Volume 16, Issue 3

November/December 2011

this issue

Pre-K News P.2

Providers Corner P.3

Training Calendars P.4,5

Training Registration P.6

Project Promise P.7

Quality in Action At Work

The Partnership Press News for the Young Children, Families and Providers of Lenoir and Greene Counties

From the Director

Coming soon...our resource center is getting a room upgrade. We are transitioning our resource center to a larger room in our Kinston office which will allow our providers and teachers more work space to discover and create! Please be patient with us as we go through this transition. A big congratulations to the two centers featured in this edition of The Partnership Press—our staff couldn’t be more proud! Thank you all for joining our mission: “Developing Today’s Children to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders” Keith Sylvester Executive Director

Jacob’s Little Giants awarded 5 stars!

Iris and Randy Jacobs, owners of Jacob’s Little Giants and Amazing Giants couldn’t be happier. “We are thrilled to have received five stars in quality service and hope to continue in childcare for many years to come, stated Iris Jacobs. I started in this in-dustry not only for the love of children, but I felt a need to serve them in their journey towards school readiness so they can be successful in life.” The Jacobs’ have worked with the Partnership for many years and have benefitted from multiple grants and quality improvement programs. “We want to give

Adventure’s Landing awarded 4 stars! Kelly Harris, owner of Adventure’s Landing in Snow Hill is amazed: “In less than six months, we have raised our quality to four stars from one star!” The Partnership for Children’s QIA pro-gram awarded Kelly a grant to improve their overall quality and Program Spe-cialist, Taylor Bowen was essential in guiding Adventure’s Landing through the process. “Taylor truly helped us get ready for the environment rating scale, from the little items to the big. Stephanie Sullivan and Jeannine Poythress were also working with us hand-in-hand. We could not have done it without them.”

(Continued on page 3.) (Continued on page 3.)

Top Picture: The Jacobs’ with staff and children. At left: A child plays with new materials at Adventure’s Landing.

Page 2 Page 2 The Partnership Press Volume 16, Issue 3

NEWS

DEB Program Due to Smart Start Funding cuts, funding for the DEB (Dedication and Education Bonus) program has become very limited. We regret that at this time, open enrollment is not avail-able. In addition, participation has been limited to current DEB participants that are fam-ily child care home providers or teachers that do not work in public schools, Head Start, Three-School of NC Pre-K classrooms. All bonuses are subject to the availability of funds; should funding become available, open enrollment may be rein-stated.

Kids under 2 should play, not watch TV, doctors say By Rachel Rettner MyHealthNewsDaily (MSN.com) Children under age 2 should avoid watching TV as much as possible, according to a new policy statement from the nation's largest group of pediatricians, who suggest the tots should play instead. The idea that TV programs are beneficial to the learning of chil-dren this young has not been proved, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. In ad-dition, TV viewing may lead to sleep problems and a delayed use of speech in young kids, recent research suggests. Even merely having the TV on in the background may be less than optimal for a child's development, the AAP says. Background television may distract from playtime activities that benefit children's learning. And it may distract parents, preventing them from speaking and interacting with their kids, the AAP says. However, the recommendations run counter to what most parents actually do. About 90 percent of parents say their kids younger than 2 watch some type of media, according to a 2007 study. By the age of 3, nearly one-third of kids have a TV in their bedrooms. As a compromise, parents should come up with a strategy to manage TV viewing in their young children, the AAP says. Ideally, when kids younger than 2 watch TV, their parents should watch it with them. The new policy statement was released on October 18 at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. The policy statement specifically ad-dresses the viewing of TV programs and does not comment on the potential benefits or risks of using phone applications, video games or other programs a child may encounter on a screen.

Young kids and TV The AAP first released guidelines on media use by young kids in 1999, concluding that media use by kids under 2 should be discouraged. Since then, a lot more re-search has been done on the subject. The AAP reviewed this research for its new pol-icy statement and essentially came to the same conclusion. That's not to say that kids can't benefit from TV. Children older than 2 can improve their language and social skills by watching TV, some studies have shown. However, in order to gain a benefit from a TV program, kids need to be able to understand and pay attention to it. Young kids may lack the mental ability to comprehend what they are watching. In fact, two studies have found that, for kids 2 and under, watching programs such as “Sesame Street” may have a negative impact on language development, the AAP says.

There's a great developmental digital divide," Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin, Texas, and lead author of the new policy statement, said at a news conference. Stud-ies show that children under 11/2 years old have the same reaction to a TV program regardless of whether it's going forward or backward, Brown said. In contrast, older children prefer to watch the program forward. All in all, instead of spending time in front of the TV, young kids are likely better off spending that time engaged in unstruc-tured play, which promotes creative thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills. Setting limits If parents choose to let their young kids watch TV, they should set limits, the AAP says. They should also avoid placing a TV in the child's bedroom. Parents should be aware TV programs may affect their child's development, even if the child cannot un-derstand the program. They should turn the TV off if no one is watching it and try to watch their adult programs when the kids are not around, Brown said. If parents can-not play with their kids directly, even having the children play with toys by themselves can be beneficial, the AAP says. The AAP also recommends further research in this area to examine the long-term ef-fects of early TV viewing on toddlers’ development. The new policy statement will be published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics.

News And Announcements Provider’s Corner

Page 3 Volume 16, Issue 3

▪ The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Coun-ties’ office will be closed on November 11 for Veteran’s Day and November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving; December 26-30 for Christmas. ▪ Please call our Snow Hill office for the Greene County PAT playgroup date.

Contact Us: Kinston 1465 Hwy. 258 N. Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 939-1200 Fax: (252) 939-1313 Snow Hill 1108 B Kingold Blvd. Snow Hill, NC 28580 (252) 747-3331 Fax: (252) 747-4994 www.partnership4children.com

Child Care Conference 2011 Pictures

Jacob’s continued The Partnership special acknowledg-ment for all of their help over the years, especially Stephanie Sullivan. My husband, Randy has worked by my side for 13 years and we have been married for 34 years. We want others to know it can be done! You have to have the heart-the love of children and their needs to do child-care long-term.” In addition to their centers, Iris serves on the Executive and Full boards for the Partnership for Children as well as their NC Pre-K/Three-School Com-mittee, Chair of the Lenoir/Greene Child Care Association and Lenoir Community College’s Early Childhood Advisory Board.

Adventure’s continued Adventure’s Landing, located on the Shine end of Snow Hill, Greene County serves 22 children and has been open for five years. “We accept children from six weeks to ten years and do have availability to expand,” stated Kelly. As for looking ahead, five stars may be in their near future. “We would love to go for five stars, with some added education and training. We are very happy with our progress and our children love their new materials!”

Page 4 The Partnership Press Volume 16, Issue 3

December 2011

Date/Time Title of Workshop Description Other Information

11/15/2011 6:00-8:00 p.m.

It’s SIDS Audience: Infant & Toddler Providers

It’s SIDS gives child care providers an overview of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, identifies SIDS risk factors and describes ways to reduce the risk of SIDS in child care. The national child care standards for sleep safety are presented and Safe Sleep policy guidelines are included. Training covers providers and parents as partners to create safe sleep for babies in child care.

Instructor: Marti Brown, Regional Infant/Toddler Specialist Credit Hours: 2 Cost: $5.00

11/17/2011 6:00-8:00 p.m.

5 Steps to a Healthy Home Audience: FCCH Providers

This training will focus on health hazards in the home like lead-based paint, mold and moisture, indoor air quality, pests/pesticides and home safety. The workshop will also teach strategies for educating people of all ages and backgrounds on how to reduce those home hazards

Instructor: Christy Hobbs, RN and Amy MacDonald, Environmental Health Educator Credit Hours: 2 Cost: FREE

November 2011

Date/Time Title of Workshop Description Other Information

12/01/2011 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Christmas Around the World Audience:

This training will discuss how different cultures celebrate Christmas. This training will provide an overview of different traditions and activities. Diversity is the key!

Instructor: Elizabeth Williams Credit Hours: 2 Cost: $5.00

January 2012 Date/Time Title of Workshop Description Other Information

01/12/2012 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Child Guidance for Challenging Behavior Audience: Toddler & Preschool Teachers

This training helps parents and professionals understand the difference between punishment and guidance. It also gives them a balance of resources and strategies to help them deal with challenging behaviors that occur as children grow and change.

Instructor: Nicole Jones, Easter Seals Credit Hours: 2 Cost: $5.00

01/17/2012 and 01/24/2012 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Managing Challenging Behavior Audience: Preschool-age teachers

See description and registration form on page 7. *This class may not be paid for at our Partnership offices. Please submit registration and payment per instructions on form attached.

Instructor: Pam Pace Credit Hours: 0.5 CEUs/5 contact hours Cost: $25.00

Page 5 Volume 16, Issue 3

Please Note Our Training Policies * Please bring exact change with you to any trainings attended.

*A completed training registration may be transferred from one participate to another by having the registered training participant (or their supervisor with a phone call from the participant) make the request in writing with a dated signature.

*A 24 hour cancellation notice is required in order to receive a training credit transferable to another training event of equal or lesser value. No credit will be given if less than a 24 hour notice is given.

ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR FEES PAID. *There is a minimum attendance required for each training. If that number is not reached prior to the training, the Partnership

reserves the right to cancel. Participants will be notified and a full credit will be issued. *Credits are issued in the participant’s name, not by facility, and are valid for up to twelve months from the date of issue. A par-

ticipant may transfer their credit to another participant by making the request in writing with a dated signature. *Late entry to trainings is not permitted. The session will be closed 15 minutes after the start time.

*Children are not allowed into training sessions. *Turn off or silence all cell phones. No texting and/or e-mailing is allowed during the training session.

*To receive full credit, you must attend the entire session.

Date/Time Title of Workshop Description Other Information

02/02/2012 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The In & Outs of ITERS-R Audience: Infant/Toddler teachers & directors

This hands-on training will offer providers an opportunity become familiar with key points and terms of the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale Revised (ITERS-R) along with ideas to implement activities in the classroom. If you have an ITERS-R, please remember to bring a copy.

Instructor: Taylor Bowen Credit Hours: 2 Cost: $5.00

02/07/2012 6:00-8:00 p.m.

It’s SIDS Audience: Infant and Toddler Providers

It’s SIDS gives child care providers an overview of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, identifies SIDS risk factors and describes ways to reduce the risk of SIDS in child care. The national child care standards for sleep safety are presented and Safe Sleep policy guidelines are included. Training covers providers and parents as partners to create safe sleep for babies in child care.

Instructor: Stephanie Sullivan Credit Hours: 2 Cost: $5.00

02/23/2012 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

BSAC Audience: School-Age Providers

Orientation-type training for providers who work with school-age children. An array of topics will be discussed including problem-solving, activity scheduling and basic laws and regulation applying to school-age programs, among other topics. ** There will be a one hour break for lunch**

Instructor: Jeannine Poythress Credit Hours: 5 Cost: $20.00

February 2012

Page 6 The Partnership Press Volume 16, Issue 3

Fill out this form and send it back to us if you will be attending any of the trainings offered by the Partnership

Professional Development Registration Form

Name:_______________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________

City:__________________ State:_________________________ County:_____________

Agency/Home Name:___________________________________ Phone:___________________

Questions: Contact our Lenoir County Office at 939-1200 or our Greene County office at 747-3331. Registration in person can be made at either location. Please bring exact change when registering for a training. For registration by mail, send payments to:

Partnership for Children Attention: Elizabeth Williams

1465 Hwy 258 N Kinston, NC 28504

Put an X here if you will attend

Pre-register by 5 pm on:

Title of Training Date of Training

Time Cost

11/14/2011 It’s SIDS 11/15/2011 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $5.00

11/16/2011 5 Steps to a Healthy Home 11/17/2011 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. FREE

11/302011 Christmas Around the World 12/01/2011 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $5.00

01/11/2012 Child Guidance for Challeng-ing Behaviors

01/12/2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $5.00

02/01/2012 The Ins & Outs of ITERS-R 02/02/2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $5.00

02/06/2012 It’s SIDS 02/07/2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $5.00

02/22/2012 BSAC 02/23/2012 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. $20.00

Page 7 Volume 16, Issue 3

Project Promise Update

The Promise Kids Care Club, under the direction of Theresa Williams-Bethea distributed over 400 books to students at Southeast Elementary, Northeast Elementary and Kinston Charter Academy during Make your Mark Week in October. The Promise Kids Club serves Kinston youth and consists of over 100 youth participants who are in the Project Promise Mentoring Alliance Program that supports students at Ro-chelle Middle School, Southeast Elementary and Kinston Charter Academy. Williams-Bethea was truly excited about the book distribution to some of our most fragile communities stating, “For me, there is just nothing more precious than seeing the look of excitement on a child’s face when he is presented with a new book to call his own. Project Promise Mentoring Alliance is an initiative of The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties.

A student is shown enjoying “Big Frog Can’t Fit In,” a pop-out book.

Contact Information

Lenoir County phone: (252) 939-1200, fax: (252) 939-1313

Greene County phone: (252) 747-3331, fax:(252) 747-4994

www.partnership4children.com

Office Hours (both locations): Monday-Thursday : 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Library Hours (both locations):

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

1465 Hwy 258 N Kinston, NC 28504

Partnership for Chi ldren of Lenoir and Greene Count ies

Developing Today’s Children to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders

NONPROFIT

ORG.

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

KINSTON,NC

PERMIT # 14

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Students from Kinston

High School visited area childcares to learn

about our industry. At right are photos from

Deep Run Child Care..

Job Shadowing