North Shore Child Care Resource & Referral Program

Autumn 2007

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, Cityof North Vancouver, District ofWest Vancouver, United Way ofthe Lower Mainland

June Maynard, Manager,Child Care Resource & Referral Program

- NSCCRR Workshop Calendar

- NSCCRR Extended Hours

- NSCCRR 2007 Fee Survey

- “Did You Know?” Legal Article: Family Court & Divorce

- Key Elements of School-Age Child Care brochure

- MCFD: CCOF Program

- VCH: Smart Snacks to Fuel Your Body

Inserts

In Child Care, autumn is the beginning of a new year. It is also a verybusy time with the orientation of new families, supporting new childrenand returning children with the environment and routines, and busierschedules than we sometimes have during the relaxed summer.

Though we have to cope with reduced funding in child care, there aresome interesting prospects on the horizon. The Provincial governmentis still waiting for the criteria around the funding for child care spacecreation from the Federal government. Once determined, this shouldencourage development of child care facilities that is currently on holdwith the freeze of capital funding from the province.

One time funding has been distributed to a variety of sourcesspecifically for professional development in the ECE field. Again, thecriteria is currently being developed and, once finalized, there shouldbe some exciting opportunities for all types of child care providers inour community.

And speaking of professional development, once again, North ShoreCommunity Resources is proud to be a partner in hosting the NorthShore Early Childhood Education Conference: To Learn, To Wonder,on Saturday, September 29th at Capilano College.

Finally, as we head into our “new year” we need to reinforce ourselvesas well as all care providers, parents, community and governmentrepresentatives with consistent messages about child care:

Ø Regardless of where we provide care or our credentials, weare ambassadors of our profession for quality care andeducation (see article on Promoting Professionalism)

Ø Quality child care and early learning are one and the same

Ø Every child should have access to early learning and care tosupport social and educational development

I wish you a happy new child care year and we look forward tocontinuing our work together.

Our Staff:Li Boesen, Executive DirectorJune Maynard, Manager, ChildCare Resourse ProgramFariba Aghdassi, Information &Resource ConsultantChristine Mann, Support &Outreach Consultant (ChildCare Providers)Maria Morisseau, MunicipalChild Care ConsultantVirginia Pateman, Information& Resource Consultant (parents& families)Lori Roberts, CommunitySupport ConsultantTunde Skiba, CommunityAccess ConsultantSara Sutherland, CommunitySupport ConsultantCatherine Janusz, MadeleineKhodaverdian, Elaine SmithReception and Administration

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Do you have an emailaddress?To keep you informed and up-to-date with our program andwith current events in childcare please let us know youremail address.

Christine.Mann@nscr.bc.caor

Virginia.Pateman@nscr.bc.ca

Sue Irwin, Vancouver CoastalRegional Coordinator, CCRRPrograms, is located in ouroffice.

One of the issues we hear repeatedly is the need for child careprofessionals to be presenting and promoting the “profession” of childcare. This is important not only to educate the public but also otherprofessions and government at all levels. Perception takes time tochange and requires a consistent and long term effort. Early ChildhoodEducation has already come a long way on the community and politicalagenda and we can continue to advance this.A profession is definedas “an occupation or vocation requiring training and advanced studyin a specialized field”. A professional is defined as “engaged in aspecific activity as a source of livelihood” and “having great skill orexperience in a particular field or activity”. Professionalism is definedas “professional status, methods, character, or standards”. *

Whether we work as a Registered LNR, Licensed Family Child Careor Group Centre, we work in the specialized field of early childhoodeducation with requirements for training and maintaining standards inour daily practice. Training and experience in meeting and exceedingstandards, builds and increases our skills in working with children andfamilies. In addition, there is an expectation that we continue withprofessional development through workshops, courses, resources, andnetworking with our fellow professionals.

The first step in promoting professionalism in our field is to reflect onour commitment to our work as a profession and to think of ourselvesas professionals. How we work, how we speak, and how we presentourselves in the community conveys the message of early childhoodeducation as a profession to the clients we work with daily and,eventually, throughout the community and up to government.

This isn’t a big challenge but rather more like cultivating a good habitthat, day by day, will change perceptions and result in the earlychildhood education services that children, families and early childhoodprofessionals, like you, deserve.

June Maynard*(The American Heritage Dictionary of The English Language)

Promoting Professionalism:

Return every phone call!We continue to receive feedback fromparents looking for child care who arefrustrated when they leave a messageenquiring about space in a child carefacility – group or family – and do not get areturn call. Please remember that it isappropriate professional conduct as wellas a courtesy to let parents know if youare able to accommodate them or not.

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The North Shore Child Care Planning Committee (NSCCPC) hasreleased a study on child care needs on the North Shore. The ChildCare Planning Committee includes representatives from the three NorthShore municipalities, School District #44, North Vancouver RecreationCommission, Capilano College Early Childhood Care and EducationTraining Programs, North Shore Child Care Resource and ReferralProgram, Supported Child Development Program, and VancouverCoastal Health – Community Care Facilities Licensing. The study,entitled “Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Leaders: Child Care Needs onthe North Shore”, is the most comprehensive, North Shore-wideassessment of child care needs ever undertaken. The assessment wasconducted by Denise Buote of Arbor Educational and ClinicalConsulting Inc., with funding from the City and District of NorthVancouver, and the District of West Vancouver.

The needs assessment was divided into four parts: (1) An assessmentof parents’ current experiences with child care; (2) An assessment ofchild care providers’ experiences in delivering child care; (3) A review ofbest practices in other jurisdictions; and (4) A series ofrecommendations for the North Shore to assist in future child careplanning and policy development.

Parent Perceptions

Parent perceptions were gathered through 377 questionnaires, inaddition to interviews and focus groups, in which they were asked aboutthe challenges they face in child care, existing arrangements andneeds. Some of the key issues for parents included the availability ofquality care, space shortages, availability of out-of-school care, findingand affording care for more than one child, and the low pay given toproviders.

Provider Experiences

The assessment of provider perceptions was derived from aquestionnaire that was sent to all 255 child care facilities on the NorthShore. Some of the key issues for providers included the necessity ofgovernment funding, difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified staff,and the availability of spaces for all that need them.

This study provides solid evidence to confirm the issues, challengesand opportunities that we encounter in child care in our community.Some of the recommendations support current initiatives as well as givesome practical guidelines for action to facilitate and enhance child careservices for the North Shore.

The North Shore Child Care Needs Assessment is posted to thewebsite of the North Shore Community Resources Society (http://www.nscr.bc.ca). Additional copies may be obtained by contactingJune Maynard at North Shore Community Resources Society, ChildCare Resource and Referral Program at (604) 982-3315.

ConsultantRecommendations

The consultant has maderecommendations in two key areas:

(1) Continue to Advocate forGreater Funding from the ProvincialGovernment.Sub-recommendationsinclude:

� Tie child care to B.C.’s Five GreatGoals;

� Work with the Ministry ofEducation and School Districts torenovate under-utilized schools forchild care use;

� Strategically plan to recruit andretain qualified individuals for thechild care field; and

� Target specific funding for childcare;

(2) Move toward a NeighbourhoodHub Model of Services for Childrenand Families. Sub-recommendations include:

� Create and fund a child carecoordinator, and an interdisciplinarysteering committee, to oversee theplanning and implementation of amulti-year strategic plan for theNorth Shore;

� Develop a plan that works towardthe creation of neighbourhoodhubs;

� Work with the Ministry ofEducation, the School District andcommunity partners to incorporatechild care into schools;

� Examine ways in whichincentives/support can be offered tochild care facilities to open and/orexpand; and

� Create public awareness of theimportance of child care, and raisethe status of child care providers.

For more information contact:• Paul Penner, Chair – North Shore Child Care Planning Committee and Community Planner, City of

North Vancouver, 604-983-7381, ppenner@cnv.org;• June Maynard, Manager, North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral Program, 604-982-3315,

june.maynard@nscr.bc.ca

Final Report Released on Child Care Needs on the North Shore

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Child Care Resource Program Library

Fisher Price has recalled almost one million toys. To find out if you are affected by this,please use the following links:

www.CTV.ca . Scroll down to colored “here” and click. To see the items by photograph, click“Fisher Price toys with lead paint hazard recall”.

You will be prompted to follow instructions if you do have any of the toys in question.

Here are the newest additions to our resource library:Last child in the woods: saving our chil-dren from nature- deficit disorder by Rich-ard LouvMy Vancouver sketchbook by Robert PerryMiss spider�s tea party by David KirkBoy in motion: Rick Hansen�s story byAinslie Manson

Family virtues guide: simple ways to bring out the best inour children and ourselves by Linda Kavelin PopovI love you always and forever by Jonathan EmmettCan you say peace? By Karen KatzCanada 1 2 3 by Kim Belle FountaineWhen Sophie gets angry-really, really angry� by MollyBangHow to catch a star by Oliver JeffersHands are not for hitting by Martine AgassieTips & tools for creating cultural curriculum in AboriginalHead Start Centres by Annie JackMySpace safety: 51 tips for teens and parents by KevinFarnham and Dale FarnhamFatherhood: Indigenous Men�s Journeys �DocumentaryDVD. Resources for Indigenous fathers, families, and com-munity programs.On this DVD, six First Nations fathers of young children in BCtalk about what fatherhood means to them. The fathers rangein age from 27 to 60. Their backgrounds and their home lifesituations are diverse. They describe what it has been like tobecome fathers, to grow into fatherhood, and to learn how tocare for their children. They talk frankly about the necessity ofhealing oneself in order to become positively involved as afather.

www.rcybc.caChild and Youth Officer forBCThe Representative forChildren and Youth supportschildren, youth and familieswho need help in dealing withthe child welfare system, andadvocates for changes to thesystem itself.www.rfsc.caNewcomers Ready forSchoolThis website offers a �Readyfor School Connects� toolkit .This toolkit providescommunity service agenciesand schools with aframework for creatingprograms intended to supportnewcomer families orfamilies with children withspecial needs, in thetransition from home toschool.

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Child Care Facilities Licensing - Update July 2007.

We are very happy to announce the arrival of Cindy and Doug Devlin’s preciouslittle son, Chase David Devlin. He was welcomed to our world on June 10, 2007at 4:27pm and weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces.He has been to visit a couple of times now and he is such a “sweetie”. Cindy islooking fantastic and enjoying her new role as a Mother.

We have now welcomed Dawn Patterson who did spend a few months with thelicensing program on a casual basis in 2005 who will be covering Cindy’s

maternity leave and also Lori Klepachek-Wu who will be an additional permanent part - time child carelicensing officer with our program.

We are planning another “Open House and Information Session” this fall which will provide anopportunity to introduce the new ladies and Paul Markey who is our new Manager of Health Protectionfor Environmental Health and Licensing as well.

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Changes are coming soon!!!

Starting January 2008 the Lending Library will only be open on Thursdayafternoons (4 to 7 pm) and on our open Saturdays (10 am to 1 pm).Please note that the days and times listed will be the only times availablefor drop-off and pick-up. On those days designated staff will be available tosupport and help you with your choices, needs and for the check-in andcheck-out process.

An inventory will be taken immediately when you drop-off your activity box and missing items will bediscussed before you leave. An inventory will also be taken before you check out an activity box toensure the inventory list is current. Please be aware that this will take a little bit more time than you areused to, but it will ensure that you check out an activity box with a current inventory and that missingitems are recovered or replaced by the responsible person.

Due to these changes the Front Desk staff will NOT be available for the Lending Library.

To speed up the check-out process we are planning to create some smaller activity boxes andgrab bags.

Look for them coming soon!

Lending Library News

West Vancouver Memorial Library offers a new service........Grow a Reader Bags – Check them out!

To make things easier for parents and caregivers, we have put theme-related books, rhymes, a puppetand a CD together in attractive bags and colour coded them according to age level. Grab one, check itout and enjoy it at home, or in your preschool circle time, then exchange it for a new theme.

Each bag contains a booklet of rhymes, how-to instructions and ‘literacy tips’ that will explain howcertain activities can help get little ones ready to read.

Bags hang in the Youth Department next to the Information Desk. Theycirculate for one week.

Also, check out our storytimes and programs at www.westvanlibrary.ca

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Washing Hands after Art & CraftActivitiesQ. Is it OK for children to wash hands in a bowl/container filled with water?

A. Washing children’s hands before eating, afterusing the toilet, sand/water play, and at any timehands may be contaminated is an essentialhealth practice.

Proper handwashing must be done with liquidsoap, warm running water, lots of rubbing, for atleast 20 seconds and drying with a single - usetowel.

Having children wash their hands in a containerof standing water, that is used by everyone, is anunhygienic and unacceptable practice.

It is OK to use a container of water for children todip their hands in after arts & crafts for thepurpose of removing gross soil (so it doesn’tdirty up or plug up the hand sink..), providedhands are immediately washed in a hand sinkwith running water & liquid soap.

Flu Season is almost here again!Protect the young children you care for by getting yourFlu Shot.Hand-washing is one of the most important ways to prevent influenza dis-ease. If you are caring for children under the age of 2 years, you will beable to get the flu vaccination for free. Vaccine is available starting in earlyNovember from Public Health and Physician’s offices on the North Shore.Vaccine is also free for those at high risk (children age 6 months-24 monthsand their household contacts, persons over age 65, and those with certainmedical conditions), so encourage the families you work with to get vaccinatedas well.

Please contact Vancouver Coastal Health on the North Shore @ 604-983-6700 for more informationabout influenza and for exact dates and locations. Detailed clinic information will be available closer toflu season and will also be posted on our website (http://www.vcha.ca/).

Use of Cloth TowelsQ. Is it OK to use cloth towels, instead of papertowels, for drying children’s hands afterhandwashing?

A. Use of cloth towels for drying hands andwiping faces is fine provided they are ‘single-use’i.e. discarded to laundry after use.

Using a cloth towel more than once, even thoughit may be child-specific and used only minimallyi.e. 2-3 times during the day, unnecessarilyincreases the potential for contamination andpossible spread of disease-causing bacteria tochildren and staff.

With the prevalence of colds, influenza, viralgastroenteritis in childcare facilities and thecommunity in general, proper handwashing (i.e.with liquid soap, warm running water, lots ofrubbing, for at least 20 seconds and drying with asingle - use towel to prevent recontamination ofhands…) by children and staff is your mostimportant and effective means of protecting thechildren and staff from communicable diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you and your staff know….• what to expect during any disaster?• how to respond before, during and after an earthquake?• how to identify and reduce hazards inside your facility?• when and when NOT to evacuate?• emergency supplies you need including food and water?

North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) has developed a workshop to assist child carefacilities in their planning and preparations for an emergency or disaster.

There is currently no charge for the workshop and each participant gets a gas shut off wrench andvaluable emergency planning resources, absolutely free!!!

The next workshop is scheduled for the evening of November 19, 2007 at NSEMO.

Pre-registration is required. Please call 604-983-7440 to register.

Please call to register promptly as seating is limited!

Are you a licensed child carefacility putting in a new play-ground or making changes toyour existing playground? Areyou adding/deleting/replacing orrelocating play equipment?

If yes, Licensing would like to doa safety review of your pro-posed playground installation/modifications, before the work isdone!

Please contact Sam Sew, PublicHealth Inspector at 604-983-6802 regarding the submissionof drawings/plans that showproposed installations orchanges to a playground.

Serious Incident Reporting fo CCFLCCFL reminds all licensed facilities to submit an incident report forthe following occurrences:

A communicable disease outbreak.If you have 2 or more children in a group that are ill within a 24 hourperiod, with similar symptoms, please notify your Licensing OfficerASAP.

If symptoms of illness include vomiting or diarrhea, please call SamSew, Public Health Inspector – Community Care FacilitiesLicensing, at 604-983-6802 immediately.

Sam will review illness information and discuss required infectioncontrol measures to prevent further spread of illness to the children,staff and families. You should always report unusual clusters ofillnesses in your facility to Licensing, regardless of whether thecause is known or not.

Electrical power outages and other ‘service delivery problems’.A ‘service delivery problem’ is ‘any condition or event which couldreasonably be expected to impair the ability of the licensee, or theemployees of the licensee, to provide care or which affects thehealth, safety, or well being of the persons in care.’

A ‘service delivery problem’ is a reportable incident that must bereported to Licensing promptly (ie. within 24 hrs of the incident). If afacility has had a power outage and managed with no ill effects tothe children, it is still considered a reportable service deliveryproblem.

Submission of Plansfor New Playgroundsand PlaygroundModifications to CCFL

Emergency Preparedness for Childcare Facilities Workshop

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CCRR Workshop Schedule & Professional Development

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

All workshops will take place in the Community Room at Capilano Mall, #203 - 935 Marine Drive, NorthVancouver. Please register by calling the number listed in each section.

Make & Take Workshop - Circle Time ResourcesCome join the fun! Make 2 felt stories during this “Make and Take” workshop with SueIrwin. We will be making “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?” and the verypopular “Doughnut Shop”. This is a great follow up to the Circle Time workshops we hadwith Sue in May and June.Date & Time: Thursday September 27th , 2007. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmDeadline for registration: September 17th, please call Tunde @ 604-982 3324 to register.Fee : Please note there is a $5.00 supply fee for this workshop.

National Ethics Training Program on Best Choices: Guidebook to the Ethical Journey

Presenter: Bev ChristianDate & Time: Thursday October 4th, 2007. 6:00 pm to 9:15 pmRegister: Call Tunde @ 604-982-3324A light dinner will be served at 6:00pm. Workshop is from 6:15 pm - 9:15 pm

This is Module one of a four part series. Module one guides participants through an exploration of theirpersonal beliefs, values and ethics.

National Ethics Training Program on Best Choices: Guidebook to the Ethical Journey

Presenter: Bev ChristianDate & Time: Thursday November 15, 2007. 6:00 pm - 9:15 pmRegister: Call Tunde @ 604-982-3324A light dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. Workshop is from 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm

This is Module two of a four part series. Module two guides participants on the purpose, structure andbenefits of a professional code of ethics.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MODULES 3 AND 4 WILL BE OFFERED IN EARLY 2008

Moving Up to Administration in Child CareThe focus of this workshop is on the skills necessary to be an effective administrator and team leader.Areas covered are: Communication, Conflict Issues, Staff Leadership, Key Policy and Licensing Issues.Presenter: Lori Roberts, Child Care Support Consultant at North Shore CCRRDate & Time: Thursday December 6th, 2007. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmRegister: Call Lori @ 604-982-3325

Mark your calendars! ADMINISTRATOR’S MEETINGS bringing together administratorsfrom group child care programs across the North Shore to network and share information.Presenters focusing on specific topics are occasionally invited. Co-facilitated by MariaMorisseau, North Shore Child Care Resource Program and Shelley Esau, CCFL, VancouverCoastal Health, North Shore. Please contact Maria at 604-985-7138 local 122 or by emailmaria.morisseau@nscr.bc.ca for further details. Dates: Wednesdays October 17, 2007;February 20, 2008; May 21, 2008. 11:45 am – 1:00 pm Room 203, Capilano Mall

NOTE!

MODULE ONE

MODULE TWO

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Other Professional Development Opportunities

Good Beginnings: An Introductory Family Child Care CourseWe are pleased to offer the Family Child Care Course again at our office in room 203at Capilano Mall starting on Saturday October 20th. This 36 hours certificate course isrecognized by Community Care Facilities Licensing.Cost: $ 290.00 (including all course materials)For more information and to register please contact Christine by phone: 604-985-7138or email: christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca

Key Elements of School Age Child CareNorth Shore CCRR is pleased to announce that we will, once again, be offering theKey Elements of School Age Child Care this fall. Erin Scheepers, co-author of thecourse, is presenting the course which will begin Tuesday evenings, starting October16th. This course is a good introduction and refresher course to school age care and issuitable for staff in group and family child care as well as parents. Please look for theflyer in this issue of our CCRR Newsletter for more details and feel free to circulate.

Healthy Start for Life Workshop Series, Fall 2007Register for these free workshops offered by Vancouver Coastal Health this fall.Location: Community Room at Capilano Mall on the 2nd floor next to the NorthShore Child Care Resource Program

November 22 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Managing Food IssuesCovers the eating habits, food preferences and feeding issues of children, how to manage them inpositive ways and the importance of role modeling. Provided by Betty Holmes, RD

November 29 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Food Flair for Child CareThis newly revised provincial resource from LEAP BC will be shared. It includes meal and snack ideasas well as how to promote healthy eating habits by involving children with food in your program.Provided by Margaret Broughton, M.Sc. RD.

To register call the Admin Support Clerk at Vancouver Coastal Health at 604-904-6279. You mustregister by one week prior to each session. A light dinner is provided. If you cannot attend, please senda replacement or call to cancel your space.

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Food Safety for Childcare Facilities WorkshopDo you know….• the do’s and don’ts of handling, storing and preparing food for the children and your family?• how to prevent food poisoning as a foodhandler and avoid it as a consumer?

Next food safety workshop: Thursday, October 11, 2007 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmDaycare Room at North Shore Neighbourhood House(225 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver)Fee: $10.00 Please make cheque payable to “Vancouver Coastal Health”.

All participants MUST PRE-REGISTER at least a week in advance of the workshop date bycalling Sam Sew, Public Health Inspector at 604-983-6802Please be advised that seating is limited and that workshops may be cancelled due to insufficientattendance

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Once a month Family Child Care providers have the opportunity tocome together in an informal social setting to meet and discussbusiness, share experiences and look at the light side of life andwork.

It is a nice way to get to know others who do the same job, asrunning a Family Child Care can be at times isolating.

Come out and visit each other:

September 12, 2007 at Flowers Family Child Care in the LynnmourSouth area of North Vancouver (Bond Street)

October 10, 2007 at Koo’s Korner Montessori Daycare (FCC andOSC) in the Upper Lynn area of North Vancouver (Valley Road)

November 7, 2007 at My Little Star Family Child Care in theCarisbrooke area of North Vancouver (Upper St Georges Ave)

All Network Meetings start at 7 pm and usually go for 1.5 hours.

Please call Christine to confirm attendance, full address and toorganize car pools.Christine Mann 604-985-7138 or email:christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca

Welcome to our newestFamily Child Care

Providers !Creative Baby – LFCCKaterina’s Place Family ChildCare – LNRJenny’s Family Child Care –LNR

Are you a nanny or a family child care provider? Orperhaps you are a grandparent or an aunt oruncle caring for children. Circle of Care is a fun

drop- in program for children and their careproviders to meet and play. It’s a relaxed

atmosphere for adults to network witheach other, and the children to playand socialize. A healthy snack isprovided each week for the adults andchildren. We start with free play and anart activity, and end with a specialcircle that includes songs, rhymes anda story. These written resources will

be available for you to take home each week

Come join our growing group Tuesday mornings from 9:30 amto 11:30 am, in the large Family Resource Room at JohnBraithwaite Community Center@145 West 1st Street in NorthVancouver.

Circle of Care is closed on Tuesdays after a Monday holiday(September 4, October 9, and November 13th.) Our lastTuesday for 2007 will be December 18th.

Family Child Care Networking

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Support Visits &Delivery of ResourcesAny child care setting (GroupCare, Child Minding, Preschool,Out-of-School Care, LNR orLFCC) that has a subscriptionwith the North Shore Child CareResource & Referral Program isentitled to support visits. If youwould like a support visit pleasecall 604-985-7138 to set up anappointment.

Family Child Care Providerswith a current subscription canrequest an activity visit: we willcome out to your family childcare with an activity box andhelp you set up the activities inyour environment and show youhow to engage the children. Weeven do a special circle time atyour Family Child Care andshare ideas.

To book a visit call the office at604-985-7138 and ask forChristine or contact her throughher email:christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca

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West Vancouver:11:15 am to 12:15 pmChartwell Elementary SchoolOctober 10, 2007 to December 12, 2007

North Vancouver:9:45 am to 10:45 amSt. John’s Anglican ChurchSeptember 14, 2007 to December 14, 2007 (except Oct 5 and Nov 9)

Come, bring the children you care for, and visit us for a fun filled morning of singing, rhymes, repetitionsand story telling.

For more information and directions please call Christine Mann 604-985-7138 or emailchristine.mann@nscr.bc.ca

Wednesdays

Fridays

Wonderful news!

Care Provider Tips

November 4th – Daylight SavingsTime ends. Remember to setyour clocks back one hour.

When is the last time youreplaced your Smoke Detector

battery?Replace your Smoke Detectorbattery at least once a year!

There are now .....TWO Mother Goose for Child Care Providers!!!

West Vancouver Family PlaceAdventure Playground Building, AmblesidePark,604-925-7141�the cabin in the woods�

West Van Family Place offers a drop-in program for childrenages 0 – 5 with a parent or caregiver. We are open Monday

to Friday, 9-12 and also from 1-3 on Tuesday.

We operate from mid-September to June 15.

We invite you to join us to play, make new friends, try newactivities, and access information about parenting.

Our experienced, capable staff will make you feel right athome as soon as you arrive at Family Place. Your children will

be delighted with the interesting activities and warmenvironment.

Meeting the needs of parents, grandparents, caregivers andyoung children.

Drop-in Fee $3

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Catching the Dragon’s TailA dragon is formed by grouping the players into a long line each with their hands on the shoulders ofthe one in front of him.The first in the row is the dragon’s head.The last in the row is the dragon’s tail, eager to lash to the right and left in order to escape the head.Until the signal GO is given, the dragon must be a straight line.Someone in the group counts “One, two, three, go!”On the signal GO the head runs around toward the tail and tries to catch it.

The whole body must move with the head andremain unbroken.If the head succeeds in touching the tail, they maycontinue to be the head.If the body breaks before he catches the tail thehead becomes the tail and the next in line is thehead and so on until each has a chance to be thehead and the tail.

Outside & Inside Games to Play

BarnyardEach child is given the name of an animal with three children having the samename.No one is allowed to tell another which animal he is.At the signal each child makes the noise of the animal that he has been given.The first group of three animals to find each other and to sit down is the winner.

ACTIVITIES

Birds Have FeathersOne player is leader.He/she and all the others flap their arms like birds.He/she calls out names of something with feathers.If a player flaps his wings on a calling that doesn’t have feathers he’s/she’s out.The leader flaps his wings on almost all things to confuse the group and callsas rapidly as possible.“Birds have feathers, bats have feathers, babies have feathers, etc.”

Beat the BunnyEquipment: Two balls of different sizeThe bunny (small ball) is started first and is passed from child tochild around the circle.When the bunny is about half way around, the farmer (large ball) isstarted in the same direction.Note: The farmer can change directions to try and catch the bunny,but the bunny can only go one way.

Other:• Illness policy• Appropriate television• Children who require extra support• Multicultural sensitivity• Provision of supplies by parents

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Emergency:• Where to reach you (if possible)• Emergency phone numbers (i.e. fire, poison

control, nearest neighbour)• Child’s contact numbers (i.e. parents, doc-

tor, dentist)• Any serious medical conditions/allergies• Location of evacuation kits• Locations of First Aid kits• Location of emergency permission cards• Location of fire extinguisher• Location of shut-off valves for water and gas• Location of fuse box

Guiding Children’s Behaviour:• Child Care policies• Observe and record (unusual or inappropri-

ate behaviour)• Anticipate difficulties• Positive reminders• Positive reinforcement• Encouragement• Redirection• Logical consequence• Guiding Rules for children and others

o Respect for otherso Respect for the environmento Respect for self

Routines:• Naps• Handwashing• Meals & Snacks• Activities & Circle Times• Housekeeping / Laundry• Toileting / Diapering• Pick-up schedule• Fees• Locations of supplies• Outdoor play

Here are some items you may want to discuss with your substitute care provider: (Provided by WCFCCA)

Substitute Care Provider Check List:

Safety:• Supervision• Authorized pick-up persons• Allergies• Medications• Child Care policies/safety rules• Out of bounds areas• Children’s fears/sensitivities• Procedures for outings• Car seats/procedures

The City of North Vancouver, Child Care Capital Improvement FundPurpose of GrantThe City of North Vancouver is offering grants to registered non-profit societies for thepurpose of expanding, repairing, renovating or purchasing new equipment for child carefacilities in the City.

Who May ApplyRegistered non-profit societies whose primary activity is the provision of child care services. The City isalso an eligible applicant to this fund.

CriteriaGrants from this fund will only be made for projects that are capital in nature. Funds will not be providedfor operating costs, salaries, program implementation or expansion, needs assessments, conferencesor other special events, travel, training, etc. Examples of projects that will be considered include :• Physical expansion, renovation, or repair of existing child care facilities;• The purchase of equipment (e.g. play equipment, furniture, appliances) for the express use of achild care facility.Visit the website for more details http://www.cnv.org/server.aspx?c=3&i=154 or contact Paul Penner,Community Planner, City of North Vancouver 604-983-7381.

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Play is so vitally important to the growth anddevelopment of our children that the UnitedNations has included the right to unstructuredplay, as a basic right of every child. Twentyyears ago society saw play as the work of thechild and we found the time and space for ourchildren to have lots of unstructured, free play.Now, it would appear that play is taking a backseat as our lives are more hurried then ever

before. A lot of pressure is being placed on parents and preschoolproviders to push academics down into the preschool years. Whenresearchers asked a group of parents what skills they thought theirpreschoolers needed in order to be successful in school, theparents said things like:

· They need to know their alphabet· How to count· How to print their letters· How to read, or to at least know all of their letter sounds.

When researchers asked the same question to a group ofkindergarten and preschool teachers, they said things like:

· They need to know how to have a conversation· How to listen· How to share and get along with others· How to control their own actions

Why is it that parents are thinking their preschool children needsuch a different set of skills then teachers expect? One reason isthat there are multi-billion dollar marketing agencies tapping intoparents’ need to feel they’re doing what’s best for their children.Marketing companies are working full tilt to ensure that parents feelguilty if they don’t buy the latest and greatest programs for theirpreschool and infant children. Parents are being pushed intocreating “super children”, with elevated IQ’s and master cognitiveabilities. As a result, children are being exposed to endless hoursof screen-time, they are being signed up for preschooltutors, they are spending less time outdoors, and lessand less time playing.

As parents we need to take the time to breathe andenjoy our children. We need to relax and allow ourchildren to be children, rather then stressed andhurried mini-adults. We need to believe that we don’tneed to spend money on trying to increase ourchildren’s IQs. Rather, we need to allow them the timeand space to play and we can relax in the knowledgethat play is the most important work a child can do.

Barb Mathieson,Early Literacy FacilitatorNorth Vancouver School District

Play, Play, Play

Playing with blocks, sand, water,and play dough, playing dressup, singing, laughing, running,jumping, climbing, as well as allof the other wonderful thingschildren do when they are giventhe time to play, help preparethem for school and for successin life better then any computerprogram possibly could.

Children learn how to take turns,how to have conversations, howto express themselves, how toshare and how to use theirimaginations though play. Thefoundations of academic skillsare also learned through play.Take, for example, playing withblocks. Children learn moreabout shapes and counting byhandling and building withblocks than by looking atnumbers and shapes onflashcards. Hands-on, free playis important and children aregood at it! They experiencesuccess and they are learningso much while having fun.

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Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Update - August 2007

Elimination of Six-month Renewal Requirement:The six-month renewal requirement has been eliminated, allowing asubsidy to be authorized for a period of up to twelve months.

Child Care Subsidy Eligibility extended:One of the eligibility requirements of Child Care Subsidy is that anapplicant must be:- A Canadian citizen or- Permanent resident or- Convention refugee

Eligibility has now been extended to include:- Persons in need of protection as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada)

Claim Forms – Billing:We understand that care providers are consulting you forassistance in the billing process. Care providers may access thefollowing link for information on completing their Claim Forms: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/pdfs/ccsubsidy_booklet_oct_05.pdf .If further assistance is required on billing, please direct careproviders to the Service Centre.

Reconsideration Process:When a decision resulting in a refusal, reduction or discontinuationof Subsidy occurs, an applicant has a right to Reconsideration. AReconsideration and Appeals brochure along with a letter providingthe following information is sent to an applicant:- the reason why subsidy has been denied- the section of the Act/Regulations that the denial falls under- the right an applicant has to a Reconsideration and the timelines- the Child Care Subsidy Service Centre’s contact information for Reconsideration forms and for additional information

Should applicants have further questions, please ask them tocontact the Service Centre directly as staff have the ability to reviewthe physical file for providing applicants with up-to-date information.

Contact Information for parents and providers:Phone: 1 888 338-6622; Fax:1 877 544-0699Web: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm

BCIT Nursing studentsavailable to runsessions on “Do BugsNeed Drugs” inSeptember 2007The North Shore Child CareResource Program is kindlyoffering opportunities for sevenBCIT Nursing students to obtainpublic health experience duringSeptember 2007. Thesestudents are in the last term ofstudies prior to completing theirnursing degree.

The BCIT nursing studentswould like to offer training forstaff and parents at preschoolsand daycares in our communityto conduct the “Do Bugs NeedDrugs” program. The programemphasizes properhandwashing and ways toprevent antibiotic resistance forpreschool aged children andtheir families.

If interested, please contactBCIT Nursing Instructor Ling Laiat 778-928-2364.

People often are confused by the different courts we have in BC and what each court does.Please take a look at the article I have written, (insert in the newsletter) which provides informationon divorce and the different levels of courts that deal with Family Law issues.

Please contact me with suggestions of legal topics or issues that you would like to get informationon in this newsletter.

Fariba Aghdassi, Coordinator, Legal Advocacy Program; Information & Resource Consultant, CCRRE-mail: fariba.aghdassi@nscr.bc.ca Phone: 604-982-3314

Did You Know?.........

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From March 1 – July 31, 2007child care spaces wererequested for 433 children. Ofthose 433, 61% were under 3years, 21% were between 3 and5, and 19% were school age.Full-time care was requested by32% of families, and 68% part-time. Over the five month spannoted above, families wereprovided with a total of 18,259facility names located in 62different neighbourhoods.

Child Care Referrals

To help us serve youbetter...Please call if there are anychanges to your program (if youhave a vacancy, changed yourdays, hours, or type of care).We will then make the changesto our database.

Greetings Childcare Sector Professionals: The Early ChildhoodEducator (ECE) Registry is pleased to announce our new databaseand website that will be launched later this month (August 2007).The new database will allow students and practitioners to applyand/or renew their licensure as an Early Childhood Educator, InfantToddler Educator, Special Needs Educator and Assistant from ourwebsite. Along with the new database, the ECE Registry websitehas also been updated and will include new application forms(attached) to apply for licensure and to renew licensure. These willbe available on our website in a printable hardcopy form (PDF) oras an on-line application. Any old application forms that youcurrently have need to be destroyed immediately as they will nolonger be accepted. Old applications received at the ECE Registrywill be returned to the applicant along with a new application form.In the coming weeks, a letter will be mailed out to all currentlylicensed educators to inform them of the changes and help preventthe receipt of old forms.

Please visit us on-line at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ece in thecoming weeks to view the new website. We trust this new systemwill better serve the needs of our clients and we welcome yourfeedback. If you have questions or comments on the new system,please contact me directly at 250-356-6285 at any time.

Submitted by Denise Pawliuk, Registrar, ECE Registry…

Extended Hours:We continue to have extendedhours Thursday evenings until8 pm . We will also be open on

the LAST Saturday of eachmonth as follows:

(10 am to 1:30 pm)September 29

October 27November 24

Thank you to our summer students: Namu Yoon, AlexMucalov, and Sonya Sabet. We were so fortunate, once again, tohave three bright, energetic students to take on projects for NorthShore Community Resources Society. Namu did an outstanding jobon the Child Care Fee Survey (see insert) as well as updates to the“Where Is It?” resource directory for families with children aged 0 -6years (now affectionately being called the Junior Green Book). Alexdeveloped two presentation projects for the Volunteer program as wellas a Board member training day and updating the North Shore YouthVolunteer Directory. Sonya has been a long time volunteer in ourLegal Advocacy program and worked on several administrative projectsfor the agency this summer. These projects are invaluable our agencyand it was delightful to have Namu, Alex, and Sonya as part of theteam – even if only for a couple of months. We wish them well as theyhead back to their studies.

Criminal Record Checks On-Line!!For further information contact:Security Divisions & Police Technology DivisionCriminal Records Review Program1-800-663-7867 or 250-387-6981http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review

ECE Registry Announces New Database & Website