done every year and allow our program to distribute up to date information to child care operators on the North Shore. This year’s fee survey which was mailed out in June calculated an overall return rate of 50%. As you may recall, our past year’s return rate for the group child care wage survey was a mere 15% which was too low to publish as a valid reference. This year, having distributed the fee survey and group child care wage survey together, our return rate increased sufficiently. We feel that a return rate of 41% is a reliable reflection of staff wages on the North Shore.

Thank you again for taking the time to complete this year’s fee and wage surveys. Your feedback is extremely important to our services as well as other child care providers, parents, and community members.