May 23, 2012

FOR THAT SPECIAL CHILD’S TOY MEMORY!

332-5th Street

[email protected]

Duke wants you tocome into the store and see

BOOBOO“The Cutest Dog in the World”

... well, the second cutest dog in the worldPhoto by Jenn Osborne

2012

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMOX VALLEY RECORDA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

A GUIDEFOR

TODAY’SPARENTS

• Kids Dayin the Parkat Filberg

• Playing with Education

• How to findthe right toy

inside

Cover to cover on-line at comoxvalleyrecord.com

The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park is excited to host ‘Kids Day in the Park.’

The event will happen in the upper meadow on Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.Our feature performer for Kids Day

is the award-winning singer, songwrit-er Rick Scott. Always entertaining and hugely talented, Rick is a prolific artist who has performed world-wide and released 17 albums over his

35-year music career.Kids love his ‘electric snowshoe’ which

is actually an Appalachian mountain dul-cimer.

Jürgen Gothe from CBC’s Disc Drive describes Rick Scott: “Rick’s music speaks to kids and their parents and to me... It’s delightful, educational, acces-sible and innovative. It’s funny, clever and warm. It’s not only

important to Canadian music—it’s essen-tial.”

As well as Rick Scott, Twiggly Wiggly will be roaming the park amazing the kids

with magic, juggling, cowboy rope tricks,

balloon animals, silly clown antics and humour into

a high-energy, fun-filled show for the whole

family.There will be door prizes,

face painting, games, a bub-ble tank, food and fun for everyone. Admission is $5 per person, with

kids under two free.Tickets are available in Cour-

tenay at Whale’s Tale Toys, Pod-lings, and Planet Kids.

In Comox you can find tickets at Benino Gelato, Planet Kids, the Comox Recreation Centre, and the Filberg gift shop. You may also purchase your tickets on-line at www.filberg.com.

— Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association

WEECARECHILDCARE PROGRAMS

PROVIDING QUALITY CARE AT...Arden ElementaryArden Elementary250-331-2311

Valley View ElementaryValley View Elementary250-331-2388

Ecole Puntledge ParkEcole Puntledge Park250-331-3001

Ecole Robb RoadEcole Robb Road250-331-2241

Available Now...Available Now...Ecole Robb Road and Arden Elementary are offering a

KINDERGARTEN PREPARATION PROGRAMKINDERGARTEN PREPARATION PROGRAMChildren ages 3 ½ years to 5 years.

9:00am to 2:00pm ~ Monday to Friday

Open during the school year from 7:00am to 6:00pm. (Closed Holidays).On-site for your convenience. Pro D day care.

Drop-ins welcome if space is available. Field Trips. Kinder pickup.Qualified and caring staff, ChildSafe 1STAid.

Discount for multi-child families. Subsidy friendly. Open Door [email protected]

2 Wednesday, May 23, 2011 CHILD’S PLAY COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park isexcited to host ‘Kids Day in the Park.’

The event will happen in the upper meadow on Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.Our feature performer for Kids Day

is the award-winning singer, songwrit-er Rick Scott. Always entertaining and hugely talented, Rick is a prolificartist who has performed world-wideand released 17 albums over his

35-year music career.Kids love his ‘electric snowshoe’ which

is actually an Appalachian mountain dul-cimer.

Jürgen Gothe from CBC’s Disc Drive describes Rick Scott: “Rick’s music speaks to kids and their parents and to me... It’sdelightful, educational, acces-sible and innovative. It’s funny, clever and warm.It’s not only

important to Canadiatial.”

As well as Rick Scowill be roaming the p

witc

fillfamThe

face painble tank, food aAdmission is $

kids under twoTickets ar

tenay at Whlings, and P

In Comox you caBenino Gelato, PlanetRecreation Centre, anshop. You may also puon-line at www.filberg

— F

KIDS DAY IN THE PARK SURE TO BE A BLAST

RICK SCOTT TUNES up his Appalachian mountain

dulcimer for Kids Day in the Park at the Filberg

Heritage Lodge and Park. PHOTO BY ANTHONY MAKI

250-897-0235www.getwellhere.com

Natural Medicine for ChildrenNatural Medicine for Children

Dr. Deidre MacdonaldNATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Treat the cause and fi nd lasting solutions for:

Painless food allergy testing available.

◗ Reoccuring infections◗ Eczema, asthma and allergies◗ Digestive complaints◗ ADHD

A unique program where children learnby interacting with their environment.

SPACES AVAILABLEFor Summer Program and Fall Preschool

n

ol

Heather Magdanz (ECE) 250-338-55861940 Dogwood Dr. Courtenaywww.dailydiscoveries.ca 9am-1pm

• Sharing, compassion & other Christian values taught• Awesome wooded play area• Preparation for transition to Kindergarten

250-339-1834 1105 Pritchard • [email protected]

Accepting Registrations

Loving LovingChildcareChildcarewith Caring ECE Qualifi ed Staff

$7. 99 Haircut

Not valid with any other offer.Limit one coupon per customer.Valid at Courtenay Location only.

Offer expires: June 15th, 2012Coupon validfor all ages.

Check-in online at: www.greatclips.com3119 Cliffe Ave. (Across from Future Shop) No appointment required. Walk right in!Mon. to Fri. 9-9 • Sat. 8-6 • Sun. 10-5

COMOX VALLEY RECORD CHILD’S PLAY Wednesday, May 23, 2011 3

A child begins to learn the moment they hear their first word and make their first sound.

And communication begins at birth with parent or caregiver and child inter-action.

Infants like to hear the different tones in our voices: quiet voice, singing voice, excited voice. All send different messages to your baby. They will soon start to imitate the sounds of your speech. It is very important to talk to your babies, even if you think that they don’t under-stand.

Infants begin to commu-nicate through sounds, facial expressions and body lan-guage. Responding to these early communication efforts encourages your baby to con-tinue trying different ways to communicate. The more you expose your baby to language the more they will try to imitate the sounds. It won’t be long before you can interpret what your child is saying to you.

Most people think of

literacy skills as the read-ing and writing we learn in school. Literacy skills are much more than that. It is the ability for your child to listen and speak as well as to read and write. Literacy also involves problem solv-ing, social skills and decision making. Remember when

buying books for your infant they will more than likely end up in their mouths. There are such a wide vari-ety of books you can buy, including cloth books which are easily washed and board books which can be wiped clean. When choosing books for your child it is important to have quality illustrations, using pictures that are as close to real life as possible.

When your child is hold-ing a book, turning the

pages and looking at the pic-tures, a love of books begins to open up a whole new world. Your child is learn-ing to understand that the pictures they see in the book are somehow associated with the words, and that those words have meaning.

The first three years of exploring and playing with books, singing nursery rhymes, lis-tening to stories, rec-ognizing words, and scribbling are truly the building blocks for language and literacy.

The highest per-cent of a child’s brain development occurs in the first three years

of life. This development is affected by the child’s experiences and learning opportunities in their early years. From the very begin-ning remember to talk, sing, laugh, listen and play with your baby.

— Submitted by Sue Warren of PacificCARE, a Child Care Resource and

Referral program located at 237 Third St. in Courtenay. Call 250-338-4288 for more

information.BOOKS PLAY A KEY role in early childhood literacy, but literacy is much more than learning to read

and write. PHOTO SUBMITTED

LEARNING LITERACY SKILLS IMPORTANT

❝ Most people think of lit-eracy skills as the reading and writing we learn in school. Lit-eracy skills are much more than that. It is the ability for your child to listen and speak as well as to read and write. ❞ — PacificCARE

* PCCA – Professional Compounding Centres of America

#7 2225 Guthrie Rd, Comox (Across from Quality Foods)

Pharmacy250-339-9879250-339-9879

LOCALLY LOCALLY OWNED OWNED

Compounding for Children

Pharmasave’s compounding team can take a drug that is only commercially available in tablet, re-formulate it into a liquid and make it taste like some of the most popular fl avours! Our compounding pharmacists work with your physician to ensure that your child gets the right medication for their needs.

All compounded or re-formulated drugs require a prescription.

TUTORING

Courtenay:106-1995 Cliffe Ave.

250-897-1010

for all grade levels

SUMMERTUITION FEES

20% OFFFREE

ASSESSMENTwith summer programbooking ($140 value!)

SUMMER PROGRAMSrun from July 16 - August 24

Summer theme: “Outer Space”www.sunriselearningcentre.com

Campbell River:102-250 Dogwood Ave.

250-287-9090

FRIENDS & FUN

311 PRITCHARD RD., COMOX PHONE 250-339-4772 CELL: 250-702-0532 www.comoxkidz.net

EMAIL: [email protected]

Government Licensed.References available.

SERVING THECOMOX VALLEY

FOR 9 YEARS.

Kids learn best,being active outdoors,

having fun andlearning as they go

Spaces currently available.


The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) offers supports for children attending childcare through their Supported Child Development program (SCD).

SCD supports families with children up to twelve years of age who have spe-cial needs, such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy or communication delays and who are attend-ing a group daycare, family daycare, pre-school, after-school care or have in-own-home care.

‘Support’ includes con-sultation with the family to determine what their goals are for their child.

An SCD consultant then works directly with the childcare staff to assess what needs to be put in place to make progress towards goals, and to sup-

port the child to be fully included in all aspects of daily activities at the child-care facility.

For example, the staff may need additional train-ing or information. The child may need adult help to facilitate peer interactions, ensure a smooth transition from one activity to the next, or help with feeding, dress-ing or toileting.

SCD can arrange for extra staffing if needed and can also provide child spe-cific equipment. A variety of toys, equipment, books and videos may be loaned to care providers and to parents.

“We work in collabora-tion with families to provide support for their child, as well as accommodate the family’s needs,” says Kathy Yendall, manager of the SCD program. “It’s a family package.”

The SCD program is con-nected to more than thirty Valley daycare facilities and serves about 150 children each year. Referrals can come from doctors, daycares, or parents themselves.

Spring is a busy time as SCD Consultants are meet-ing with parents and the School District to prepare

for a smooth transition for those children starting kin-dergarten in the fall.

And they support school-aged children who need to attend child care programs during the summer months.

School-aged childcare is a valuable resource over the summer for many families, and for those children who

need extra support, SCD is there to help. The program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Devel-opment.

The CVCDA provides services for children with developmental delays and disabilities including physi-cal, cognitive, communica-tion, social/emotional and

behavioural needs. Family-centred services include assessments and individual-ized supports and interven-tion. For more information visit the CVCDA website at www.cvcda.ca or call 250-338-4288.

— Lorraine Aitken, Comox Valley Child

Development Association

SUPPORTING KIDS SOME CHILDREN REQUIRE EXTRA HELP TO SUCCESSFULLY PARTICIPATE IN A CHILDCARE SETTING.

BENOIT, LEFT, USES A picture schedule with help from early childcare educator Holly Edwards at JumpStart Preschool. PHOTO SUBMITTED

SUNDAYJune 24th

TICKETS ON SALE NOWat ticket locations, online at www.filberg.comor at the Filberg Gift Shop Friday-Sunday 11-4

S P O N S O R E D B Y :

11 am to 2 pm

Dr. Terry Blasco D.M.D. Inc.

-Sunday 11-4Sunday 11-4

Featuring:Award Winning

Singer/SongwriterSpecial Appearance by:

Rick Scottwho has performed concerts worldwide

for over 3 decades and released many children’s music CDs.

Twiggly wigglyClown & Magician...be amazed by the magic and entertained by the clown.

Performing at 12:30 on the Mainstage

Door PrizesHeritage Games

Face PaintingBubble Tank

Food and Fun

Admission:

$5 per person(under 2 FREE)

Tickets ON SALE NOW

Available Online or at: Courtenay:

(downtown)

Comox:

Comox Rec Centre

r

P f i Do

Dave Procter Realty Ocean Pacific Realty


PLAYING WITHEDUCATION

What role do games and play have in the education of our children? Are they an integral avenue to suc-cessful learning?

If the ability to play is carried on throughout our lives, it provides many roads to success. Lifelong learners tend to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and are noted for being happy and fulfilled. Seeds sown in early life may be nurtured and grow to fruition over a lifetime.

Learning should be fun — no parent forgets the joy on the face of a toddler taking his or her first steps — and games can be a big help.

‘Play-based learning’ is not just for younger chil-dren. Games which provide educational opportunities are a great way to engage and enhance joy. Success is satisfaction and great educators as far back as Plato recognized the importance of play in learning to think.

Each individual may approach similar tasks in a variety of ways. Sitting still may be impossible for some; listening when surrounded by ‘noise’ difficult for others; converting what is heard into appropriate

action may be an issue; and still others are unable to get the fan-tastic stories in their heads down on paper.

‘Learning differently’ is

not a euphemism for ‘learning disability.’ We all have our own unique learning styles and knowing our chil-dren’s (and our own) is the first step to helping them succeed to their full potential.

Some students become convinced that they can’t do it if success is not immediate — the old saying, “if at first you don’t succeed try, try again,” is the basis of true learning. It is vital to remember that mistakes are essential and being ‘wrong’ can lead to another learning adventure — think of Thomas Edison and his thousands of attempts to develop a lasting fila-ment for a light bulb. He is reported to have said, when asked what it was like to fail so many times, that he did not fail, but learned 10,000 ways that did not work.

Maria W. Piers and Genevieve Millet Landau have said, “anxiety can paralyze imagination and inhibit capacity to play,” yet “play is the surest, fastest path to learning, self-confidence and the mastery of many skills. Imaginative play is perhaps the most valuable kind… it develops creativity, intellectual competence, emotional strength and stability and feelings of joy and pleasure — the habit of being happy.”

So, how do we foster a love of learning in our chil-dren? A sense of humour is one of the most important tools –— after all, it is better to be ‘real’ and wrong than to project an unobtainable standard (perfection).

Starting at the child’s comfort level ensures success and should increase motivation for future effort. Even ‘playing’ at building sandcastles teaches acceptance of methods that do not work and expands thinking and creativity towards a goal.

Games reinforce and consolidate skills and most learning opportunities can be made into a game – just evoke your inner child and let instinct be your guide! Remember, by playing, we learn how to think.

Submitted by 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.), a non-profit organization operating out of 581 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay (www.facebook.com/4RsEducationCentre).

WIKKI STIX ARE USED

to teach spelling at 4R’s

Education Centre in Courtenay.

Play-based learning is a

technique the centre uses and

can also be implemented by

parents to help foster a love of

learning in their children.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PLAY-BASED LEARNING CAN HELP KIDS SUCCEED

AND ENHANCE THE JOY OF LEARNING

❝ Learning should be fun — no parent forgets the joy on the face of a toddler taking his or her first steps — and games can be a big help. ❞ — 4R’s Education Centre

Little R'sPre-school:

(K - 12)• identifying and fi lling gaps in basic skills• using strengths to address weaknesses• qualifi ed teachers, one-on-one,

individual classrooms• subject-specifi c tutoring for higher grades• French

• play-based learning• providing activities that challenge and

support growth• developing self-awareness, social skills

and a strong foundation for future success• specifi c learning goals• individual feedback• qualifi ed, experienced, E.C.E. teachers

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• Fre

• ide• ide• us• qu

in• su• Fre

Opening Doorsfor Learning

for over 20 years

581 McPhee Ave.Courtenay250-338-4890

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• spe• ind• qua

Promotingsuccessfullearning

4R’s EducationCentre (Soc.):

Helping students reach their true potential by providing

positive and successful learning experiences.

www.4rseducation.com

Comox RecreationCOME PLAY WITH US!

Comox Community Centre COME PLAY WITH US! 1855 Noel Ave, [email protected] 250-339-2255 www.comox.ca

HANDS ON FARMA family oriented petting zoo,

located on the fabulous Filberg Park grounds

Open 10:00 am-4:00 pmJune 18 - August 17

Drop in for $2 Children 6 yrs and under $1

Fairies & Farmers(3 – 5 years)

Monday to FridayHalf Days

Junior Farm Hand(6 - 8 years)

Monday to FridayHalf Days

Farm Club(9 – 12 years)

Monday to Friday3 Hour Days

TEDDIES 'N TODDLERS

LITTLE FRIENDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRELicenced Group Childcare for children 3-5 years old

Located at 4830C Headquarters Rd, Courtenay

TEDDIES ‘N TODDLERS CHILDCARE CENTRELicenced Group Childcare for infants and toddlers

-birth-36 months. Located at 4830B Headquarters Rd., Courtenay

TODAY N’ TOMORROW YOUNG PARENT PROGRAMA program supporting educational, social and health needs

of expectant and parenting students

wishing to complete their grade 12.

Located adjacent to Vanier High School.

Phone 250-338-8445 for information.E

a r l y l e a r n i n g c en tre

LITTLE FRIENDS

Ea r ly l e g c entr

LITTTL RIENDSPHONE

250-338-8445E-MAIL

[email protected]

TODAY ‘N TOMORROWLEARNING SOCIETY

TODAY ‘N TOMORROWLEARNING SOCIETY


Parents all want the best for their chil-dren. At no time is this more true than when kids are suffering with health problems. There are many options for parents to help their kids be as healthy as possible.

Ear infections are a com-mon but distressing illness in children. Once the standard of care, doctors now discour-age the use of antibiotics. The Cochrane Review of medical research states that only about six per cent of children benefit from taking antibiotics, (over just waiting it out), while about six per cent of children have serious side effects from them.

So what is a parent to do? It is important to address the underlying cause of recurrent ear infections. Often, there is excess mucous and conges-tion which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. We can ‘drain the swamp’ by eliminating food allergies and promoting good lymphatic drainage during colds.

Natural medicines to boost the immune system are also helpful during ear infections.

Bladder infections can be a problem while children are in the process of learning good hygiene. These painful infections can often be be treated with safe natural medicines like d-mannose and cranberry.

If antibiotics have to be used, it is essen-tial to repair the intestinal bacterial lining by taking a high quality probiotic formula for a few weeks after treatment.

Allergies to dust, pollen, moulds and

pets can be a source of allergic symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes or throat.

There are painless testing techniques, as well as scratch testing, to determine the

source of problems. Herbal anti-histamines like nettles and quercitin not only help diminish symptoms, they are also nutritious.

Allergy desensitization tech-niques have evolved from the days of weekly shots and now include oral techniques like Sublingual Immunotherapy.

Eczema can often be very successfully treated when we address the underlying cause and then correct it.

Research and experience has shown a strong link between eczema and digestive concerns. By identifying and eliminating food allergies, restoring optimal intestinal flora and providing medical oils, most chil-dren’s eczema will resolve nicely, without the endless cycle of topical steroids.

Digestive concerns — Determine when the problem started, rule out anatomical abnormalities, then identify and eliminate food allergies. Natural stool softeners and probiotics are safer than laxitives.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a licensed naturopathic physician who has been treat-ing families with naturopathic medicine in downtown Courtenay for 15 years. Contact her office at 250 897-0235 or via www.getwellhere.com.

KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY, NATURALLY

DR. DEIDRE MACDONALD,

naturopathic physician.

For more information visit www.nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5000 today!

Length: 3-year part-time diploma, post-ECCE certificateWhere: College-wideTuition: $2,725 approx/year + books/supplies

Build on the Early Childhood Care & Education certificate and advance further in your field. Specialize for work with special needs children, toddlers and infants, or both. Earn transfer credit towards child and youth care degree programs.

Careers include working in a child care facility with children under 36 months, working as a special needs support worker, as an administrator of a child care facility or as a child care centre owner.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE & EDUCATION

WW

W.N

IC.B

C.C

A

Why Choose Long & McQuade?Music lessons for all ages, stages and styles.

Professional instructors make learning fun. Instrument Rentals.Convenient lesson times for busy families. No Registration Fees.

Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings & more!Sign Up For Music Lessons and Learn:

1170 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, 250.334.4885

Do somethingDIFFERENT

this summer!

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province. Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

566 Linshart Road ■ Transport scolaire, ■ Éducation spécialisée, 250-339-1848 ■ Gestion francophone, ■ Programme d’anglais, M - 12 ■ Ordinateurs portables, ■ Programmes spécialisés, aucoeurdelile.csf.bc.ca ■ Maternelle à temps plein, sportifs et culturels.

École publique au Cœur-de-l’île, Comox


Pam WatsonSpecial to the Record

Toys are an important part of every child’s life.

It is a wonderful feeling to give the right toy, but selecting one that’s a hit can be a challenge.

With more than 350,000 toys and children’s products choices can be overwhelm-ing. Keep in mind these points before you buy any gift for your child.

Think about your child’s age, skills, needs and specific interests. Select the toy that fits your child now.

Ask, Can my child ben-efit from this product? Will it help him or her learn a skill? Will they enjoy it and have fun? What abilities does he or she need to make the most of the toy?

Select toys that offer a good balance to your child’s activities. A good variety of toys provide activity, creativ-ity and learning. Activity toys develop coordination, improve small and large motor skills and balance.

Begin with balls and beanbags, add a trike or bike. Jump ropes, Hula Hoops and kites are fun. Check if your child is ready for the activity chosen toy.

Creativity toys stimulate self-expression. The child can draw pictures with cray-ons, finger-paints and water-colours. Put your child’s pictures up on a wall or fridge so others can admire his or her art work. Crafts sets can also provide a lot of play value.

Learning takes place in many ways. Books, puzzles, imaginative play and board games all contribute. Take

time to read stories together. Talk about programs watched on TV. Play games and do puzzles.

Family time will be more fun if you find new things to do and balance activities. The right toy at the right time can make all the differ-ence. Let’s play!

— Pam Watson owns Planet Kids

in Courtenay and Comox

CHOOSING A TOY for your child can be a challenge, but there

are certain things you can keep in mind to help decide.

PHOTO BY PAUL STEIN/FLICKR.COM

RIGHT TOYHOW TO FIND THE

When looking for child-care it’s important to note that you are the best judge of the child care option which will meet your needs and the needs of your child.

In the Comox Valley, Paci-ficCARE, which is a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program, helps par-ents find childcare.

The CCRR is your com-munity’s best source of child care information and resources. They can provide you with referrals to regu-

lated child care providers, advice about choosing qual-ity childcare and informa-tion and applications on government subsidies for child care. The CCRR pro-vide support, training and resources to parents and care providers all across the province.

PacificCARE is co-located

with the Comox Valley Child Development Association at 237 Third Street, Courtenay.

In the Comox Valley you can contact local child care consultants at 250-338-4288, or you can call the Nanaimo office at 1-888-480-CARE (2273)

What Childcare options are available?

• Group Child Care Centres are not located in a residence. They serve children from 30 months to Grade 1, and children from birth to 36 months. Group centres offer year-round, full-day care, typically open-ing between 7 and 8 a.m. and closing between 5 and 6 p.m. Part-time spaces may be available in some centres and some may offer before and after kindergarten care. Staff qualifica-tions required: Licensed Early Childhood Education and Licensed Infant/Toddler Educa-tor, Early Child-hood Educator Assistant, a valid First-aid certificate, and a clear current criminal record check. There is a maximum group size of 25 children with a staff/child ratio.

• Group Child Care serves school age children, including kindergarten, who require care outside normal hours. Some facilities pro-vide care both before- and after-school, and some may provide full-day care on days when school is not in session. Full-day, summer programs and before- and after-kindergarten care may also be options facilities provide to parents. Staff qualifications required: 20 hours of training, valid First-aid certificate, a clear criminal record check. There is a maximum group size of 20 children with a staff/child ratio.

• Licensed Family Child Care is care that is provided by the operator in their own home to children from birth to age 12. Care providers are able to set their own hours and most provide full-day care. Part time spaces and flexible hours may be offered in some facilities, and before- and after-school care. The maximum group size at any one time is seven. Again there is a staff /child ratio.

• In-Home Multi-age Child Care is similar to family child care. They can provide care for up to eight children. Staff qualifications required: licensed Early Childhood Educator, valid First-aid certificate and a current clear criminal record check as with the other members of the family and household members over the age of 12 years. There

is a maximum group size of eight children with a staff/child ratio.

• Multi-age Care Child Care is similar to Group Child Care but serves chil-dren from birth to age 12; children are divided into groups of eight in a group setting. Staff qualifications required: one Early Child-hood Educator for each group of children, valid First-aid certificate, clear

and current criminal record check. There is a staff/child ratio.

• Registered License Not Required (RLNR) care is offered in the care provider’s home. The childcare provider may care for no more than two children or one sibling group at any one time. This is in addition to the provid-ers own children, children who are related by blood or marriage or any children that the care provider may exercise a parental role over. A child care provider who is ‘registered’ has met health and safety requirements, and must continue to meet all requirements with their local CCRR program. Being an RLNR also means that families who attend the program may be eligible to receive an enhanced sub-sidy rate which is higher than what an LNR would receive. Staff qualifications: 20 hours of training, valid Frist-aid certificate, clear

and current criminal record check for everyone over age 12 living in the home, home safety assessments, physicians report, character references, participation in childcare training courses and workshops. It may also mean that they have access to group liability insurance information

• LNR child care is pro-vided in the operator’s own home. Care may only be provided for two children or a sibling group, of any age that are not related to the care provider. LNR care providers may or may not

have had formal childcare train-ing or previ-ous child care experience. Par-ents are solely responsible for assessing and monitoring the quality of care in any unli-censed or unreg-istered child care arrange-ment.

• Preschools are licensed to care for children from 30 months to school entry and they are a part-day program of no more than four hours a day. The program is usually offered in either morning or afternoon sessions. Preschools operate on a school-year basis from September to June. The maximum group size is 20 children.

Staff qualifications required: Licensed Early Childhood Educator and Early Childhood Educator Assistant, valid First-aid certificate, clear and current criminal record check. There is a staff/child ratio.

• Occasional Child Care is available for children who are 18 months or older. It is for part-time or occa-sional care only. Care is a maximum of eight hours a day and no more than forty hours per calendar month. Staff qualification required: 20 hours of training, valid First-aid certificate, and a clear and current criminal record check. The maximum group size is 16 children.

There is no absolute guar-antee of quality in childcare programs; however, there are factors that can be an indicator of high quality. Your involvement as a par-ent is a vital component in ensuring quality childcare is being provided.

— Submitted by PacificCARE, a Child Care

Resource and Referral program located at 237 Third St. in Courtenay.

Call 250-338-4288 for moreinformation.

email: [email protected]

www.beamrtheclown.ca

BEAMRTTHHEE CCLLOOWWNNBalloons & Magic

BIRTHDAYS &COMMUNITY EVENTSServing the Comox Valley & area.

250-650-7(FUN)7386

Play Ambassadors for Life!www.ecebc.ca

Comox Valley–

Phone: 250-897-1233www.beaufortchildcare.ca

2300 Ryan Road in Courtenayon the North Island College Campus

BEAUFORT CHILDREN’S CENTREA Great Place to Play, Learn and Grow

Spaces Available - July and August

Summer is a great time to…• introduce your preschool-aged child to Beaufort’s outstanding

early care and learning programs• give your kindergarten-aged child a positive full-day experience

prior to starting Kindergarten

Exceptional Staff, Beautiful Indoor and OutdoorPlay Spaces and a Creative CurriculumCome for a Visit... You Won’t Want to Leave


COMOX VALLEYCHILDCARE CHOICES WHAT TO LOOK FOR

PHOTO BY STUART MILES

❝ There is no absolute guarantee of quality in childcare programs; however, there ar efactors taht can be an indicator of high quality. Your involvement as a parent is a vital com-ponent in ensuring quality childcare is being provided. ❞ — PacificCARE

There are many types of childcare offered in our community.Quality child care provides care in a warm, nurturing, age appropriate and friendly environment. It ensures the children are safe and includes activities that help to

promote learning and development.

Kim WilsonSpecial to the Record

This is the technology generation.

These are the kids that can navigate the Internet, in some cases, before they are toilet trained. They play video games for exercise and have toys that read to them. If they want something, chances are there’s an app for that.

I wanted to sit down with a panel of experts on parent-child relationships to get some feedback on what are the most important aspects of raising children in this age; perhaps how we can learn to engage these tech-savvy kids on their own level.

Fortunately because I work at the Boys and Girls Club, I had ready access to a number of experts, aged 5 through 12, who were happy to share their thoughts with me.

I have to admit, I went into these con-versations with a pretty clear idea of the type of answers I expected to get. I was prepared to hear how parents should be able to provide the children with all of the expensive toys — the Nintendos, iPads and X-Boxes, personal com-puters and Kindles and all the latest technology.

I thought I would get a lecture on how parents were behind the times — they needed to learn how to use all of the buttons on the video game remote controls and successfully navigate 17 open windows on their iPad simultaneously.

I was prepared. I was also wrong.

One of the first questions I asked was “What is the most important thing your parents do?” First answer, from a 10-year-old boy, “They love us.” Not, “they buy me things,” not “they take me places,” but “they love us.”

This very powerful state-ment led to a discussion on how parents can make you feel: “I feel really good when they watch me at my soccer games.” And, “when I don’t feel well, I like to cuddle with my mom — she can always make me feel better.”

I also found out that kids are always watching their parents and noticing everything, even when you might think they don’t. An 8-year-old told me that her mom gives her special choco-late donuts with a chocolate glaze as a treat. She also told me that her mom has

to be gluten-free so she can’t even eat the donuts and that that must be very hard.

I also asked the kids if they could do anything with their parents, what would it be? What would be the best thing to do or would make them want to spend more time with their parents?

One boy would race his remote control cars with his dad because they both love to do it and that is when they get to spend the most time together.

A five-year-old felt it would be good to spend more time baking cookies because that is always really fun.

Quite a few would go for a walk because then they get

to spend time talk-ing and just hanging out.

Only one child mentioned some-thing electronic — he wanted to make a video with his mom and dad so that

everyone else could see what a cool life they have.

Kids also like to learn things from their parents and would rather learn from their parents than from any-one else.

“When we go for walks, my mom tells me all about the flowers and we look at things and figure out what they are,” was one response.

Kids are still kids.They may be able to pro-

duce a power-point presenta-tion before they are able to

read a book and vanquish a 57-level video game before they can catch a ball but what they still want the most is to know their par-ents love them — to know that they are important enough in their parents’

lives that mom and dad will stop everything just to spend time with them; to be able to talk and have their par-ents listen with undivided attention; to know that they matter.

So maybe there isn’t an

app for everything after all.— Kim Wilson is with

the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley Club can be reached at 250-338-7582, or visit www.bgccvi.com for more information.

J. PUDDLEDUCKPRESCHOOL/DAY CARE

250-338-5521

SUMMER HOLIDAYS FULL DAY PROGRAMFIELD TRIPS * COOKING * CRAFTS * FUN

Ages 3 to 12 - register now!

250 338 5521250-338-5521295 Back Road, Courtenay

(established in 1978)

Licensed Group DaycareOut of School Care Program

BETWEEN SUPERSTORE & N. I. COLLEGE

by Natasha RobsonLicensed ECE

Serving Courtenay since May 11th, 2005

Looking to fi ll spacesfor children 3yrs-school age

Starting June/July.$35/day for 3-5 yr. olds - Maximum 9hrs/day

$32.50/day for School Aged Children

HOURS: 7:30am-5:00pm - fl exible/willing to accommodate work schedules

OPEN: Monday-Friday Sept-June,Monday-Thursday July-August

Phone: 250-897-8463Email: [email protected]

t h R bb N

Sweet Sweet n’n’ SillySilly DaycareDaycareIN HOME MULTI-AGE CHILD CARE

2976 Elderberry Crescent(Near College, servicing Queneesh El.)

Check out ourever changingconsignment - Comox

5th St., Courtenay250-871-7771

1743 B Comox Ave., Comox250-339-3422

Check out our

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KIDS NOW TECH-SAVVY BUT TIME WITH PARENTS PREVAILS

WHILE KIDS TODAY ARE considered the technology generation, what they still want most is for their parents to spend time with them.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

❝ Kids also like to learn things from their parents and would rather learn from their parents than from anyone else. ❞ — Kim Wilson

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is proud to be celebrating 38 years of service to children and families of the Comox Valley.

LOOK US UPwww.cvcda.ca

Child and youth programs funded by:Ministry for Children and Family Development

Hours of Operation:Monday to Friday – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Phone: 250-338-4288237 – 3rd Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1E1

Email: [email protected]

Programs and Services for Children and Youth• The Autism Program• Early Intervention Therapies

Occupational TherapyPhysical TherapySpeech Language Pathology

• Infant Development Program• JumpStart Preschool• Supported Child Development Program• Community Integration Program• Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group• Out of School Care (co-locator)• PacificCare Child Care Resource & Referral (co-locator)

ACCREDITED

Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

1974 – 2012

Gymnastics Summer Camps!Half day (3 years+) and full day (6 years+) camps

available all summer long.Spaces fi ll quickly – register NOW!

Located at Comox Recreation Centre,1855 Noel Ave., Comox

Chimo Gymnastics“The Valley’s Gymnastics Club”

www.chimogymnastics.com 250-339-2255


The B.C. government has proclaimed May as Child Care Month to celebrate the work of thousands of caring and committed child-care operators and early child-hood educators throughout the province.

Every day, child-care providers are helping chil-dren climb on jungle gyms, introducing the joy of music through songs and reading children’s stories that pique young imaginations. Child-care providers offer babies, toddlers and children safe, high-quality care environ-ments where they can learn through play.

Aboriginal child-care centres provide cultural programming — such as singing, drumming and language-learning oppor-tunities — to help connect aboriginal children to their cultural roots.

The child-care and early learning system is actively supporting parents of young children to work or go to school, providing more than 100,000 licensed child-care spaces throughout the prov-ince. Parents can decide from a range of child-care options that meet their needs, including group child care (centre based), family child care (based in a family

home), preschool, before- and after-school care and care in their own home.

B.C.’s network of child-care and early learning supports also provides thousands of jobs, currently employing more than 12,000 licensed early childhood educators and nearly 5,000 early childhood educator assistants.

British Columbia has 34 post-secondary train-ing institutes offering early childhood education pro-grams.

“Many families depend on child care so that they can pursue career and educa-

tion opportunities, knowing their children are safe and well-cared-for,” says Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development.

If you are a parent and you want to find available child care in your neigh-bourhood or you’d like more information on the child-care subsidy program, go to www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/parents.htm.

If you are a child-care operator and would like more information on funding and services offered through the government, go to www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/pro-viders.htm.

MAY IS CHILD CARE MONTH• There are over 5,000 licensed child-care facilities in com-

munities across B.C. • Approximately 55 per cent of licensed facilities are group

child care and approximately 45 per cent are family child care.

• In Budget 2011, government provided $365 million over three years for full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds. This is improving early learning while reducing child-care pressure on families.

• In addition, the government made a regulation change last year increasing the maximum capacity of after-school child-care programs, resulting in the creation of more spaces.

• The Ministry of Children and Family Development will invest $296 million on child care in 2012-13, a 40-per-cent-increase since 2000-01.

• Child-care subsidies are available to support low- and moderate-income families, helping approximately 50,000 chil-dren and their families every year.

• Parents looking for child care in their community can get help through their local Child Care Resource and Refer-ral Program (CCRR). CCRRs offer quality child-care referrals, resources and support in over 400 B.C. communities.

QUICK FACTS

Growing up in a time of economic struggle, today’s kids might be inadver-tently learning lessons about money. If Mom and Dad have been forced to cut back or even lost their jobs, chances are kids have noticed and learned something as a result.

Even if parents have managed to weather the economic storm of the last several years without making too many sacrifices, they can still start teaching kids about money, even if kids have just entered kindergarten. It’s never too early to teach kids lessons about money. The following tips are a few ways parents can do just that.

GIVE KIDS AN ALLOWANCE. Many parents give their kids an allow-

ance so they can have some spending money when out with friends. But giv-ing an allowance is also a great way to teach kids about managing their money. Start with an amount that is small but large enough for kids to make purchases. In so doing, kids will learn that things they want cost money and that properly managing their money will enable them to purchase the things they want. If kids spend all their money by Monday and don’t get their allowance until Friday, resist the temptation to give them more money if the kids ask for it. This, too, will help kids learn the value of managing money.

OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN YOUR CHILD’S NAME.

Another way to teach kids about money is to open savings accounts in their names. Once the account is opened,

take your child to the bank once a week to deposit a predetermined amount of money. This shows the child the impor-tance of steadily saving money. It might be difficult at the outset to get kids into this habit, but once they make savings deposits part of their routines and their balances start to grow, they will likely grow more enthusiastic about their week-ly trips to the bank.

ENCOURAGE KIDS TO DOCUMENT THEIR FINANCES.

Encouraging kids to document their finances, including deposits, withdrawals and expenditures, is an effective way to teach them basic financial analysis. If the bank supplies savings books, make sure kids use them. But go one step further and give kids a financial journal where they can document all of their purchases in addition to their deposits and with-drawals. Such documentation enables kids to analyze how they spend their

money. Periodically go over these expen-ditures with children, and if they’re frus-trated about their saving and spending habits, work with the children to develop more effective strategies. Kids may appre-ciate these small lessons in analysis down the road when it’s time to purchase their first vehicles or finance a larger expense, such as their educations or first homes.

HELP KIDS MAKE LARGER PURCHASES.

Helping kids make larger purchases, be it a new bicycle or a video game con-sole, is another way to teach them about money. Such purchases teach kids about longterm financial goals, and how it’s necessary to stay diligent with savings in order to meet those goals. Paying for half is a good way to reward kids for meeting these longterm goals.

It’s never too early to start teaching kids about money, and parents can do just that in a number of ways.

Pacifi cCARE assists parents in fi nding child care for children (newborn to 12 years of age) at no cost. Based on the parents’ specifi c needs, the computerized registry selects a list of providers for parents to choose from. In addition, parents have access to:• information and brochures pertinent to child

development and child care selection• education opportunities such as workshops and

printed information• information on child care subsidy and

application forms• access to the Internet for a child care-related

business

Funded by the Government of BC

Are you someone who:• Loves children?• Is nurturing?• Is interested in starting a home-based business?• Is currently caring for children and would like

some support?

We Offer:• Support and Training• Resources, Toys, Equipment and Theme Packs• Access to enhance Child Care Subsidy payments• Access to low-cost business liability insurance• Referrals to parents who are looking for child care

EnhancingQualityChild Care

CallPacifi cCAREChild CareResource& Referral

PH: 1-888-480-CARE www.pacifi c-care.bc.ca


SIMPLE WAYS TO

TEACH KIDS ABOUT

MONEY

Waldorf in the Valley2311 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay

www.SaltwaterSchool.com250 871-7777

Who are the teachers?Saltwater teachers are university educated and Waldorf trained and certified. The teachers hold a reverence and respect for the special qualities of each stage of childhood; this is manifested in their love, patience, and kindness towards the children. Everything is done with intention, creating an environment in which the wonder of childhood is embraced and the children flourish. Waldorf grade teachers ideally stay with their class from Grade 1 to Grade 8 thereby knowing each child and striving to bring out the best in each of them.

What happensafter Waldorf?Waldorf educators endeavor to develop imaginative thinking and problem solving in the children as well as a capacity for emotional involvement that is both sensitive and resilient. As a result, Waldorf students are typically creative, self-assured, curious free thinkers who love learning and can easily transition to other schools or universities. As adults, Waldorf graduates choose a wide diversity of professions, occupations, and businesses.

What is available at theSaltwater School?

The Saltwater School currently offers a Parent and Child program, multi-

age Kindergarten, and Grades One through Four. Additional

grades will be added annually as the School grows. Those who enroll in the Saltwater School join a community of

supportive teachers and parents. To optimize the

learning experience, class sizes are intentionally

kept small, so enrolment is limited.

Find out more:SaltwaterSchool.com

[email protected]

Take one of ourSchool Tours:

May 23rd or June 13thfrom 7-8pm

“ Education is not the filling of a pail,but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats

The Saltwater School, an independent school with Waldorf curriculum, lights this fire within the children. Art, music and movement are integrated into the teaching of academics. The children create their own lesson books reflecting their learning through art as well as writing. Waldorf schools seek to inspire a life-long love of learning and to produce adults who are able, by themselves, to impart meaning to their lives. The School meets the learning outcomes required by the BC Ministry of Education and the program is enriched with arts, languages and nature experiences. There is also an active year-round outdoor program that includes biking, hiking, snowshoeing and paddle sports.

Come to our Open House:May 26th from 11-2pm


May 23, 2012

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